Thanking God for Girlfriends by Traci Rhoades
In particular, how exciting when you find a friendship that moves beyond acquaintance to close companion to one you bear your soul to. While these kind of relationships take time and effort, I’m also discovering there is a great deal of divine intervention involved as well. God sees where we are mentally, emotionally and spiritually and He gives us Christian women to walk beside us. Maybe for a short time or sometimes, for a lifetime.
Please take a moment to reflect on those friendships you count as blessings. Thank God for His part in bringing you together. Call her, meet up with her or send her a note on Facebook! The miles between you and your friends don’t matter, the maker between you, however, is everything.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Give Thanks to the Lord by Traci Rhoades
I've started a list in my Bible of scripture passages I also know as songs. Do you recognize this one? Doesn't it give your spirit an extra lift to hum the tune as you read the words? This passage also reminds me of a lesson God has been teaching me. Look back over the words (hum again if you want!) and note how many action verbs the author uses. "Give thanks, call, make known, sing, sing (again), tell, glory in and let our hearts rejoice." Our God does not do all the work so we can sit back and just be in awe of Him. A growing faith stays busy, not so much in service but in seeking our Savior. And telling others about what God is doing in us and through us becomes a direct response of this faith in action.
So, as we enter the season of Thanksgiving, examine your faith. Is it full of action verbs or do you need to seek Him a little more? Ephesians 3:18b promises us that, "together with all the saints, [we can] grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." But it does take a little work on our part.
Because Lives Matter Women's RETREAT
WOMEN’SRETREAT December 4th, Friday 4:00 P.M.-5:30 P.M. Arrival 5:30P.M.-6:45P.M. Dinner (endless soup and salad/bar) 7P.M.-8P.M. Sue Cramer will be presenting the program on Rahab: Session 1 8P.M.-? Free time and sleep time December 5th Saturday 7:30 A.M.-8:45A.M. Breakfast (Margaret’s (Rise-N-Shine Special) 9A.M.-10A.M. Sue Cramer: session 2 10A.M. to 11A.M. Break 11A.M.-Noon Sue Cramer: Session 3 NOON-1P.M.LUNCH(chicken salad on croissants old fashioned macaroni and cheese
veggies/dip)
1P.M.-2P.M. Sue Cramer: Session 4
Because there is no cost we are asking for a commitment for this Retreat. There will be only 40 spaces available. Please do mark your calendar and make arrangements to attend if you sign up. Thank you!
SIGN UP at Ministry Table or email npwministry@charter.net
Wednesday morning Bible Study
What: Bible Study using the book, "Unafraid" by Francine Rivers
Where: Home of Jaime Rogers
When: Starting December 2nd, every Wednesday from 9:30-11:15am
We hope you can join us! Childcare is provided. Please contact Traci Rhoades (traci_407@msn.com or 269-908-0992) or Jaime Rogers (lovemygirls02@yahoo.com or 269-370-2779).
facebook North Point Women's Ministry
http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Point-Womens-Ministry/161774682135?ref=nf
Hope in the Lord Always by Traci Rhoades
I think for a long time, I thought if I didn't feel like a million bucks after crying out to our Father, I hadn't prayed hard enough. After learning this perspective, I realize some problems may be too big to get that kind of instant gratification. So, whether I find myself walking, running or soaring, I can praise God for hearing my cry and providing me with renewed strength. Always.
Isaiah 40: 28-31
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Over nite Retreat/save the date
Need Your Input Date--CORRECTION
we will meet at the Otsego Library in the Tutoring Room on
Come be a part of women reaching women.
Christian Neighbors 2009-2010 Soup Supper Schedule
All the proceeds/donations go directly to our local food pantry, Christian Neighbors!! Thank you!!!
October 7 St. Margarets Catholic School, 5-7
October 21 Trowbridge United Methodist, 5-7
November 11 Otsego Church of God, 4-6:30
January 12 Plainwell Assembly of God/First Baptist Church of Plainwell, supper at First Baptist Church, 5-7
January 27 Friendship Wesleyan, Otsego, 4:30-6:30
February 10 Calvary Community Church/Hope Lutheran, supper at Hope Lutheran 5-7
February 24 Otsego Baptist Church, 5-7
March 10 Otsego United Methodist, 5-7
April 21 Alamo Community, 5-7
April 28 Plainwell First United Methodist, 5-7
May 12 Martin United Methodist 4:30-6:30
Eat at Pizza Hut the First Tuesday of each month
October-June from 4-8 p.m. and Christian Neighbors
receives 10% of the sales!!
Beth Moore 9 session DVD series
You have an opportunity to take this during the morning or evening.
1. Thursdays starting October 22nd 6:45 PM-8:30PM
Sherry Hanson's home 8397 West B., Otsego
2. Mondays starting October 26th 9:30AM-11:30AM
Otsego Public Library 401 Dix St., Otsego
The Inheritance Listening guide to go with the DVD study $5.oo---if you want........
(Please note this series does not have homework)
sign up-Ministry table, email npwministry@charter.net, or call Karin 269-692-2390
Need your input
Women interested in being a direct part of the WM and you are able to attend an organizational meeting
we will meet at the Otsego Library in the Tutoring Room on
October 8th from 10:30-noon or
in the same room
October 15th 6:30PM-8PM...
Come be a part of women reaching women.
PRAISE and COFFEE NIGHT
At The Plainwell Coffee Mill
717 E. Bridge St. Plainwell, MI 49080
7-9 PM
The evening promises to be entertaining and inspiring as we debut a new talk show style format with testimonies, information and plenty of laughs along the way.
Emmaus Road Bible Church In Allegan
October 23-24
Emmaus Road Bible Church In Allegan
A Beth Moore Pre Recorded DVD
Measureless Love...as far as the East is to the West
Doors open at 6:00pm Friday with a dessert Buffet
Door prizes on Saturday
Get full detailed schedule, directions and register at
Grace Awakened Ministries www.graceawakenedministries.blogspot.com
Registration is required due to limited seating...So register today
Praise and Coffee with Sue Cramer
The next Praise and Coffee Night in Plainwell, MI will be:
October 8, 2009
At The Plainwell Coffee Mill
717 E. Bridge St. Plainwell, MI 49080
7-9 PM
The evening promises to be entertaining and inspiring as we debut a new talk show style format with testimonies, information and plenty of laughs along the way.
"My Weakness, His Strength" by Traci Rhoades
In my old yearbooks, my friends used to write phrases like, “Don’t study too hard over the summer; try to have some fun” and “Don’t be such a nerd.” Yes, I was the honor roll student you beat up. You’ve heard of those organized, Type A personalities? Meet their leader.
These days, I have no idea where I’ve put my to-do list. No, correction, I can’t remember if I started a to-do list or just thought about it. I begin each day with great ambition… complete the laundry, get the groceries, read a few pages in the book I started. However, here’s the reality at the end of most days… the laundry has been put off yet again, I’ve managed to serve my husband leftovers one more time for dinner and maybe in six months, I’ll get that book completed.
You’ve probably guessed it by now; I’m the mama of a toddler. Please tell me, did they pull us off to the side and explain to us in school just how hard and all-consuming it would be as a mother? I must have been absent that day. No, that’s not true; I usually got the perfect attendance record each year (uggh, someone stop me)!
I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting so many moms through church and play groups these past few years. And can I just tell you every woman seems to have it so much more together than I do? Do you ever feel that way?
OK, maybe I’ve taken some writer’s liberties and embellished a few details in my saga, but not much, I tell you. However, in the midst of this craziness and my lack of control, God uses me! I’m so excited about this discovery. Even when my act is not together, He uses me! When I think what I’m offering Him is a comical substitute for holiness, He makes me glorious. Taking my attempts and ministering to others. And my toddler, she is actually thriving.
So, let my experience minister to your hearts and your own crazy lives. When we are weak, He is strong. When we don’t have it together, His power comes and rests on us. Initially, this isn’t comforting news to us Type A ladies. But in our souls, we know it’s THE Good News. Because it’s furthering His kingdom. And that’s way better than being the perfect student, the perfect mom, the perfect attendance certificate-getter… it’s better than anything!
August 13, 2009
At The Plainwell Coffee Mill
717 E. Bridge St. Plainwell, MI 49080
7-9 PM
Come out for lots of laughs and then at the end of the evening, we will be breaking up into small groups such as:
*Healing of Broken Hearts
*The Challenges of Moms with Young Ones
*Marriage Encouragement
*Substance Abuse and Support
*Woman to Woman~ How God Impacts Our Lives
*Blogging Basics ~ tips for those who want to start blogging
You may want to bring a pop up awning for shade, lawn chairs, and or blankets.
There will be GAMES for all ages.
REMINDER Night of Praise and Worship~ Plainwell, MI
Night of Praise and Worship~
Plainwell Coffee Mill Plainwell, MI
OLD Fashioned Church Picnic
More information will be posted soon.
"The Choice is Yours" by Traci Rhoades
For months now, I have been presented with a specific word when I read my Bible, hear a sermon or prepare for Bible Study. As we’ve learned in our Spring Bible Study, this means I am not only hearing from God, but He is confirming time and time again He wants me to learn the lesson found in His word to me.
The word I keep hearing and seeing is “choice.” We find it in the key scripture verse, “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” So much of our Christian walk is made up of little, individual choices we make every day. Will I let myself get frustrated over every minor hiccup in my day or will I choose the peace that passes all understanding? Will I worry and fret over the dilemmas I face or will I choose to trust that the One who cares for the sparrows loves me and provides? Will I run myself ragged completing my daily list of chores, or will I choose to walk in the Spirit, doing the works He would have me do in a particular day?
I find so much contentment and joy when I choose Christ... every time I make the choice to do so. And, my sister in Christ, the daily choices are yours as well. May you choose wisely.
Free Local Family Entertainment
Kalamazoo Air Zoo Free admission: http://www.airzoo.org/
Free week day movies at the Regent Theater in Allegan:
http://www.cityofallegan.org/regent.php
Sue Cramer/Praise and Coffee
Night of Praise and Worship~ Plainwell, MI
Hello!
This Praise and Coffee Night is going to be a little bit different than past ones.
I will be leading worship with Trinity ftL for a night of Praise~Coffee~ and Worship!
June 18, 2009
At The Plainwell Coffee Mill
717 E. Bridge St. Plainwell, MI 49080
Please RSVP so I know how many to expect and how we should set up the band/room.
I can't wait to come together and worship God with you!!!
http://pacnights.blogspot.com/
Trinity ftL will look familiar to North Point people!!
http://www.myspace.com/trinityforthelord
SUMMER Bible Study
A study of David
Tuesdays June 16 thru July 21 with July 28th as an alternate date
10:00-11:30 video series with book (approx $15 if ordered as a group)
Sally Hosack's home
2634 West E Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 349-7980
located between Douglas & 14th St.
PLEASE call Sally ASAP so books can be ordered
Contentment part 2
“I have a game I play with myself. I normally won't look at fliers or catalogs (or go shopping) unless I need something and am planning to make a purchase. (All it does is to tend arouse the greed monster in me and major discontentment!) But, if I do look at one of them and I find myself saying, "I think I need to get me one of those.", then I ask myself a bunch of questions.
1). Why? Do I really need it?
2). What purpose will it serve?
3). Will I be able to share it with others and minister to them through it? (Like, my carpet shampooer that cost a lot but that everyone at church and in the family uses.)
4). Can I keep it from controlling me?
5). Is it what God wants me to do with His money He's given me???
Usually that stops about 90% of my purchases!!
There's also a series of great questions in 1 Corinthians that apply to contentment.
1 Corinthians 6:12 - "Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is beneficial." Is what I'm longing for going to be beneficial in the way God defines beneficial?
1 Corinthians 6:12 - "Everything is permissible for me - but I will not be mastered by anything." Is this going to become something that will take over my life? Will it be something that I will begin to treasure more than God and what He has provided?
1 Corinthians 10:23 - "Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is beneficial."
1 Corinthians 10:23 - "Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is constructive." How will this encourage and strengthen my walk with God? How will it build others up or meet a need?
These verses help me a lot with finding contentment both with money and with my circumstances. I can offer a "sacrifice" to God of my rights (everything is permissible)!
I've also always been struck by the fact that in that passage you quoted about food and clothing, he doesn't list housing! Of course, that was in the Middle East where it is warm most of the year. But, could I be content without a house of some kind??? Hmmmm.
I know that what I've written goes back more to the financial, and your thoughts were on contentment overall. You've hit the nail on the head. I think financial discontentment is just a symptom of a deeper root of overall discontentment. I think discontentment is also a sin, because it's really an accusation at God that He has not provided what I really need - that I know more than He does what is really needed. At it's root, it's a lack of faith in the goodness of God's character or in His ability and power to provide what I need. When you look at it as the sin of unbelief, it becomes a more critical issue to deal with in your life.
So, thanks for the challenge this morning!! Great job!!!
Love,
Aunt Trudy”
Contentment
This is part of a letter shared with me and I have permission from the writer to pass it along. I pray it speaks to you like it did to me….Thank you Kacey for letting me share it.
“I was at a class today on financial freedom. It was a required off-campus student chapel. I have to admit that I didn’t want to go! Not even a little bit! But God, being true to His nature, showed me once again that His ways are better than mine! What an awesome night! Why is it that when you want to go the least, you are blessed the most? I love that!
We were discussing the many things written in The Word that help us understand where we need to be with God before any financial ‘theory’ or ‘method’ will work. The gentleman leading the class gave us verses about God’s view of money vs. the world’s view, stewardship of God’s money (and what it means to be a good steward), and faithfulness in handling God’s money. But, what really got me thinking was the discussion on contentment. We were, of course, discussing financial contentment. But, doesn’t contentment spill over into all areas of our lives? I was the most touched by the scripture that he shared to validate his points.
Philippians 4:13 (NASB95)
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Isn’t that a great verse? I’ve always loved that one! But, I’ve always heard it read or used in the context of strength. Like for athletes, or when you are facing a difficult situation. But, the leader of our class challenged us to look at the surrounding verses to see what else that verse is getting at.
Philippians 4:10-13 (NASB95)
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Do you see it? It’s about contentedness! In effect, we are reading that Paul had learned to be content in all things. He had learned how to be content no matter how much he had. He had learned the ‘secret’ of both being filled and being hungry! God is telling us through Paul’s hand and life that we can be content in all ‘things’ through Him who strengthens us! Wow! So, then how much should be enough for us? Whatever we have, right?
1 Timothy 6:8 (NASB95)
8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
He asked us at class – ‘Do you have food?’- Well yes, we do! ‘Do you have clothes?’ – Yeah! Ok, then, according to God’s word, you should be content! Do you believe Him? How much is ‘enough’, then? Do we, right now, have enough car? Enough clothes? Enough house? Enough salary? Enough entertainment? Enough toys? If you look at your life right now and realize that everything that you have is from God Himself, that He chose that for you on purpose, what more do you need? I was really convicted!
Hebrews 13:5 (NASB95)
5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"
Let us learn, as Paul did, the secret of being content. There is no need for anything more, because God Himself (the creator of the entire universe) will never desert you, or forsake you! Ever! Isn’t that a wonderful feeling? He will never leave us! He will never forsake us! He will never let us go without something that He knows that we need! What a loving, caring God we serve! And we can trust Him for everything! Let us be content with where we are and with what we have, and start allowing God to be in control!
Love you all! Kacey”
F.L.U.F.F. Night May 19th
Time for a F.L.U.F.F. Night.
Come find out what the letters stand for...
We will have Sue Cramer (Praise and Coffee) sharing with us what God has laid on her heart "The Key to Freedom ".
We will be gathering at the 747 Restaurant at 7PM-8:30PM for delicious desserts that you may purchase or if you haven't eaten dinner--they have great food. What more could we ask for?
1. Sharing our love for the Lord (PLEASE bring a friend with you--they will be glad you asked)
2. Being with friends
3. Great desserts!
If you haven't had their desserts--you'll tell others after you have tasted them)
Tuesday, May 19th 7:00-8:30 PM
747 Restaurant
663 10th St.
Plainwell, MI
Please RSVP to this emil or sign up at the Ministry Table on Sunday...we need to give them a count by May 17th
Conversation Time with Jesus by Traci Rhoades
My mom is my best friend. Somewhere along the way, we went from mother and daughter to great friends and the relationship serves as one of my biggest blessings. She’s my confidant and mentor.
But she lives thousands of miles away in a little town called Houston, Texas. We speak on the phone almost daily, usually in the mornings before she leaves for work. My mom and I only see each other a handful of times each year but we have a very close relationship.
That’s why, during a conversation in Bible Study one Wednesday, I nodded my head in agreement as another woman shared about a close relationship with her mom. I knew just what she was speaking of when she talked about enjoying the friendship of a family member.
Her next statement, however, convicted me to the core and still influences me. “I think Jesus wants us to long to speak to Him even more than we long to speak to our moms.” Immediately I thought of how often I checked the clock each morning to see if mom was awake yet (Houston is an hour behind us). I remembered all the times I ran to the phone, anxious to share a bit of news or get much needed advice. Did I experience the same excitement when going to Jesus?
The Great Teacher exhibited the importance of setting aside time with our Heavenly Father before the sun comes up (and long after it goes down). As we find in the book of Mark, Jesus took time before each day started to be alone and pray. Much like the close relationship I enjoy with my earthly mother, Jesus taught us our Heavenly Father longs for intimacy with us as well. That’s the closeness I too long for, with the lover and savior of my soul.
In the morning, long before sunrise, Jesus went to a place where he could be alone to pray.
Mark 1:35
A New Hallelujah by Jamie Rogers
Lets dig into scripture and see what new song we can sing today.
Ps. 33:3
Sing to the Lord a ____ ____, play skillfully and shout for____.
The last part of this verse says shout for joy! We know God is worthy of our praise but lets check out a few reasons why. Look at Ps 33:4-5 and write down 3 reasons to shout for joy in your praise to God.
I love that he is faithful in all he does. That is the reason to Sing a New Song!!
Lets look together at a verse that is really on my heart as I am writing today
Heb 4:12
For the word of God is___and___. This is why we can look at his word daily and it applies to our lives. That's why we can be recharged by his word, because it's always at work. The spirit is always at work and we hear his voice through the word so it has to be alive and active. I feel very strongly that we are going to truly sing a new song , we have to realize he is at work in our lives all the time. That is a great reason to shout for joy!!
Lets look at one more verse Ps 98:1 and take a minute to write this one down.
What marvelous thing has God done in your life or what marvelous things is he doing right now? Lets end our day with a prayer to thank God for the work he is doing in our lives. If you are struggling to see his hand at work in your life right now lets pray this together.
Lord I know that you are at work right now and that you love me, but to be honest it is hard to see. I need a break through today, I need your guidance, and your wisdom. I know that even in the tough times you are working all things out for your plan. Lord I love you and I ask for more of you and less of me.
Thank you Jamie for giving me permission to publish this.
Please check our Jamie's blog at: http://thewordinworship.blogspot.com/
S.W. MI RACE for the CURE
You may email SWMI@komenswmichigan.org, call Toll -Free 1-877-566-3679, or pick up information at the ministry table at church.
If you would like to join us from North Point in walking (or running) please contact Karin Breedveld 269-692-2390 or grnthmbs@chartermi.net
Let us help make a difference.
Honoring our Loved Ones
NEED for you to share a picture
and address of family, friends, and
loved ones serving our COUNTRY
We will have a display of the pictures
and addresses for church family.
Please submit them to
npwministry@ charter.com
or bring them to the ministry
table at church
Spring Spectacular
The North Point Women's Ministry has the Scout House
in Otsego reserved on May 23rd for a
Spring Spectacular! We want to give the ladies at
North Point who have home business a chance to share
their product. So far we have
* Party Light candles
* Premier Designs Jewelry
* Back Sacks
*
*
*
We have 3 spots available and if you are interested
please email Jaime Rogers lovemygirls02@yahoo.com
or Karin Breedveld at npwministy@charter.net
* You will also have a chance to buy annual flowers
at the spring spectacular
Readers Rejoice!
Book exchange to be held the last Sunday of every month.
Bible Study
For more information please contact Lynn at lvree@aol.com
| |
Four Season's Bible Study
teaches the reader to beware of counterfeit voices, how in each encounter God’s voice may differ, but the nature of it does not.
The study takes place in Otsego on Wednesday from 9:30-11a.m.
email Traci at traci_407@msn.com for more information.