I received this email last week from a friend of mine...her small group is doing something pretty amazing this holiday season. Read on:
hello ladies!!
so, in the spirit of the holidays (and tradition)...my small group is doing our 2nd annual "operation pretty things" (OPT) - we collect all the "pretty things" that we have poking around our medicine cabinets (the never-been-used/un-opened things), make little gift bags and bring them to a woman's shelter here in town. last year was our first time doing this. the bags were received with so much gratitude and appreciation. it was awesome!! so, we are at it again...
this year we wanted to give our friends and families an opportunity to join us!
Ps 9:9-10 says..."The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." another version says... "God is a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times."
some of these women are facing some pretty bad times. our hope is that we can show the love of Jesus, by simply reminding these ladies that they are beautiful in God's eyes, and worth every drop of His unfailing love. In each bag, we place our favorite verses from the Bible, to encourage them with truth.
along with your favorite verses, we are looking to fill these bags with the usual cosmetic fare (make-up, lotions, nail polish, cosmetics, etc)...
things that you are not using and wouldn't mind giving to these woman - some of whom have had to leave all their pretty things behind.
this year, we are gonna kick it up a notch, too!! if anyone has jewelry they are not wearing, or little accessories and/or extras (like scarves or hair brushes or, I don't know...extras) that you are not using/have never been used/new!...let's collect those too!! and feel free to purchase pretty things too...no one is gonna stop you :) the more pretty things, the better! and if you have little gift bags or tissue paper you want to donate as well, that would be awesome!!
if you have any questions, please shoot me an email. i need to collect everything by Thursday, December 10th...which will give my small group time to assemble, and deliver the bags before Christmas! if you've got "pretty things" bring them to church or let's set up a time to rendezvous!! just collect what you can, and email me or call!
also, please pass this on to anyone that might be interested in joining us.
I don't have a lot of email addresses, so maybe you all can help me on that front. ok, that's it for me!
Missy Boneske
If you'd like to help out, you can either email Missy directly (missy@abbafirst.com), or you can email me (sunshinegrl243@aol.com). I just think this is an awesome way to help in a way that is often overlooked. Happy hunting!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Marking a Moment
One year ago today I was baptized as a Christian. That night was absolutely incredible. I was excited, I was a little bit nervous, and I was thrilled that so many people had come to share the moment with me. I wish I had words to describe it, but I could just feel God’s presence so clearly…it was a moment that I specifically recall wanting to tuck away…for those days when things don’t seem so clear.
Right before everything got started, Mike met with all of us (12 or 13 I think) that were going to be baptized. He made sure we understood what would happen, and then we all prayed together. One by one, we made our way to the edge of the pool. I took off my glasses and waded into the water where Mike was waiting. My wonderful friend Cindy read the testimony that I had prepared ahead of time. She started crying just a few sentences in, so of course I was crying! As she finished, Mike said “it is upon your declaration of faith that I now baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. With that, he leaned me back and dunked me under the water. As I came up out of the water, everyone in the room was clapping and cheering (my small group was the loudest!!!)
Right before everything got started, Mike met with all of us (12 or 13 I think) that were going to be baptized. He made sure we understood what would happen, and then we all prayed together. One by one, we made our way to the edge of the pool. I took off my glasses and waded into the water where Mike was waiting. My wonderful friend Cindy read the testimony that I had prepared ahead of time. She started crying just a few sentences in, so of course I was crying! As she finished, Mike said “it is upon your declaration of faith that I now baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. With that, he leaned me back and dunked me under the water. As I came up out of the water, everyone in the room was clapping and cheering (my small group was the loudest!!!)
For the rest of the night I swear it didn’t feel like my feet even hit the ground. The whole thing was just so powerful – publicly declaring as an adult the fact that my life belongs to Jesus Christ. A bunch of us went to O’Charleys afterwards to continue the celebration and even Edwin joined in the festivities.
A couple of weeks ago I was listening to a sermon given by Perry Noble (pastor of New Spring Church in Greenville, SC) about baptism. He was saying that adult baptism is not a denial of your past, not a denial of any ceremony during your childhood. It’s affirming what your parents prayed for when you were sprinkled as an infant. Then he said this (and it was so good I listened a couple of times to get the quote right). “Baptism comes after salvation. It doesn’t matter how many times you got baptized before you became a Christian – all you were was a wet sinner.” I totally agree. That night was not me denying how I was raised…in fact, I’m grateful for growing up knowing about God. However, it wasn’t until the past few years that I’ve had a personal relationship with Jesus, and that’s why I got baptized.
A couple of weeks ago I was listening to a sermon given by Perry Noble (pastor of New Spring Church in Greenville, SC) about baptism. He was saying that adult baptism is not a denial of your past, not a denial of any ceremony during your childhood. It’s affirming what your parents prayed for when you were sprinkled as an infant. Then he said this (and it was so good I listened a couple of times to get the quote right). “Baptism comes after salvation. It doesn’t matter how many times you got baptized before you became a Christian – all you were was a wet sinner.” I totally agree. That night was not me denying how I was raised…in fact, I’m grateful for growing up knowing about God. However, it wasn’t until the past few years that I’ve had a personal relationship with Jesus, and that’s why I got baptized.
Happy November 18th!!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Something New
I was sick of looking at the picture of random coupons, so I decided it was time for a new post.
I went to the dentist yesterday. I haven't gone since before Edwin was born. I have 8 cavities. If that's not incentive enough to go brush and floss your teeth right now...you're hopeless! (in my feeble defense, let me just say that I never used to go to the dentist. I can't remember having a filling past the age of about 6. So this is a big number yes, but that's considerably better than it could have been when you take into account that I obviously neglect my dental health).
I brushed and flossed this morning!!! (don't worry, I always brush my teeth..just not so much on the flossing)
Ok, I have surprisingly little to say right now. Hope everyone's having a great day :)
I went to the dentist yesterday. I haven't gone since before Edwin was born. I have 8 cavities. If that's not incentive enough to go brush and floss your teeth right now...you're hopeless! (in my feeble defense, let me just say that I never used to go to the dentist. I can't remember having a filling past the age of about 6. So this is a big number yes, but that's considerably better than it could have been when you take into account that I obviously neglect my dental health).
I brushed and flossed this morning!!! (don't worry, I always brush my teeth..just not so much on the flossing)
Ok, I have surprisingly little to say right now. Hope everyone's having a great day :)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Harris Teeter Triple Coupons!
This was just a quick trip to get a few things that we'll need around the house....
4 cans Swanson broth (14oz each)
3 boxes Fiber One chewy bars (5 ct each)
3 bags Domino sugar (5lb each)
1 can Folgers coffee (the normal size, not the cheapo size)
1 Crisco Extra Virgin Olive Oil (16.9 oz)
3 pkgs Keebler Sandies cookies
3 Reynolds cut-rite wax paper (75 sq ft)
1 Always pads (18 ct)
1 Always pantiliners (60 ct)
1 Mr Clean Magic Eraser (2 ct)
2 Colgate Total Toothpaste
Total # of items: 23
Original Total: $77.20
Paid: $28.44
Savings: $48.76
3 boxes Fiber One chewy bars (5 ct each)
3 bags Domino sugar (5lb each)
1 can Folgers coffee (the normal size, not the cheapo size)
1 Crisco Extra Virgin Olive Oil (16.9 oz)
3 pkgs Keebler Sandies cookies
3 Reynolds cut-rite wax paper (75 sq ft)
1 Always pads (18 ct)
1 Always pantiliners (60 ct)
1 Mr Clean Magic Eraser (2 ct)
2 Colgate Total Toothpaste
Total # of items: 23
Original Total: $77.20
Paid: $28.44
Savings: $48.76
I'll admit, this trip wasn't as exciting as my trip to Lowe's for their triple coupons a few weeks back, but it's still nothing to complain about. After all, one can never have too much free toothpaste, right?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
God's Word
Romans 13: 1-7
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
1 Timothy 2: 1-4
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
1 Timothy 2: 1-4
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Does It Really Need to be Said?
VOTE!!!
(Duh).
Having said that, I also want to share a scripture that Mike (pastor at PC3) referenced on Sunday. It's Proverbs 21:1 "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. "
Basically, we all need to remember that God is in charge here. Yes, we have been given an amazing opportunity and privilege to vote...and I believe we should take full advantage of that. Ultimately, God is the One who decides which man will become the next president. And once that decision has been made, God also is the one who has absolute control over that man's heart. Keep that in mind as you're watching the results come in...
Happy Voting!!
(Duh).
Having said that, I also want to share a scripture that Mike (pastor at PC3) referenced on Sunday. It's Proverbs 21:1 "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. "
Basically, we all need to remember that God is in charge here. Yes, we have been given an amazing opportunity and privilege to vote...and I believe we should take full advantage of that. Ultimately, God is the One who decides which man will become the next president. And once that decision has been made, God also is the one who has absolute control over that man's heart. Keep that in mind as you're watching the results come in...
Happy Voting!!
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