Legacy

It is an amazing moment when you can have a conversation with someone who has left a legacy of a love for God and for her family. I had the privelge of visiting with Wanda Swift tonight. She was so happy to see me and talk with me about how much she loves her family and her God. She couldn't gush enough about the visit she had with all her family on Saturday, it gave her such joy. It made the sleepless Saturday night I had with my grandsons seem like more of a treasure than I actually felt at 4 am driving Isaac to see his mommy.
I asked her what advise or what words would you give to other women about her walk with God, what is it you want them to know? She had to think a minute then she said, "God doesn't make mistakes." I thought, well, ok, then she went on to explain. She lost her husband so suddenly and not at a very old age. She said that most people say he died "prematurely". She said he did not die prematurely, he died just when God purposed it. It made me realize that so much of what we think could have been different in our lives, really couldn't have, because that it the way God planned it. We may not like it, we may not understand it, but He is Sovereign, He is Good, He is Wise. He knows the big picture, He sees it all. All the while, Loving us perfectly, completely.
She also said that memorizing Scripture at a young age is so vital. So, women, start teaching your children and grandchildren to memorize Scripture!!!! We can do it too, but the younger you are, the more it stays in our hearts.
The legacy Wanda leaves behind is this: her life, they way she loves God, how much she wants others to know Him and love Him. She even said she had a little question in her heart which bothered her. She said she was a little worried that she didn't really KNOW God, that maybe she just knew ABOUT Him. But she said she consulted our Pastor and he helped her have peace about it, and she says,. she does KNOW God! She knows Him indeed and her life of faithfulness and her amazing life of prayer is an example to us all. What an honor and privelege to be a women who has had the opportunity to see her live out what she believes. An example to us all. Go visit her if you are able, it will be a blessing to you both!

Love, Lisa

Assignment

OK, ladies, if you weren't able to make it on Monday, here is your mission assignment for the week. "Many Christians face hardships requiring practical help. Perhaps an elderly neighbor needs an afternoon of your company, a friend needs coats for her children, a teen needs funds to help pay for a missions trip, or a shut-in needs housekeeping assistance. Ask the Lord to show you how you can be a blessing to a felllow believer and determine to act on that guidance this week. Help others to find joy in the midst of their trials."

We mentioned on Monday that these assignments are not meant to be a one time deal. These are things we can actively be doing on a continuous basis. This is meant to jump-start your thinking, so to speak.

This is not just hearing the Word, but doing it!

Love you all,
Lisa

James

"Joy to You"!
 I hope that the study of James is already beginning to make its mark in your heart. I know for me, I sure found the part about being drawn and enticed by my own evil desires..Ouch! How true. If we really get honest we will totally agree. It is so easy to place blame anywhere else but where it belongs, isn't it?

This past week we were to send a note of encouragement or thanks to our Pastor or leaders in the church. I hope you had the opportunity to do that. If not, it is not too late! In fact these little "assignments" are not just one and done kind of things. No, this is a jump start into a new way of doing things. Faith in action. We brought food our first week, but you don't need to stop! You can always donate in the containers in our kitchen or just drop some off at the food pantry yourself.

I think James is going to impact our lives in a huge way, I am really looking forward to see how God works His wonders through all of us.

Blessings, and see you tomorrow!
Lisa

New Beginnings

What a start to the New Year! James, a 5 chapter book with a big huge impact! So far, I am learning so much about the man, James. I have never really stopped to consider who he was, or the great influence he had in the early church. I hope you are excited about learning more about it as well.
Next week we will get into the book of James and discover what it looks like to be an "Active Faith" Christian.
Our assignment for this Monday is to bring in grocery items for the local food bank. I hope you all remember to bring at least one thing for the donation box. Remember, if you want to contribute any personal hygiene items, they will go to Expectations Women's Center.
Of course, we alway accept donations to them on a regular basis, we will talk more about that in the weeks to come.
What level of participation did you decide on??? I am going to commit to level 4 and push myself to attempt level 5. I figure even if I don't actually memorize the book word for word, that I will at least know the book of James more than I could have ever hoped to. God's Word never goes out in vain!
Please feel free to leave a comment so I know I am not talking to myself! :)
See you Monday!
Lisa