Friday, December 30, 2011



December 29


Choosing Between Heaven and Earth

What I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard–pressed between the two.
Philippians 1:23


Every Christian ought to feel the strain of desiring to be with Christ, yet also longing to build His church. If the Lord said to me, “You have five minutes to choose between being in heaven or on earth,” I would have a difficult time making that decision. And I would want to be sure I was choosing for the right reasons. I’d have to ask myself, can I glorify Christ more in heaven or on earth?
Paul found it an impossible choice. Nevertheless, most people would choose to stay on earth. When asked why they would, most would give some selfish reason, such as, “We’re getting a new house,” or “I don’t want to leave my kids.” For Paul, nothing really mattered except glorifying Christ. When faced with the most basic of life’s issues—whether it would be better to live or die—his response was, “I would be thrilled to glorify Christ in heaven or on earth. Given the choice, I can’t choose.” Because glorifying Christ was Paul’s motivation, where he glorified Christ was not the issue. That ought to be true for you as well.

MacArthur, John: Truth for Today : A Daily Touch of God's Grace. Nashville, Tenn. : J. Countryman, 2001, S. 390

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

New Bible Studies Beginning in January!

The week of January 8th we will begin 2 new studies just for ladies. On Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Brenda Waters will lead “So Long Insecurity,” a study by Beth Moore, which includes a reading book and workbook for only $20! Study will be held at Beth Allen’s home and Vickie Birch has volunteered to host childcare for this Wed. night study at her home!

“Living Beyond Yourself,” a video-driven study by Beth Moore focusing on the fruit of the Spirit, will be led by Deena Adams on Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Cost of this study is $15. No childcare is offered for this Friday study unless God raises up someone who volunteers to watch children for us.

**To participate, sign up at the event table by January 8th.


New Bible Study in February!

We will also have another study being offered on Thursday evenings beginning Feb. 16th offering childcare. This study is entitled, “When Life is Hard,” led by Teresa Bass at her home at 7 p.m. More information and a sign up sheet will be available for this study in January.

Be sure to stop by the event table if you have any questions about the studies.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hello fellow bloggers!

As the Women’s Mission Team Leader, I wanted to take a minute to let you know what is coming up in this ministry:

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/community/coats_for_kids/community_wavy_coats_for_kids_20081103

COATS FOR KIDS – the church is collecting slightly used or new coats through the end of December. There will be a blue bucket in the lobby at church or you can bring it to the Women’s Christmas Luncheon on December 10th (Kelly’s Tavern). If you know anyone that has a need for a coat for their child, go to the link above for dates, instructions, and distribution sites.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHILDREN - we are purchasing gifts for children in need in our adopted “Wickford” community. Pick up a tag in the lobby at church which will have instructions on what the child needs and bring it back by December 11th. Also, you can participate in delivery of these items which will be on December 17th throughout the neighborhood.

Acts 1:8
New International Version (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

God Bless,
Vickie Birch

Saturday, November 26, 2011


He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
I John 2:9–11



The new commandment of which John speaks is the greatest commandment of all: to love.
‘What is the greatest commandment?’ the young lawyer asked the Master.
And Jesus said, ‘How do you read it?’
‘Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and soul and mind and strength,’ the lawyer answered.
‘That’s it,’ Jesus said. ‘And the second is like unto it: Love thy neighbor as thyself’ (Matthew 22:36–39).



The fresh word for you and me is that we are to love, for if we say we’re walking with the Lord and are close to the Lord but have hatred in our hearts towards our brother, then something is not right.
It’s a wonderful thing to be able to say, ‘To the best of my knowledge, I’m not bitter towards anyone, mad at anyone, or angry with anyone because I know what a sinner I am. I know how much I’ve failed. I know how gracious God has been to me.’ When that’s our heart, we know things are right.



Courson, Jon: A Day's Journey : 365 Daily Meditations from the Word. Santa Ana, CA : Calvary Chapel Publishing, 2003, S. November 26

Friday, November 18, 2011

Tee Time

Ladies,
For many of us, Thanksgiving begins an extremely hectic time of year with Christmas lurking so tightly on its heels. Many of you I have talked with have already begun your Christmas shopping and started decorating your house while others refuse to introduce Christmas until the close of Thanksgiving Day. Whatever your position, the craziness of scheduling parties and events is beginning to crowd your calendar and demand your time. So how do we do it all and do it well? I do believe it is the question we all ask ourselves at some point and desire in the pit of our hearts.
So, first, we are coming up on Thanksgiving Day. For many of us, it is about the food, fun, and family time. I mean, we imagine the smell of homemade pies baking in the oven, all the great sides and the perfect turkey like mom use to make and the memories of our families getting together in front of the TV or in the kitchen. For some this is a totally foreign concept and Thanksgiving Day is just another block on the calendar. In either case, it is what we remember and if it is a memory we want to pass on to our families or a legacy we want to leave for our family then by all means do it! However, if we choose to leave a different legacy for our family because something old needs to die in order for something new to live, then let me encourage you today to do it!! You have this incredible opportunity to choose what Thanksgiving will look like for your family! So be thankful God chose us out of the world and allows us to leave a legacy for Him with our kids and our families! This year choose a Christ centered Holiday season for your home and your family. Make a plan now to have a time of thanksgiving for what Christ has done for you, whether it is at the table before or after you eat, or while you’re gathered in your family room. God inhabits the praises of His people and when we choose to lift up thankful hearts to Him, it is praise. I assure you that when we lay our heads on our pillows Thanksgiving night and we have lifted our hearts of thanksgiving up to God and not just devoured a bunch of turkey and stuffing and homemade pie, we will have done Thanksgiving well!!! Talk to God today and ask Him what He wants your legacy for your family to look like this Thanksgiving then do it and do it well!!
May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving. More importantly, would you and your family bless God this Thanksgiving?
Blessings,
Teresa Bass
Leader of the Women’s Minstry

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Names of God

"The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe." Proverbs .18:10


Our names are precious to us....they reveal who we are. They are a personal connection, a unique part of us. The names in Biblical times were very important too as they revealed a person's character. As we read through Scripture we can see the importance of names, especially God’s. He has been given many Names and each reveals Him in a different way. His names represent His attributes, His nature.



Here is a list of God’s names, take the time to learn them and to put them into your daily prayer life with Him.



ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1
meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.
ADONAI......Malachi 1:6
meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.
JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4
a reference to God's divine salvation.
JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13
meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"
JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1
meaning "The Lord my shepherd"
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35
meaning "The Lord who is present"
JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26
meaning "The Lord our healer"
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6
meaning "The Lord our righteousness"
JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14
meaning "The Lord will provide"
JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15
meaning "The Lord our banner"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24
meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3
meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6
meaning "The God of Recompense"
EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14
meaning "The most high God
EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13
meaning "The strong one who sees"
EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1
meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"
EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31
meaning "The everlasting God"


Thank you to Traci Winget for sharing in our Women's Ministry Meeting.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

57 Cents That Made History



A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it 'was too crowded'. "I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday School class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kind-hearted pastor, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57 cents and a note scribble in childish handwriting which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday school."

For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there!

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 cent payment.

Church members made large subscriptions. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00 a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300, and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of Sunday scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russel H. Conwell.

- a true story.

Contributed by Kay McCrary

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Get A Life

Hello Ladies,


It is still not too late to sign up for "Get A Life", our very first E-Study. This is a fun easy way to be involved in a bible study from the convenience of your own home, anytime of the week. Join us as study the abundant life and the myths that are robbing us of that abundant life.

Hope to see you online,


Natalie



Sunday, September 4, 2011

Tee Time

Ladies,
I can’t express to you in words how excited I, along with your women’s ministry team, am for the 2011-2012 year of events. We had a great turn out for the kick off and unveiled the new theme, calendar of events and bible studies for the upcoming year. The theme, this year, in case you missed the poster at the women’s ministry table is Armed and Dangerous! You will have several opportunities through Bible study, workshops and events to get armed with God’s Word and become dangerous to the world. My challenge to you is to get involved and take these opportunities. For some of us, it will mean rearranging our schedules and making it a priority to get armed so you will become dangerous to Satan and the world. I was exhausted just going through all the events but excited to be a part of God’s plan for the ladies of Sonlight and our community. For those of you who were unable to attend the kick off please visit the information table on Sunday. Now is the time for you to sign up for a fall study. NEW this year is E Study! The E Study is designed to be done in your home at the time you choose. It is great for different schedules, ladies with small children who can’t readily get to an in home study or people who enjoy online discussions and participation with other ladies. The fall E Study led by Natalie Morice is “Get a Life” by Vicky Courtney. See the information table for more information. I, Teresa Bass, will facilitate the study “No other Gods” by Kelly Minter. It is a great study where we will confront some of our modern day idols and work to give God back first place in our lives. God showed me so much in this study and I can’t wait to see what else He shows me and what He reveals to you. We will meet on Thursday nights and there will be childcare at this study. This is a lighter study of about 15-20 minutes a day 5 days a week but is loaded with heart searching God changing moments. The third study is “A Women After Gods Own Heart” by Elizabeth George. It will be offered on Wednesday nights at Beth Allen’s and Friday mornings at Diane Larios’ led by Lynn Moore. This study is designed to touch on every aspect of the women from parenting to marriage to schedules and more. It will be a great study for any woman who does not have it all together! The study will take about 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. So, ladies come by and sign up for a study as we grow together in God’s word and His ways to become Armed and Dangerous this year. Let’s get armed with His word so we become dangerous to the world!
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you grow in God’s word this year.

Blessings,


Teresa

We will also be offering 4 workshops this year and it is time to sign up for the first one. The first one will be Friday Sept 16th at the church office from 7pm-9pm. The cost is only $5.00 so if you are interested in learning how to maximize your coupon savings sign up Sunday. In today’s economy we could all use some pointers in how to save money. I will see you there.

Thursday, August 11, 2011



El Shaddai


(Click above to see video)

El Shaddai is pronounced- EL shad-DAI

It means GOD Almighty and is first seen in the Bible in Genesis 17:1

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

El Shaddai is also known as the God that can do the impossible.......do you think of Him that way?








Wednesday, August 10, 2011

GOD


El, Elohim

Elohim is pronounced- e-lo-HEEM


Mighty One

The first name used in scripture for God is Elohim.

It is used in scripture when emphasizing God’s might, His creative power, and His attributes of justice or rulership.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

I hope that everyone has been enjoying their summer so far! It sure seems to fly by and then all of a sudden it is time for the kids to head back to school and for us to all begin some new routine. Well hold on because we have a few more weeks to enjoy the summer sun, hopefully a few more lazy days to relax, and not enough time to spend with our precious children!


Over the next few weeks, before we get back to school, start new routines, begin fall bible studies or whatever it is that we add to our day, I wanted us to spend a little time learning the names of God.

The Power in a Name

Yes, there is power in a name. There is power in His name! Do you know His name, His character? Are you able to call out to Him in prayer?


"The Name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous runs into it and is safe." Proverbs .18:10

In the Old Testament times, a name was not only identification, but an identity as well. Many times a special meaning was attached to the name. Names had, among other purposes, an explanatory purpose (e.g., Nabal, whose name means "fool," is the target of Abigail's explanation to David: "For as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him:" - 1Sa 25:25). Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself to us through His names. When we study these names that He reveals to us in the Bible, we will better understand who God really is. The meanings behind God's names reveal the central personality and nature of the One who bears them.

Thursday, August 4, 2011




Worth it?

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."



John 8:32



(Click on Worth it)



Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tell the Story

My friend I stand in judgement now
And feel that you're to blame somehow.

On earth I walked with you by day and
never did you show the way.



You knew the Savior in truth and glory

but never did you tell the story.



My knowledge then was very dim

you could have led me safe to him.


Though we lived together here on earth

you never told me of the second birth.



And now I stand before eternal hell

because of heavens glory you did not tell.






--Anonymous

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Summer Time




A SUMMER NIGHT

A soft breeze blows through the willow trees this night.
The full moon rises and fills the field with silver light.

Listen and you will hear the crickets cheeping in the grass,
And the frogs croaking their lullaby to the tadpoles huddled in a mass.

The night Owl hoots, then flies away on silent wings,
While the stars in their shapes make delightful things.

I love the sounds on a summer night.
They remind me of God's majestic might.

-Amy Michelle Wiley

Monday, May 2, 2011

Vicki's Chicken Salad

Mmmm Mmmm Goood

For those of you that went to the Ladies Retreat last month and tasted Vicki's Chicken Salad you know what I am talking about! Attached is Vicki's link to the recipe she used, please make some and let us know how it turns out.


Honey Chicken Salad from Southern Living

Monday, April 11, 2011

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER

You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible ( Luke 18:27)


You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest ( Matthew 11:28-30)


You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you ( John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )


You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 )


You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)


You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things ( Philippians 4:13)


You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)


You say:'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )


You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)


You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs ( Philippians 4:19)


You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear ( II Tim 1:7)


You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Tee Time


I have some exciting news to share! The Spring Retreat is in full swing and just around the corner. Many of you have taken advantage of a weekend away and will be joining us at the Airfield Conference Center and I couldn’t be more excited. We have 42 ladies signed up for the entire weekend and 31 ladies trying their hand at the ropes challenge courses. It will be a great weekend and I can’t wait to see all that God will do through the ladies who are speaking and through our time of worship, food, fellowship and games. You can be praying for Pat Davis, as she will be leading us to the throne of worship as well as Natalie Morice, Traci Winget, Vickie Birch, Deena Adams, and me who will be sharing a word. Please also be in prayer for Susan Caroon as she prepares our meals which will provide a time of fellowship for the ladies. Pray for Lynn Moore, she is sticking close by our side helping to get us out the door. Pray for Deena Adams and Mary Anne Connell and great weather so we can play the games and challenges they are working so hard on outside.
We had our planning meeting last night and had a new lady join us and pitch right in to help us with last minute details for the retreat. Thanks so much Dawn! I would like to invite you to come and join us as we plan out events for ladies just like you. We are all needed and have such special gifts and abilities that compliment and complete each other. Mark your calendar for the 3rd Tuesday in May. April will be an early meeting wrapping up last minute retreat details. It is scheduled for April 5th. Feel free to join us.

Blessings,
Tee

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

If you have not had a chance to read anything from Lysa TerKeurst, you may enjoy reading Made to Crave. Here is her most recent blog and a link to Made to Crave....enjoy




Tell a Friend Tuesday

Hi Sweet Friends,
I’ll meet you over at www.MadetoCrave.org for our Week One webcast replay. Just click here and you’ll find me giving a devotion along with Dr. Ski Chilton giving some of the best nutritional advice I’ve come across. You’ll also find my sweet friend from California, Kathrine Lee talking about how “a setback is setup for a comeback.”
I love that thought.
But, my favorite moment of the entire show is when Kathrine explains the difference between her two weight loss journeys. The first time she lost 100 pounds, she did it “so that she’d be loved.”
After she gained all the weight back, she took a different approach. This time around, she’s losing the weight “because she is loved.”
Profound! Don’t miss watching the rebroadcast on demand today. And tell a friend or two or twenty. That would be swell.
On a completely different note, our kitchen sink decided to explode this morning. Isn’t that a charming way to start a day?
Yes, it is.
But it is a wonderful excuse to cook Proverbs 31 woman style and “bring my food from afar.”
Dear Plumber, I’m totally okay if you can’t come today. Or tomorrow. The end.
So, in celebration of webcast replays and exploding sinks, let’s do a giveaway. List the friends you invite to participate in “Tell a friend (about the webcast) Tuesday” and I’ll pick one sweet bloggie commenter to win 5 of my books today!
You can pick 5 of the same title. If you’re in the mood to share with friends, pick this door number one.
Or, you can pick 5 different titles. If you’re not in the mood to share with friends, pick this door number two.
This is just like King Burger where you can have it your way. A grilled chicken sandwich that is. Not that I have take out on my brain or anything.

Happy Tuesday sweet friends.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

"Tee" Time

Welcome to 2011 ladies!
January, world renowned month of resolutions, all across the world on January 1st people and possibly you were making New Year’s resolutions. For some, it may have been to lose some weight, get into shape or attain a whole body makeover while others resolute to stop a habit and start an entire new lifestyle. I have heard I am going to stop smoking, drinking, drugs, an adulterous affair, pornography, anger, lose this weight, start working out, spend time with my family, get a new attitude, start journaling or devotions and the list goes on. You have begun this year with a desire for something new, something different from last year or the years before but simply put you desire a change! As the women’s ministry leader, I too, desire change. I desire change in my own life, in the lives of my family but in your life as well. I have a deep longing for God to show Himself in your life in such a way where change is no longer an option but a MUST. I felt an overwhelming desire this year to see you and every women in our church and our community to do more than just simply survive this thing called life but THRIVE in a relationship with God. Ladies, every bible study, every workshop, every event has been planned with purpose to take you wherever you are one step further along in your relationship with God! I encourage each of you to take advantage of the bible study opportunities God has led us to offer with you in mind and grow in your relationship or come into a relationship with God. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to help others by providing food for the hungry in the month of February in our Feed the Hungry can food drive. In April, we have our spring retreat!!! The title “Survivor” and it is all about not just surviving, but thriving, both in your relationship with God and your relationship with others. Make plans now to attend April 8-9th and gain insight on how to love God and love others and rediscover forgiveness and love. We are so excited and invite you to come out the 3rd Tuesday of every month and help us plan and carry out these events and others! February is just around the corner so mark your calendar today.
With all that said I leave you with this: In Psalm 51, David’s heart was eager, longing, and resolute for change. He longed for God’s mercy and forgiveness and was begging God for his joy again! That day I believe desire met a deeper understanding of what must happen and not just what he wanted to happen! David did three things: He begged God for forgiveness verses 1-2, He got real with God in verses 5-6 and then he pleaded with God to give him his joy on the place of his sorrow and a clean heart in verses 8-10. So what about you and your relationship with God? What is your desire? Finally, what will you resolve to do to have a thriving relationship with God!
Take out your calendar and join us!
Serving Him,
Tee

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