It's almost party time!
Tomorrow night at 6pm we will have our very first WMU Worldcrafts party. I am very excited. However, I have no snacks yet!!!! And I may have to work late again tonight! So y'all pray for snacks to be ready and everything done tomorrow in time!
And come to the party...great Christmas gift ideas that provide support to a village!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
While I am waiting patiently...or not...
My computer spreadsheet takes so long to calculate I thought I would jump out here and give a quick shout out to Scripture Memory...
Sunday night Billie, in ONE message, used 5 of mine from the last couple of years! It was an awesome reminder of how important it is to keep memorizing them! I was so excited. It was like God was saying..."see I know you are trying your best to walk with Me! Keep it up little one! Though you will never be perfect you are doing your BEST and that is what it takes!"
So if you have not started memorizing or you have fallen off pace...START TODAY! Pick you a scripture and go go go!!!
And I wasn't even going to tell y'all that our Bible Study homework for last week talked about being the bride of Christ! I got CHILLS!!!!! I admit...I was behind on my homework when I wrote the whole "dating Jesus" post inspired by Joyce Meyer...and when I did that homework I felt God pure breathing down my neck!!!
I love God moments like these!!! Share yours!
In Him,
Kristy =)
Sunday night Billie, in ONE message, used 5 of mine from the last couple of years! It was an awesome reminder of how important it is to keep memorizing them! I was so excited. It was like God was saying..."see I know you are trying your best to walk with Me! Keep it up little one! Though you will never be perfect you are doing your BEST and that is what it takes!"
So if you have not started memorizing or you have fallen off pace...START TODAY! Pick you a scripture and go go go!!!
And I wasn't even going to tell y'all that our Bible Study homework for last week talked about being the bride of Christ! I got CHILLS!!!!! I admit...I was behind on my homework when I wrote the whole "dating Jesus" post inspired by Joyce Meyer...and when I did that homework I felt God pure breathing down my neck!!!
I love God moments like these!!! Share yours!
In Him,
Kristy =)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Are we "dating" Jesus?
Last night I decided to run on the treadmill since I had to work late and missed my running partner. Deep down I did not want to run. Especially on the stinking go no where treadmill. But I knew I needed to stay on schedule so I hopped on and started flipping the channels. I watched the usual Sportscenter but it is hard to run watching baseball news. Need something more exciting to run to. Football works good and Basketball is wonderful...baseball not so much. I like watching when I am still, but not moving. So I went to God TV (I think is the name of the station) and low and behold there was Joyce Meyer. Some of you may not like her, but I really enjoy listening to her on 1270am. In fact, after hearing her on 1270, I got two of her audio teaching cd's for Christmas presents and have listened to them three times each so far. If you want them...they are awesome...about PEACE!
Anyway...what really got my attention when I flipped was this question "Are you just dating Jesus?". And I was like *pant pant* this is interesting *pant pant*. She talked about the day she got married. And how you get so much more than a husband. You get a new last name, debt or money - depending on who you marry!, help opening jars, more laundry to keep up, etc. Her point was that once you marry life is no longer JUST you. Every decision you make effects another person. Of course it is your choice if you continue to make decisions solely for SELF or for the joint person you now are!!! When you are dating...life is different. There is no responsibility to another human. There is no last name. There is no ring. You are not recognized as "so and so's wife". And most folks you meet do not even know if you have a boyfriend!
She related this to Jesus. Hang with me...I am trying my best to capture it (coming up short I realize!!!)
The church is the bride of Christ. And we are the church. So we are the bride of Christ. You probably already know that part. But do we act as though we are the bride of Christ, or like we are only dating Jesus? You remember the difference. Do we take His name as ours? Do we think of Him in every decision we make? Or do we only call on Him in a time of crisis? Do folks recognize us as His? Or can they even tell us apart from non-believers? Or even worse....do folks hear us say we are His and then we act as though we are not?!!!!
I was going to stop at 1.5 miles...but the show intrigued me and convicted me to 3 miles! woohoo!
I never cared what people "thought" of me. I always did my thing the best I could do and if others did not like it...so be it. But the closer to Christ I grow...I realize that what people think about me is VERY important in my witness. If folks perceive me as hypocritical, or ugly, or self centered or ect...then my witness is ineffective. And then I am not helping Jesus at all! I am damaging the kingdom! Lord...help me!
So who are you married to and who do you resemble???? Scary stuff, huh?
In Him,
Kristy =)
Anyway...what really got my attention when I flipped was this question "Are you just dating Jesus?". And I was like *pant pant* this is interesting *pant pant*. She talked about the day she got married. And how you get so much more than a husband. You get a new last name, debt or money - depending on who you marry!, help opening jars, more laundry to keep up, etc. Her point was that once you marry life is no longer JUST you. Every decision you make effects another person. Of course it is your choice if you continue to make decisions solely for SELF or for the joint person you now are!!! When you are dating...life is different. There is no responsibility to another human. There is no last name. There is no ring. You are not recognized as "so and so's wife". And most folks you meet do not even know if you have a boyfriend!
She related this to Jesus. Hang with me...I am trying my best to capture it (coming up short I realize!!!)
The church is the bride of Christ. And we are the church. So we are the bride of Christ. You probably already know that part. But do we act as though we are the bride of Christ, or like we are only dating Jesus? You remember the difference. Do we take His name as ours? Do we think of Him in every decision we make? Or do we only call on Him in a time of crisis? Do folks recognize us as His? Or can they even tell us apart from non-believers? Or even worse....do folks hear us say we are His and then we act as though we are not?!!!!
I was going to stop at 1.5 miles...but the show intrigued me and convicted me to 3 miles! woohoo!
I never cared what people "thought" of me. I always did my thing the best I could do and if others did not like it...so be it. But the closer to Christ I grow...I realize that what people think about me is VERY important in my witness. If folks perceive me as hypocritical, or ugly, or self centered or ect...then my witness is ineffective. And then I am not helping Jesus at all! I am damaging the kingdom! Lord...help me!
So who are you married to and who do you resemble???? Scary stuff, huh?
In Him,
Kristy =)
Friday, October 15, 2010
SMC - Oct 15th
Ps 119:133 (NIV)
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
Mine is self explanatory...satan is on the prowl and through the nog bible study I can see where sin so easily will rule over my life IF I let it. So I pray this scripture out loud!
Let's hear yours! Invite a friend to participate!
In Him,
Kristy =)
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
Mine is self explanatory...satan is on the prowl and through the nog bible study I can see where sin so easily will rule over my life IF I let it. So I pray this scripture out loud!
Let's hear yours! Invite a friend to participate!
In Him,
Kristy =)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
News Flash...I am an Older Woman!
One of my favorite scripture passages is in the book of Titus…I think it is because I am so passionate about Women’s Ministry and ways to grow women to have their own relationship with Christ…not mine and not Pastor Billie’s, but their own…in their own way!!
Titus 2:3-5 (NIV)
3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
For years and years I have been searching so hard for an “older” woman to teach me things I needed to know about managing my home and being involved in ministry. Someone to guide me and hold me accountable and to live a Christian Woman’s life that made me yearn to also have a walk so close to Christ that people wanted what I had too.
So here is the funny thing…when Amber and I went to JBA WMU training at Campbell Univ. this summer, they were doing a presentation of this Ladies Event they were having called “Shine”. And I was pumped about it. It sounded so cool. It was ONLY for younger women and I thought it was going to be so much fun. And then in the middle of my excitement the girl looked up and said (I quote) “so please encourage all of your Young Ladies…ages 18-34 to come”. I looked at Amber like I had been shot. She stifled a giggle and I said..."I am not young anymore". I was stunned…it was all I could do to stay focused…not because age matters, because I rarely even remember how old I am…lol…but because it was the very first time I saw myself as someone people MIGHT be looking up to!!!! And that scared the skirt off of me!!!
Reality set in…if I am not young…am I leading the life of the “older” woman in Titus? I was always so focused on being the one “learning” everything that it never occurred to me I needed to be teaching something! Do I spend time investing in younger women so that they know how to manage their houses? Am I being the role model I was looking for all those years?
If you are my age and a new Christian…you are exempt from these questions because you are still spiritually young! But if you are my age and have been a Christian for a number of years…what are you doing to teach the “younger” woman? If the HONEST answer is nothing…then pray for God to lead you where you can be effective in someone’s life.
Scripture Memory tomorrow =)
I challenge you to invite a “younger” woman to participate in learning one scripture with you!
Love ya!
Kristy =)
Titus 2:3-5 (NIV)
3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
For years and years I have been searching so hard for an “older” woman to teach me things I needed to know about managing my home and being involved in ministry. Someone to guide me and hold me accountable and to live a Christian Woman’s life that made me yearn to also have a walk so close to Christ that people wanted what I had too.
So here is the funny thing…when Amber and I went to JBA WMU training at Campbell Univ. this summer, they were doing a presentation of this Ladies Event they were having called “Shine”. And I was pumped about it. It sounded so cool. It was ONLY for younger women and I thought it was going to be so much fun. And then in the middle of my excitement the girl looked up and said (I quote) “so please encourage all of your Young Ladies…ages 18-34 to come”. I looked at Amber like I had been shot. She stifled a giggle and I said..."I am not young anymore". I was stunned…it was all I could do to stay focused…not because age matters, because I rarely even remember how old I am…lol…but because it was the very first time I saw myself as someone people MIGHT be looking up to!!!! And that scared the skirt off of me!!!
Reality set in…if I am not young…am I leading the life of the “older” woman in Titus? I was always so focused on being the one “learning” everything that it never occurred to me I needed to be teaching something! Do I spend time investing in younger women so that they know how to manage their houses? Am I being the role model I was looking for all those years?
If you are my age and a new Christian…you are exempt from these questions because you are still spiritually young! But if you are my age and have been a Christian for a number of years…what are you doing to teach the “younger” woman? If the HONEST answer is nothing…then pray for God to lead you where you can be effective in someone’s life.
Scripture Memory tomorrow =)
I challenge you to invite a “younger” woman to participate in learning one scripture with you!
Love ya!
Kristy =)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
ABUNDANT Women's Ministry Opportunities!!!
It is Wednesday! woohoo! .
Today's post is kind of like a commercial because I just can't come up with a nice way to say what is really on my mind and I really do try and keep some of these posts relevant to our church's Women's Ministry...haha.
Upcoming ways to be involved in Women's Ministry (other church wide opportunities are available but these are sponsored by WM in some way):
Every week - Backpack Buddy Food program
Oct 16 - WMU 5K...you can volunteer or sign up to walk. In this way you serve the Lord by helping missionaries across the world have clean drinking water.
Oct 19 - Women on Mission meeting 7pm in Conference Room
Oct 29 - WMU Worldcraft party Anything purchased provides unimaginable monetary and emotional support for artisans living in villages worldwide.
Oct 31 - Red Box Project deodorant due!
Nov 8 - House of Hope Supper night In this way you serve by being a Christian role model to hurting teenage girls who just enjoy regular fellowship with us! See Vicki Brown to attend.
Nov 21 - Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes will be due!
Dec 5 - Cookies for Community Helpers - firemen and ems workers!
January 2011 - one on one mentoring program will begin...contact me if you want to participate
Go and Serve!
Today's post is kind of like a commercial because I just can't come up with a nice way to say what is really on my mind and I really do try and keep some of these posts relevant to our church's Women's Ministry...haha.
Upcoming ways to be involved in Women's Ministry (other church wide opportunities are available but these are sponsored by WM in some way):
Every week - Backpack Buddy Food program
Oct 16 - WMU 5K...you can volunteer or sign up to walk. In this way you serve the Lord by helping missionaries across the world have clean drinking water.
Oct 19 - Women on Mission meeting 7pm in Conference Room
Oct 29 - WMU Worldcraft party Anything purchased provides unimaginable monetary and emotional support for artisans living in villages worldwide.
Oct 31 - Red Box Project deodorant due!
Nov 8 - House of Hope Supper night In this way you serve by being a Christian role model to hurting teenage girls who just enjoy regular fellowship with us! See Vicki Brown to attend.
Nov 21 - Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes will be due!
Dec 5 - Cookies for Community Helpers - firemen and ems workers!
January 2011 - one on one mentoring program will begin...contact me if you want to participate
Go and Serve!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tick Tock...the countdown begins!
Race day is Saturday!!! And I am excited! We have 112 participants signed up so far! 10 volunteers and 102 racers! We have about 10 extra shirts...so it is not too late to register! As of today we will clear over $1300!! That is a filter and a half for the missionaries and a scholarship and a piece for the JBA Scholarship Fund!
In other Women's Ministry news...We are thinking of expanding a mentor program after the first of the year. The study is called "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. We read the book a few years ago as part of our Book Club. Some folks liked it (basically just me) and some folks did not (the other 9 in the club...ha). But it is tried and true to guiding women in cultivating a closer relationship with Jesus and each other. It is a 12 to 24 week course depending on your speed of reading and the amount of other Discipleship Training you are participating in. We are doing it as a one on one program. You would need to meet weekly or as close to that as possible. The more you meet the more accountable you hold each other and the more you will benefit from the study. Ponder it and let me know if you would be interested. The pilot run has gone awesome! Personally, I have been blessed in ways I never imagined! It is a great way to build strong friendship bonds with another Christian woman striving to please God! Any feedback is greatly appreciated! Just send me a note (kgardner1@aol.com)! We would love feedback from other churches that have tried this or would like to try it as well!
In Him,
Kristy
In other Women's Ministry news...We are thinking of expanding a mentor program after the first of the year. The study is called "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. We read the book a few years ago as part of our Book Club. Some folks liked it (basically just me) and some folks did not (the other 9 in the club...ha). But it is tried and true to guiding women in cultivating a closer relationship with Jesus and each other. It is a 12 to 24 week course depending on your speed of reading and the amount of other Discipleship Training you are participating in. We are doing it as a one on one program. You would need to meet weekly or as close to that as possible. The more you meet the more accountable you hold each other and the more you will benefit from the study. Ponder it and let me know if you would be interested. The pilot run has gone awesome! Personally, I have been blessed in ways I never imagined! It is a great way to build strong friendship bonds with another Christian woman striving to please God! Any feedback is greatly appreciated! Just send me a note (kgardner1@aol.com)! We would love feedback from other churches that have tried this or would like to try it as well!
In Him,
Kristy
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Sometimes it is just easier to believe...
At the Grand Canyon the guide was telling us all these "theories" of how the Canyon came to be. At the end he said "But you can believe whichever theory you like". And I looked at Travis and said...it is so funny that people try and come up with all this far fetched stuff to explain things...it is SO much easier to just BELIEVE GOD! That he spoke it into existence! ha
Honestly...the Grand Canyon is INDESCRIBABLE!!!! But these few pictures might give you a glimpse of how real God is!!!!
I think this one is my FAVORITE!!!
You can tell why they call it the painted desert...the colors are amazing
My new friend...he was like less than 5 feet from me!!!!
Breathtaking...I time lapsed about 25 pictures but these few will give you the idea...I can't wait to make a book!
God is BIG!!!!
Love y'all!
Kristy
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
One step closer...
I downloaded the pictures to my SLOW home laptop last night...so tomorrow maybe some pics...haha
In Other randomness...
- Today is Wednesday! It is my favorite "week" day because we get to refuel at church tonight!
- This weekend is Homecoming at church and I am very excited because for the first time in years I do not have nursery duty! Well...as long as everyone shows up that is scheduled...hint hint if you are reading this! haha
- One of the baseball mamas made our Prayer Shawl Ministry group a lap blanket! It was so sweet of her. I was excited. She sees me crocheting at practice and asked what I was working on so I told her about the PSM Group. Two weeks later...a beautiful blanket! Wasn't that sweet? She is not churched right now that I can tell..so y'all pray for me to have the right words to encourage her to get involved with her church again.
- Yesterday I delivered the cookies to the Sheriff's Dept. I was early because they do not open until 8am. But a nice detective let me in the back door. They were excited and appreciative to get the cookies. Then the detective walked me out and said "If more folks in the county would do the Lord's work this would be amazing place to live". All I could say was amen! So I did what every good WMU Director would do...invited him to participate in the race! lol
- Speaking of which we are at 99!!!!! I am on pins and needles waiting to hit 100! God is so funny. I had prayed hard for 50...a low but achievable number...especially since there were so many doubters on the JBA board that it could be successful. Cause y'all know I hate to fail (especially my NOG girls!)...but my God is so BIG and He loves to remind me of it!! Go God! Ps 150:6!!!
OK...enough rambling...y'all lift up Clyde's Chapel today please their members, former pastor and Women's Ministry programs...they need some special prayer.
I do have one pictire to make you laugh...this is how I cam to work the day of all the raining...they think I am crazy...I don't know why???
Shine for Him today!!!
Love you!
Kristy =)
In Other randomness...
- Today is Wednesday! It is my favorite "week" day because we get to refuel at church tonight!
- This weekend is Homecoming at church and I am very excited because for the first time in years I do not have nursery duty! Well...as long as everyone shows up that is scheduled...hint hint if you are reading this! haha
- One of the baseball mamas made our Prayer Shawl Ministry group a lap blanket! It was so sweet of her. I was excited. She sees me crocheting at practice and asked what I was working on so I told her about the PSM Group. Two weeks later...a beautiful blanket! Wasn't that sweet? She is not churched right now that I can tell..so y'all pray for me to have the right words to encourage her to get involved with her church again.
- Yesterday I delivered the cookies to the Sheriff's Dept. I was early because they do not open until 8am. But a nice detective let me in the back door. They were excited and appreciative to get the cookies. Then the detective walked me out and said "If more folks in the county would do the Lord's work this would be amazing place to live". All I could say was amen! So I did what every good WMU Director would do...invited him to participate in the race! lol
- Speaking of which we are at 99!!!!! I am on pins and needles waiting to hit 100! God is so funny. I had prayed hard for 50...a low but achievable number...especially since there were so many doubters on the JBA board that it could be successful. Cause y'all know I hate to fail (especially my NOG girls!)...but my God is so BIG and He loves to remind me of it!! Go God! Ps 150:6!!!
OK...enough rambling...y'all lift up Clyde's Chapel today please their members, former pastor and Women's Ministry programs...they need some special prayer.
I do have one pictire to make you laugh...this is how I cam to work the day of all the raining...they think I am crazy...I don't know why???
Shine for Him today!!!
Love you!
Kristy =)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Slackard...that's what Mr Joe would call me!
Ok...I haven't dumped any of the breathtaking pics off my camera yet...but I did have this one...and I promise to have more later! If anyone doubts God the creator exists...show them this...
Be back later!
=)
Kristy
Be back later!
=)
Kristy
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