Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Aline's Gift


Dear Ladies:

I posted this on our church's blog for our Women's Ministries at my home church. I hope you are working on reaching your goals this year for Aline's Gift. Remember you only have a few weeks to get your monies in for credit this year. Hoping you have a wonderful Christmas!

Hugs,
LaDonna Jones
Section 13 Rep.


Hi Ladies!
Merry Christmas! Hope you are staying warm! It is SO COLD for us Floridians! I covered my plants last night hoping that they don't freeze and die!

My mother-in-law who lives in Virginia said they just don't bother with that up there! Normally, I wouldn't either, but I had just planted some new plants in my flower garden in October when the weather was in the 80's and I sure don't want to lose them already!

I just wanted to report to you that we've done really well between the Silent Basket Auction and Bake Sale. With these two fund-raisers our final total is $1825.20! We are so close to making our goal of $2000.00 this year!

Miss Sue is working on a little project and will probably send more monies in to help towards our goal! Yay!!!!

If God speaks to your heart, would you make a donation towards this before the end of the year? We must send our monies in before the year ends.

Thank you so much for your help and with us working together I know we can do it!

To God Be the Glory!

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna Jones
Women of Worth Director
Gulf Coast Assembly of God

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Seven Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

This is an excellent article from the Assemblies of God National Women's Ministries Department. I hope you'll read these suggestions and apply them to your lives during this busy Christmas season.

Hugs,

LaDonna

Release unrealistic expectations and rediscover what you really love about Christmas.

How many different kinds of cookies and candies must we make? Does every room have to be decorated? Must we attend every holiday function? What if we did less and enjoyed what we chose to do more? Rediscover what you love about Christmas and release the rest.

Evaluate current resources (time, money and energy) and establish limits.

Everyone has a limited supply of time, money, and energy, all of which vary from year to year. Our schedules must be realistic and sane. Is it wise to go in debt for Christmas? What do we want to model for our children? Crazed spending and an irrational flurry of unending activities will leave us empty, exhausted, disappointed and perhaps even depressed.

Enjoy the simple things—the small, often overlooked ordinary moments.

Some of the most wonderful holiday blessings are not written on our calendars or wrapped under the tree. Many joys are found in the unexpected, unplanned moments: a phone call to a family member we haven’t seen in a long time, popping corn and playing games on the floor with the kids, or a cup of coffee with a friend. If we are alert, many ordinary moments and small blessings can fill our hearts with joy.

Observe and honor your own personal need for rest and renewal.

Frayed nerves and short fuses are sure signs we aren’t honoring our own needs. When holidays leave us exhausted, something is wrong. You know best what you need most to renew your body and soul, so seek out small doses of healthy self-care.

Initiate change purposefully and prayerfully.

Think through areas of possible change in advance, and ask for the input of other immediate family members. Avoid knee-jerk reactions. God reminds us in Scripture to ask Him for wisdom. Sift and sort with divine assistance.

Consider your options for handling difficult people and situations; then act instead of reacting.

Christmas has a way of bringing up unresolved issues with family members. Stressed relationships don’t magically disappear just because the calendar says December 25. How will we respond to hurtful, immature or difficult people in our families? We may need to address an issue with someone before the holidays. We may need to set a boundary around a particular situation. Remember, we cannot change others but we can change ourselves and how we handle situations.

Embrace only meaningful traditions and eliminate burdensome customs.

Family traditions have the potential to give continuity and stability to our lives if they are indeed meaningful. Other traditions no longer important to us need to be eliminated. For many, changing holiday customs can be painful and guilt-inducing. It’s okay to allow traditions to change over time. If we persist in making wise choices for our families and ourselves, our choices have the potential for healing and freedom.

Check out the information below!

Our Web site is now live! Level 1, titled “For Every Woman,” is free and features resources, advice and guidance for today’s woman. Level 2, titled “Inspiring Every Woman,” is free and offers resources to help you create a ministry tailored for every woman in your church and community. And in keeping with our vision for you and every other Christian woman to be equipped to minister within your circle of influence, we have created Level 3, a membership area that provides online training and resources! You will receive a one-year membership for $29.99, with new units being added every three weeks. Join today!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Thanksgiving: The Forgotten Holiday

By Candy Arrington

Sandwiched somewhere between Halloween and Christmas is a Thursday holiday that is slowly becoming more miniscule in the minds of millions of Americans—Thanksgiving. If you search hard, you might find one small section of Thanksgiving cards, autumn decorations, and a turkey platter amid the aisles and miles of Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, and toys.

For some, Thanksgiving is a day to get a list together prior to a day of marathon Christmas shopping. Somehow our perception of Thanksgiving Day has gone askew. We’ve forgotten the reason for celebration that first Thanksgiving. Gratitude for survival!

Historically we think of Thanksgiving as a time of feasting for the Pilgrims and Indians. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had been in America less than a year. During those months, over half their original population died from disease or starvation. The Pilgrims hosted the first feast not to try out their latest recipes, but to celebrate life with their Indian friends and give thanks to God for

His provision in difficult circumstances. Perhaps you’d like to redirect your family toward gratitude this year. Just as many enlist the help of an advent wreath to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth in December, focus on thanks-giving this November by doing the following:

Week 1 – Write Bible verses that name the attributes of God on fruit-shaped cut-outs. Place them in a basket or cornucopia. During a time of family devotions or at a meal, have each family member select a fruit from the basket and read the verse aloud. Then discuss ways your family has experienced each of God’s qualities.

Week 2 – Think about reasons for ingratitude. Most of us are incredibly blessed, yet we find reasons to complain. This week, any time family members complain about something, have them place money in a jar. Your family can decide the amount. Then at the end of the week, donate the money to the soup kitchen or mobile meals to help with Thanksgiving meals.

Week 3 – Think of someone you love and appreciate, but rarely see. Make plans to call, send a card, or visit that person. Find out if there is a special need, pray with the person, and provide materially or with an act of service.

Week 4 – Focus on praising God. Let each family member select a praise chorus or hymn. Sing a different one at each meal instead of saying a blessing. Thank God for material provision, physical health, spiritual blessings, our country, our church, and family.

These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Use your creativity to come up with others and enjoy making Thanksgiving a holiday to remember.
© Candy Arrington. Used with permission. Check out Candy’s Web site at www.CandyArrington.com.

Friday, October 29, 2010

"Moving on Up" Inspire Conference


Dear Ladies,

I'd like to make you aware of my dear friend Sandy Phinazee's event she is hosting in February 2011 at the Florida Mall Hotel in Orlando. She has awesome speakers lined up. I'd like to encourage you that are able to be a part of that weekend! See the details below and check on the link for further information.

Hugs,
LaDonna

http://www.inspireconference.org

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Stronger Than My Strength

Today I'm featuring a wonderful article that is so timely for many these days. It comes from the National Women's Ministries department of the Assemblies of God. I hope you are ministered today from it!

Hugs,
LaDonna



Stronger Than My Strength

By Maricela Hernandez

Her eyes spoke more than her words. Everything was calm when, all of a sudden, the sophisticated hospital machinery sounded the alarm. In an instant, the room was filled with nurses and assistants who came to my mother’s aid. I couldn’t do anything to improve my mother’s condition. Though I couldn’t comprehend all that was happening, I knew death could be imminent. Cancer was taking over. But even though she was in pain, she was not upset nor questioning God—she was simply waiting on Him.

I looked at her with loving eyes, and believed she was healing. Of course, I was seeing her with the eyes of faith. I understood that though her external body was deteriorating daily, her spirit was preparing for her encounter with God. Then God showed me a more profound truth about divine healing: His “maximum healing” goes farther than the physical limits and into eternity. That is when God decides to heal us once and for all—not just a temporal healing, but an eternal one.

Dear friend in ministry, the enemy wants us to think that God has failed us when our prayers are not answered the way we want, especially when we are in need of physical healing. We feel that since we serve God in preaching and teaching His Word, we ought to be in perfect health. When we are sick, we think God is obliged to heal us the minute we ask Him to do so.

But God works in mysterious ways. Even the Apostle Paul had to learn to wait on the Lord and depend wholeheartedly on His grace, as evidenced in 2 Corinthians 12:8–10: “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it [a thorn in the flesh] away from me. But he said to me: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (NIV).

In this difficult time, I was able to learn a prayer I had not previously conceived: “Lord, let my love for you be stronger than my strength.” I observed my mother losing her physical strength, but not her strength to love God. Even on her deathbed, she asked me to give her tithe and her missionary offering from her last disability check. Her financial faithfulness was a living testimony of her love for God.

I thank God for allowing me to be with my mother during her last days. I learned many profound spiritual lessons, but the one I cherish the most is the prayer she taught me as she prepared for her encounter with God: “When my strength wears out, when things don’t go right, Lord, let my love for you be stronger than my strength.”

MARICELA H. HERNANDEZ is a dynamic and inspirational speaker. She served as senior pastor of Templo Paraiso in Sullivan City, Texas (1995-2004). Alongside her husband, Rev. Rafael Hernandez Jr., they planted Family Christian Center in Penitas, Texas, which they presently pastor. Maricela is the founder of Women of Fire Ministries, a Bible school and mentoring internship program. She holds a BA in Secondary Education and is presently pursuing a Masters in Theology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Web site is now live! Level 1, titled “For Every Woman,” is free and features resources, advice and guidance for today’s woman. Level 2, titled “Inspiring Every Woman,” is free and offers resources to help you create a ministry tailored for every woman in your church and community. And in keeping with our vision for you and every other Christian woman to be equipped to minister within your circle of influence, we have created Level 3, a membership area that provides online training and resources! You will receive a one-year membership for $29.99, with new units being added every three weeks. Join today!

This e-newsletter is a supplement to For Every Woman, ministry to women of the Assemblies of God.

The work of the National Women's Department is funded through the generosity of women like you! Your financial support makes these e-newsletters possible. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to fund this important ministry. Thank you for your donation, which will help minister to every woman and help every woman find a place of ministry.

© 2010 National Women's Department

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Why Is There Color?



This entry today is from RBC Ministries Devotion for October 12th
by David H. Roper

I found this very interesting. I really miss Fall living in Florida now, so we try to make the best of it by decorating. Thank goodness we are enjoying less humidity and somewhat cooler temps this week than the brutal summer we just went through.

Hugs,
LaDonna

Read: Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. —Psalm 19:1
Bible in a year:
Isaiah 39-40; Colossians 4

Why do some trees turn into a collage of radiant maroon, red, orange, and yellow colors in the fall? Trees are green in the summer because chlorophyll, a green pigment in the leaves, absorbs red and blue light from the sun. The light reflected from the leaves appears green to our eyes.

Chlorophyll is an unstable substance, and bright sunlight causes it to decompose rapidly. Therefore, plants must continuously synthesize and regenerate it. The shortening days and cool nights of autumn, however, interfere with this process. As chlorophyll breaks down, the green colors of the leaves begin to fade. Some trees change from green to bright yellow as the chlorophyll degrades. In others, the action of sugar in the leaves creates a red pigment, causing the leaves to turn maroon, purple, and bright red as the chlorophyll fades.

But why do we have color? It seems to serve no practical purpose—at least none that scientists can discern. And why are there photoreceptors in our eyes that enable us to see it?

I believe that God’s goodness is the point of His creation. He is “good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Ps. 145:9). He colored the world for our childlike delight. He’s like that, you know.

God, the engineer of all creation,
Spoke the word, and beauty was begun,
Then He gave to us His great salvation
Through the sacrifice of His own Son. —Hess
God’s glory shines through His creation.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Bring It Conference





This weekend I had the pleasure of attending "Bring It" a Pen-Florida District Women's event at the Omni Championsgate in Kississimme. It was a beautiful property with Golf course, pool,lazy river, and spa. The room was quite comfortable and tastefully decorated.

Rita Springer led worship which was just incredible! I love the songs she's written "Worth It all" and "I have to believe". Both are great songs to encourage the body of Christ that they can and will make it with the Lord's help in their time of trials.

Our Women's Director for Pen-Florida Marsha Woolley and gave a powerful word on Thursday evening!

Dr.Medina Pullings from Richmond, Virginia brought the house down on Friday evening and Saturday morning. I had never heard of her or sat under her ministry. I really appreciated her preaching. She moved powerfully in the gifts of prophecy and word of knowledge.

I also attended a workshop by Tina Blount, one of our women's ministries reps. She is a gifted speaker and writer. She really confirmed things in me God has spoken to me. Especially earlier in the week. I just pray that I am obedient in what He's asking of me.

The whole weekend was truly the best I've ever been to and involved in. Even though I was tired physically, my spirit man was refreshed. It was such a blessing to sit under these ministries.

One more note; YOU ladies of section 13 did it again! We won first place for having the most ladies attending the conference. I was surprised! but thrilled! So, thank you ladies and women's ministries leaders for a job well done!

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna

Monday, September 27, 2010

The following is a green, sneak preview of Kim’s upcoming sermon series “She Will Be Loved.”

Today I wanted to feature my youngest daughter, Kimberly. She is talented in expressing herself in writing and speaking. Her dad and I think she is a beautiful young woman. I hope you enjoy her entry today.

Hugs,
LaDonna


September 25, 2010

It’s hard being single. I’m 25 years old and there are no prospects in my life right now. I don’t date. I don’t want to compromise this gift of virginity to my husband in any way. I watch as most of the people I keep in touch with from high school and college are all married and happy. I feel like Jane in the movie 27 Dresses. I have three bridesmaid dresses in my closet and counting. Waiting is painful.

I’ve always been a contented people watcher. I like to watch how people interact with one another, especially couples who are in love. Have you ever noticed the way a woman’s whole countenance changes when she is swept off her feet by a man? She seems more confident, more sure of herself. Someone tells her continually she is beautiful and how he longs to be with her. She realizes her beauty and under his love she blossoms into something she hid from the world until then. She is being romanced. I wouldn’t want anything like that than with the one person I am going to spend the rest of my days with. I can’t see myself casual dating. I don’t want to give to the dogs what is holy nor cast my pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). But with each passing February 14 and each wedding I have to attend that I am still single, it leaves me wishing. This girl I am watching from a distance is loved and I am not. I have no one to tell me I am beautiful. I have no one to hold me in his arms. I have no one to sweep me off of my feet. The message to me is clear: I am unloved.

What is a girl to do? There is hope and there is a promise straight from Father God. Over the past couple of years the Lord has spoken to me during my season of singleness and given me this message that will promote hope and healing to the lonely and forsaken.

This is a sneak preview of Kim Jones’s upcoming sermon series “She Will Be Loved.” Keep watching for more details. Coming to a church near you.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Don't become weary in growing tomatoes!





Hi Ladies,

This summer I thought I'd try my hand at growing tomatoes. I bought four tomato plants, pots, garden/vegetable potting soil and couldn't wait to plant them and wait for a harvest.

Everyday after work I'd go out on the screened Lanai water them and make sure they were doing okay, or what looked okay to me.

Now, honestly I've never done this before and really didn't have a clue how one should go about growing vegetables. All I could taste and imagine were sweet juicy tomatoes.

The only ones that have seemed to grow are the small grape tomatoes. My harvest thus far is 6 grape tomatoes! The larger plants with the beef steak and another variety have done absolutely nothing!

I was so excited when the first grape tomato was ripe enough to eat, I proudly brought it in and showed my family. At first I thought about cutting it into fours, but decided against that and shared it with my husband instead!

Growing tomatoes I must admit has been disappointing. The other three plants have produced nothing, but I'm still hopeful though....they do have flowers sprouting.

I can understand how Jesus became aggravated when the Fig tree didn't produce and He cursed it to die!

Matthew 21: 18 says, Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

I've been hungry for some tomatoes!

The Word also says, Galatians 6: 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I did some research about growing tomatoes and trust that with spraying the plants for bugs and watering properly I will see a harvest. The hard part is not to faint, quit and give up on them!

Just like in our lives we all go through difficult and tough times, if we don't quit and give up there will be a harvest in our lives and victory over those situations.

Lord, I thank you for that harvest that is coming. I will be faithful and not become weary in doing good because I know at the proper time I will see a harvest and tomatoes too! :)

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna

Friday, July 30, 2010

2010 PenFlorida Women's Fall Breakaway-Bring It .mov

Fresh Fire Reports

Hi Ladies,

A week ago we had an awesome women's event at Lift Church in Venice with quest speaker Rev. Dawnita Istre. The attendance was the best ever since I've been Rep. and we were thrilled!

You see, when planning these events you never know how many churches or ladies will participate and at times that can be discouraging. We are so thankful for the lives that were touched and changed and I want to share just one of the many testimonies of God's goodness! It makes it so worth it when you see and hear of the fruit that comes from these events.

We certainly don't plan them for our health, because I'm usually a nervous wreck before them and relieved when we are done and they are over. It's then I feel I can breathe again! LOL!

This year was a so easy I must say, with the ladies at Lift Church taking care of all the details and they did so beautifully! Can't thank them enough for all their hard work! Thank you Pastor's Gary & Rhonda and Jeanne, Women's director! By the way, the ladies bathroom is gorgeous! Can't believe you took that project on too!

Please read below the powerful testimony.

I just wanted to take the time to tell you how life-changing Saturday was for the ladies from our church. Pastor Dawnita preached such a timely and powerful message, and confirmed and restated so many of the things that we have been preaching on Sundays. I'm always tickled by the impact of a fresh voice to restate what God has been saying to someone, but she/he hasn't been able to completely receive it because it has been coming from her/his home pastor. (You know, the "Momma Issue") Then during the prayer time, I had been praying for 2-3 of the ladies from my church, and felt that God told me to pray for some of the other ladies standing near us. As I walked away, I saw Pastor Dawnita come toward our little group, and stayed where I was so as to not distract them from what God had in store.

Then Pastor Dawnita called me over to pray too. As I stood there God gave Pastor Dawnita five words to say to one of my ladies--5 words!! And the power of God hit her, and she and I started to sob, because they were words that she needed to hear so desperately, but they had to come from someone who didn't know her situation, her past life, her family, etc., or she wouldn't have believed that it was from God. Pastor Dawnita told me to stay with her, and I did, and I watched as God literally took 10 years of guilt and shame off of her shoulders and face! I heard myself saying that God was going to give her a new song to sing (she used to sing in church and lead worship--I didn't know this before!), and He would give her a new prayer language, one that had nothing to do with who she used to be, but one that reflected her life now filled with deliverance, restoration and victory! It was fantastic!

Her husband (a baby Christian, and not sure about the whole Pentecostal experience), commented on how different she and her daughter were looking and acting, and she tried to explain what had happened and what God had done. He listened, but didn't have much to say. Then yesterday morning, she came up front during worship to sing and worship in the altar area, and in a few minutes, he came up too! I believe he wants what he sees her having, but doesn't even know how to ask. But God is up to something with the two of them!

Thank you for taking the step of faith to have this kind of event during the Summertime. I know that each time you sponsor an event, it is a step of blind faith, and you aren't sure who will come and who will promote it. But I personally feel sorry for the ladies who do not promote both your events and the district events, because every time I go and take ladies, God shows up--and not just for the crowd, but for us each personally. And we bring this recharged, excited spirit back into our churches!


Thank you to my sister who wrote this! I'm so encouraged and most importantly I give the Lord thanks for His goodness! "To God Be the Glory!"

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Fresh Fire



Today was a beautiful day at Lift Church in Venice with guest speaker Dawnita Istre. God showed up! From the breakfast that the ladies graciously provided to the worship from Pastor Gary Gray and their worship team everything was done with excellence! The Holy Spirit moved so beautifully in the ministry time!

I'm just basking in His presence and so thankful for His goodness to us!

God is good!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Friday, July 16, 2010

Looking up?


Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

This scripture has recently meant something totally different to me. I'm lifting my eyes trusting that He is in control and going to take care of me in every part of my life spirit, soul and body!

Be encouraged!
Hugs,
LaDonna

Friday, July 9, 2010

Outdoor Bedroom



I came across this picture and just love it! Looks so relaxing....I could take a nap right there!

Hope you are having a wonderful summer and enjoying special time and making memories with family and loved ones!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Monday, June 28, 2010

Grief

Grief
You may wonder why I’d write on grieving, but it’s been on my heart for a couple of weeks now. It’s not something fun to talk about but happens to us at some time or another in our lives.
Grief comes in many forms. I’ve experienced grief. The definition of grief is a keen mental suffering, distress over an affliction or loss; painful regret, sorrow, and suffering disappointment.

The first time I experienced real grief was the breakup of my boyfriend and I. He dumped me for another girl and it broke my heart. I cried what seemed a river of tears.

I remember when my grandmother died; my husband, Keith and I had only been married a little over a month. She had a stroke and went into a coma and I never got to say good-bye. The last time I spoke with her was on my wedding day.

Grandma Browning and I were very close. I grieved her passing for a long time. I use to spend a lot of summers with her as a little girl and through my teenage years. She used to make all my clothes as a young girl and take me to church with her. There were many special times we shared.

When our family pet Cecil died that was a hard time. He had been a wonderful cat. We all grieved over his loss, especially our girls.

The day that both of our girls left for college at the same time….I grieved. I felt I was in mourning because they both were gone and I felt my days of being mom were over. Going into their bedrooms and looking at all their things I would cry. That was a difficult and very real time of sadness for me.

Letting them go and trusting that God would take care of them was hard. As mom’s we want to “fix” everything and everyone. Knowing they were several hours away and not under our roof I felt a loss.

Last summer my father in law became very ill and Keith rushed to be by his side. The girls and I made the trip separately so that we could be with their papa. We’re so thankful that we had extra time to be with him, but he passed away a few months later.

We've all grieved in our own ways. I’ve seen our girls grieve for their papa. It can be a memory or something that reminds them of the loss that he is gone for now. Just out of nowhere the tears and sadness can come.

As Christians we believe that we will see Papa and Grandma Browning and all those loved ones that have gone on before us. It will be a wonderful time in heaven to be with them again!

Good friends of ours recently loss their son of only 33 years. I’ve gotten a glimpse of how they’ve struggled with their loss. It brings comfort to them to know that their son is with the Lord and through that God is bringing healing to their hearts through the love of their friends, family and God’s word.

There are other times in my life I’ve grieved….for loss of friends or folks that have chosen not to be a part of my life anymore, or have moved on. Being in pastoral ministry we experience this quite often. At times, you just don’t want to put yourself out there and be vulnerable because you feel that you will be hurt and abandoned once again.

I’m learning to embrace what TD Jakes says about “Letting Go.” It’s hard to let go, but we must so that we’re not hindered from doing what God wants in our lives. The scripture says we see through a glass darkly, we can’t see the whole picture, but God does.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (New International Version)
12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

I trust that indeed He will work all things together for our good and that He is faithful to complete that good thing He has begun in us!
Philippians 1:6 (New International Version)
6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It’s natural to grieve; even Jesus wept and grieved the loss of his good friend Lazarus. He knows our hurts and our pain.
John 11:32 – 35,
32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping; he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. 35Jesus wept.

Below are five steps to grieving by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Prayerfully, if you aren’t aware of these they will be helpful to you in your steps of grieving.

The Five Stages of the Grief

Grief can occur as the result of a number of different events – someone we know dies, a relationship ends, we lose a pet, we have to give up a long held goal in our life, or any other number of situations. But there is one common denominator in all of these events, and that is loss. Grief is a process of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive reactions to loss. The grieving process is often a hard one to work through. It requires patience with ourselves and with others.

Although responses to loss are as diverse as the people experiencing it, patterns or stages that are commonly experienced have emerged.

These stages were identified and named by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Knowing these five stages can sometimes help in coping with the process of grief and recognizing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It should be noted that although most people experience all of the following stages, they do not experience them with the same duration, or in the same order, or with the same intensity. It is a very unique process.

Denial
Denial is generally the first stage in the grief process. It can be experienced as numbness or avoidance or isolation or direct denial. It is a stage in which we just cannot believe that the loss is true. We may tell ourselves that it did not really happen. It does not seem real.


Anger
Another stage of grief is anger. At this point, we have gotten past some or all of the denial, but now we are angry about the loss. We may want to take it out on something or someone, or we may just express our anger in ways that are familiar to us.

Bargaining
In the bargaining stage, we are trying to come up with ways to get back what we lost or just find someone or something to blame. Common thoughts include "If only I had just …." or "I wish we could have…." or "Maybe if I do this…." In the case of a lost relationship, we might actually bargain with the person we lost in an effort to get them back. "If I change my behavior, will you come back?"

Depression
The depression stage is just as it sounds, a time of sadness. It generally follows denial, anger, and bargaining when we feel helpless and hopeless to stop the loss. It may include crying, withdrawal, or any other way that expresses sadness.

Acceptance
The final stage is acceptance. Most often we have gone through all of the above stages and in many cases cycled through the above stages more than once before getting to acceptance. At this stage, we have (to some extent) reorganized ourselves and our thinking to incorporate the loss. This does not mean that we no longer get sad about the loss from time to time, but the sadness is now a part of us and does not keep us from functioning normally most of the time. Over time, the intensity of the sadness generally diminishes, but may never entirely go away.

Armed with the knowledge of these five stages, we can now better understand ourselves and others who are going through the grief process. Recognizing the stages can increase your empathy and support for others and provide permission for yourself to go through the process in your own way and in your own time.

©2000 Lori Godin, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She can be reached in San Jose, California, at 408.260.9996.

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Fresh Fire speaker: Dawnita Istre


Section 13 is proud to host "Fresh Fire" with guest speaker, Dawnita Istre. Dawnita operates in a prophetic and teaching ministry. God uses her mightily and she was a featured speaker at the Pen-Florida Hope Tour this past March.

This event will take place on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at LIFT Church formerly known as Venice Assembly of God beginning at 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. for breakfast and registration. The event will start at 10:00 am.

A small registration fee will be charged of $10.00 to help cover food and expenses for this event. A love offering will be taken to bless our speaker.

Information packets will be coming soon to you leaders and churches. Please mark this very important date this summer for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our section!

We believe we've heard from God! We're expecting a great move of the Holy Spirit to touch and minister to the women of Section 13!

Make your plans to come today! It's going be AWESOME!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Saturday, May 15, 2010

If you can take it....you will make it!


Last week Keith and I were so excited about going to District Council. This is a time for those in the ministry to get away for fellowship and special services.

It's a time to see friends and be with those that share the same vision and calling in ministry. It's an opportunity to share our experiences good and bad with one another.

I love the services in the evenings and especially the praise & worship! It's a time of renewal, refreshing and refilling.

We all need that desperately and if the truth were told....we need it more often than once a year! Giving out constantly is exhausting and draining in every way.

Keith and I enjoyed Monday and Tuesday night and were blessed abundantly! we were rejoicing in the great time of ministry. Afterwards, we enjoyed great fellowship and saw friends we hadn't seen in a long while.

However, during the wee morning hours on Wednesday Keith became violently ill and by 8 am it hit me. We both were so sick....I can't begin to tell you how awful it was! So, I won't be graphic. Neither of us slept for two days except for dozing and running to the bathroom.

We were suppose to leave Wednesday morning to go home for our mid-week service. There was no way we could travel. We had to stay in the hotel...sick and miserable! There is nothing worse than being so ill and away from home from your familiar surroundings.

We sent Ramon and Laura our Youth pastor's home to conduct the services in our place.
We went through a day and another night of this Hell! I'm not exaggerating!!

The day before at Tuesday's Women's Ministries luncheon our guest speaker, Dawn Raley shared a powerful word.
The one quote that sticks with me from her sermon was "If you can take it, you will make it!"

We didn't realize how true those words would ring!!!

The last couple of years have been very difficult for Keith and I...the hardest we've ever had to deal with since being in the ministry. Praise God we're still standing! WE TOOK IT AND WE'VE MADE IT!

The scripture comes to mind as it has become a favorite in recent years.

Philippians 3: 12 - 14.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.


We know the enemy is out to kill, steal and destroy. He will use "whatever" to bring his plans to pass! We must be on guard at all times.

We're not looking back, but pressing forward towards the goal to win the prize!

Remember, "we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us".

If we can take it...we will make it! Especially with the Lord on our side!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Sisterhood of the Traveling Hats Tea







Today we had a lovely time at Gulf Coast Assembly with the WOW ladies. Some of our ladies hosted and decorated their tables with china and tea cups for a beautiful day!

Our guest ministry was missionary Margaret Register. She was a delight as she shared her experiences with her hats. Her hats have certainly traveled as she and her husband were missionaries for over 38 years! They have traveled all over the world as Latin American missionaries with the Assemblies of God.

We had many visitors and gave away great door prizes!

Our leadership team and hostesses worked endlessly to make it a perfect day!

If you missed it, you really missed it!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Dawnita Istre, "Fresh Fire" Section 13 Event



Section 13 is proud to host "Fresh Fire" with guest speaker, Dawnita Istre. Dawnita operates in a prophetic and teaching ministry. God uses her mightily and she was a featured speaker at the Pen-Florida Hope Tour this past March.

This event will take place on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at LIFT Church formerly known as Venice Assembly of God beginning at 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. for breakfast and registration. The event will start at 10:00 am.

A small registration fee will be charged of $10.00 to help cover food and expenses for this event. A love offering will be taken to bless our speaker.

Information packets will be coming soon to you leaders and churches. Please mark this very important date this summer for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our section!

We believe we've heard from God! We're expecting a great move of the Holy Spirit to touch and minister to the women of Section 13!

Make your plans to come today! It's going be AWESOME!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

An Afternoon Tea




An Afternoon Tea..

Recently, one of our ladies from WOW (Women of Worth) leadership team from my church won a contest at a local radio station where she could invite 8 ladies to Tea at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota. We were all pleasantly surprised and dropped any plans we'd made that Saturday, so we could attend.

I love sipping on Tea's and setting up pretty tablescapes in our home. My family probably thinks I'm nuts setting up the table that we rarely sit down to eat. It's basically for looks, but sometimes I surprise them and serve a meal there.

See, the above pics of our recent trip to the Ritz Carlton. It was a very nice weekend. The weather was beautiful and it was Easter weekend too! I came across information from a blogger I follow and asked her permission to copy this info. She was so was kind and consented. So, this comes from her. I found it quite helpful explaining Tea's.
Hugs,
LaDonna


From: "The Thrifty Groove"

Afternoon Tea
This is the one that comes to mind when people think of English tea ceremonies. It all began back in the mid 1800s, when the Duchess of Bedford started having a tray of tea with bread and butter served to her in the mid-afternoon. You see, in those days, lunch was served at noon but dinner was not eaten until 8 or even 9 o'clock at night. The Duchess found herself hungry during those long afternoon hours. It became a regular occurrence and as she began to invite other high-society ladies to join her, having Afternoon Tea became the 'in-thing' for the upper-class women. Along with tea, there would be small pastries with clotted cream or preserves, delicate sandwiches, and scones.

High Tea
Many people use the term "High Tea" to describe the event I've mentioned above, probably because it sounds more elite. But High Tea is a much different thing. It was served later (around six in the evening) and consisted of a full, dinner meal for the common people. Tea was still served, but there would also be meats, fish or eggs, cheese, bread and butter, and cake. It was more of a man's meal, than a ladies social diversion.

Source; About.com

High Tea is often a misnomer. Most people refer to afternoon tea as high tea because they think it sounds regal and lofty, when in all actuality, high tea, or "meat tea" is dinner. High tea, in Britain, at any rate, tends to be on the heavier side. American hotels and tea rooms, on the other hand, continue to misunderstand and offer tidbits of fancy pastries and cakes on delicate china when they offer a "high tea."

Afternoon tea (because it was usually taken in the late afternoon) is also called "low tea" because it was usually taken in a sitting room or withdrawing room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs generally in a large withdrawing room. There are three basic types of Afternoon, or Low Tea:

Cream Tea - Tea, scones, jam and cream

Light Tea - Tea, scones and sweets

Full Tea - Tea, savories, scones, sweets and dessert

In England, the traditional time for tea was four or five o'clock and no one stayed after seven o'clock. Most tea rooms today serve tea from three to five o'clock. The menu has also changed from tea, bread, butter and cakes, to include three particular courses served specifically in this order:

Savories - Tiny sandwiches or appetizers

Scones - Served with jam and Devonshire or clotted cream

Pastries - Cakes, cookies, shortbread and sweets

Source:Whats Cooking America

Have a cup of Tea!

Friday, April 16, 2010

How a leader should handle inevitable challenges


These nine steps are taken from "Transformed Lives", author, Chris Adams who suggest biblical response to conflict. These steps also help a leader know how to react to external challenges.

1. Do Nothing. Take a break from the people and situation. Distance from the challenge to give a fresh perspective.
2. Exhibit self-control. Respond slowly and do not over-react. Impulsive responses often lead to regret.
3. Stop, think --and pray. As you pause and reflect, be sure to pray. Ask for God's guidance.
4. Ask yourself, is the issue worth pressing? The challenge may be insignificant. If so, forget it and move on. If not, continue the process of resolution.
5. Evaluate your own attitudes, strengths, and weaknesses. Try to determine your role in the challenges. Ask God to identify your successes and failures.
6. Follow scriptural guidelines. God's Word gives directions for facing any conflict and all challenges. (See Matthew 18:15-16, Romans 12:17-21, & James 1:19-20).
7. Ask questions for clarification. Gather accurate information and handle any miscommunication. (Don't assume anything!)
8. Discover those things on which you do agree. In other words, try to focus on the positive. Find points of agreement and mutual benefit.
9. Take some time apart. Wait on the Lord to work in your own life, the lives of others, and the situation.

These are excellent and helpful in every area of our lives, in the workplace, home, and ministry. We all have and will face challenges with difficult people, in tough circumstances. Remember that the Lord has the solution to every leadership challenge we may face.

Hugs & Blessings,
LaDonna

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Keeping my Christian Testimony


Today my husband and I along with a another couple went to lunch after church like we usually do on Sunday afternoon. The husband had a great idea to go to a place in Punta Gorda at Fisherman's village that we don't drive to very often.

It seemed like a great idea. The place was crowded with people as usual this time of year. We went into the restaurant and was told that we if wanted to sit in the dining area there would be a wait of 10 - 15 minutes. The hostess sweetly said we could sit in the bar area and be served there.

We decided to do that and had proceeded to push two tiny tables together to make room for four.

Our waiter came to the table and just grunted at us basically asking what we wanted to drink. So, we gave him our drink order. Right from the get-go he had the attitude that we were putting him out just by being there!

He came back but went over to another couple that came in after us and took their food order. Finally, he came over and started to take our food order. You would think that if you saw two couples together that there would be two separate tickets? He didn't bother to ask and when we told him so, he took our menu's and threw them down saying he'd have to start over and this wouldn't work! We couldn't believe it!!! A grown man having a temper tantrum right in front of us???

At that point we were ready to walk out....but where would we go at this point? That whole plaza was packed with people a week before Easter.

Now mind you, we've eaten there many times and we live in the area. We are not seasonal folks....you treat us right and we'll come back in the summer when you really need us and our business.

While we were waiting for our food order, he brought us two pitchers of soda. That's always a "red flag" Don't bother me for refills. Help yourself! When he brought one of the pitchers to our table, he about knocked my husband over leaning over him to pour my drink and missed....soda poured all over my pants and down over my shoes onto the floor.

I was polite and said, "Sir" you poured soda all over me. Thank God the table had slates instead or it would have all ended up in my lap. He did bring me napkins to clean up.

He didn't apologize or help clean up the mess he'd made. I have to say at that point...I wondered... what do you do? Get mad? Tell him off? I decided to pray for him.

It gets worse...finally, our food arrived and I have to tell you that on top of our waiter's sorry attitude I found two hairs in my food. One was in my new potatoes and the other in the hush puppies we ordered. I didn't say a word. Why bother at this point?

The food was actually very good and believe it or not, the hairs didn't bother me as much as this man's horrible behavior to us.

He didn't get our tickets right and it took FOREVER for him to bring them back.

You might wonder if we left him a tip?? Yes, we did....not the 20% or more we give wait staff at times. We decided not to award his bad job....but we were very polite and kind in spite of the way he treated us.

This probably was the worst dining experience I can remember in a long time. Makes you wonder why is he waiting tables? Surely, with our economy...there are more capable and willing people to do this that enjoy it!

I did call the restaurant to speak with a manager. The woman I spoke with was not the manager but did proceed to tell me that they've had complaints before.....I was nice....promise! She really was no help, but said she'd relay my message to the owners.

Sometimes you have to take the high road and we did. We treated him more kindly than he treated us. If I see him in there next time, you can bet I won't let him wait on us again! We did the right thing regardless...

Hugs,
LaDonna

Friday, March 19, 2010

Authentic Beauty -it's what's inside that counts!


March 19, 2010

Hi Ladies,
I really got something from this devotional today from RBC Ministries. I hope it minister's to you as it did me!

Hugs,
LaDonna

READ: Proverbs 31:21-31

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. —Proverbs 31:30

I often take a moment as I wait at our grocery store checkout stand to scan the covers of the magazines displayed there. It seems that if they aren’t about sex and money, they’re about diet, fitness, health, and outward beauty. There’s nothing there for the soul.

The problem is that people read the wrong magazines—those that are full of lies that fixate on beauty of face and form as though that’s all there is. This can lead to comparison and terrible despair.

Some years ago, a friend of mine told of a conversation he had with a lovely, self-assured teenager. “You’re very self-confident,” he observed. “Can you tell me why?” “Yes,” the young woman answered. “It’s because I’m so pretty.” “Oh, I’m sorry,” he said with extraordinary wisdom. “Why?” she asked in surprise. “Because,” he replied, “you may not always be pretty.”

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing” is the wisdom we read in Proverbs 31. Physical beauty all too quickly fades away; all one’s efforts to keep it are doomed to fail. But there is an inner beauty—authentic beauty that will endure forever—in the one “who fears the Lord” (v.30). — David H. Roper

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me—
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. —Orsborn

Righteousness in the heart produces beauty in the character.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Section 13 Women's Ministries Update 2010

Section 13 Women’s Ministries leadership Information Gathering

These notes are from the Brunch on Saturday, February 27th 9:30 am

Please check out the website for more information that you can print out for your ladies to have. Visit http://www.gowomensministry.com

Hope Tour – FREE EVENT! 


Three locations & dates 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
*Calvary Assembly of God, Winter Park March 6th
*Bethel Assembly of God, Lake Worth March 20
*First Coast Christian Center, Jacksonville March 27

Awesome Worship, Speakers, & Workshops
(Check with your church office for packet/ DVD promoting this or check out gowomensministry.com
Aline’s Gift – Women’s Ministries (our missions outreach).

In 2009 Section 13 won first place giving the most to Aline’s gift of $5236.46! Thank you ladies for your part in making this happen!

Each Section in Pen-Florida is asked to raise a minimum of $3000.00. We almost did that last year and we can double with your help! If we all do our part, we CAN Make a Difference! (Please check website to view Aline’s gift video for more information. Your church should have a received a DVD to present to your ladies.

*Make pledges for Aline’s Gift and ask the Lord to help you raise it as a Women’s group.
*Ear mark your giving to Pen-Florida district as Aline’s Gift.
Dream Home – a new ministry Pen-Florida Women’s Ministry has partnered with-located out of Clermont City, Florida.

*First home in the U.S. for victims of Human Trafficking.
*Have a need to furnish their chapel with folding tables for Bible & Educational studies.
*Need 7 tables at $100.00 aprox per table – I’ve pledged our section to meet this need. Will you help me? If 7 churches take a table – the need will be met

Check out their website for further information: www.runforfreedom.net
Fall Breakaway – September 30 – October 2, 2010

Location: Champions Gate, Omni Kissimmee, Florida website:http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/OrlandoChampionsGate.aspx

Guest ministry: Rita Springer check out her website:http://ritaspringer.com/
Recording artist and speaker known for songs: Worth it all, I have to believe.
Daughters by Design: a new ministry to our girls underneath the leadership of Marsha Woolley and Season Russo.

A ministry designed to reach young girls through women’s events, girl’s events, and charity. For girls ages 14 – 19 years old. **I’ll send information to you that missed this information time regarding this ministry.
One a week $52.00 for the year

An opportunity for your ladies to support the Pen-Florida Women’s ministries department to assist with financial support in running the women’s department. A cd of Marsha Woolley’s testimony going through cancer will be sent for your support.
National Women’s Ministries Department Theme for 2010: Thirsty? 
Psalm 42:2, I thirst for God, the living God. (NLT)

Please check for your packet from the National office. Excellent resource in reaching women of all age groups Check it out! You can go online and view and print this at:
http://women.ag.org/resources/artwork_and_logos.cfm

Good article on: Three Dimensional Design: Tailoring Ministry for Every Woman in this issue.
A few things…..

Tentative Section Event this summer: Saturday, July 10th or 17th (pending) at Lift Church (previously known as: Venice Assembly of God. Thank you Rhonda!
(Details coming, but please mark your calendars)

*Tithe your offerings to Pen-Florida earmarked Women’s Ministries.

*Make pledges to Aline’s Gift and Dream Home

Quote from Marsha Woolley, “Keep the Passion for Women’s Ministries burning in your hearts!”

FYI: The Leadership bible study I mentioned is called: “A Woman’s Guide to Servant Leadership” by Rhonda H. Kelley, New Hope Publishers (I use this for my Women’s Ministries Leadership team at my church – we meet once a month to plan our events and do this bible study).


If you have questions regarding anything, please do not hesitate to contact me.
It’s my pleasure to serve and assist you

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Hope Tour 2010 is just around the corner!


It is almost here!!! HOPE TOUR 2010!!
The Hope Tour is one of the most exciting events Pen-FL Women's Ministry has ever undertaken. It consist of a team of spirit-filled women of all ages from right here in Pen. FL. There are 3 locations in Florida, beginning in Orlando at Calvary Assembly of God, March 6, 2010. Come and join 11 real women, telling real stories, sharing real pain and having real victory. Ladies ages, 14-114, are invited to attend and experience pockets of Hope in areas like:
Been laid off? Now what?
Bounce back from bankruptcy or foreclosure (tips to stretching the family dollar)
Learning to live with chronic or terminal illness
Facing a marriage in crisis
When opposites attract
Overcoming depression
Uncovering secret hurts
Finding living water in the middle of a dry season
Shop your closet-Create a new look by mixing, matching, and bargain hunting
Who me? Yes, even you can find time to exercise
Not the average girl (ages 14-19)
From these 11 ladies hear anointed teaching and preaching and also awesome worship with Charisma’s Rebecca McInnis.

All this packed into one powerful Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided on-site for $6.

For Women’s Ministry groups larger than 10, preferred seating is available.

There will be drama, there will be music, and we can guarantee there will be women who will be set free. So if you’re depressed, lethargic, struggling financially, or just plain dry as toast spiritually, look out- Hope is coming and it has something for EVERY woman.
Maybe you know someone that needs to get their Hope Tank filled, call them up and bring them it will be a blessing for both of you.

About 1 month ago, you should have received a packet of information from the district office that included a flyer and video announcement.

Calvary is hosting a Women in Worship Friday evening, March 5, 2010 at 7pm.

You can view the Video announcement and additional information about the Hope Tour and Women's Ministry at 
http://www.gowomensministry.com

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Hugs,
LaDonna Jones
Section 13 Women's Ministries Rep.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Time away in Mt. Dora, Florida


This week my honey and I have taken some much needed time away. We came back on Thursday, but I'm not going back into the office until Monday. I'm enjoying my time here at home. Every time we go to Mt. Dora I get inspired to decorate and cook yummy things we've had while being there. We stay so busy in the ministry and working that it's important to take time away with each other.


My husband is such a wonderful man! Sometimes I think like most we take our spouses for granted. He blogged how during our time in Mt. Dora that he went through one antique shop and frilly, foo foo shop after the other. Probably, the most uncomfortable thing for him was the Garden Gate Tearoom. This is one of the highlights for me. You don't see many men in there. It is a place women love. 


While we were eating lunch, two women stumbled in and were oohing and ahhing at how beautiful and shabby chic it was decorated. They'd left their husbands up a block or two and wanted to go get them to eat lunch there. We never saw them come back! The food is very good and their are known for their signature soup, "Sherried Carrot Bisque". I'm trying to duplicate it as I love it so much. The food portions are generous and they have great desserts!


Garden Gate does a lot of catering, weddings, showers, etc. I highly recommend it if you are in the area!


Keith and I did a lot of resting, reading and just enjoyed being with each other. We enjoyed our stay at the Lakeside Inn. It has a lot of history and character it was established in the 1800's.


It was wonderful to get away, but always good to come back home and sleep in our own bed. I must be getting old. Have you ever seen the commercial where the couple that's been on vacation and they fall forward on their beds telling the bed how much they've missed it so much. That's the way we always feel! ha! yeah, we are getting old!


Well, today I'm lounging around....enjoying this last day! Made a pot of home made chicken noodle soup and creating tablescapes! How fun! Hope you enjoy my pics!


Hugs,
LaDonna

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Legacy

I've been blessed to have been brought up in a Christian home. God has had his hand on me and my parents and their parents on both sides of my family.

My grandmother on my dad's side went to the Assembly of God where she lived. Recently, while going through my grandmother's things I found that she went to a Christian college prior to her marriage. I believe that God was calling her into ministry. Ever since I can remember my grandmother was involved in her church. She took her ministries seriously and did them with excellence and served in many areas of ministry.

The grandparents on my mother's side also attended an Assembly of God church in North Dakota and served in the Salvation Army organization for many years helping as long as their health allowed them to do so.

After my parents marriage they moved to Michigan where my dad worked in the grocery industry and mom worked in retail. Those years were very unsettled with racial wars taking place in the big cities in the late 50's. Not long after their move to Michigan they found that they were expecting me!

My parents were young, and after my dad being held up at gunpoint, they felt God was leading them to move out of the big city so that they could settle down and raise their new family in a safer place.

My grandparents on my dad's side were snowbirds and would come to Florida in the winter and go back up to Michigan in the summer. They decided to make the move permanently and invited my mom and dad to make the move with them to Florida.

Thus that is how I became a Floridian just shy a few months from being a notherner! ha!

My parents didn't own a car and my mom was very pregnant by this time with me and they wanted to go to church, so they walked. It was quite a few miles for her to walk carrying me. Once they got to the Assembly of God church the folks there welcomed them and offered to take them home so they didn't have to walk all the way back home.

God blessed my parents, dad found a job, they were able to buy a home of their own. They had two children and now have grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

This church is the place where I was raised and grew up. They took me to church every time the door was opened and mom taught us God's word. Dad paid for me to take piano lessions, which I hated at the time, but now so glad that he did! I was mentored and given the opporunity to play in services at 15 years of age, sang in the choir and ensembles.

God was preparing me for what He had in store for me. I'm so thankful for the legacy I have been given. Not everyone has the testiimony that I've been blessed with. Now it's up to me what I do with this gift.

Thank you Lord for this legacy. Thank you for Godly parents and grandparents that prepared the way for me. Help me Lord to do the same for my children and their children.

Genesis 17:7
I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

Hugs,
LaDonna

Friday, February 5, 2010

Today's Our Daily Bread February 5, 2010


This devotion really spoke to my heart today. The thing that stuck out to me is that we in the ministry have to realize that sometimes we only have a season to minister and influence people that we are in contact with. When our time is over and let me assure you, it does end for one reason or another..we have to learn to let go and let God do the rest. My prayer is that they will continue to grow and that His will be done in their lives.

Hugs,
LaDonna

February 5, 2010
Like A Tree

READ: Ephesians 4:11-16
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. —Psalm 1:3

In the quietness of my final years I plan to watch a tree grow—a birch tree I planted as a tiny sapling over 30 years ago. It stands now in mature splendor, just outside our picture window—beautiful in every season of the year.

So it is with our spiritual endeavors: We may have planted, watered, and fussed over our “saplings” (those we’ve mentored) for a time, but only God can make a “tree.”

Occasionally I hear from those I ministered to years ago, and discover to my delight that they have grown to maturity and have been greatly used of God—with no help from me. It’s a gentle reminder that I plant and water for a while, and help others “grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Eph. 4:15). But only God “gives the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6-7).

German theologian Helmut Thielicke writes, “The man who doesn’t know how to let go, who is a stranger to quiet, confident joy in Him who carries out His purposes without us (or also through us or in spite of us), in Him who makes the trees grow . . . that man will become nothing but a miserable creature in his old age.”

So, at my age, I may yet tend a sapling or two, but mostly I will let go and watch them grow. — David H. Roper

A Prayer: Lord, I want to be used by You in others’ lives. Teach me from Your Word so that I can help others follow You. And enable me to let go and trust You to work in them. Amen.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day



My new favorite thing to do is to create "Tablescapes" - as Sandra Lee from the Food channel says.

Jessica my oldest helped me decorate my new theme for this month. Hope you enjoy it! I know I am!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Friday, January 15, 2010

Section 13 Won!


Dear Ladies,

It's been a while since I've really posted on this blog. My laptop was not in working order. Thank God it's been repaired. There is so much to bring you ladies up to date on!

Last weekend, I had the privilege of meeting with Marsha Woolley and all the Women's Ministries Rep's of Pen-Florida at the Champions Gate Omni in Kissimee, which is a beautiful property!

The Fall Breakaway will be at the Omni property September 30 - October 2nd, 2010. The rooms are beautiful and I can't wait to try the lazy river! There is a beautiful spa area with steam room and jacuzzi with other services available. The ball rooms are very spacious and will handle our event well. The rooms and linens are plush and lovely. We will enjoy staying there for sure!

Pen-Florida Women's Ministries department is hosting the Hope tour with Marsha Woolley and friends. These will be held in March at three locations throughout Florida. The location that would be closest to us is Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park Saturday, March 6th beginning at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The other locations are Lake Worth, March 20th and Jacksoville, March 27th.

There will be workshops galore with topics like:

*Not What? Been laid off, looking for purpose, find life and job too.
*Gumby Bounces Back, tips to stretching the family dollar back after a foreclosure, bankruptcy or divorce.
*It hurts, God-learning to live with chronic or terminal illness
*Overcoming depression
*Falling Sandcastles-facing a marriage in crisis
*Opposites Attract - Love and Respect
*Cover Girl - releasing hidden/private hurts
*Dry as toast - finding living water in the middle of a dry season
*Shop your closet - create a new look by mixing, matching and bargain hunting.
*Who me? Yes, even you can find time to exercise.

Please note this is a free event for our ladies. Of course, we would be responsible for transportation and meals, but it could be a day trip with no problem. Please encourage your ladies to attend the Hope Tour. We will be encouraged and blessed!

It's my pleasure and honor to let you know that you ladies of Section 13 came in First Place for Aline's Gift! Our section gave $5,236.46 to Aline's gift last year! I'm so proud of our ladies and churches for giving into this ministry. Marsha Woolley reported to us ladies that we were able to accomplish much because of us women here in Pen Florida! We are making a difference!

Marsha Woolley introduced us to a new ministry called, Run for Freedom with the first Dream Home here in the United States. This ministry helps girls and women that have been victims of Human Trafficking, YES! here in the U.S. This ministry is new to Pen-Florida and we are partnering with them to help.

Our portion to help is to purchase folding tables that break down for the girls to study on. These tables are much needed for them to study their school assignments and to study God's word in the chapel. I've committed our section to meet this need. Will you help me? We need to purchase 6 tables. If our churches pledge a small amount this need will be met easily. Thank you in advance for your help!

Just to review:
*Don't forget the Spring Hope Tour in March
*Remember to make a pledge for Aline's gift for 2010! We can double what we gave last year with the Lord's help!
*Run For Freedom - Dream Home (help them obtain 6 folding tables).

For more information, you may check the following websites for further details.

http://www.runforfreedom.net
http://www.gowomensministry.com

Looking forward to this new year and all that God has in store for his people!

You are loved!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Beauty for Ashes


My dear friend, Sandy Phinazee is hosting her annual "Inspire Conference" in February 25-27 at the Rosen Centre Hotel with guest speakers, Sandy Phinazee, Marsha Wooley, Worship by Jennifer Lee, and workshop speaker: Valerie Bell.
This is your opportunity to go to a women's conference if you haven't been to one lately.

Check out the details at http://www.Inspireconference.org
Hugs,
LaDonna

Feeling like Aqua

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