tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64652747213259508552024-03-05T20:38:55.521-08:00Support for ministry wivessandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-75433175815670260432013-03-26T08:48:00.003-07:002013-03-26T08:48:48.065-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What do you do with all the suffering in your world? </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This past weekend, we visited church planters, Bill and Christy Reynolds in
Rhode Island. Shirley, a member of their church who had just lost her husband a
couple of weeks ago,<span> </span>received word on
Saturday afternoon that her only son, father of two little girls, was
electrocuted on his job. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What words can you offer? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>A friend's grandson is suffering through chemo for cancer...</span></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>a cousin's baby was born with a disease and died...</span></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>a friend emails that she has been diagnosed with lymphoma...</span></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>a godly Christian shares her heartbreak over her prodigal ..</span></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>our son just had his tenth surgery for Crohn's... </span></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span> </span></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>What can you say?</span></span></span></pre>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I look around and see so much suffering in the world, I
am grateful for the resurrection.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In this week prior to Easter, we often think about Jesus'
suffering on the cross and the horrible pain He endured. What were the people thinking in that silent
time between His death and His resurrection, when there <span style="font-size: small;">we</span>re no words to
offer...no words to say? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But Jesus' victory over death and suffering gives us hope
that there is more. The hope that there is a way out...not of suffering, but of
forgiveness for sin and a new and better life with Him forever. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i><span>“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in
this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for
another world.” </span></i></b><i><span>― <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1069006.C_S_Lewis">C.S. Lewis</a></span> <b><span></span></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">God made us for more than suffering and sin...He made us for
an eternity with Him. Jesus' death and resurrection made this possible. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What a reason to celebrate!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-9127421768542421752013-02-06T07:01:00.000-08:002013-02-06T07:01:14.497-08:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Do you have favorite websites/blogs that you visit? <br />
<br />
Today, I'd like to share a few that I like and think you might you enjoy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jennifer Rothschild sends out a free weekly email (there is
also a paid subscription, but I don't get that) with a video devotional with
ideas for women in ministry. Today's topic was Making and Maintaining
Friendships -something we know we should do, but it just seems like too much to
fit it in with the 485 other things to do today. Often the videos are a
reminder of something you know, but need to be spurred on to do. The videos are
around five minutes.</div>
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Here's the link:</div>
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http://www.womensministry.net</div>
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<br /></div>
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Another site I enjoy is Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy
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Thousand Gifts,</i> that is so popular. She is such a good writer - check out
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http://www.aholyexperience.com/</div>
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<br /></div>
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A favorite money saving blog is hip2save.com. Collin matches
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coupons. She also posts good deals on other things throughout the day. By
checking this site, I have a acquired a small stash of free toothpaste and
toiletries. </div>
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<br /></div>
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For grocery shopping matchups, I go to http://www.southernsavers.com/.
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<br /></div>
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Do you know of other good sites/blogs? Leave a comment and share your favorite.</div>
sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-70021847531402906342012-12-27T13:06:00.000-08:002012-12-27T13:06:48.451-08:00Good intentions...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Christmas is over and I'm putting away decorations, partially used
wrapping paper, gift bags that we recycle year after year, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to sort
through a corner in the storage room where we store our Christmas stuff. (It's a quiet
afternoon, and I'm trying to "simplify" our lives but who am I
kidding - these shelves will quickly be filled with other "goodies" at a
great price that I couldn't resist!) But alas, for now, these unwanted, unused "treasures"
are going to the Goodwill. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my simplifying, I found a tote bag filled with cross stitch/needlepoint projects. (That may be the first clue as to how long
I've been meaning to start/complete them.) Some were unopened, some had one
small part done, some were almost completed, and ONE was finished, but was
sadly out of style with our "modern" decor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a picture for you to see my good intentions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzEFjHPkC0N94Vhp5bgy9jXWHvMXtlFP5CcwLW3cuu1lKaUjhdEccwpfQOBefTVTNKi0oukjLjbfwjfFUnRCC8SI3Pk96McCFxRnt9VKVA6Ya7IYm4IHc5PEvFq-SkpID7Cte2lnUZ8r_/s1600/unfinished+projects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzEFjHPkC0N94Vhp5bgy9jXWHvMXtlFP5CcwLW3cuu1lKaUjhdEccwpfQOBefTVTNKi0oukjLjbfwjfFUnRCC8SI3Pk96McCFxRnt9VKVA6Ya7IYm4IHc5PEvFq-SkpID7Cte2lnUZ8r_/s320/unfinished+projects.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I moved a bag filled with these projects when we left Delaware 12 years ago
and hadn't even opened it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All my good intentions piled in one bag!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Why is it to so hard to part with things? </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not just stuff, but why is it so hard to part with bad habits, wrong ways of thinking, unhealthy choices...?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or it could be that I hang on to things thinking that someday I will work on them, but that day never comes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever.. I've gathered these up and they're GONE! (unless I run across them at the Goodwill and have a change of heart HA) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hope you have a good new year!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-70673422170354311272012-12-16T12:48:00.002-08:002012-12-16T12:48:34.657-08:00<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOhfRQVvFGlsHQQXSipWel24sBaKTiu33PljtmZEJqKO7FHuGzYAy3328tq92lrePr82Gz58x_SzjmtELh8FdbiHXWlhDv9NvHGfr1dd4UgmJQZtrX93eqelEkLBBFVPSB27qEb2yg4R8/s1600/Joshua+at+home!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOhfRQVvFGlsHQQXSipWel24sBaKTiu33PljtmZEJqKO7FHuGzYAy3328tq92lrePr82Gz58x_SzjmtELh8FdbiHXWlhDv9NvHGfr1dd4UgmJQZtrX93eqelEkLBBFVPSB27qEb2yg4R8/s320/Joshua+at+home!.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>I asked Jenny Hall to share their adoption story with us and here's what she wrote:</i><br /><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
I
wanted to share some exciting news with you in case you haven't already
heard. (Please forgive me for sharing if you already know these
details.)</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
Last
Thursday, December 6, our adoption agency let us know about a baby boy
who was born on November 27th. He weighed 7 lbs 8 oz and was 20 inches
long. We told them that we were interested in our profile being shown to
the
birth parents.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
The
next day, Friday, our adoption worker called and said that this little
guy would be our new son!! Evidently, the birth parents did not want to
choose the adoptive parents, and we were the family waiting the longest.
We were ecstatic!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
We have always wanted to adopt again, and Allison has been praying for a sibling ever since
she could talk.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
We
started this journey almost 3 years ago in 2009 when a young woman in
NC asked us to adopt the baby girl she was carrying because she didn't
feel she could parent. Feeling it was the Lord's will, we contacted
Bethany Christian Services in Lancaster, PA, and began the process to
adopt a second time. We were very excited as we planned to bring home
another baby girl!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
As
the time for the birth mom to deliver came closer, she decided she
wanted to parent. Our family was sad, but understood and trusted that
the Lord is in complete control.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
We finished the pre-adoption process with Bethany and became clients waiting to adopt.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
At
the beginning of this year
(2012), we received information that birthparents in Illinois were
looking for an adoptive family for their unborn baby girl due in
February. We were open to whatever the Lord had for us, so we pursued
the possibility. We had to update our clearances, update our homestudy,
and do many other things personally and through the agency to prepare to
bring this baby girl home. Once she was born, however, the birthparents
decided that they would parent.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
Again,
we understood, but were completely heartbroken. So much so, that Allen
and I had decided privately in our hearts that when our clearances ran
out in January, we would not renew them. Financially, we
were very invested with Bethany for the adoption process, but the two
times our hearts, especially Allison's, had been broken were almost too
much to handle to try again.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
We
continued to let the agency know for which adoption situations we would
like to have our profiles shown to the birthparents. However, our
family had not been chosen. In our own hearts, we kept asking the Lord
why we had ever begun this journey if He didn't have plans to bless us
with a child. We were trying to figure out how this was supposed to
impact our lives for Christ.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
Added
into this mix, our family needed a newer vehicle. We figured we would
look into it the first of the year. However, in October, Allen's Mom
called and said some friends of ours in North Carolina were getting a
new vehicle and wanted to give our family their nice 2006 minivan. We
were so tickled!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
Interestingly,
we had just finished watching the movie Facing the Giants. The coach on
the movie was given a new vehicle. If you've seen the
movie, you know what else happens at the end. We gave all the praise to
the Lord and were quite overwhelmed, but we wondered why He wanted us
to have a minivan with just 3 of us.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
Well,
we found out what God had in mind when we brought our new son, Joshua
Allen, home this past Thursday, December 13th! There was no way we would
have been able to get a newer vehicle and also be able to adopt a new
baby!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
God's
ways truly are higher than our ways! He composed every note, even to
the precious family of 7 that was asked to take care of our son in
respite care until he could come to his forever home. We had the
privilege to go to their home on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday to spend a
few precious hours with our baby boy. What a special time we all had
together! We will treasure those moments forever.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
We
enjoyed a precious placement ceremony with the birthmommy and the
respite care family present. At one point in the ceremony, the
birthmommy placed Joshua into my arms. Words
cannot describe the ache my heart felt for her and the excitement I
felt for myself. I was in awe as I looked down into the face of my son.
My son!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
For
years I have prayed that God would bless our home with a child for
Christmas. He did not forget me. I am so thankful for a faithful
Heavenly Father!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
It
is amazing just to sit and watch Allen
interact with his son and Allison with her little brother! My heart
overflows with gratefulness and love. Please help us pray that all of
the legalities will go through easily and quickly. We still have legal
risk until about the end of January. (That means the parents can contest
the adoption.)</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
Thank
you so much for your prayers over the years. Just as the angel told
Zacharias concerning John the Baptist, God heard our prayers. He also
heard the prayers of our family and friends. We look forward to a new
family picture soon!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
May God bless you and yours with a precious Christmas season!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
Joyfully,</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
Jenny, Allen, Allison, and Joshua
Hall<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-75863591344039920272012-12-12T08:58:00.000-08:002012-12-12T08:58:38.388-08:00Please pray...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdIqzzKWKXv9bGO7XfKI2EHu1Ou1zu9sSdsFTxJlKyqTukzJLag40ks1ShBx4Jcm28mL3DAiqCoFLRcZCHtF7GVGWUE1jBMM-8xAtA8n7UTuhIfB0yTLjFyyBjplGMRrhnR6cqy70xJ9r/s1600/osborns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdIqzzKWKXv9bGO7XfKI2EHu1Ou1zu9sSdsFTxJlKyqTukzJLag40ks1ShBx4Jcm28mL3DAiqCoFLRcZCHtF7GVGWUE1jBMM-8xAtA8n7UTuhIfB0yTLjFyyBjplGMRrhnR6cqy70xJ9r/s400/osborns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tim
and Robyn Osborn are home missionaries to Oakland, Tennessee (a suburb of
Memphis). </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tim was diagnosed with stage-three colon cancer and underwent
extensive chemotherapy. Things looked good for awhile, but he recently had a PT
scan and more spots were found so he started another round of chemo. </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On November 28th, he went back to the doctor and received
bad news. The doctor said the chemo was not working and didn't know what else
to do. He was to contact Vanderbilt or MD Anderson to see if they have anything
new </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">that
might slow the progression of the cancer. They are still waiting to hear.</span></h2>
<h2>
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contacted Robyn and this was her latest update yesterday, "The doctor said
Tim's cancer will become life threatening in 6 to 12 months. Right now Tim is
trying some natural therapies trying to slow it down himself. He would really
like to be around for our new church, which is doing very well and our precious
children, 5 of which are still at home. We are praying that God will heal Tim and give
him more time to finish his work here. Our youngest is only four. I don't
believe it is God's will for our kids to grow up without a dad."</span></h2>
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<span style="mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Please put Tim and
Robyn on your prayer list. We do not always know God's will or understand what
He is doing, but I believe it is not wrong to ask for healing on his behalf. </span></div>
sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-69070550921656297162012-11-30T06:57:00.001-08:002012-11-30T06:57:51.093-08:00Part 3... Defeating Depression<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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On Monday, I shared some insights from the book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Defeating Depression</i> by Leslie Vernick.
Wednesday, I shared a Biblical example of Elijah. Today is the last part of this "series" on Depression. (I would encourage you to read this book, if you are interested in learning more.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Elijah was depressed, he withdrew from people, yet God
never lost track of him and cared for him. Even in our darkest moments, we can
be sure that God knows and cares about us. When Elijah shared his feelings with
God, he then listened to what God said back to him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Talking with God (prayer) is always a dialogue. It's the
listening part that is so hard for me - the listening and the really believing
it part. Oh, I can read it, but then I ask, "Is this really true for
ME?" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus repeatedly said that He is the truth and that His
words are truth, but do we really believe Him? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leslie Vernick, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Defeating
Depression</i>, gives two questions that we should ask ourselves:<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Would you
feel different today if you really believed God loved you with His whole heart
and deeply longed for you to love Him back?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Would you
see yourself and your life more hopefully if you believed that He has a plan
for your life that is good and for your good, even through this depression? </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We may believe things with our heads, but not really believe
them in our hearts. Unbelief is one of the reasons that Israelites missed out
on God's blessings. (Hebrews 3:19)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Connecting in a personal, heartfelt way to God is one
of the most potent things you can do to feel hopeful when life is painful,"
Vernick writes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do we do this?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many ways to listen to God. Probably one of the
best ways is to read portions of the Bible and reflect on them. This requires
being still before God. Vernick says that she even visualizes Jesus coming and
sitting in a chair next to her. Writing out her feelings in a journal helps to
get things out. Then she reads a passage of Scripture - maybe a whole chapter,
maybe just a couple of verses - reading until something speaks to her. Then she
says that she imagines Jesus gently asking, "Do you believe me?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is often hard to do on our good days, but it is
especially hard to read and reflect when depression is camping in our house.
But I've found that slowing down to hear God's voice can give me the faith and
what I need to keep going. There are other ways to hear God --- sometimes I
listen to quiet music, sometimes I go through the hymnal and play the old hymns
paying attention to the words, sometimes I re-read my journal and remember
God's faithfulness. The key is focusing on God and who He is and what He can
do. Connecting with God in a meaningful way gives me hope and renewed faith. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elijah's experience with depression shows that it can happen
to anyone, even the most spiritually minded. His story reminds us that God
cares. God, first, took care of Elijah's physical needs with adequate rest and
food (a good starting place), but then He personally spoke to Elijah. God is
there for us, we must not isolate ourselves from Him. He is waiting to reassure
you of His love, His plan for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you believe that? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-38201054724044387972012-11-28T06:02:00.000-08:002012-11-28T06:02:10.316-08:00Where's Your Hope<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On Monday, I posted a blog about depression and discussed where our hope should be
placed...in God alone. Having our hope in temporary things, which can be lost
or destroyed, can cause us to lose hope and feel depressed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today, I'd like to give an example from the Bible: Elijah. Elijah was a well-known prophet of Israel and a godly man.
Obviously, he was a man of great faith as he prayed that it wouldn't rain and
it didn't rain for three and a half years! He was no spiritual slacker, but
walked with and was obedient to God. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">At God's instructions, he had a great showdown with the
prophets of Baal in order to prove whose God was more powerful. (The story is
told in 1 Kings 18:18-39.) After this great spiritual victory, why does Elijah
suffer such a severe depression that he asked God to take his life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vernick in her book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Defeating
Depression</i>, suggests a few reasons. Elijah was probably physically and
mentally exhausted. But Vernick suggests one thing I had never really seen or
thought of before. She says that in order to understand the why, we need to understand
who Elijah was and what he hoped for. She says that in the whirlwind of his
ministry and the miraculous things he did, his "treasure" began to
subtly shift from hoping in God alone to hoping in what God would do next. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Elijah's deepest desire was to see Israel turn her heart
back to God. His sole purpose for the confrontation with the prophets of Baal
was for Israel to see the greatness of God and repent. The people gave a verbal
assent, but they did not really allow God to capture their heart. And Elijah
certainly did not convince the king, Ahab, who then told his wife, Jezebel what
happened and she ordered the prophet to be killed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When Elijah heard this, he immediately was filled with fear
and ran for his life. He grew despondent. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"I have had enough, Lord. Take my life;
I am no better than my ancestors."</i></b> (1 Kings 19:6)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vernick says that Elijah became depressed when he lost his
"treasure." He had hoped that his life and ministry would have a
significant impact on Israel and that she would finally turn back to God. But
when this didn't happen, he felt disappointed and even hopeless.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We can become
depressed when we put our hope in anything but God</b>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Like Elijah, we can even put our hope in good things, even
godly, spiritual things. We can hope for a restored marriage, a repentant
prodigal child, or even a meaningful ministry, but when it doesn't happen we
feel crushed and disappointed. Our heart is broken. Satan loses no time in
these moments and causes us to doubt God's love or goodness. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">God tenderly cared for Elijah in his depression; he didn't
scold or reject him. First, he cared for his physical needs and then, gently
spoke to him. Elijah honestly told God his feelings and God answered him. (1
Kings 19:10-18) God reminded Elijah that HE was in control and there was more
to the picture than what Elijah was really seeing (truths he had forgotten in
the midst of his depression). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What can we learn from Elijah's experience? How can we make
God our hope, our only treasure? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">More on that on Friday...</span></div>
sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-22980215786116595772012-11-26T09:55:00.002-08:002012-11-26T09:55:39.069-08:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Does it ever seem like a black cloud is over your head and it just won't go away?</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm reading an insightful book on depression (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Defeating Depression</i> by Leslie Vernick)
and would like to share a few thoughts from her book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The author talks about the complexity of depression - how
it's linked to our inner lives AND our bodies and how it's often triggered by
situational AND relational difficulties. There's not just one thing that is the
origin of depression, making it very difficult to understand. So many things
are intertwined in our lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She gave the example of a woman named Tina, who was unjustly
fired from her job. Because she was so humiliated, she went home, went to bed
and wouldn't eat or sleep for days. She thought she'd never find another job. Since
she was ashamed, she withdrew from friends and wouldn't answer her phone or
email. She even felt angry at God and slightly blamed him for the unfair
termination and for not helping her. Her loss quickly spiraled into depression
and as you can see, there were physical, emotional, and even spiritual issues
involved.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Research has shown that loss is one of the most significant external
reasons for depression. Learning to recognize and grieve our losses (even the
less obvious ones) is critical, so we can face the turbulent times and still
hold on to God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vernick says, "Healthy people face loss with great
sadness and even some anger, but they don't experience a reduction of
self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness, so characteristic of those with
depression."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What's the difference between someone who mourns a loss, but
knows that someday she will resume her life AND the one who feels she doesn't
want to or can't?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She said that Jesus gives us a clue in these verses:<br />
<span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy and where thieves break in and steal;</i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b></span><span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.</i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup> </sup></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For where your treasure is, there your heart
will be also."</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Matthew 6:19-21)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj">Jesus warns us of the reality of loss -
earthly things can be lost, broken, stolen or even destroyed. That's why He
said NOT to center our lives on things or people. <br />
<br />
She says, "It's not that we can't enjoy them, or even want them, but when
they are our primary focus or reason for living (Jesus calls them our
"treasure"), the loss of these things creates an unbearable hole and
life without them seems hopeless (an environment for depression to
flourish)."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj">Tina's "treasure" was her job and
her reputation. When she lost it, she felt worthless and hopeless.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj">What are some treasures? A marriage,
children, a job, physical appearance, possessions - whatever most captures our
heart is our treasure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus wants our treasure to be HIM and our hope to be in
Him!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we center our lives in Him alone, we're not sheltered
from sorrows or hardship (which is what I sometimes wish), but we are protected
from feelings of hopelessness when we face great losses in our lives. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where is your hope?</i></b><br />
<br />
This is the first of three blogs on this subject that I will publish this week. (I know, I know: it's feast or famine) On Wednesday, I will give an example from the Bible about depression and
misplaced hope. </div>
sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-39314816249521331072012-10-03T11:30:00.002-07:002012-10-03T11:46:50.501-07:00Hurry Up!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Hurry
is the enemy of depth.</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard that statement recently and I've been thinking about
it. If you're a mom, you probably say "HURRY" a hundred times a day. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">HURRY and drink your milk, HURRY and eat
your food, HURRY and get dressed, HURRY and clean your room, HURRY and finish
your homework, HURRY, so we can go! </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqo9TXBX29otcsASMpsbx3LVN9z98dZajoYNCYALhAhcV-Ew0RCQjpLM_aR4LSLMBxDbjzPNAbO_ot7qSoGxbfERQHbyxW4his-MWidhgXiZCjK_awjOuRTFbhNrNgtgbLKcLvYn6mi7O/s1600/woman+rushing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqo9TXBX29otcsASMpsbx3LVN9z98dZajoYNCYALhAhcV-Ew0RCQjpLM_aR4LSLMBxDbjzPNAbO_ot7qSoGxbfERQHbyxW4his-MWidhgXiZCjK_awjOuRTFbhNrNgtgbLKcLvYn6mi7O/s1600/woman+rushing.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why are we in such a rush? Why are we so busy? We almost wear our
busy-ness as a badge of honor. We even greet one another with, "Keeping
busy?" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'd say that 100% of you would say that you wish you weren't
so busy...that it would be great to be lounging on a warm beach somewhere
reading a good novel. (Pause and relish that thought!) But at different
stages/times/situations in life, it's a reality. (I remember those days and you
just do it; now that my life has slowed down - no kids at home - I realize how
crazy it really was!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BUT it's hard to go deep when you are rushing around like a chicken
with your head cut off (love those southern sayings). If we are not
intentional, it's easy to rush through our quiet time with God, conversations (because
you're also cooking dinner and unloading the dishwasher), putting the kids to
bed, meals, sex, etc. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's takes time to build relationships - you can't rush
them. It takes...lingering over a cup of coffee, sharing an ice cream cone,
taking a walk, laughing at a good joke, cuddling on the sofa with a movie, really
listening, being totally present, roasting marshmallows...the list goes on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So today, I hope you'll take a deep breath and slow down. Don't
do anything drastic, just slow down and enjoy the moment!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I write this in my
pajamas after I've been sick for three days - yes, that's right. I haven't worn
real clothes in three days. It almost feels luxurious...if I weren't sick!</div>
sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-22303514155814095102012-08-21T07:56:00.001-07:002012-08-21T07:56:56.048-07:00The Tale of Two Furniture Stores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhhSK0Y7aE__C_CMV0G5b427wo4M6jUw0GKIamDhlyTLVAKNeCAO8nxcMsBfP9CU9FFvI0ITX5P3T20Zz_hzEu3752zQyoohjYp4Cce5adaEi6aUZHv4KpVFeBKEu-lpsjmC6APw0m3BB/s1600/sectional.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhhSK0Y7aE__C_CMV0G5b427wo4M6jUw0GKIamDhlyTLVAKNeCAO8nxcMsBfP9CU9FFvI0ITX5P3T20Zz_hzEu3752zQyoohjYp4Cce5adaEi6aUZHv4KpVFeBKEu-lpsjmC6APw0m3BB/s1600/sectional.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Friday, Richard and I started out (after stopping at a
pizza buffet to gather sustenance for the hunt) in search of a new sofa - preferably
a sectional. Our old one is tired and whines every time we sit on her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first place we stopped was an average run of the mill
furniture store - not flashy. We parked right in front of the door, walked in
and browsed the aisles (it was actually kind of small so it didn't take us too
long to do that). Richard fell in love with a sectional that had cup holders
and a place for the remotes. (OH, NO! I thought to myself.) The salesman, an
average looking guy, found a price for us in the fabric we
wanted. He continued to answer our questions in a straightforward manner -
without being pushy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next place we stopped was close by, but we could not
find the front door. We had to park in a back lot and meander our way past
other stores hoping to find the front door. Luckily, we did and began to browse
the aisles there (a little bigger with an "overflow" room).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The salesman was slick - dressed nicely and
agreed with anything you said. There were no prices on the tags, except enormously
exaggerated prices with an X marked through each one. We asked about a price and he
had to go ask the owner. He came back and said we needed to sit down because
this was such a GREAT DEAL! (Just give it to me, Mister-- I can take it!) The
TODAY ONLY price was still more than the other store.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After we left, I told Richard I saw so many parallels
between sofa shopping and church shopping (minus the God factor, of course).
May I share a few parallels that jumped out me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Make it easy for folks
to find you. Maps, signs, and more signs can help people know they are going
the right way.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Be genuine. I was so
turned off by the slick salesman. Be yourself. Be interested in others. Be
real.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Be up front about who
you are. If you're not a mega-church, don't pretend to be. Do what you do well.
Your church is not for everyone. I know how hard it is to see ANYONE leave
(when you don't have many to start with), but each person is looking for
something different. If they're not going where you are going, better to let
them keep shopping. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Keep the main thing
the main thing. I didn't care about the surroundings or the extra stuff, I needed
a sofa. People need Jesus - that's why you do what you do! HE is the most
important part of every service and introducing people to Him is the primary
thing.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I never expected to connect our furniture shopping to church
planting, but hey, it must be imbedded in the brain. Forgive me for
"preaching!" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
PS Don't you just love the sectional in the picture - but, oh no, where are the
cup holders?!</div>
sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-4951384883485701272012-07-24T07:34:00.003-07:002012-07-24T07:34:51.421-07:00Ms. Good Intentions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AgrowHoYjB73pHf9g68gvP_0aHhw8Bh5kErtzOAK5obMS65smDUL-9GjLFUFTzn1b1PySSbArEuVInN1yY2OPp0GoepyF9_FKyUl_zOLJlxs5JacuYOWJ9pzMwEZgAfU0skPAaIrtiiQ/s1600/desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AgrowHoYjB73pHf9g68gvP_0aHhw8Bh5kErtzOAK5obMS65smDUL-9GjLFUFTzn1b1PySSbArEuVInN1yY2OPp0GoepyF9_FKyUl_zOLJlxs5JacuYOWJ9pzMwEZgAfU0skPAaIrtiiQ/s320/desk.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you ever hear a sermon and think, "I should do
that" but walk out and never do anything? (Okay, have I forgotten that I
am writing to church planter wives who are rarely in a church service! Sorry.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or maybe you've read the Bible or heard truth or had an
impression that compels you to DO something? (Whenever we hear truth, there is
always a choice - do we act on it or do we ignore/do nothing about it.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday we heard a sermon about the fruit of the Spirit -
love. I felt like I should love someone when I left. (Our pastor emphasized
that we love others because God FIRST loved us - what a great motivation for
love.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But you know how life goes...you get busy with your own
stuff and the next Sunday rolls around before you think about last week's
sermon/challenge. I'm the master of good intentions - it's not that I don't
intend to follow through, I intend to, but I don't always get around to it. In fact, on top of my desk are
several books/items/cards/things that need to be mailed or taken care of. (See picture above)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For instance, I read a book and had the idea/impression to
send it to a friend that I thought could be helped by it. Days went on and it
keep staring me in the face, but I knew it meant leafing through the book and
finding the quote that I didn't mark and then writing a letter (the ultimate
follow through for me) and then taking it to the post office. Are you tired
just reading this?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, this morning, I told myself, "Self, today, you
must show love and mail that book!" And you know what, I leafed through
the book, found the quote, wrote the letter, put it in a big envelope (luckily
there was one still on my desk that I re-used) and mailed it! Now, I'm praying
that it will show this person my love and also speak to them deeply of God's
love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
And you know what I thought as I did it (a saying I used to
say to my kids came to mind), "Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?!"sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-88229709336610458842012-07-02T08:37:00.001-07:002012-07-02T08:37:02.566-07:00I'm a Grandma!!!!I'm a grandma now!!! Last Tuesday morning (July 26th) at 8:45am, William Alexander Atwood was born in Rochester, NY (weighing 7 lbs and was 21 inches long). <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv2EnY6_px156kir1cg6ZG3d4qQ44SScS2QckgIAN18f8Tzmv4iT4YiGSuzrrrvO_InKpBK0qpfBVN8u416_T4-ag_qSebqBJXtOHChnLJ5rdTMaNvnpd1qDn2DNaofd56jxXQnfAX3nU/s1600/will.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv2EnY6_px156kir1cg6ZG3d4qQ44SScS2QckgIAN18f8Tzmv4iT4YiGSuzrrrvO_InKpBK0qpfBVN8u416_T4-ag_qSebqBJXtOHChnLJ5rdTMaNvnpd1qDn2DNaofd56jxXQnfAX3nU/s320/will.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Our middle son, Nathan and his wife, Rachel became the parents of the sweetest baby in the world!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq_YdzUP84I2M22_LONitjROA-2JErItC-aR6-yP_TqfZuDISo1NMqgtmgwXj42Fvog8zgFY0nb35F79TR3OHo7u6oNraVlQD_O-jc-SmWmZIbEhcm-4ZIrhGN7RNIu1ghZeeM4ZFjZcy/s1600/nathan+and+rachel+and+will.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq_YdzUP84I2M22_LONitjROA-2JErItC-aR6-yP_TqfZuDISo1NMqgtmgwXj42Fvog8zgFY0nb35F79TR3OHo7u6oNraVlQD_O-jc-SmWmZIbEhcm-4ZIrhGN7RNIu1ghZeeM4ZFjZcy/s320/nathan+and+rachel+and+will.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Richard and I think we are really too young to be grandparents, but oh, well, we still love it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcw7MEJ9USDnRGY1c0H8StxG3ZqkqesvVkbI5MApWVe0zuMeLikJjkHV53PLlBhnrpTuo7TFdw5xDsTVlIHstdPi782e6-vyky81Rew2o_IN9shUBG37i_puuHV-Sz8ndbyd2BXCLKwpp/s1600/r+and+s+and+will.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcw7MEJ9USDnRGY1c0H8StxG3ZqkqesvVkbI5MApWVe0zuMeLikJjkHV53PLlBhnrpTuo7TFdw5xDsTVlIHstdPi782e6-vyky81Rew2o_IN9shUBG37i_puuHV-Sz8ndbyd2BXCLKwpp/s320/r+and+s+and+will.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The hard part....leaving him only two days later! <br />
<br />sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-35128597953424765432012-06-11T08:44:00.000-07:002012-06-11T08:44:06.408-07:00Balancing it all<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kEEvijTZpz6DyFGaPH3HVYUDBGMhx8iYBz74WX0wX74oEImq2FZr-Xun71baIFPvAHtpHo2CcxvHNqH5dKC9SUD8WXFlyTXUD3UqDxeaUEkC9tCDBIDgiGy4ouJhf63ifnOgvk3YPQON/s1600/juggling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kEEvijTZpz6DyFGaPH3HVYUDBGMhx8iYBz74WX0wX74oEImq2FZr-Xun71baIFPvAHtpHo2CcxvHNqH5dKC9SUD8WXFlyTXUD3UqDxeaUEkC9tCDBIDgiGy4ouJhf63ifnOgvk3YPQON/s320/juggling.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There just never seems to be enough time to do all that you need
to do. I remember writing in my journal (on more than one occasion), "I
feel pulled - pulled in so many directions. My family needs me, the church
people have so many needs, my church obligations require a lot of time, my
house looks neglected...the list could go on and on! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How can you balance all that you need to do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Judy Puckett, a former church planter's wife, offers some very
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good wife and mother is our first obligation and primary service to God (Titus
2:5). You are the only wife the pastor has, and the only mother your kids have.
Raising godly children and maintaining a happy, comfortable home for your
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one else in the church can do your job, so you must do it, and let others do
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brenda Lewis, another former church planter's wife, said that she
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like they did not have priority. In turn, as they got older, they began
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it up to them later." </i></span></div>
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our guts when it's time to pull back---but we don't always do it. Sometimes our
own expectations and/or the expectations of our husband or even what the church
people want can drive us to do too much. Brenda remembers that it was easy as church
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I'm not saying that I always get it right, but it is wise to learn
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here's some more wise advice from Judy:</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You and your
pastor/husband must decide how involved you will be in church activities. These
will depend on your spiritual gifts, your home/work obligations, and your
unique family situation (i.e., number of children, their ages, your health, and
your resources). Of course, you should attend all regular church services when
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If asked,
don’t be ashamed to politely decline other obligations. Instead of just saying,
“I don’t have time,” thank the person for his/her vote of confidence in you.
Explain that you are involved in several ministries (you may want to name them)
and that you want to do a few things well rather than try to spread yourself
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Making time for all you
need/should/could do requires much thought and prayer. I found that making a
list of what I am doing and would like to do helps me see it in black and
white. Some things may have to be crossed off permanently and some temporarily.
The list is constantly changing, so keep re-visiting it to see if what you are doing matches your priorities. I know you know all this, but sometimes it's easy to lose sight of what's most important in the thick of doing ministry. </span>sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-58228929373078702012012-05-22T21:04:00.001-07:002012-05-22T21:04:21.646-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShkMiKhRGY3v6hpTGHB56K0nTOdRTDndHoRT_NRFyFQvvRp30tbMScg3cF27MgtdY5n6XSgs1Ve6XI8HIdyDlSZzHLT3gJ4ANGOUwxboMeryOnyd3nSYdgmRjQkg55OuPFKWgUAmlSrn8/s1600/lewis+last+family+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShkMiKhRGY3v6hpTGHB56K0nTOdRTDndHoRT_NRFyFQvvRp30tbMScg3cF27MgtdY5n6XSgs1Ve6XI8HIdyDlSZzHLT3gJ4ANGOUwxboMeryOnyd3nSYdgmRjQkg55OuPFKWgUAmlSrn8/s320/lewis+last+family+pic.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
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Today I want to share the story of Brian and Melissa Lewis.
They joined the Home Mission family as associate missionaries to work as the
Family Pastor in McKinney, Texas with Randall and Colette Wright. Since that
time, they have been on an emotional/spiritual/physical roller coaster! </div>
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<br /></div>
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They started fundraising in January 2011 and on March 30th, Melissa
was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer so they suspended the move as she
went through aggressive treatment. In September 2011, she received word that the
cancer was not in remission and probably never would be so they resigned
themselves that Texas was not in their future.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In January of this year, Melissa was given a break from
chemotherapy and they decided that maybe they could still go. So Brian resigned
from his position at Oaklawn FWB Church and they started fundraising again. He
is planning to work as a teacher so he applied for a teaching job in Texas. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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As they were preparing to move, Melissa had to have
emergency gall bladder surgery and while in the hospital, they found she still
has the cancer. They just moved to a rental house today (they had to be out of
the parsonage) in Tennessee and are praying for God's guidance.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I have to tell you that it is so hard for me to understand
so much of what is happening. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Would you join me in praying for Brian and Melissa and their
family to have wisdom, guidance, and God's peace through all this?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read more about her story at her blog --- lifeasalewis.blogspot.com.
(She is a talented blogger and photographer.) </div>sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-72614094990425614452012-04-30T13:22:00.000-07:002012-04-30T13:22:44.791-07:00Eagerness<i></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i9dZ4DMdlYGC-y57_VX8pD0UfpINRc_4kovBbEqHpS1Ek06t5ml0N8wpo3i3ITaspmiOv86b3fBz5zILDAkJamMrRXkFcdWavKwc6lkrLJVy5R3e1X_f0VrcUN2B7Ys6QCnGk5IFfvLh/s1600/bible_words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i9dZ4DMdlYGC-y57_VX8pD0UfpINRc_4kovBbEqHpS1Ek06t5ml0N8wpo3i3ITaspmiOv86b3fBz5zILDAkJamMrRXkFcdWavKwc6lkrLJVy5R3e1X_f0VrcUN2B7Ys6QCnGk5IFfvLh/s400/bible_words.jpg" width="248" /></a></i></div>
<i>
As I opened my Bible this morning to read my five psalms that I start my devotions with, I was a little disappointed that Psalm 119 (with its 176 verses) was included in them. Now I'm ashamed to admit it, but it takes such a long time to read that whole Psalm - not really, but it seems like it in comparison to the others. </i><br />
<br />
<i>So I took my Bible outside and was reading it, but was sidetracked by a phone call. Then other things distracted me from reading the Bible. As I was piddling around the house, I turned on the TV and heard a man talk about being prepared for God's work. (It is so weird, but every time we turn on our TV, it comes up to this religious channel.) </i><br />
<br />
<i>Well, I listened as he mentioned that we would all probably say we are prepared for God's work, but if we aren't daily disciplining ourselves...then we really aren't. He gave the example of a boy who wanted to play basketball with them, but after five minutes of playing was sick on the sidelines because he REALLY wasn't prepared. He had not been daily disciplining himself by playing/practicing and he couldn't take it. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Conviction set in and I realized that I can be TOO haphazard about God's Word. Then I went back to Psalm 119 and one of the first verses I read was verse 36a: <i>"Give me an EAGERNESS for your laws."<b></b></i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Oh, how I need that! </i><br />
<br />
<i>I'm not writing this to make you feel guilty (as if we need MORE things to make us feel guilty), but I want to encourage you to daily prepare yourself. Walking with God in His Word daily can
make us strong and we can be ready for whatever comes our way.
<b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>Give me an EAGERNESS for your laws, God.
</b></i> Yes, I really need that!
<br />sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-59856251713564881482012-04-11T12:26:00.004-07:002012-04-11T12:34:49.374-07:00Encouraging Your Husband<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDvaOPHkAIGSS1jirLgyj62BB5rVnuMdF9uuw_quTEHb4aQnzeNcFtJCEuE-ttEY_javH6syIYJWcEGCeGxXvJJtYXNJqxQziSEoeQFpD0DLFJwKm1dnfhyphenhyphen0cy9lBOdTGrPPSgf4vHiYJ/s1600/two_cups_of_coffee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDvaOPHkAIGSS1jirLgyj62BB5rVnuMdF9uuw_quTEHb4aQnzeNcFtJCEuE-ttEY_javH6syIYJWcEGCeGxXvJJtYXNJqxQziSEoeQFpD0DLFJwKm1dnfhyphenhyphen0cy9lBOdTGrPPSgf4vHiYJ/s400/two_cups_of_coffee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730227902345704626" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What do you do when the pastor is discouraged and you just happened to be married to him?<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />I interviewed some church planters' wives and asked them some questions about ministry. I asked this question and I'd like to share some of their thoughts with you.<br /><br />Judy Puckett, veteran church planting wife, said that recognizing discouragement is important - it often displays itself as irritability and being short with you or the kids for no apparent reason. In reading the stories of Moses, Elijah, and Jonah, we see that even the strongest Christians experienced times of discouragement. She said that no one is immune from discouragement and offered some great ideas: <br /><br />Be sensitive and listen (more than you speak). “You seem to be on edge (or worried). Is something bothering you today?” Often, just allowing him to verbalize his frustration will solve the problem.<br /><br />Encourage him to do things he really enjoys doing, like a hobby, or watch a favorite TV program. Something that takes his mind off his problems may help him to de-stress.<br /><br />Keep quiet about other issues, needs, chores, and problems until a better time.<br /><br />Meet his physical needs. Be loving by giving him a back rub or some other physical touch. Make his favorite foods. A little comfort food goes a long way. <br /><br />Enlist help if the discouragement persists. <br /><br />Brenda Lewis, another veteran church planting wife agreed and shared that increasing her prayers for her husband seems to help. She even prays that God will help her know what to do and direct her to scriptures that might help. She agrees that being together (they drink a lot of coffee together) and just talking helps. She's found that when one is down, the other is up and can often encourage the other. <br /><br />There are many ups and downs when planting a church. Inevitably, our church planting husbands will get down - sometimes after a big victory. A little extra TLC can be just what they need!sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-29227411218958815272012-03-02T17:18:00.015-08:002012-03-02T18:07:43.792-08:00Ladies Day at the Home Mission 2012 Summit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9W869rQISVyZXDQsh6bhR9XoWl895PsaVdkh4lv8rJBQ4vl4a05KlneaemWoKv2AJxu82ZdzlwPMKdmtU4V-BVfzZ0pkcsOLjLsTyHSsdBOL_kdPkNVaBnFN2qTmqWKej19wtJeSzTld-/s1600/P1010078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9W869rQISVyZXDQsh6bhR9XoWl895PsaVdkh4lv8rJBQ4vl4a05KlneaemWoKv2AJxu82ZdzlwPMKdmtU4V-BVfzZ0pkcsOLjLsTyHSsdBOL_kdPkNVaBnFN2qTmqWKej19wtJeSzTld-/s400/P1010078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715483372830357330" /></a><br /><br /><br />The theme for the Ladies Day at the Home Mission Summit on February 29, 2012 was <span style="font-style:italic;">If Shoes Could Talk</span>. What would your shoes say? <br /><br />Wanda Powell and Ida Lewis decorated the tables with shoe arrangements...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQndlkXZzFdSi4ll0xoBgMvFl4OkOxrp1xCrz6Ro63W3P97Rn0AZ8jU6ACJMkBfrnhn4hLKGKHSX_TvWfzxjNf99EiIH0XOZsNCPYVUEQBfcR8xNDqe8_rdHSxvTMKqYTa5G6IJSk_AdtB/s1600/P1010067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQndlkXZzFdSi4ll0xoBgMvFl4OkOxrp1xCrz6Ro63W3P97Rn0AZ8jU6ACJMkBfrnhn4hLKGKHSX_TvWfzxjNf99EiIH0XOZsNCPYVUEQBfcR8xNDqe8_rdHSxvTMKqYTa5G6IJSk_AdtB/s400/P1010067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715483267215007314" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva7CPRhkHCUy99o6CE1NquttvNAeB5fV-cITyczhmmFnImXUmaKHf1emfh6SIbfSgzbpdLPYut5vT-BwYn4Qf7U3XxOV_WEME-6pSSvkeNdUASgAlWjMAcv0C8YNBVvdrc9rJw0YqW1HY/s1600/P1010076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva7CPRhkHCUy99o6CE1NquttvNAeB5fV-cITyczhmmFnImXUmaKHf1emfh6SIbfSgzbpdLPYut5vT-BwYn4Qf7U3XxOV_WEME-6pSSvkeNdUASgAlWjMAcv0C8YNBVvdrc9rJw0YqW1HY/s400/P1010076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715483153179077682" /></a><br /><br />Wanda Powell welcomed the women and showed the first pair of heels that her husband bought her the first Christmas they were married. They are still cute and in style!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ecm3oNHQyPV-ITkMOUfz-qQgK7zLKlRmKYZEbOV9nJG7pPmuDibaGJHEKxg_Nb_yxmNYcZt1QV8rSj6WCaLQsrUBG-upj-WpUqydZM_0JXW4so-M0cVE7OMWtKrX_IPF5TQ2y6AnIYtG/s1600/P1010086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ecm3oNHQyPV-ITkMOUfz-qQgK7zLKlRmKYZEbOV9nJG7pPmuDibaGJHEKxg_Nb_yxmNYcZt1QV8rSj6WCaLQsrUBG-upj-WpUqydZM_0JXW4so-M0cVE7OMWtKrX_IPF5TQ2y6AnIYtG/s400/P1010086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715483046048246546" /></a><br /><br />Sandy Atwood did a short skit emphasizing the need to be ourselves - and not always trying to fill someone else's shoes. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pJzt7crv2KtawHgixRknTfIDmj_QRjdqCZZ3fJXJe5h1du3stdsKPagQ391xgd8y8V5NtJh-SZNFGlzT-YUJV7V4020CFgzgI56cfW5SfqErCrGeYC7rUoSh5LHDTshnJgh8TsRk5Mbo/s1600/P1010066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pJzt7crv2KtawHgixRknTfIDmj_QRjdqCZZ3fJXJe5h1du3stdsKPagQ391xgd8y8V5NtJh-SZNFGlzT-YUJV7V4020CFgzgI56cfW5SfqErCrGeYC7rUoSh5LHDTshnJgh8TsRk5Mbo/s400/P1010066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715482935579188882" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuuHZppimO5UWK387MzcN7jVYGy5tpzfg53fEsx0o5k_kgWjP6uL_U0K5kWVyDCyS2ab-213yBtwiD8VidUu-slwlQl_UCu9q56U6cv9GaKV0_1Fo5-lCvv5z5wbkfDnLWr3vQ0JPsVgY/s1600/P1010096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuuHZppimO5UWK387MzcN7jVYGy5tpzfg53fEsx0o5k_kgWjP6uL_U0K5kWVyDCyS2ab-213yBtwiD8VidUu-slwlQl_UCu9q56U6cv9GaKV0_1Fo5-lCvv5z5wbkfDnLWr3vQ0JPsVgY/s400/P1010096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715482800599592674" /></a><br /><br />Debbie Burden challenged us to put on the shoes of the gospel of peace and be ready to share it with others. She even told us we had "beautiful feet"!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3At2a_O3A7Z9LR6sQDQyqZrkkhh4-Fne9nNFKi2kNp6lTMYF78bZL9EtiyabbyWLsJ9SbjBrseRUimoEjFvWenX-CzkPU_NY-Gq1UfxSF2Lolr2_BzMEfFK03Ur-xM52QbfPmaBg63FVG/s1600/P1010104.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3At2a_O3A7Z9LR6sQDQyqZrkkhh4-Fne9nNFKi2kNp6lTMYF78bZL9EtiyabbyWLsJ9SbjBrseRUimoEjFvWenX-CzkPU_NY-Gq1UfxSF2Lolr2_BzMEfFK03Ur-xM52QbfPmaBg63FVG/s400/P1010104.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715482675282893506" /></a><br /><br />Here are some pictures of the lovely ladies attending...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDnZUIGg3AcKAt2KEOyULzufq8OjcveUUDG_IMBhSP-zfXxFIy2MRqZU-BOjfIESHSCJysggVgpbKHSgdqAKPkz3TEVwuKyCb_UwUDZbeTc8V9dqkuQZc-WdTA6aJE4dDCA1yLRoeBhGy/s1600/P1010087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDnZUIGg3AcKAt2KEOyULzufq8OjcveUUDG_IMBhSP-zfXxFIy2MRqZU-BOjfIESHSCJysggVgpbKHSgdqAKPkz3TEVwuKyCb_UwUDZbeTc8V9dqkuQZc-WdTA6aJE4dDCA1yLRoeBhGy/s400/P1010087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715482138543193570" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTeOek-qF3S0e3JYDMu1mmuhbvehfGcRYjSkDJ5T2u1IK8Ss1-PSe4OiqbjzJrA_Vy1pKr8-yLuStHLFTAcdbubjd7jLzvEdyh5PhdJ-SEK9cecLpTIC2j0W9VfnSqV0LCW0EDtZjQsNA/s1600/P1010088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTeOek-qF3S0e3JYDMu1mmuhbvehfGcRYjSkDJ5T2u1IK8Ss1-PSe4OiqbjzJrA_Vy1pKr8-yLuStHLFTAcdbubjd7jLzvEdyh5PhdJ-SEK9cecLpTIC2j0W9VfnSqV0LCW0EDtZjQsNA/s400/P1010088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715482012772029618" /></a><br /><br />Teresa Womack and Ida Lewis made a purse for each one - there was a surprise in each one. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5e-8oMX7a3qfHPpFb-L9xdg7zNjWdqDNZ4zhJxySN4kQtjMMBbNVM8wUhyphenhyphenj_bka2LsB8YUFZp_KitELOq1bpT0BvBawQBQ0g65WoTXAm3xBGIrmLXh_BB_aNe59h7VnW_VCJRMH0N9Ml/s1600/P1010077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5e-8oMX7a3qfHPpFb-L9xdg7zNjWdqDNZ4zhJxySN4kQtjMMBbNVM8wUhyphenhyphenj_bka2LsB8YUFZp_KitELOq1bpT0BvBawQBQ0g65WoTXAm3xBGIrmLXh_BB_aNe59h7VnW_VCJRMH0N9Ml/s400/P1010077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715481882004542322" /></a><br /><br />We laughed, shared ideas, listened, prayed, and enjoyed being together!sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-87788395556698573302012-02-20T12:32:00.003-08:002012-02-20T12:50:34.157-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpZks4yoziBqvW1Wk_f_BxpPktD4Pvl3lrmBq1-YZ2S3Ao56-H5BTIUpIq_T2z12ADVdV2gKJtbyajX3OGTJdAmTVDJzE4aEpCTMH8JHLV1Vs5sc3U8wFvChxIcsBHcPWwp8Y8WinBpd5/s1600/A_Woman_Reading_Her_Bible_and_Praying_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_091209-201857-452009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpZks4yoziBqvW1Wk_f_BxpPktD4Pvl3lrmBq1-YZ2S3Ao56-H5BTIUpIq_T2z12ADVdV2gKJtbyajX3OGTJdAmTVDJzE4aEpCTMH8JHLV1Vs5sc3U8wFvChxIcsBHcPWwp8Y8WinBpd5/s400/A_Woman_Reading_Her_Bible_and_Praying_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_091209-201857-452009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711320625554057890" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />How can you keep your time with God alive, fervent and meaningful? </span><br /><br />It is so easy to let it drift into routine or even neglect it through busy-ness or other seemingly urgent things. It is easy for our hearts to get cold and even indifferent.<br /><br />First, we must first recognize that there is a problem if there is no desire to spend time with God. We must pray and ask God to put a desire in our hearts to spend time with Him each day. That is the beginning point. <br /><br />I love this quote by George McDonald. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">“If I felt my heart as hard as a stone; if I did not love God or man or woman or child; <br />I would say to God in my heart, “O God, see how I trust You because You are perfect and not changeable like me. I do not love You. I love nobody. I am not even sorry for it.<br />You see how much I need You to come close to me, to put Your arm around me, to say to me, ‘My child.” For the worse my state, the greater my need of my Father who loves me.<br />Come to me, and my day will dawn; my love will come back, and I shall love You, my God.”<br /></span><br />Second, we must make it a priority. Judy Puckett, a former church planter's wife says, "There is NO substitute for personal time with God. If you do not invest time in your spiritual walk with Christ, it will soon become apparent to everyone. You will lack the knowledge and depth you need to teach your children and others. You will lack the maturity to handle problems that are sure to arise in your church or in your family. You will lack the biblical worldview and guidance you need for life skills. And most importantly, you will lack the stability and joy that sustains you in difficult times. You can have all this by spending time in prayer and the Word." <br /><br />Third, we must have a plan. We don't have to pray an hour a day, but having a planned time each day can help us follow through on what we know is right. Shortly after we were married, I noticed that the first thing my husband did was read his Bible. Some days I did, some days I didn't. After months of failure, I realized that I needed a better plan. I decided that I wouldn't read anything else BEFORE I read the Bible (magazine, other books, email, etc.). Some may think that is legalistic, but it has given me a good habit that pushes me to do what I know I need to do. <br /><br />I try different things to keep my time with God fresh. I'll share one that has helped me. Often when I'm reading my Bible or praying, my mind begins to wander. Writing down my prayers, a praise thought about God, or something I got from the Bible helps me focus. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How do you keep your time with God meaningful? </span><br /><br />Would you share what helps you keep your time with God fresh? Share a comment/idea below and I will choose one response and send you a $20 gift certificate to Amazon - so you can buy a devotional book or music or whatever you like to spur you on. <br /><br />I know sometimes I may sound like a broken record because I write about this a lot. I really feel this is where we won or lose the battle for victory even in the smallest areas of our life. There is strength and power and love and guidance and all that we need... waiting for us. I need all the help I can get!sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-19908576946666897902012-01-31T13:22:00.000-08:002012-01-31T13:31:23.350-08:00Phone a Friend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18dBjF7KJliN5m1dUmPSzwEAHCTVn9Cv66Oub5dK8hoCX6ONe2kwNWRaF4W5C_QIqbmfSQwxdOf-7NVKKgDBIxMq4_D30396_YaH_bFMCp58qem2YHEf7SmC2Xh7W5zeGKSLH0cyQ1xyy/s1600/telephone+blue.svg.med.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18dBjF7KJliN5m1dUmPSzwEAHCTVn9Cv66Oub5dK8hoCX6ONe2kwNWRaF4W5C_QIqbmfSQwxdOf-7NVKKgDBIxMq4_D30396_YaH_bFMCp58qem2YHEf7SmC2Xh7W5zeGKSLH0cyQ1xyy/s400/telephone+blue.svg.med.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703911173138421666" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Who do you call (outside your family) when you have a big need or question about life/ministry? <br /><br />Do you have other women you can call that have (probably) been where you are and can offer words of encouragement? <br /><br />Do you women who can speak truth to you so you can continue to change and grow?<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />I remember feeling isolated and worn out in ministry. That doesn't mean you don't love God or love people. We all feel discouraged and need others to just listen and reassure us that yes, this will pass...God will work...you are not crazy...you will make it. And we need others to help us see where we can grow. Being in relationship with others and learning from them can help us see new ways to think and minister.<br /><br />Recently my daughter asked to interview me as a part of her training with Campus Crusade. She asked me five questions about ministry and we had a meaningful spiritual conversation. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">1. Describe for me one of your best years of ministry? What factors contributed to that being one of the best?<br />2. What unwelcomed assignments or experiences actually helped you grow and develop in ways for which you are now grateful?<br />3. Describe for me your relationship with a mentor of yours?<br />4. What have you done to remain clear about God's call on your life? Describe for me a time you doubted you where the Lord desired for you to serve? How did you move past that time?<br />5. Describe for me a time when you really had to live by faith or step out in faith to do what God was asking you to do?</span><br /><br />I know personally that I don't have enough spiritual conversations with people and I want that to change. It seems we talk about food, the weather, the kids, etc. but not much about God and growing. I know we are all busy, so how can do more of this?<br /><br />This year in the blog, I am interviewing church planter's wives who have been where you have been and can hopefully shed some light/encouragement/perspective to you. I am really going to write more often (pinky promise!) and hopefully we can build a community of caring women who can ask honest questions and get real encouragement. <br /><br />In the meantime, why not phone (or facebook or email or visit) a pastor's wife and ask her one or two of the questions listed above? It may start a friendship that will be just what you need to grow and change this year.sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-24797889837685265242012-01-14T08:23:00.000-08:002012-01-14T08:33:32.372-08:00Good news! A baby!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1EhLUodrhtOQ-Ad1IAyFBEa8vQUtBlz22o7Sm-h6fLEs1OFZaKiWl0Ntme0yJVrmfJglH3bbAVmfnYPQAB2TFSBdwYBbgz0GIna1dhnhtdJ2VMoxSxMepNVUeNWjv1yCSrGVYtByDOxB/s1600/baby.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 363px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1EhLUodrhtOQ-Ad1IAyFBEa8vQUtBlz22o7Sm-h6fLEs1OFZaKiWl0Ntme0yJVrmfJglH3bbAVmfnYPQAB2TFSBdwYBbgz0GIna1dhnhtdJ2VMoxSxMepNVUeNWjv1yCSrGVYtByDOxB/s400/baby.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697525585391385090" /></a><br />Our son, Nathan and his wife, Rachel who live in New York, couldn't be here for Christmas, so they came this past weekend. The first morning they were here, they brought a beautifully wrapped package to the breakfast table. I opened it and was DELIGHTED to see the picture above. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>I AM GOING TO BE A GRANDMA!!!! <br /><br />I've heard so much about being one - it's so fun, it's better than having your own kids, it's like falling in love over again, it's great to spoil them and send them home...I can't wait to love on and spoil this little one. It's hard to keep good news to yourself!sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-71414736543630653612011-12-22T19:18:00.000-08:002011-12-22T19:19:57.600-08:00Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas!!!!! <br /><br />I haven't written in awhile, but a major overhaul of the blog is coming in January - hang on to your hats!sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-57316291017274573842011-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:002011-09-15T10:38:08.313-07:00Caring... but setting limitsWe've recently visited different church planters and I was taken aback to hear about all the problems of the people they minister to. How do you minister to troubled people day after day and not just get overwhelmed by it all? <br /><br />We all want to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world, but how do you balance helping people without letting their problems affect you and your family? Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to that problem, but I see it as one that needs to be thought about and addressed. <br /><br />My first thought is that we are tempted to not care or get involved with people and their problems. I remember my mom saying when we would leave to drive 1000 miles to the town where we ministered, "I think people who don't care are better off - then it wouldn't hurt so bad when you leave." She didn't really believe that, but that sentiment can be a temptation for us. People have messy lives and it can just be easier to deal with people on a superficial basis and never get close enough to hear about or get involved with their problems. <br /><br />Since that's not really an answer, how can we care and yet keep our sanity? We do a lot of flying and I think I've practically memorized the flight attendant's speech. ("In the event of a loss of cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will drop from above. If you are traveling with a child or someone else needing assistance, place your mask on first, before helping others.") I think this is a good first principle. Our first priority has to be caring for ourselves. This may sound selfish, but we really can't help others if we are not healthy ourselves. Each person has to decide what that looks like, but it is easy to get so absorbed in people's problems that we neglect ourselves and our families. We have to fill ourselves with the right things or there will be nothing to give to others when it is needed. <br /><br />Connected to caring for oneself is setting limits. There will always be more people to help; more problems to solve; more needs that could be met. Even though Jesus knew He only had 3 years to accomplish His mission, He never seemed rushed or stressed. He knew when to retreat and pray; when to pull away and rest. Are you on the phone for 30 minutes with a needy person while your family is left waiting at the dinner table? What time have you set aside for rest and pleasure? It's difficult because people's problems can't always be scheduled, but giving with no limits is not wise.<br /><br />When people come to you with huge problems, what can you do? Recognize that God is the ultimate answer to their needs. Yes, sometimes they do need a listening ear or a bag of groceries or guidance, but we can only do so much. We must point them to the ONE who can help them. That means praying with them and asking God for His wisdom. Helping them find guidance in His Word. <br /><br />When I find myself overwhelmed with the desperate needs of others (lying awake at 3 am), I hand it over to God. I tell Him that I'm willing to do what I can, but I cannot fix every problem. Even if I did know what to do, sometimes people are not ready or willing to do what they must do to change things.<br /><br />This is a complicated issue - probably too long for this blog. But I'm concerned that many of you carry heavy burdens and they may be weighing you down. What do YOU do when people come to you with their burdens?sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-86389022663695078542011-07-25T06:41:00.000-07:002011-07-25T06:45:54.284-07:00Finding focus/faithIt's been a while....<br /><br />Honestly, where do the days go?!!<br /><br />I was feeling a little (actually, a lot) overwhelmed this morning as I was making my weekly to-do list. (I feel that way most weeks.) I won't bore you with my list, but I realized that my first focus this morning was on my lists. Instead of starting my day out with prayer and Bible reading, I went straight to the list-making (several lists for several things coming up). <br /><br />I write curriculum and today's assignment is about having faith. As I pondered how to introduce/explain/apply faith, I realized that faith is a daily issue. It is not just for the big issues we face, but for keeping our focus and trust where we need it...in the only One who can really help us. The people who went to Jesus for their problems found help when they needed it. It's all about who (or what) we depend on - ourselves, our lists, our family or friends, etc. Going to God doesn't always change the circumstances (although sometimes it does), but it does change us. When I shift my focus to God, I am filled with peace and help.<br /><br />So instead of list-making/worrying/planning FIRST, I will go to God FIRST! (Then I will trust Him to help me do what is most important and do the other things as I can.)sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-54256211443120944262011-06-13T08:17:00.000-07:002011-06-13T08:40:37.246-07:00Finding leaders<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFgTcV0H7hdHCFHUKTANWtZxIC5f3lXY_Og9i2jWs53nxYzBtqpyrHyN1Z_hx7vIg5PQbz5FGI-09XnmHQce8qAphE0pa2vukHCjyaKdivVAPhmlnVS0QkWrr_wZIyA02KFJTQA-wfJ2J/s1600/follow_the_leader+-+fish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFgTcV0H7hdHCFHUKTANWtZxIC5f3lXY_Og9i2jWs53nxYzBtqpyrHyN1Z_hx7vIg5PQbz5FGI-09XnmHQce8qAphE0pa2vukHCjyaKdivVAPhmlnVS0QkWrr_wZIyA02KFJTQA-wfJ2J/s400/follow_the_leader+-+fish.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617728225192430562" /></a><br />I mentioned in the last blog that I would talk about finding and discipling leaders. How do you find people who can become leaders that can help others? If you are doing all the discipling, your ministry or church can't grow very big. We need others to join us in this great adventure who will help care for and disciple new and young believers. <br /><br />Some qualities that I look for: <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Spiritual desire <span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>--- What does that mean exactly? Well, it's not just one thing, but they need to be a person with a desire to grow. They are on the lookout for ways to learn, help, serve, and share their faith. They think, "God is bringing me opportunities every day." Those kind of people can inspire others.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Outward thinkers<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> --- Are they thinking of others or is it all about ME? Some people are inwardly focused, always wanting attention for themselves. They are easily hurt if they don't get the credit they think they deserve. Invest your time in someone who has a healthy self-image and genuinely cares for other people. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Good people skills<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> --- Are they easy to get along with? Are they fun? Would you want to hang out with them? Jesus came to give us life to the fullest. (John 10:10) People want to be with others who enjoy life.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dependable<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> - Can you count on them? This may be more important than any of the other qualities. I've met many talented people, but you couldn't count on them to follow through. They forgot, they meant to, they want to, they would love to...but they never seem to get around to it. <br /><br />There are probably a lot more, but to me, these are some of the most important. Another good question to ask ourselves is: Am I person with these qualities? We can all grow to be leaders who will inspire other leaders who will....sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465274721325950855.post-59553172549286868802011-05-08T04:42:00.000-07:002011-05-08T05:12:01.128-07:00Helping Others Do It<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUoSkfR3CKsFPT4yyItgoSbkdPVdlgkLVg-wmGmdj42mF1U9HRX2xS8-Q0AS0gbz-ByDWveS6LMZv_tQIohDp6ADAVjA561D0g97anPsQvpn3yy97cXwLW1Mni41oHfzp7vPZwpD6MYiG/s1600/cooking+together.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUoSkfR3CKsFPT4yyItgoSbkdPVdlgkLVg-wmGmdj42mF1U9HRX2xS8-Q0AS0gbz-ByDWveS6LMZv_tQIohDp6ADAVjA561D0g97anPsQvpn3yy97cXwLW1Mni41oHfzp7vPZwpD6MYiG/s400/cooking+together.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604316771251665010" /></a><br /><br />One of the biggest needs we found in church planting was finding and developing leaders. It takes intentional thought and investing in others so they can become leaders who will care about and invest in others, who will care about and invest in others, who will... This is sort of the idea Paul had when he told Timothy to commit the things he had learned to others, who would teach others, who would... (2 Timothy 2:2)<br /><br />One of the best ways I've found to do this is really a very simple way - modeling. In the beginning of church planting, I tried to do too much of it myself - not wanting to burden others. This was not the best way. When I invited others to help me, I found that they were learning and being discipled at the same time. <br /><br />Recently, I attended a conference and heard Jon Ferguson share how they develop leaders at his church (apprentices, they call them, because it carries the idea of doing - not just learning). It's quite a simple method and will help you help others do it. <br /><br />I do; You watch; We talk<br />I do; You help; We talk<br />You do; I help; We talk<br />You do; I watch; We talk<br />You do; Someone else watches; You talk<br /><br />You can use this method training your children to do chores or training someone to lead a small group or teach a class. The talk part is important, as this is where help and real growth can take place. A few questions to ask ---<br />• <span style="font-style:italic;">What worked? <br />• What didn't work? <br />• How can we do it better?</span> <br /><br />I'd love to hear how you train leaders or how you best learned. More on how to find and disciple leaders in the next blog....soon.sandy atwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810492187666416908noreply@blogger.com0