Beth Moore's Newest Bible Study "Esther"

Beth Moore’s newest Bible study is Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman. Esther may have been a queen, but her life was no fairy tale. An outsider, a foreigner, and an orphan, she found herself facing an evil plan to destroy her people. And you thought your life was hard! The Old Testament story of Esther is a profile in courage and contains many modern parallels for today's overloaded and stressed woman. You can share Esther’s destiny—even if your glass slipper no longer seems to fit.

Join Beth in an in-depth and very personal examination of this great story of threat and deliverance. She peels back the layers of history and shows how very contemporary and applicable the story of Esther is to our lives. If you've ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this is the study for you. Just as it was tough being a woman in Esther's day, it's tough today. This portion of God's Word contains treasures to aid us in our hurried, harried, and pressured lives.

Alzheimer's Memory Walk

Miss Shirley and Me
Great Grandma Vote and the girls (Constance and Ivy)
Heather and Constance before the walk!

Today some of my friends and family all walked in the Alzheimer's Memory Walk in Springfield @ Phelps Grove Park. It was a 1 or 3 mile walk and we all raised money to go towards finding a cure for Alzheimers.

We had fun, even though we all felt alittle sore and tired after the walk was over!

Whiffle Ball Tournament

The 1st Annual Whiffle Ball tournament took place yesterday, September 22 nd at Eudora Baptist Church. As you can see by all the pictures my sister, Gina took everyone had a blast!

Introducing Mr. Brady...

This little guy is my second cousin, Brady. He lives in the Kansas City area and has started a team called; "Brady's Bunch" to walk in the 13th Annual Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome.

Brady was born with Down Syndrome April of 2007. He is such a happy and sweet boy. If you would like to help out Brady with his quest to raise money please click on the link below and then donate. I am not able to walk with them this year, but have decided to help raise funds to help out this little guy and all the other people afflicted with Downs.

How can you say no to a face like that! LOL

http://www.syssolutions.com/KCBuddywalk/main/Team.aspx?FundraiserId=08498eb8-34eb-4d44-abdd-4e01cb7495df

Blog Site for Beth Moore's Ministry

I came across the blogsite for Beth Moore's ministry. The link is listed below!

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com

enjoy!

Day 1 - Worship on the Way

Today's Treasure: "In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me." Psalms 120:1

Bible Study Starts Tonight!

I don't know about the rest of you but I have missed our little group so badly. I am in major need of this!

We start "Stepping Up" with Beth Moore!

A man dies and goes to heaven St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates and says, 'Here's how it works.
You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in.'
'Okay,' the man says, 'I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart.'
'That's wonderful,' says St.Peter, 'that's worth two points!'
'Two points?' he says. 'Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service.'
'Terrific!' say s St.Peter.. 'That's certainly worth a point.''One point!?!!'
'I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans.'
'Fantastic, that's good for two more points,' he says.'Two points!?!!
'Exasperated, the man cries. 'At this rate the only way I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God.' 'Bingo! 100 points ! Come on in!'

We often try to fix problems with WD-40 and duct tape.God did it with a nail.

What I have learned....

I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. The same goes for true love.

I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned that you can keep going long after you can't.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many years you have lived.

I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I've learned that two people can look at the same thing and see something totally different.

I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you you will find the strength to help.

I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned that the people you care about most in life are sometimes taken from you too soon

My surgery date and time....

My surgery is tomorrow at 9 a.m.... I am so calm about all this, but have a ton of bottled up energy today. I guess maybe nervous energy. I have been cleaning the office all day! So I will probably go home tonight and hit the house, so the evening will go faster.

Just need lots of my prayer angels to send up a little prayer around 9 a.m. tomorrow to watch over me and the surgeon's hands!

I will post my surgery story once I can sit at the computer for a little while!

HERE I GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My NEW Bible Verse for Life after the Lap Band!

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all.
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 GOD IS GOOD!

'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'

Surgery date!!!

My surgery is on June 18th! They are having me modify my liquid diet a little so I can do it this soon! So I start drinking my meals tomorrow a.m.... YEAH for me! NOT All I have to do is remember it is for a good cause, swallow and smile! Hope it goes that well in the real world and not the world inside my little head!

I am excited. Surgery will last about 1-1/2 hours, recovery 1 1/2 to 2 hours and then back to room for about an hour and I am gone... So that is pretty sweet.

I did my pre-admission test today to get it out of the way.. took my blood, BP, lots of questions and that is it! Piece of cake.. Oh I said CAKE..... this is going to prove my willpower! Please pray for me!

AHHHHHH!

My computer got fried by the lightening Saturday night. And I lost all my email contacts! I need you all to email me your addresses, please:). Or if just one of you could email all of them that would be great! Thanks!

Emily

Special Olympics

Malinda and I volunteered for Special Olympics on Friday, May 30th
Malinda cheering on the athletes while they are waiting for their medals
MO Highway Patrol giving the athletes their medals
One of my favorite athletes that day, Tyson from Cameron! He was a gem...

WE had a blast volunteering and plan on doing it more next year. The Athletes aged from like 7 years to 70 years were so very excited about their placements and their wins. But were also very compassionate for those athletes who might have stumbled along the way, helping them up, not worrying about winning BUT how their friends were! WE all should take a lesson from these unique wonderful people!

Just Think....

Just think, you’re here not by chance, but by God’s choosing.
His hand formed you and made you the person you are.
He compares you to no one else— you are one of a kind.
You lack nothing that His grace can’t give you.
He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.

God loves you...

He chose you to be His own. I THESSALONIANS 1:4 NLT

Reunion!

David and Heather back together after 7 months apart!
Smiles all the way around!
Daddy back with his girls!

Well, David is home and the Singell family is all back together even if it is only until June 3rd.

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5

This verse was sent to me in my daily devotional today and it fit so well for me. Last night I watched a movie with Heather about Love, being alone and how to deal with that. Well, it hit home and OKAY I shed a few tears after going to bed because of being alone. I am REALLY okay with it at this point, but the movie really made me think about it. And then I get this verse about weeping in the night and rejoicing in the morning. It is so true. I was just fine this a.m. and happy where I am in life. GOD is so good!

My Prayer's have been answered!

I found out today that I am approved for the lapband surgery! YEAH.... So now I have to go for a final appt. with the doctor, do all the pre-op test and then start the 2 week liquid diet and then have the surgery...... I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!

Prayer Request....

Chris Petree (a mom of a girl who was in my class) was killed in the tornado last night near Senica. Some of you know her. She had two girls Jennifer and Heather. Please keep them in your prayers. Man, right before Mother's Day! How sad......

Prayer Request

My sister, Gina went to the doctor yesterday to get her back adjusted and when listening to her heart, he asked her if anyone had told her that she has a heart murmur? Well, he is the only doctor she has gone to the last few times and NO no one had ever told her that. He stated that sometimes they can just appear. Heart murmur's are rated from a 1-6 in severity 6 being the worst and he stated he would rate hers as a "3". So he is making her an appt. for an echo cardiogram to see what is going on with her. So please keep her in your prayers~ Their family has been hit with alot of illness lately, Rachel with Mono, Derrick with emergency Appendicitis Surgery and then this.... so keep them all in your prayers.

Invisible Mother.....

Invisible Mother.....It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.

The Invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this??Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being.

I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.

'In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.

It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder.

As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table. That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself.

I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.Great Job, MOM!This is beautiful and makes a ton of sense. To all the wonderful mothers out there!

Just wanted to remind everyone to pray for Emily as she goes for her surgery Friday! We love you Emily and will be praying for you and a speedy recovery.

Twila Paris

Twila Paris will be at Ridgecrest Baptist May 10 and 11. The concert is free. I'll attach a link. If it doesnt work try ridgecrestbaptist.org

http://www.ridgecrestbaptist.org/EventDetails.aspx?event_id=66

Prayer request...

My nephew, Derrick Phillips had emergency appendectomy last night up in Baldwin, KS where he is in college. My sister and brother-in-law are up there now with him. Not sure what hospital they took him to as Baldwin is a small community. Just send up your prayers for his speedy recovery.

I just hated the thought of him going through all that and no family around.

Prayer request

Our office clerical are going through some "not so fun stuff". One of our ladies was called on the carpet last week by management for various things and she gave her 2 weeks notice today. Well, seems like she wants to leave in a "Blaze of Glory" and has sent emails to the state office about certain people and making accusations about others.

I am not involved with any of this thank GOD! But she is targeting those who reprimanded her last week.

Please pray that the tension around here will leave soon. At least we know it will by May 8th her last day.

Just keep our office in your thoughts and prayers!

Penny....

This was shared with me today by a friend. I thought I would share!

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story.
Gives you something to think about.Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home.
My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants.
Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd!
What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.
A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the pe nny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before!
What was the point of this?'Look at it.' He said.
'Read what it says.'
She read the words ' United States of America ''No, not that; read further.''One cent?' 'No, keep reading.''In God we Trust?'
'Yes!' 'And?''And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it!
God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by?
When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him.
For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold.
I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me.
Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

Spicy Pot Roast:

3 lb. tip roast (I use chuck or arm or whatever is on sale)
1-2 Tb. fresh cracked pepper
2 cloves minced raw garlic (I use more)
3 Tb. balsamic vinegar
1\4 cup soy sauce
2 Tb. worchestire (spelled wrong?) sauce
2 tsp. dry mustard

Rub pepper and garlic onto thawed roast. Put roast into crock pot. Make several shallow slits in top of roast. In a small bowl combine the rest of the ingredients. Pour over roast. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or 4-5 hours on high.

Neiman-Marcus Cookies:

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
Cream these together, then add:
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix well. Combine the next ingredients together:
2 cups flour
2 1\2 cups oats that have been blended to a fine powder (I didn't get mine that fine)
1\2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 1\2 tsp. instant coffee granules
Add this dry mixture to the wet mixture. Then add:
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 oz. Hershey milk chocolate candy bar, grated.
1 1\2 cups chopped pecans

Refrigerate this for one hour. Scoop with your cookie scooper or roll into balls. Place 2" apart on sprayed cookie sheet. Bake 6-8 minutes in a pre heated 375 degree oven. DO NOT OVER BAKE. They will look kind of not done, but they are.

Chicken Salad

This chicken salad makes a delicious luncheon salad served on lettuce leaves with sliced avocado, or fill sandwich rolls with the mixture. I actually doubled this recipe the other night for bible study. It takes a while to dice everything but it is good!

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups diced chicken
1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 cup seedless green grapes, sliced
3 green onions, with some green, thinly sliced
1 rib celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey, or to taste
Salad greens, optional
Shredded raddiccio, optional
Sliced avocado, optional

PREPARATION:
Combine the diced chicken with 1/3 cup mayonnaise, sour cream, sliced grapes, sliced green onions, sliced celery, walnuts, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir in the honey and more mayonnaise, if needed.

Serve the chicken salad mixture on salad greens and raddiccio and garnish with sliced avocado. For sandwiches, line sandwich rolls with lettuce leaves and fill with chicken salad.Serves 4 to 6.

GOD's WIFE???

An eye witness account from New York City , on a cold day in December, some years ago: A little boy, about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached the young boy and said, 'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!''I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,'was the boy's reply.The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing apair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes.She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him.. She patted him on the head and said, 'No doubt, you will be more comfortable now.'
As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up intoher face, with tears in his eyes, asked her.'Are you God's wife?'

Slide Show from Home School Family!

Kim shared this awesome slideshow/movie made by a home school family. It is awesome!

http://www.footstepsofmessiah.com/Movie1.swf

Discussion regarding Oprah

We had a discussion about Oprah at last bible study and I hadn't seen the video of what was being spoken of. One of the ladies here at work found it and sent it to me.

It is astonishing what that woman believes to be true about Jesus Christ and religion in general.

I am attaching the link to the video if anyone wants to view it.


http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Wolves/oprah-exposed.htm

If it won't open up you might have to type this url in to get it to come up.

Apple Dumpling Recipe

Hey ladies, here is the recipe for the apple dumplings Lesa made for us Monday night - THANKS LESA!

Apple Dumplings

2 rolls crescent rolls
2 sour apples
2 sticks real butter
1 can Mt. Dew
1 cup sugar
2 Tsp cinnamon

Undue rolls, peel and slice apples. Roll an apple into each crescent roll, and roll up. Place in pan. Melt butter and sugar, mix in cinnamon. Pour mixture over apples. Pour Mt. Dew around edges of pan. Bake at 350 degrees till rolls are brown (approx 35 min).

I just pour Mt. Dew until it reaches about halfway up the rolls, it doesn't take the whole can.


If anyone has any other recipe's they want to share please post them for the rest of us.

Thanks,
Rhonda

Prayer request

Well it seems like the little quiet town of Morrisville has really been thrown a whammy in the last week. I think we need to prayer for EVERYONE involved. I know the kids, parents, grandparents have been meeting daily for a prayer circle which I think is great~ But for those of us who don't have children there or are not involved directly with the school anymore, we really need to take this all to GOD as well. After reading some of the comments on the Bolivar Herald Free Press site there is alot of name calling, venting, questioning of religion and the list goes on and on.

We just need to keep the kids and everyone else in involved in our prayers.

Casuality in Iraq

One of the men in my son-in-law's unit was killed this week. David was with him and the vehicle they were traveling in flipped and he was the gunner on top and was crushed. David tried to revive him, but couldn't. We need to keep David and the rest of his guys in our prayers. David has never attended a funeral or had anyone close to him pass away, so this is very hard for him.

Funeral Arrangements

Dear Friends,
First and foremost, may our Savior richly bless you all for your prayers regarding Carrye Ann and our family. God's peace truly surrounded us during this past week. Praise Him for leaving us a letter of what heaven will be like. It is a comfort at this time to know partly what Carrye Ann is experiencing. Makes me jealous! Thank you and please continue to pray for the family as we lay her outer body to rest and say our last goodbyes. Visitation will be Wednesday night from 5:30-7 at Walnut Grove (Wilson-Brimm-Daniel) and the services are Thursday at 2 at Eudora Baptist Church. Thank you all again for being such prayer warriors and wonderful friends.
Blessings to you all,
Kim

Request from Jill Doke and Christy Blehm...

Dear Friends,
We wanted to share with you some news about one of our clients, friends and my neighbor. John Allen of Brighton was involved in a propane explosion last weekend and is the Burn Unit at St. John's Hospital in Springfield with burns to his face and arms. His wife Michelle and their two young children were also there during the incident but had only minor injuries.
I am trying to help meet some of this families needs at this time. The Allen's have no health insurance. I am having a benefit chili supper on
March 13 at the Morrisville (Marion C. Early) cafeteria from 5 pm-7 pm. All donations will go to the Allen Family. We are also asking if anyone would like to sponsor a night for Michelle to be able to stay at the hospital to be by John's side. The cost for this is $20 a night.
I have set up an benefit account at Farmer's State Bank in Morrisville in the name of John Allen. If anyone would like to help this family in anyway, you can contact me on my cell at 838-9216. I will send out email updates on how he is doing on his progress. Please keep this family in your prayers and thoughts.

Thank you, Jill Doke

Bible Study Cancelled Tonight

Bible study has been cancelled tonight due to the weather. See everyone next week.

Week 5 - Day 4 "The Shepherd King"

Today's Treasure: "Lord said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler'" 2 Samuel 5:2

Principal Question: According to 2 Samuel 5:2, what did God commission David to do"

Lap Band Process

Okay Ladies, I have started the process to try and have my insurance pay for the Lap band gastric surgery. I have always fought my weight since I was around 10 years old after the sexual abuse started. Sometimes it was up and then down again. I have lost up to 120 lbs. once, but I am finding it so difficult this time around. I pray about it all the time. ANYWAY, I have researched this process and decided to give it a try. I have done all the initial stuff required and today was told by Dr. Edwards nurse, Mary that my profile looked good for the process. So now I have to go through his office and do all of the required classes, visits and so on then it will all be submitted to the insurance company! She said it all looked good and she really didn't see a reason why I wouldn't be accepted by my insurance. This will be a GOD send if it happens. The surgery runs around 16,000.00 and with my insurance it will cost me 800.00!!!!!!!!!!!

So keep me in your prayers so I can get this part of my life under control so I can enjoy those grandbabies.... And just feel better!

Week 5 - Day 3 "Suspicious Minds"

Today's Treasure: "Abner said to David, 'Let me go at once and assemble all Israel for my lord the king, so that they may make a compact with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.' So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace" 2 Samuel 3:21

Principal Question:
How did David respond to Abner's muder?

Prayer Request.....

My "bestest" friend in the world, Darinda Fitzgerald had a lymph node removed yesterday from under her arm. They will find out next week from the surgeon if it is benign or malignant. She said the doctor felt it was benign. So prayers are needed for her and her family. Her husband, Kevin is a Baptist minister and they have a very strong faith in GOD. They are a great couple and need our prayers!

Thanks, Ronda

Saul consulting the witch of Endor

Okay, I have read our McGee commentary. Remember when I said that when you are "playing" a ouija board there is no way to contact your loving Christian grandmother who has passed away. It is ALWAYS evil. But, I had to wonder if God did allow Saul to call up Samuel through the medium. Why would God himself not speak to Saul but allow a medium to give him a Godly message??? And come to find out, the supposed Samuel that spoke, didn't tell Saul anything new. It was what he already had told him was going to happen. And I do know from experience that demons are master impersonators. For those of you who weren't there I admitted that I used to do ouija boards and the nightmarish things that happened. They are very real and always demonic. Even though at first might make you think it's harmless and your talking to an actual nice person who just happened to be dead. And where did it say that the Lord allowed it to happen? Or did we just come up with that theory ourselves? I can't find it in scripture anywhere. And here is another question, was satan able to call up Samuel? No way! Oh, and I found this, 1 Chronicles 10:13, "So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it.". So there is the answer. Whew! That's been eating my brain!

Week 5 - day 2: Things That Bring Change"

Today's Treasure: "The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker."
2 Samuel 3:1

Principal Question: How does 2 Samuel 3:1 support the equation Time + Conflict = Change?

Week 5 - Day 1 "Settling Down"

Today's Treasure: "David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and tere they anointed David king over the house of Judah" 2 Samuel 2: 3-4

Principal Question: According to 2 Samuel 2: 3-4, what happened to David in Hebron?

New Website!

Here is Christy's (Blehm) new website! It is awesome.

www.christysphoto.com

Blogging

Boost Communication by Blogging
Written by Julie Langmade
Note: This is the third article in a three-part series on how to effectively use technology in women’s ministry. Take a minute to read the first two articles before continuing.
“Should I be blogging?” This may be a question you’re asking yourself, that is, unless you’re asking “What is a blog?” The word “blog” is short for “web log,” which is basically an online diary or journal. Free tools such as WordPress (http://www.wordpress.com) and Blogger (http://www.blogger.com) make it easy for anyone to become an online author. The subjects of blogs can range from everyday activities of life to political issues or promotion of a cause. It’s really an opportunity to put your thoughts into words and send them into cyberspace. Scary, huh?
The Blogging Church
So what’s their role in women’s ministry? A blog can become another method of communication. An entry on a blog is called a post. Posting to the blog can be done quickly and easily. Where you might have to go through one or more people to update your Web site, updating your blog can be done yourself from anywhere you have an Internet connection.
Websites are often one-way communication, meaning you put up content for visitors to read, but more than likely there is no way for visitors to respond to that content. Blogging gives you the ability to interact with your readers by using the comment function provided by all blogging tools. Comments can be added to any post, and most tools provide some form of approval process for those comments. For example, you may post a devotional once a week to your blog and then women can respond and express their thoughts or what they’ve learned.
Once you start blogging, you’ll begin to build a network with other bloggers who are a part of your ministry. You can keep track of your network by adding people to your blogroll (a list of blogs you frequently read). These people could be people you know or don’t know. The main purpose is to let your readers know what other blogs you visit and who you know in the blogging world. You might find that if you start a blog, many of your women might decide to join you forming somewhat of a cyber sisterhood.
Because everything done in your women’s ministry should have a purpose, you might want to ask yourself the following questions before you begin to blog:
What am I trying to accomplish by having a blog?
Do I have enough new content to post at least 3 times a week? If you post to your blog less than 3 times a week, you’ll lose readers. Bloggers like to see new content and see it often.
Do I have the time to maintain the blog? It takes time to read and approve the comments. You want to make sure that if you don’t have the time, you involve one of your team members who does.
Do I have methods of promoting the blog? You can add it to your e-mail signature and to your printed pieces. You can also post some fun videos and pictures to make all the time you invest worthwhile.
Blogging is also another way to involve more women in the ministry. This time you’re looking for writers. Who are the women in your ministry who have a great knowledge of the Word or who are overflowing with wisdom and can put those things into writing? Who are the great chefs who can contribute recipes? The possibilities for posts are endless. Long Hollow Women (http://longhollowwomen.wordpress.com) and Craving Grace (http://cravinggrace.org/) are two examples of women’s ministries that have launched into the blogosphere by involving lots of women in the church to post about a plethora of topics. Starting reading these on a regular basis and you might even be inspired to start one of your own! Allow technology to be just one more tool you use to reach the women in your church, community, and around the world.

Ellie's getting baptized!

Just wanted to let you all know that my oldest, Ellie 6 1/2, is getting baptized tomorrow morning! We are so proud of her! She was saved over a year ago. But, too shy to get baptized and we didn't feel we should push her into it. She told us the other day that she felt it was the right time. Man, she is maturing before my eyes. I hope the roads don't get bad again. I hear they may. Hopefully not though. I just had to tell you guys the good news:)! Hope I see ya at church!

Emily

Step into Africa Exhibit

Here is the information about the exhibit.


Location:Remington's

Recurring On:Sunday, Monday, Friday, Saturday
From 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Details:Can you survive the journey of a child? Step into Africa and into an unforgettable journey that will challenge everything you thought you knew about the AIDS crisis. The 2,500 square-foot walk-through exhibit is fashioned after an African village.

March 7-10, 20089a.m. to 9p.m. daily

For further information you can go to http://www.ridgecrestbaptist.org/

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I HOPE YOU ALL RECEIVE MANY VALENTINES TODAY!

Strongs explanation of 1 Sam. 20:41

Last week we discussed Beth's question about why David wept the most. My Bible didn't say David wept the most, but "...and wept one with another until David exceeded." Some of the other Bible's said something else. I looked it up according to Strongs and it says that 1 Sam. 20:41 says "...one with another, until David exceeded." According to Strongs exceeded in this verse means "to twist, i.e. to be large(in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride);-advance, boast, bring up, excellent, be (come, do , give, tate, +things), grow (up), increase, lift up, magnify, be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower."
The notation in my Bible says it means "controlled himself".
Hope this helps.

Answered Prayer!

Last week I had asked for Prayer for a friend from work. She is having issues with her marriage, and children. She has a 19 year old, a 12 year old and a 4 year old. Her 12 year old is going through a pretty bad stage right now and he is on medication, going to a psychiatrist and all that goes along with that. My girlfriend, was brought up in a Jehovah Witness home and because of her mother's pushing and forcing all of these beliefs on her and her sister's they all have a bad idea of religion. I decided to ask her to church after she had a breakdown at work last week. So she was with me yesterday, she really enjoyed the sermon, the music and the friendliness of us Eudora people! So after church she and her daughter, Samantha went to Borders and she bought her first Kings James Bible! She called me today and stated that she enjoyed it (she didn't expect to) and plans on coming again. She also said Pastor Jim called her and she really liked that he seemed so personal and open. AND her 12 year old showed interest in coming with her next sunday! So we need to get him with kids his own age and let them be witnesses to him and maybe with GOD's intervention he can get off the medication and stop going to the doctors and just come to the Lord! Gigi (My friends name) is very naive to the ways of our church. I had to explain to her what it meant for the Martinsen family to transfer their letter of membership. But just with her asking, I say that is just AWESOME! SO please keep them in your daily prayers! They are the Horvath family from Fair Grove. Dad is Paul, Gigi, 19 year old son - Corwin, 12 year old son- Brandon and 4 year old daughter-Samantha.

Thank guys! and STAY warm today!!!

Bible Study Cancelled

I'm sure you all know. But, we are not having it tonight for obvious reasons. Stay safe and warm with your families!

In today's reading it talked about David using the Ephod to ask God if he should leave or stay. I am very confused about this. I know the Ephod had the Urim and the Thummim in it. Were these stones that he would use to hear God through or were they like dice, or was one a certain color or word meaning "no" and one meaning "yes"? Exactly how were they used or were they even just one item? I have been looking it up on the internet but I don't really trust what I read. Have any of you studied this and have the Biblical answer?

Salvation Confusion

I have so enjoyed reading the posts you all have humbly put out for us. What a gift to be able to share Christ and what He has done in each of our lives. He truly is an awesome God! Just look at each of our salvation experiences. Same salvation, but oh such different circumstances. All of that said, I want to share my journey w/ you all.
The church I grew up in is very hard to explain. Even though it has a baptist name, it is very very different from the baptist church we all attend. God truly has taken me on a journey and only by His grace am I able to be so confident in my salvation as I am now. I was saved at 11 years old at a revival meeting on a Monday night in April 1982 around 9 in the evening. I remember this all so well, because I wrote it in the back of my Bible :) . I remember the peace, the love, the joy, the lifting of the burden of sin and didn't want to wash the dress I was wearing as it was a tangible reminder for me. I can remember crying out to God to save me and not let me go to hell (I was young, ok) and then feeling this intense peace and standing up from the altar w/ all these people around and just wanting to hug my mom. She told me my face was glowing. Now, by the next week, I was doubting if I truly was saved. In the church I grew up in, you didnt' just go to an altar one time and be saved. You had to go again and again, weep, wail, and "do" something. It was/is a "works" basis. So, all through my teen years, I had this lagging doubt in my mind. I was afraid to drive across the mile long bridge by Stockton and would pray all the way across. Satan was using fear to keep me from being secure in my salvation.
At 17 or so, I joined a church and of course the next step is baptism. My grandpa was a baptist minister, and I requested he baptise me. He was not the minister at the church we were going to and there was some animosity between the churches and members, some of which were also family (distant). The deacons and the pastor decided my grandpa could not baptise me, the current minister would have to, so either he was allowed to perform the baptism or my membership would be withdrawn. This caused a huge church split and my family dropped out of church for a time. This all happened the spring after my mom's accident and our whole family was in the grieving/questioning God mode. Her accident was a huge blow to all of us and totally changed our entire way of life, so for our own church to turn on us was yet another huge blow and really made me think God was out to get us.
I was dating Daniel at the time and when my parents would allow me to, I would attend Eudora w/ him. This was a totally different church than I was used to. The worship was reverant and real and lived every day. After Daniel and I were married, we went to Eudora. I had so much baggage from the churche's I grew up in that it has been years for me to undo all that was planted in my brain and taught as truth. Some was truth, but much wasn't. Anyway, I had always been taught baptism could only be real if done in a creek/river. Also, the hurt from the last joining of a church kept me from making that outward profession at Eudora. I was still doubting salvation and every time an altar call was made, I would pray the "sinners prayer" again. Life Action ministry came in 1994 or so and I remember soaking up all they were teaching. It was so different from all I knew. God was slowly undoing all I had been taught and I was basically learning what being a Christian was. It wasn't just a ticket to keep you from hell or fire insurance, it was a daily walk, a real life relationship w/ a real life Savior. Oh Praise You Jesus! I remember being at a marriage retreat a year or so later and still doubting my salvation. When an invitation was given, I immediately thought I have to settle this. I talked w/ someone and they pointed out my life was evidence of salvation already happening and encouraged me to read 1 John. I gobbled up the Word after that and began to feel more confident regarding salvation. I also knew it must be a LIFE change, a LIFE decision. At that point I rededicated my LIFE to Him. I had received salvation at 11, yet I had no clue what it meant to really live for Him. I am still learning that and it is a daily struggle to live a life pleasing to Him.
Now, back to baptism. I was 24 at the time and 6-7 months pregnant w/Chance (#2). I went into labor and found myself in the hospital on complete bed rest w/ oodles of medication that made me see double and being counseled about the danger of having a baby at 24-26 weeks. I was being given steroid shots to strenthen his lungs and we were looking at having a preemie baby w/ lots of health issues. My labor wasn't stopping and an amniocentesis was done to ck lung development. Now, talk about God getting your attention. I was stubborn and proud and there was no way I was going to go through the humiliation of walking to the front of a church for baptism and being refused by the leadership. Well, God was talking to me all this time I was flat on my back in the hospital. You find out really quick what you will do for your child. I remember one day feeling so horrible from the constant contractions (about a weeks worth now), the mag sulfate that made my vision blur so I couldnt' read or watch tv and being so lonely and really feeling alone, and God talking to me and telling me baptism was what I needed. I had salvation, but still was living how I wanted to live and not wanting to make that public profession. I made a deal w/ God that day. I would do whatever it took if only he would spare my baby. Public humiliation at that time seemed so menial. I was totally humbled, totally broken, and so tired of fighting the Holy Spirit for so many years. Isn't God good to keep after us until we finally submit to His will for our lives? That day when my doctor came with the results of the amnio and said lungs were developed and they were taking me off all meds and going to let me have the baby, I wasn't in the least worried. All meds were stopped and guess what....my labor stopped! He was in awe! I wasn't! I knew exactly who had stopped the labor. Then my labor had to be induced to get Chance into the world! God is good! I was baptised a few weeks after I had him. Now I know baptism doesn't save you, but in my life, it was the most important, crucial step to growing in Christ.
Since fully dedicating my life to Him, He has taken us down so many paths I would never have in my wildest dreams put myself into. Do I daily live for Him, totally dedicated to His will? Unfortunately, no! It is a daily struggle to not take my life off the altar and do what I want. Praise Him! He is good and He has a purpose for each of His children and will keep wooing us back to Him. Sometimes the way He has to get our attention isn't pleasant, and I'm not saying all bad things that happen are chastisement and Him trying to get our attention. By no means is He that sort of God (another lie I've had to learn to overcome). But in my case, I know what I went through was only for Him to get glory in my life and in Chance's. I can't wait to see how He is going to work in Chance's life. This child has been spared from early on and many times since. This is the one who fractured his skull at 8 y/o w/ no ill effects. God is good! Keep hanging on to what you know to be Truth, Jesus Christ!

Week 3 - Day 2 The Inhumanity of Humanity

Today's Treasure: "I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints" Psalms 32:9

Principal Question:

How did the depravity of Saul's heart become evident?

Happy Birthday Kim!

Hope you're having a GREAT day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Week 3 - Day 1 For Crying Out Loud

Today's Treasure: "I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way." Psalms 142: 2-3

Principal Question: Based on Psalms 142, how did David respond to his overwhelming circumstances?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM!

There is a really good book in the church library about Jonathan, it is by Francine Rivers. It gives you a little more insight into his life, also later when we get into David's later years, there is a book by her about Bethsheba that is really good too. Just for your info.........

Confusion regarding my salvation as well....

I was saved when I was 10 at the Bolivar Assembly of God in Ms. Dixie Hitchcock's class. But as I tell you the background leading up to this you might understand. I was 8 years old when I started being sexually molested by a family member. And I felt in my heart that it was all my fault that it was happening. That I was doing something to make this happen to me. Well, one sunday my sunday school teacher started talking about how we are all sinners and we all do things we aren't proud of and that sometimes we do things without meaning to. Well, in my little 10 year old brain I thought that is exactly what I had been doing.

So as our sunday school teacher went on, I knew I had to get saved so all this bad stuff would stop. And I do believe he came in to my heart that day, but I don't think I had the conviction that I should have had, I mainly wanted to save myself from all the pain and hurt and thought this was a quick way out of that. And it actually did stop within 3 months! GOD IS GOOD!

So let's move ahead about 24 years when I was coming back from a women's retreat with 4 van loads of crazy fun women. We had been to a river around Potosi, MO and stayed on a resort. We had had 5 nights of really getting to know one another and getting a more personal relationship with the Lord. We were on our way back and we stopped in Columbia, MO for lunch and to get out of the vans. I was sitting at a table talking with a few of the ladies and this bolt of conviction hit me square in the heart. I found my discipleship leader and drug her out to the van. I told her what had happened when I was little and then told her I never really knew if I was saved, because I felt I did it for the wrong reasons. So I was save on June 14, 1997 for the second time in the McDonald's parking lot. And I knew at the time I prayed those wonderful words and asked him to enter my heart that he was there! I think I cried tears of joy all the way from Columbia to Blue Springs along with all the other ladies in the van.

So I completely understand the issue of confusion regarding our salvations. But I can tell you this, GOD is not confused. He can remember the exact second that we asked him to be our Lord and live in our hearts and lives. He has never been confused. Wish we could be more and more like him!

Remembering my Salvation!!!

I also can understand what you girls are talking about. Lesa that is a great idea to write down everything in a journal for our children. That is something I wish I had. But I do remember the night when I was saved because how can you forget being in a sheep costume with face paint, singing in the "We Like Sheep" children's program at church. I was eight years old and I will never forget that. My mom always made me be a part of those programs whether I wanted to or not, and that is something I am sooooo thankful for because it was after that program that night that I was saved. Like you Emily I was saved at a young age and wish I had more of the specific details about that special day. But don't ever let satan put doubtful thoughts in your head...you know that your heart belongs to God even if you wish you had better memories of it!
Amber

salvation experience

Emily, I can relate to what you are saying. I was saved young too. Too young to remember the date or even how old I was. It used to really bother me, and I still would give about anything to know. But, I know for certain I was saved that day, even though I only remember glimpses of the event. One thing I plan on doing is writing down the entire experience for my kids. From the first questions to the final a-men. That way, even if they are too young to remember it all for themselves, they will have the journal entries as a memory.

remembering salvation....

Okay girls, I need some oppinions on this. Remember on the first day of the study this week, she had us write down our salvation experiences. Well, I was saved at a young age. But, all I can remember is telling my mom and her being really happy. But, in the methodist church you have to go through confirmation classes and be baptised at an older age-12 or 13-which I did. I know I am saved and that I was when I was going through all my "rebellious" things as a teenager. Because I knew who to run and fall at when things got out of control. I remember the comfort He gave me and reasurance that He had me. And the things He miraculously got me out of. I remember the friends I had that were not saved. And how I would ague my faith with them. Even though I wasn't living a right life......I was saved I believe. So, am I horrible to not know the date I was saved or what all went on? I only remember briefly talking with my mother. I am constantly hearing people say that you should remember the glorious day like it was yesterday. And I mean it REALLY eats me up! It has before made me doubt my salvation. But, if I wasn't saved, would I have the relationship I do with Christ, would He answer my prayers like He always does, would I have the peace I have...the joy? No. So, I guess what I am asking is how do I deal with not remembering? I would give anything to have this memory.

Uncontrolled Emotions....

I really can relate with some of the things she is saying about uncontrolled emotions: "Without God's Intervention, we can only offer a small bandage to someone hemorrhaging from uncontrolled emotions. We may bring calm for a moment, but our efforts will have little lasting effect.

I have a family member who is dealing with alot of unresolved emotional baggage/mental issues, I would call it. I have tried to help and sometimes I have been received with open arms and then other times the door slammed in my face. I finally took it to the Lord and said, I have said and done all the encouraging I can muster. Please take this burden from me and help this person.

I felt a calm at that time. Things are getting out of control again and it is discouraging at times, but I have to let GOD handle it and pray for this person daily. After reading today's bible study I felt encouraged.

Week 2-Day 3/The Great Escape

Today's Treasure:
"Johnathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, 'Let not the king do wrong to his servant David: he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly'"
1 Samuel 19:4

Principal Question:

Why do you think David ran to Samuel when he first escaped from Saul?

jealousy

That's really neat Malinda. It makes you wonder if it is accurate. I love it when scripture lines up with secularly recorded history. I know Christianity is based on faith, but I just love when God allows us to see how certain things line up according to worldly facts. Reminds me of Daniel and the prophesy that has already come to pass.
One thing that has really stood out to me is when she said "I believe that fear is the root of virtually all jealousy." How true! As I thought about it, how often do people fear they won't be noticed or recognized and it leads to jealousy. Saul had this happen to him. David was getting all the attention. Saul feared he'd be forgotten. A sibling is jealous because another sibling gets more attention. A coworker is jealous because they are afraid someone else will get the boss' attention. The list could go on and on. Why do we have such a drive to be noticed? Did it all start with Cain and Abel- who would get God's attention or approval? Or even with the fall of satan- desiring to be noticed, even above God?

Awesome!

I saved something earlier in the wrong place. Oops! Thank you Ronda. You did such a good job. Just wanted to tell you all I love ya:)! Now I need to go do my today's study so I can be up to date with you all.

Emily

I was just digging around on-line and found some interesting stuff. Of course, this is not a for sure thing since we all know not to believe everything we see on-line. But......this one site was saying how that King Saul and King David could be the historical Amenhotep I and Tuthmosis I, all the timing and such line up, anyway, if this is true, these two ancient kings actually ended up co-ruling for a time according to some drawings and statues, that the people preferred Tuthmosis (David) but that Amenhotep was still the king. Wow, talk about jealousy, that would fuel it.
Also, I was wondering how Jonathan turned out so good, well, his mom Achinaom was the daughter of Achimaas who was a follower of Samuels thoughts on the King of Isreal being God, not needing a man king. Apparently Achimaas was a good guy, a Godly man, and he probably taught his daughter well, so she taught Jonathan. This is also speculation since it is not told in scripture, but it does make sense.
Just something to ponder......

Week 2 - Day 2 A Jealous Eye

Today's Treasure:

They have credited David with tens of thousands, he (Saul) thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?' And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David"

1 Samual 18: 8-9

Today's Principal question:

What first incited the jealousy of King Saul toward David?

Thanks Ronda

Thanks for setting the blog up for us Ronda! This is really nice. Look forward to hearing from everyone this week.

Instant Bond

My Friend, Darinda Fitzgerald and her family; Brannan, Chynell and hubby Kevin at Heather's wedding. Kevin married Heather and David.

A question was posed in today's study, "Have you ever felt an almost instant bond to a new friend? Record the reasons you believe you felt such a kinship.

I had this kind of instant friendship happen to me 24 years ago with a lady named Darinda Fitzgerald. From the night we met (along with our spouses) we were inseparable. She is a strong Christian lady and her husband Kevin was called to preach while we were still all in the military. After he left the military he sought out his ministry. He is a minister in Wilburton, OK now. I am so proud of him and she is a wonderful minister's wife.

We have remained close all these years. We are both grandma's now and spend our days talking about the babies.

I treasure her friendship very much! GOD brought her into my life when I needed a strong christian influence. Thank you GOD!

Week 2 - Day 1 (An Amazing Covenant)

Today's Treasure: "Johnathon made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself"
1 Samuel 18:3

Our principal question for today is: How does Johathan's covenant with David compare to Christ's covenant with believers?

New Blog Site

We are studying a Beth Moore series called "A Heart like His"