Enduring Influence

Hi Ladies,

I remember reading this article and wanted to share it with you. It's from our National Women's Ministries website. Kerry Clarensau is our new National Women's Ministries Director. Remember to pray for her as she leads our fellowship in this new season.

Today I met a precious young woman that was very much pregnant. She was sharing how she had been expecting twins, but because of a horrible auto accident at 20 weeks due to a drunken driver she lost one of them. My heart went out to her and I felt led to tell her that I would pray for her and have our church pray as well. She'll be giving birth in just a few weeks and has complications that I could relate to from my first pregnancy. I tried to encourage and give her hope. Today was a divine appointment for us to meet. He really does direct our steps.

You never know how God wants to use you in your place of influence. I pray this will speak to your heart as well.

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna


Enduring Influence

Kerry Clarensau

I want to challenge you to think of the people who have made an impact on your life. All of us are influenced by the people we encounter. Some play a significant role in our lives for decades, but others we encounter for a very brief time and yet they leave a lasting impression.

Recently I was flying home from a long weekend trip. Honestly, I was hoping to catch up on my sleep. But when I boarded the plane, the man sitting next to me asked if I would trade my seat with his wife so they could sit next to one another. When I got to my new seat, a young woman was sitting there next to the window. Even before we pulled away from the gate she started a conversation and over the next 2 ½ hours, she told me about her struggling marriage and asked me question after question. By the time we landed, she recounted the things from our conversation that were an encouragement to her. Through tears, she told me God seated us together and thanked me for talking with her. It was fun to tell her how my original seat was several rows behind her. God truly made a way for a brief moment in time together.

When I look closely at the life of Christ, I see Him investing in individuals with brief impact moments—like His conversation with the woman at the well, or eating dinner with sinners at Matthew’s house. But I also see Him investing significant amounts of time in the twelve. Walking and talking with them every day. Teaching and guiding them.

Have you ever considered how the gospel was shared from those individuals who walked with Christ through the centuries to you and me? Individuals had to intentionally invest in others—sharing life-changing truth. I’m so thankful for those who decades ago shared the good news with my grandparents, allowing my parents to be raised in Christian homes.

I believe God strategically places people in our journey to reveal His love, wisdom, and help. When I was a young adult, Peggy Musgrove—a godly woman—saw leadership abilities in me. Abilities I never knew existed. She challenged me with opportunities that stretched and developed my skills. Peggy was such a beautiful example of a woman in leadership, I’ve actually found myself asking, “What would Peggy do?”

Peggy told me she asked the Lord for 12 women to influence. Following the pattern of Jesus, she wanted to intentionally invest in 12 women. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her loving influence. While Peggy’s time in formal leadership has come to a close, her influence lives on in so many.

I am challenged by Peggy to think about the 12 women I can invest significant time with—just living life and sharing His truth in conversation and example. I want my life to be one of influence. I believe God directs our paths to intersect with others—some for a season, but others for a lifetime. For instance, my daughter-in-law, Katie, and my granddaughter, Molly—I want to invest in their lives as long as I live.

Will you make the same choices Peggy made and intentionally invest in 12? Will you look for moments each day to intentionally invest in someone? Even though our time on this earth is so brief, our influence can live on for generations.


KERRY CLARENSAU is director of the National Women's Department.

Behind The Scenes January 12, 2011 — by David C. McCasland

Okay, I'm trying to catch up on my bible reading and a little behind....already in this new year! I read this today and just loved it! I'm a musician and director of our music department at our church. Sometimes dealing with sound men can be a challenge. In fact, we've clashed and butted heads on an occasion or two. I loved this entry for yesterday, Jan 12th.

I'm sure you've been in church and heard some awful sound come from the sound system and everyone looks back at the guys running sound. It is a thankless job at times. I do try to remember to thank them for doing an excellent job every week.

Hope you enjoy this entry and next time you see your sound men....thank them for a job well done. They could probably use the encouragement once in awhile!

Hugs,

LaDonna

Recently I attended a memorial service for a gifted musician whose life had touched many people. The tribute to this Christian woman included video and audio clips, photos, instrumentalists, and speakers. After everyone had left the church, I stopped to thank the technicians whose flawless work at the control board had contributed so much to this moving tribute. “No one noticed what you did,” I told them. “That’s the way we like it,” they replied.

In Matthew 6, Jesus told His disciples to give (vv.1-4), pray (vv.5-6), and fast (vv.16-18) in order to please God, not to gain praise from people. “When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place” (v.6). Whether giving, praying, or fasting, Jesus said, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (vv.4,6,18).

Something within us makes us want to be seen and recognized for our good deeds. While there’s nothing wrong with encouragement and appreciation, a desire for praise can undermine our service because it shifts the focus from others to ourselves. When there is no public “thank you,” we may feel slighted. But even when we serve God in secret, He sees it all.

The service that we do for God
May go unpraised by men;
But when we stand before the Lord,
He will reward us then. —Sper
It is better to earn recognition without getting it than to get recognition without earning it.

Inspire Women's Conference 2011

Dear Ladies,

My dear friend, Sandy Phinazee is hosting an event in February 2011 at the Florida Mall Hotel in Orlando. She has many speakers lined up, Marsha Woolley being one of them!

I encourage you to take advantage of this powerful weekend. You won't be disappointed!

Please check out the link below for further information.


Hugs,
LaDonna

http://www.inspireconference.org

Happy New Year!

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year! I came across this scripture today and it really has ministered to me and encouraged me. I pray it will do the same for you.

That's why we live with such good cheer.You won't see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don't get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming. II Corinthians 5:6 (The Message Bible).

Hugs,

LaDonna Jones

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

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!

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.

"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

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.


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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

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.

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

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.

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

Message from Marsha Woolley

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

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

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

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

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