Summer Study Week #2

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This week has been challenging in a new way.  I know that I really need to work on "heeding" instruction! 

It's not too late to join!  You can keep your own pace.  There will be no judgement passed here about how timely you are in completing the study!  If you would like instructions about joining click here.

Done with week two!!!

Week 2:

Monday Read: Proverbs 31:10; Proverbs 12:4
S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
I was reading a commentary (John Gills exposition of the Bible) and it tells me that each verse starts with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and it goes in order through all the letters.  Pretty neat way to remember everything about a virtuous woman!  The woman described in this chapter is worth far more than rubies.  I feel that means her help, love, support, and handiwork is worth so much to him that he would never give her up for all the money in the world.  But a wife who is mean, nagging, lazy, and unsupportive is a liability. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
Whether you are married or not, Proverbs 31 is a great and overwhelming instruction manual.  I think it is the “mark” for any woman.  I aspire to be the kind of woman that is worth her weight in gold because of her inner character. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Please help me to be open to the changes I need to make in my life.  I know that I do a lot of things right with your help.  But I also know there are areas where I am stubborn and feel entitled.  Help me to recognize those areas and be willing to change. 

Tuesday Read: Proverbs 18:22, Proverbs 19:14

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord.

Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
A wife is looked at as a favor from the Lord.  This is not something you can inherit or earn but something that is given as a blessing from the Lord.
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
It is God’s desire that I be a gift to my husband.  I want to find ways to do that in my everyday life. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – I want to be a blessing to my husband.  Help me to find unique ways to do that!

Wednesday Read: Proverbs 31:11, 11:28, 28:26

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

Those who trust in their riches will fall,
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

Those who trust in themselves are fools,
but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
It is easy for to think that life would be easier with more money.  But money doesn’t bring happiness or teach you how to thrive. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
Being righteous and wise is what is going to help me to thrive and walk in safe pastures.  That also seems like characteristics a husband would like to see in his wife.  The kind of characteristics that would give a husband full confidence in his wife.  How can I be wise and be righteous?  How do you become wise and more righteous?  I think reflecting upon your decisions and being willing to learn from your mistakes as well as spending time with God would be a place to start. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord, help me to be teachable.  I want to be able to see my mistakes and learn from them.  I am not good at accepting my faults and being willing to change them.  But to grow in my relationship with you I need to graciously own up to my shortcomings and trust in you to change my heart. 

Thursday’s Read: Proverbs 16:20, 28:25, 29:25

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

The greedy stir up conflict,
but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
Prospering can be hard work.  It’s easy to blow off constructive criticism.  It’s easy to be critical of others and stir conflict.  Often times trusting in the Lord can be difficult.  Heeding instruction (especially from certain people) can be hard.  But these passages show us that if we do those things we will be safe, prosperous, and blessed. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I don’t take constructive criticism well, especially from those I love.  It’s hard to admit there may be a better way of living my life.  Often I drift through life trying to do things on my own strength.  Relying on others or the Lord can be difficult for me.  I want to work on taking instruction from others and on trusting in the Lord. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord, help me to trust in you for every little thing in my life.  I know you are in control and that your way is best.  Help me to heed instruction from you and the other wise people in my life. 

Friday Reflection:

As I look back on this week I see that women have such valuable role in the family and in society.  I think Proverbs was ahead of its time.  It shows how valuable a strong and Godly woman can be!  But to be a strong and Godly women it takes being humble and willing to listen to instruction.  It takes trusting in the Lord.  It takes discipline to live a righteous life.   It can be hard to take instructions from others.  I don’t like to hear what I can change or do better.  I am very sensitive to criticism, even constructive criticism.  As I think back through this week, I want trusting in the Lord and giving heed to instruction to be the things I take away and work on. 

Summer Study Week #1 (Post 2)

We're done with the first week of our study!  You can still join us if you are just now hearing about this!  Check out the instructions in this post - Summer Study Guide Instructions.

Please posts any insights you have in the comment section at the end of the post!

Thursday Read: Proverbs 31:7-9

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
I love this passage.  It gives us the charge to stand up for those who cannot.  We are to defend them.  I love that this mother is trying to instill this lesson in her son!  I love that Women Ministries has a heart for the abused and the people who are being trafficked.  This passage encourages me to continue to bring awareness to that fight no matter how uncomfortable it may be!

John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible commentary puts it this way - Thus as Lemuel's mother cautions him against women and wine, she advises him to do the duties of his office in administering impartial justice to all, and particularly in being the advocate and judge of the indigent and distressed.

A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
Don’t shy away from defending those who cannot defend themselves.  It may push me out of my comfort zone.  But I need to continue to look for ways to speak up. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – help me to know how to defend the rights of the poor and needy.  Show me the steps you would like me to take and show me how to continue to lead the women of the church in these causes. 

Friday – Reflection

When I look back on Proverbs 31:1-9 I see a mom who wants to her son to remember what is important.  As a king, she doesn’t want him to be sidetracked by things that can cloud his judgment.  The wine and women that are presented to a king in those days were plentiful and she wants him to keep his eye on what’s important. 

I loved a quote from Francis Chan in our online study guide – “Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but at succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter at all.”

My hope and prayer is that I remember what is important in life.  I tend to get tied down with things that are not important.  I want to keep my eyes on Jesus!

Summer Study - Week 1

I've been enjoying doing the study so far and have been learning things I had never picked up on before in Prov. 31.  I also love reading her daily emails.  Don't know what I'm talking about???  Well you can can get instructions for the study here - Summer Study Instructions

One of my favorite quotes from the commentary this week was:
Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but at succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter at all.  ~Francis Chan

How often do we get caught up with things that don't matter??  For me - several times a day.  It may be excessive time on facebook, too much TV, gossip, etc...

I have loved being challenged to do something that does matter...studying God's word.  Here's my thoughts so far.  Would love to hear your thoughts.  Post those by clicking the comment link at the bottom.

You can also subscribe to our blog by putting your email address in the upper left corner at the top of our blog!

Week 1:

Monday Read: Proverbs 31:1--‐2
S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.  Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
I did not remember that this passage was about a mother speaking to her son!  You can almost hear the passion in her voice as she gets ready to speak words of wisdom to him. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
It’s important to take a role in the lives of your child.  I don’t think it needs to be just your child.  Many women are not moms.  But this is an example of a woman investing time to teach someone younger than she.
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – I pray that you would help me to recognize who needs a word of encouragement today and that you would give me the words to say to them.  As Viv (my daughter) grows up I pray that I will be able to teach and encourage her.  I pray that you would give me wisdom as I embark on that journey in the future. 

Tuesday Read: Proverbs 31:3--‐4

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, Lemuel—it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
I had to look at a Bible commentary to understand these verses a little more.  This mother is telling her son that vices – women and alcohol – can cause destruction if he is not careful.  They can ruin kings. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
We all have vices.  Some are destructive at any level – like pornography.  Other vices can be enjoyed in moderation for some people – alcohol, dessert, etc… The lesson here is to know what can ruin you and to be cautious. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – help me to recognize the vices in my life and to know when those vices become something that is above moderation or that is taking Your place in my life. 

Wednesday Read: Proverbs 31:5-6

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.   Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
I had to read a commentary again for insights into this passage.  The kings were responsible for reading the law and knowing it.  When they indulged in drunkenness they tend to forget what is important.  This mom is also saying not to hoard the wine for yourself.  Share it with those who are in need.
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
It is important not to get distracted from what is important!  One thing the commentary mentions for the website is that this mother was very intentional about her advice.  She was taking the time with her son to lay it all out there!  She knew what he needed to hear as a ruler.
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – help me not to be distracted by the things of this world and let it cloud my judgment.  Help me to take the intentional time with my daughter so that she will grow up knowing that I want to be invested in her life. 

Summer Study Introduction

I am going to try something new this summer.  I always feel like it's hard for me to jump into a study and stay consistent.  Maybe if I make the commmittment to blog about it that will give me some added accountability.  So I'm going to embark on this journey!  I'm hoping that you will join in with me and would love to see people comment on what they are learning.  You can click on the link at the bottom of each post to comment.

I probably won't post everyday but I hope to post once a week or so to put in my thoughts about what I'm learning each day. 

If you would like to join me here's what you need to do.  Go to the Good Morning Girls website: http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/.  This has a video introduction to the study.  It will also have a link for you to download a reading plan and journal pages.  You'll want to bookmark this page!!

Finally - You need to go to this page: http://womenlivingwell.org/free-proverbs-31-ebook/ to subscribe to the ebook for the study.  Each morning you will receive an email with the message for the day.  All you need to do is enter your email address and click subscribe.

Hope you will join in!!

Spring Retreat Recap

Fifty women gathered at ALOFT Hotel in Broomfield for our annual Spring Retreat!  It was an amazing time of teaching, worship, prayer, fellowship, food, and fun. 

The ALOFT Hotel has a funky, modern feel to it.  The food was great!  The decorations were cute!  I personally had the opportunity to meet new people, connect with close friends, eat food, shop at the marketplace, worship, and be challenged by our key speaker, Ginger, and breakout speakers.

The ALOFT:

Welcome to Spring Retreat!!

Loving the unique decorations!

Connecting With Other Women as Retreat Begins:

The Yummy Dessert on Friday night! 

Plenty of coffee for all.  A must for any ACC Women Ministries event!

The MCs....i.e. taskmasters!!

Linda and Kinsey

Ginger leading worship the first night:

 

I felt very challenged by Ginger's message, “Strength for the Journey.” I know that we will all be challenged in this life. God makes no promises that our lives will be easy because we love Him. What is the condition of your heart when you face trials? This message seemed so simple to me, yet when I thought about how I’m doing in my own life with the condition of my heart, I realize what a struggle it is to have a heart that this gracious. Lately, I’ve been angry and frustrated when trials have come my way. I am not very pleasant at times.  Much of time I look to overcome trials on my own strength rather than striving to rely on God’s strength. That’s usually when I become unpleasant! However, I find that when I rely on God, those trials seem to be put into perspective. It was a great heart check for me.

 Worship Time:

We brought back the marketplace again this year. The marketplace supports various ministries both local and abroad. I personally used my spending money for the month on a cute t-shirt from Freedom Fashionistas. I got birthday gifts for friends ahead of time from The Starfish Project and ALC Crafts. These organizations work to get women out of human trafficking and provide them with rehabilitation.  They make unique gifts for friends and give me a great opportunity to share about these causes! 

  

 

Krista models the pj pants from Freedom Fashionistas!

We also had the opportunity to have breakout sessions that ranged from fun and informative (Fabulous after Fifty and Find More Time in Your Day and Space in Your House) to fellowship driven (Finding God in Everyday Life). There was even a yoga class!  Another breakout session focused on social justice. Human Trafficking is a form of modern day slavery. This was a tough subject to discuss, but it is important to be informed. We learned some ways we can take active steps in organizations that combat trafficking.  Check out my journey in thinking about these difficult topics -  A Journey and Coke (Zero) Addiction .

Yoga!! Don't forget to come check out the next class at church on May 14th at 7 p.m.!

Debbie teaches us about finding more time in our lives and how to be fabulous after fifty!

Introducing Dawn who spoke about human trafficking:

Going through Finding God in Everyday Life in a Small Group Discussion Format:

We ended the retreat with a time of worship and prayer.  We wrote on stones the name of God that has meant the most to us recently.  I've taken mine home and put it on the piano because I walk by it every day.  I want it to be a symbol of what God has done in my life.  Who knows... I've thought about making my own rock decoration in my house and using rocks to symbolize the significant events in my life where God has shown himself.  Maybe I'll put them in a funky, clear vase. 

We ended by encouraging one another and "tagging" others with sticky notes of encouragment!  What a great way to end the weekend!

See....we had so much fun!  Don't miss out next year!

Many parts of this weekend were challenging. Ginger shared her experience with us about her trip to a children’s jail in Uganda. She also shared about her passion for World Vision. We hit on topics of social justice like human trafficking. These topics are heartbreaking. I was so encouraged by the response of the women here. They have such compassionate and caring hearts!  It was great to see God move amongst such difficult subjects. 

When people hear about Arvada Covenant Women Ministries I want them to hear great things about our events like good food, great teaching, fun atmosphere and a great place to connect with other women. But, I also want them to hear that we are passionate about bringing about awareness of hurting people and promoting ways to help those people. 

In my blog post - A Journey, I quote a verse from Micah 6:8 - And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. This is my heart's desire for our ministry!  Thanks for going on this "Journey" with me! Thanks to all the women who attended the retreat! I appreciate you kind, compassionate, and caring hearts!

Kinsey Ringenberg ~ Women Ministries Chair

Tea Party

Nearly 100 women joined us for a Sunday Tea Party.  We had authentic tea cups and saucers along with amazing food.  We had tea sandwiches, scones, fruits, muffins, chocolate covered strawberries, lemon bites, all sorts of chocolate and several flavors of tea. 

We had the opportunity to connect with other women.  The younger women had the opportunity to learn how to fold the hankies.  Katie Dix, a gifted story teller, recounted the fascinating story of the hankie throughout time.  Women of all ages enjoyed Katie's story.

Each women left with a full belly and a vintage hankie. 

Katie teaches us how to fold hankies

The Women Ministries Team

We had such a positive response to this we just might have to do it again!

Soup and Serve Testimony

Soup and Serve Testimony

I have found it difficult in our modern age to find safe and meaningful ways to serve others with my young kids. That’s why I wanted to share about Soup ‘n Serve, a Women Ministries event hosted this fall. It was an afternoon for women to gather and serve other women! I thought it would be a perfect event to do with my daughters.

Samantha, my 10 year old, and I packed a bag of essentials for women at Hope House and Theodora House. As part of the packing we were encouraged to write a note to the woman who would be receiving it. After the first bag was finished, Samantha jumped in with gusto and took over the entire process for the woman at Theodora House who would receive our bag. In fact I was banned from having anything to do with writing the note! She chose a beautiful verse of encouragement and followed that with these words:

“Please never forget how much God loves you.

He is never far away and will always love and believe in you.”

My friend, Glory, goes to Theodora House faithfully, leading bible studies and got to be a part of the team that delivered the bags to the women. After church she shared with me the rest of the story.

After gathering all the bags, dinner and other donations together, the team prayed and headed out. They set up the dinner and during the meal told the women that they had some goodies for them – which got them excited!

The pink bags had been stashed away until the appropriate time. I wish we could have recorded their reactions to receiving what was in the bags. They were so grateful – they kept thanking us. One lady in particular came up to Glory crying as she showed her the card that was in the bag. She said that the bible verse and the words expressed on the card was something that really touched her heart. And Glory got a glimpse of the handwriting – it was a child’s writing. You see the woman at Theodora House needed the soap and razors, shampoo and brush for her body but her soul needed the note.

God’s timing is amazing – and who he chooses to use is not limited by age, talent or gender. He is limited only by our hearts.

Now, Glory and I don’t know for sure that it was Samantha’s note that made it to that specific woman, but we rejoice that the words of our daughters and the actions of their hands extended the arms of Jesus to a woman in need.

~ Cheryl Meakins ~

Advent Brunch

When I woke up on the Saturday of Advent Brunch, I saw that it was snowing.  Not just a little but several inches.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart."  Okay, Lord.  I got dressed and my new cardigan I brought for the brunch had button holes that didn't line up.  Okay, Lord, I'm trying not to get flustered, it's just a cardigan.  As I get in my car to leave for church, I nearly back into a strange car that is blocking my driveway.  By this time, the verse I have been meditating on - "Trust in the Lord with all our heart" - was moving to the back of my brain. If I'm being honest, you need to know that I may have uttered some not so holy words.  My husband went around to neighbors houses until he found the owner of the car blocking our driveway.  Off to brunch 15 minutes behind schedule.  Anyone who knows me well knows how I hate being late!

As I was driving on the icy road to church I remember trying to surrender Advent Brunch to Him.  Isn't it just like humans to worry and attempt to control circumstances in life.  Usually when I realize that circumstances are out of my control, God does his best work.  Despite the snow and the bumpy start of my day, God showed up at Advent Brunch.  He met me where I was at - flustered and tired.  He blessed me through the help of the volunteers, through music, and through testimonies.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."  Thank you Lord for putting this verse on my heart through the Holiday season and showing me why is it so important to trust you.

I hope you all were as blessed by Advent Brunch as I was!  I am so thankful for all those who were able to attend despite the weather!  I was blessed by the relaxing violin music as the brunch started, food, conversation, speakers, special music, and carols.  I was so blessed to have a team of people who coordinated the food, decorations, ticket sales, greeters, table hostesses, and all the other the endless small details!  We appreciated the men who served us at the brunch!

Thank you to the women who generously donated casseroles and cookies!  You may not know this, but some years we are able to save some of the money received at Advent Brunch.  When this happens we are able to use that money for scholarships, making retreat costs more reasonable, and offering free events like Soup and Serve.  The generous food donations makes that possible!  

Thanks for spending your Saturday morning with me. If you were like me, you were blessed by the music, you met new people, had a fully belly, heard the testimonies of some amazing women from our congregation, and belly laughed at their stories.  It is my hope and prayer that you will be able to fully embrace the meaning of Christ's birth this year.   May God bless you with His peace and love through each day this Christmas season!

Check out pictures from the event!

Working hard on the food and decorations!

 Kelly blesses us with music before the event:

Some of our awesome volunteers!

So glad people braved the snow and were able to come!

Kinsey and Linda welcome the women:

Anne and Ellie blessed us with music:

Praying for the high school senior gals:

Cheryl introduces our speakers:

This year we were able to hear Jean, Joanne, Kjierstyn, Steffanie, Debbie, and Cheryl share their testimonies about Christmas traditions.  This was such a special time. They blessed us with their stories and had us tearing up with laughter!

Advent Brunch would not be Advent Brunch without carols!  Thanks to Leah and Debbie for leading us!

What a great way to start the Advent season!

Trust in the Lord

Trust in the Lord with all your heart… I can’t tell you how many times I have repeated this verse since the last newsletter! Last month I shared with you that God put this verse on my heart as I was looking toward the busy holiday season.

Life gets crazy for me. I work in a pediatrician’s office and it always seems that kids get more illnesses around the holidays. That means my days get longer and the charts that must be finished seem unending. Advent Brunch is around the corner and I put pressure on myself to be sure it goes as flawlessly as possible. Then there is that desire to be sure I invest in my relationship with my daughter, husband, our families, and our friends. My list could go on.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. That verse continues to calm me when I think about all that must get done. God really must want me to live this verse. I have heard it twice on K-LOVE in the past month as I drove to work. Each time I heard it recited on K-LOVE, I smiled and thank God for the reminder.

Do I think about this verse in every stressful situation? No. However, I keep praying that in time, it will come to mind with each situation. When it does run through my mind, I can feel that God is working on my heart. He is telling me that He is in control. All I need to do is trust.

Join me in meditating on this verse with me during this holiday season. Each of us has struggles and worries. Some may be simple…like my worries about my job, Advent Brunch, and spending enough time with family and friends. Your challenges this holiday season may be more distressing. Yet no matter how simple or painful the challenges, God’s command is the same. He’s calling us to trust in Him with all our hearts. I pray that I (and you) will continually meditate on that verse as each challenge arises. Circumstances may not go the way I would like, but each time I trust in the Lord with all my heart, I feel His presence calm my spirit and urge me to continue to move forward trusting in Him.