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

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

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

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Senior Pastor's wife Retreat!

Start 2010 off right with a weekend of fun, friends, ministry and a few pleasures you've only dreamed of .... Like some spa time, a golf lesson, a cooking class, a tennis lesson, a shopping trip, or a customized workout and nutrition plan.

• Cost is $250 (Due by December 19th or $250 at the door if room is still available) this includes 2 nights/3 days double occupancy stay at the fabulous Omni Resort at Champions Gate, Banquet dinner and breakfast Friday and Saturday morning.

• Golf lessons, tennis lessons even a lesson with the Resort's Chef,spend time relaxing at the Resorts European Spa, and the exquisite pool side cabanas to relax and refresh, shopping and much more

• This is a time for fellowship and ministry for PenFlorida's Leading Ladies

• Location
Omni Resort
1500 Masters Boulevard
ChampionsGate, FL 33896

Contact the Women's Ministry Department at the District Office to reserve your spot. Time is running out and space is limited. The PenFlorida Women's Ministry makes all the arrangements for you. Just contact the office and we will handle the rest.

You can send a check made payable to PFDC and send to

PenFlorida Women Ministries
P.O. Box 24687.
Lakeland Fl 33802
or call PenFlorida Women's Ministry Department 863-683-5726 Ext 232.
Scholarships available. Please email Marsha Woolley at mwoolley@penflorida.org

Hugs,
LaDonna Jones

Christmas!

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Going without my laptop!

Hi Friends,

I realize it's been a while since I've posted as my laptop has been giving me fits, but hopefully it will be in good working order this week. It's been very difficult to go without it, but that should end soon!

Talk to you later,

LaDonna

In Every Season Section 13 Event

Today we celebrated God's goodness! We had a great day in the Lord at our Section 13
Women's Event which was held at Harvest Chapel Christian Center hosted by Pastors Brian and Paula Royer. Their hospitality was outstanding. They provided a beautiful place for us to receive and be blessed so that we may take it and spread it with others.

Thank you to all of you for your attendance and financial support this our section. It is an honor and privilege to have served as your rep. for close to 10 years now.

I was honored to have Sue Visaggio with us, as she helped with the door prizes. She is a true blessing and I admired her for her faithfulness as she has served as Girl/Missionettes Rep. in our section for close to 30 years! That is amazing! She is an inspiration to me for her dedication to our young girls.

Praise and worship was awesome! Thank you HCCF for everything!

Pastor Deanna Shrodes was amazing and shared a powerful word for us all!

Thank you again for supporting women's ministries!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Breakaway!

Rejoicing in God's goodness this past weekend! Thank you Marsha Woolley and Amy for all your hard work! Hearing so many praise reports! Thank you Lord for all you've done. To God be the Glory! We love and thank God for you!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Thank you ladies of Section 13!

Dear Ladies,

We just came away from our PenFlorida Breakaway conference at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Conference Center in Sarasota at Siesta Key. Our time away was amazing and so refreshing!

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank each of you for all your hard work in promoting the Breakaway! Because of your efforts our section had the most ladies at the conference representing section 13.

Marsha Woolley called me last Friday to tell me that I had won the grand prize! I was so surprised as I really didn't know or remember what the prize was! I was blessed with a beautiful Suite! It was huge and so very nice! This was an especially blessed and wonderful time for me as I know for all of you!

This year is the first time my husband, Keith and I in our years of ministry, that we have really struggled in so many ways. I'm not going to take the time to go through it all, but God knows. I was desperate to have some time away, because of extenuating circumstances beyond our control with my father-in-law's illness, we were unable to take a vacation, but needed to go visit him instead. In fact, my husband flew out to be with him again this weekend as he's doing poorly and not expected to make it much longer.

In September, our church held special services called "Breakthrough". On Wednesday evening, Marsha Woolley, came and ministered so beautifully to our people. I was on the piano as usual for altar ministry and she came to me and prophesied over me that God was going to give me a vacation that I and my husband could complete. She said, that God was going to give me some "softer things" to enjoy and that it would be effortless! To be honest, I though to myself that was great, but really didn't know how that would come to pass anytime soon.

Well, I'm a little slow....but it dawned on me that God was bringing this to past by allowing me to enjoy this time away and stay in a beautiful suite on the top floor with an incredible view of the water and downtown area with special little perks included!

So, thank you ladies! For your support, love, and well wishes! I don't feel I'm worthy of this, but in spite of myself He blessed me anyway and I appreciate you ladies for making this possible.

The weekend was refreshing, the worship intense! I danced all over the place! My calves are screaming today, but it was so worth it! Freedom....it was so sweet! I feel now God has given what's needed to take me through this season. God is good!

It was so good to see my sisters in the Lord and renewing friendships with ladies I've made over the years! Conferences are a great place to go and getaway!

On another note, I'd like to remind you of our section event next Saturday, November 7th with another awesome woman of God, Pastor Deanna Shrodes from Tampa. This event will begin with registration and breakfast at 9:00 am and the session will begin at 10:00 am. This will be held at Harvest Chapel Christian Center in Bradenton. Please call by next week for a count so we know how many to plan for! You may reach me at the office at 941-423-1939.

See you Saturday!

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna

Fall Breakaway Schedule

Fall Breakaway Schedule

Thursday, October 29, 2009
3 pm Hotel Check-In/Registration
7 pm Service with Marsha Woolley
7 pm Service for Daughters By Design

Friday, October 30, 2009
7 am Early morning prayer
10 am Service with Lisa Bevere
10 am Service for Daughters By Design
Noon Lunch on own
Workshops:
2 pm-4 pm “Taking Control of My Body and Liking It” Samantha Taylor
2 pm-4:30 pm Daughters By Design
4 pm-6 pm “Taking Control of My Money and Liking It” Sherry Bedford
4 pm-5 pm Senior Pastor’s Wives Tea Party – By invitation only
7 pm Service with Lisa Bevere
Purity Ceremony for Daughters By Design
Reception – Cake and Punch for all following the service
10:30 pm Movie for Daughters By Design

Saturday, October 31, 2009
7 am Early morning Prayer
9 am Service with Lisa Bevere
Daughters By Design
Noon Dismissed

Desert Song by Hillsong

Hillsong
This Is Our God
Desert Song-VERSE 1-
This is my prayer in the desert,
When all that's within me feels dry,
This is my prayer in my hunger and need,
My God is the God who provides,

-VERSE 2-
And this is my prayer in the fire,
In weakness, or trial, or pain,
There is a faith proved more worth than gold,
So refine me Lord through the flame,

-CHORUS-
I will bring praise,
I will bring praise,
No weapon formed against me shall remain,
I will rejoice, I will declare,
God is my victory and He is here,

[ Hillsong Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
-VERSE 3-
This is my prayer in the battle,
When triumph is still on its way,
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ,
So firm on his promise I'll stand,

(repeat Chorus)

-REFRAIN-
All of my life, in every season,
You are still God,
I have a reason to sing,
I have a reason to worship,

(repeat Chorus)

-VERSE 4-
And this is my prayer in the harvest,
When favour and providence flow,
I know I'm filled to be emptied again,
The seed I receive I will sow

Ways to Simplify your life

I found this on a blog that I follow called Plea by Milton Dykes. This is really good and I thought we could all benefit from his entry. Check it out!

TWENTY WAYS TO SIMPLIFY

1. Eliminate ten things from your life.
2. Cut back on TV.
3. Escape to a quiet spot.
4. Set your own pace.
5. Get rid of clutter.
6. When you bring home something new, throw out something old.
7. Do only one thing at a time.
8. Say no at least once a day.
9. Enjoy the little things.
10. Take at least four breaks per day.
11. Determine what really matters.
12. Make peace with all people.
13. Tell the truth.
14. Appreciate beauty.
15. If you don't need it, don't buy it.
16. If you don't have time, don't do it.
17. Have a place for everything and put everything in its place.
18. Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions with a friend every day.
19. Allow time to pray.
20. Thank God for what you have.

We can work on all these things, not overnight, but we can pick things and work towards them to make our lives easier.

Hugs,
LaDonna

In Every Season, Section 13 Event

Deanna Shrodes has partnered with her husband Larry of each church that they have served in their 22 of marriage and ministry together. Currently, she serves alongside him as co-pastor at Northside Assembly of God in Tampa, Florida. Deanna's passion is to invest in leaders through writing, speaking and coaching. She is an accomplished writer, musician and speaker. In addition to leading in the local church she ministers at home and abroad in conferences and churches. Her ministry has been featured in the Pentecostal Evangel, Billy Graham's Evangelistic Association's Decision Today, Religion.com, Crosswalk.com, USA Network News, the Christian Television Network, and many more. Her writings have been featured in Jill Briscoe's magazine, "Just Between Us" for ministry women, Woman's Touch, Enrichment Journal, Global Pastor's Wives Network, Women Mobilized for Ministry and Shepherdess Magazine, just to name a few. Deanna is a contributing writer to Simon & Shuster's Chocolate for a Woman's Courage, from their “Chocolate” series. These bestselling "chocolate" books of inspiration and motivation are sold everywhere, with over two million in print. She has written the books, Intimate Woman, and Above Average Woman, that have brought change to many women’s lives. The Shrodes have three children – Dustin (19), Jordan (18) and Savanna Rose (12).

Deanna will be with us on Saturday, November 7th at Harvest Chapel Christian Center in Brandenton. We hope that you will be there for this special day! Check out the previous blog entry and double click on the poster for further information.

Hugs,
LaDonna

"In Every Season Section" 13 Event

Please double click on the poster to enlarge for easy reading. Packets will be going out this week! Please ask your ladies to register for this event by November 2 to get an accurate food count. There is no charge for this event, but a love offering will be taken to cover expenses.

Our guest speaker is Pastor Deanna Shrodes from Northside Assembly in Tampa. You may check out her blog under the list of blogs I follow to the right.

This will be an exiting event!

Hugs,
LaDonna

October is Pastor Appreciation month

Here's an article from the National Women's Ministries Office for your information!

Hugs,
LaDonna


Pastor Appreciation

By Arlene Allen, Director of National Women’s Department

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Hopefully, your church makes plans every year to honor your pastor and family. Check with your church office or deacons to see if plans are being made for this year. If they are not, be the catalyst and start a new tradition. You still have time to make it happen!

Your pastor, staff and their families are the key to your church’s future, in terms of growth, discipleship, evangelism, or social concerns. How much better could they perform and lead if they knew beyond a shadow of doubt that they and their families are loved, supported and lifted up by their congregation?

Below is a list of ways you can use to show honor. For convenience and consistency, we have used “he” and “him,” but virtually all the suggestions apply equally to women pastors.

How to Show Appreciation to Your Pastor

Let the pastor dream and be creative.
Talk to him; build a relationship of teamwork and trust.
Compliment him for timely sermons.
Invite the pastor and his wife to your home for a fellowship meal.
Purchase a gift for your pastor.
Pray for your pastor and wife by name every day.
Say to him, “I’m with you, you can count on me.”
Submit to him scripturally, according to Hebrews 13:17.
Stick with him even when you don’t understand his reasoning and approach.
Bake a cake for the pastor and his family.
Attend church regularly.
Send the pastor a humorous card to brighten his day, signed by everyone in your family.
Defend the pastor against faultfinders.
Believe with him that God desires to do new things in the church.
Show the community “love in action” by the way you provide for the pastor and support him.
Order him a special book.
Organize a pastor’s prayer partners’ ministry.
Ask friends to attend church with you.
Have confidence in the pastor’s motives and abilities.
Be willing to listen to his plans for change and growth.
Be a good follower.
Send him a fruit basket with a message of love from your family.
Help him create and champion visionary plans for church growth.
Reveal to him you are willing to submit to his leadership and to be teachable.
Don’t criticize the pastor.
Let him make mistakes; he’s human, after all.
Be a good listener; let his sermons sink deep.
Make a pan of fudge or candy for his family.
Don’t ever say, “We’ve never done it that way before.”
Send the pastor to a special conference or seminar.
Make sure he has a day off each week.
Ask the pastor, “How can I help you?”
Encourage the pastor’s wife to be her own person.
Be consistent in your witness and work in the church.
Be a partner in keeping his freezer stocked with meat and vegetables if you have a garden.
Pay your tithes consistently.
Encourage the church board to give the pastor a cost-of-living increase in salary each year.
Thank him for developing quality and excellence in ministry.
Buy into the pastor’s vision; accept ownership.
Compliment him for church progress.
Help form a pastoral concerns team to provide for the needs of the pastor and his family.
Encourage him with words and works.
Help send the pastor and his family on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
Give him tickets to a special event/activity.
Help the outreach of the church to intensify.
Arrange for a fall or spring housecleaning team for the pastor’s home.
Jump in and assist him on behind-the-scenes projects.
Plan a church-wide surprise birthday party for him.
Stand by him when he is in the line of fire.
Help redecorate the pastor’s office.
Prepare a meal for the pastor and his family.
Plan a church appreciation banquet for the pastor.
Refrain from saying, “that will cost too much.”
Order a pizza and send it to his home.
Honor and respect the pastor.
Embrace his focus on discipleship training.
Encourage the pastor’s children.
Feature a write-up in the local newspaper/radio about the ministry of the pastor.
Ask the mayor to proclaim a pastor appreciation day in the city.
Present the pastor with a plaque recognizing his achievements and honoring his commitment.
Support the pastor through action, affirmation, and accountability.
Hold up his hands as he leads the flock.
Listen to the pastor’s long-range goals and plans.
Assist in providing him with a membership to a health club.
Furnish him with fishing equipment and encourage him to get away from strain and stress.
Give the pastor an “I love you” gift certificate for a meal or merchandise.
Remember the birthday of his wife and children.
See that the pastor has time to be alone with God, time for his family, and personal time.
Treat the pastor’s wife to a spa experience.


Arlene Allen is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and director for the National Women's Department. She serves on the boards of the national Women in Ministry Task Force, Religious Alliance Against Pornography, and Global Pastors' Wives Network. She has an extensive speaking history that includes pulpit ministry, leadership training, and Women's Ministries and ministers' wives retreats.

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

Sit for a spell and have a cup of tea!

I love this pic. Found it in Better Homes and Gardens website.

I have an indoor room that is all frilly and has the cottage feel to it similar to this.

Can't you just see us sitting there enjoying a cup of tea and crumpets?

Hope you have a great day!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Fall Breakaway "Just Breathe" Schedule

Thursday, October 29, 2009
3pm Hotel Check-In 3pm Registration begins
7pm Service with J. Lee Grady author of, “10 Lies The Church Tells Women”
Following service - Pastor’s Wives and Women’s Ministry Leaders get-together – By Invitation Only

Friday, October 30, 2009
10am Service with Marsha Woolley, Pen Florida District Women’s Ministries Director
Noon Lunch on own 2pm-4pm

Breakout Sessions

Samantha Taylor – Pure Health Trainer/
Sherry Bedford – Living in God’s Economy Financial Advisor

7pm Service with Lisa Bevere, Keynote Speaker
Following the Service (9:30pm-10:00pm) Purity Ceremony for Daughters By Design

Saturday, October 31, 2009
9am Service with Lisa Bevere, Keynote Speaker
Noon Dismissed


Daughters By Design (ages 14-19)

Thursday
3pm Registration begins
7pm Service/Workshop (Daughters By Design Room)

Friday
10am Service with Marsha Woolley
Noon Lunch on own
2pm Workshop (Daughters By Design Room)
4:30pm Dismissed for supper, change for service & ceremony
7pm Service with Lisa Bevere
Following the Service (9:30pm-10:00pm) Purity Ceremony If desired, bring a dress or Sunday attire for ceremony
10:30pm Movie (Daughters By Design Room)

Saturday
9am Service with Lisa Bevere Following the service meet with girls to hang, swim, exchange info.

Fall Breakaway just breathe with Lisa Bevere

Dear Ladies,

I trust that you are having a great summer! The temp's have been unusually warm, so hope you've been staying cool. October will be here soon and we can enjoy nicer weather!

If you aren't aware of it by now, I wanted to bring to your attention that the Conference Hotel is full , but not to fear there are other options. The registration deadline for the early bird special of $50.00 is August 3rd. After that the price is $60.00 with a Sept. 3 deadline. Tickets at the door if available will be $70.00. Registrations are not refundable, but may be transferable.

There are rooms available at the LaQuinta.

Reservations directly with LaQuinta
1803 N Tamiami Trl
Sarasota, FL 34234
1.866.527.1498
Pen Florida Assembly of God
Confirmation # 7712GRVBPD
$69 for 4 people
Complimentary Breakfast
(1 mile/2 minutes)

There may be a few rooms left at the Hyatt Place. This is a beautiful property close by to the conference hotel.

Reservations directly with Hyatt Place
950 University Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34234
1.888.492.8847 or 1.941.554.5800
Assembly of God-Women's Dept
Code/Group # G-RAGO
$105 for 4 peopleComplimentary Breakfast
Shuttle provided Sarasota Hyatt and Hyatt Place (3.5 miles/6 minutes)

Please check at the Pen-Florida Women's Ministries page for info at: https://www.penflorida.org/406112.ihtml

If you are interested in bringing a group from your church time is of essence! So hurry and make your reservations! We're going to have a wonderful time! October is just around the corner!

Hugs,

LaDonna

***Reminder: We'll have our Fall event at Harvest Chapel Christian Center in Bradenton Saturday, November 7th with Rev. Deanna Shrodes! Check out her blog here.

"Life is a Theater--Invite Your Audience Carefully"

This has been around for awhile, but worth the read again.

Hugs,

LaDonna

Not everyone is spiritually healthy and mature enough to have a front row seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships, friendships, fellowships.

Observe the relationships around you.Pay attention to: Which ones lift and which ones lean?

Which ones encourage and which ones discourage?Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill?When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse?

Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know and appreciate you and the gift that lies within you?

When you seek growth, peace of mind, love and truth, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

You cannot change the people around you but you can change the people you are around.

Ask God for godly wisdom and discernment and choose wisely the people who sit in the front row of your life.

- Author Unknown