Procrastination

For months I've been thinking to myself "I need to update our blog...." Today, I am filled with great shame and humility when I realize I haven't updated it since JUNE! Much has happened since then. God is doing incredible things among the women of our church. I am continually in awe of His power and might, His incredible faithfulness and glory. How He continues to move among us, tearing down walls, transforming our hearts, and binding our lives together. God is good, even when we are not. God is faithful..... He never leaves us, He never fails us....even in the midst of our procrastination.
Let's press in together, seek after Him and find that He's everything we are looking for!

Jennifer

Summertime!

School's out and we are ready for some summer fun! I love to see summer through the eyes of my kids.....sleeping in, swimming pools, waterparks, sleepovers....three months of endless fun! Life has seemed a little overwhelming lately - so full and busy - decisions to make, plans to work through....Yet, today it all faded away as we put on the sunscreen and headed to the pool. I hope you'll take some time to slow down, get out your sunglasses, read a great book, put on your favorite music, and enjoy a great summer day like you did when you were a kid!

Becoming Like Him

I was asked a question this morning - "How are you becoming more like Christ?" It came up in our weekly staff meeting. We were asked to discuss it with a small group at our table. It was such a hard question to answer... Am I becoming more like Christ? I hope so. What am I doing to become more like Christ? Is there any evidence in my life of Christlikeness? Am I really growing to be more like Him?
It just so happens that today is my son's 4th birthday. He's my youngest. It's hard to believe that my baby is now such an incredible little man. He's changed so much over the last 4 years. It is impossible to miss all of the ways that he is growing. He's smart and funny - very clever for such a little guy. He's learning how to relate with people. He's talking more and more. He's grown more understanding, thoughtful, and compassionate. He's becoming more and more aware of all that is going on around him. I'm so proud of this amazing little guy. He's more like His Daddy every day!
But, what about my life? Have I changed over the last 4 years? Could anyone see a difference in me? Do I look more like Christ than I did a few years ago? Am I growing in my knowledge and understanding of His Word? Am I growing in mercy and compassion? Do I show the world who Christ really is? Does His glory shine forth in my life?
I hope so! All I know, is that I'm going to keep seeking Him. I want to dig into His truth and know Him more and more. I want to give Him every part of my heart and mind so that His will can be done in me. I know there is still MUCH growth that needs to happen in me, but I'll keep seeking, keep surrendering, and trust the Lord to transform me into His image. I can't imagine anything more beautiful!
What about you? Are you becoming more like Him? Let's seek Him together, trusting that He will finish the work He has begun in our lives. What a mighty God we serve!

Thank you!

Thank you to all who participated in February's Essence Event. It was a wonderful night of worship, fellowship, and encouragement. We had a great turn out, about 60 women of all ages and backgrounds. Our next Essence event will be in early summer. Be sure to make plans to attend and bring your friends!

Thank you to Melissa Elliott for leading worship. Thank you to Carrie Johnson for her powerful testimony. Thank you to Kristi Clark for the beautiful decorations. Thank you to Christie Noone for the coffee and snacks. Thank you to Marci Blasi for taking care of our children. Thank you to the entire events team who put everything together so beautifully! What a wonderful night!!!

Essence event coming soon!

Essence is coming! Make plans to join us on Thursday evening, February 28th, at 7 PM in the Connection Cafe. This event will have something for everyone - worship, encouragement, an acoustic mini-concert, coffee, fellowship......and so much more. Our topic - "Finding Fulfillment in Christ." You won't want to miss it!

Worship

I was thinking about worship last night. I look forward to going to church every Sunday. I mean really…I do. My husband and I are in a great ABF class, taught by Joe Thomas. He is a phenomenal teacher, so I know I am going to get fed and I don’t just mean coffee and donuts. We are in the South Loge and we hear the praise team practicing while Joe is teaching. I love music. I love praise music. Sometimes I just want to start singing with them right in the middle of class. One problem…I am very inhibited, shy and I guess embarrassed. I love to sing, not that I am very good at it, but I like it. You would probably never know it by my face, that I love to sing and worship, because I probably look mad or unemotional. I don’t mean to…but I’ve been told, “Don’t look like you want to kill somebody, smile!” I do it without realizing it. So, I really want to change that about myself. I want to feel free to worship, raise my hands or close my eyes…but that fear is there…that I will look silly or be the only one standing while everyone is sitting or people are looking at me, judging me. I look over there at Mike Roberts and he’s just going at it. What freedom he has, I admire that. I see other people worshipping and I do not judge them…I admire them. So, what’s the deal? I remember, one Sunday, my mother-in-law was in church with us. She is Church of Christ, which is a much different kind of worship, and it is a small country church. I was really getting into the music and I lifted one of my hands up in praise and then realized what I did. I automatically opened one eye and realized she was there and pulled my hand down. So silly! I know. Why? Why was I so embarrassed? I do not know. I want to work on that this year though. Sometimes I go in church and I feel so dry. I just don’t feel it. My prayer is, “Lord, cleanse me and help me to feel free to worship you.” I feel like I only get one chance a week at corporate worship and I want it to really count. I asked Melissa Elliott to recommend some worship music to play during my quiet time. She gave me stacks of old CD’s the choir uses. I love them. I turn that music on in my home and clean, fold clothes or cook and I truly have a time of uninhibited, fearless, meaningful worship. There are devotionals on these CD’s by Dan Millheim. He definitely has a gift for this, because they are wonderful. I want more, more, more. I even listen to them in my car. I do not feel inhibited or embarrassed then. Surely people can see me…raising my hands, singing at the top of my lungs. Hmmm, that sounds like a funny site to see. Why can’t we just show up on Sunday and not worry about what people think about us? Just come in and be ready to worship. Well, I think it starts at home…before we ever walk out the door. We should start preparing ourselves for time with God, then, being careful what we listen to on the radio or watch on TV that morning. Make a pact with our spouse that we are going to have a smooth morning…that means getting everything ready the night before, so you are not spending 30 minutes looking for your daughter’s shoes the next morning. Everyone agrees that there will be no yelling or negative feelings expressed. I think this could work…I am going to try it…you should too. Next Sunday, I am going to make a special effort to be prayed up and serious about worshipping Him.

Written by: Beth Ashcraft
Wife and mother of two

You Can Understand!

Do you understand God's Word?

When you sit down to read your Bible, are you able to make sense of it all?

Are you able to grasp all that God is teaching you?

I'm going through Beth Moore's A Woman's Heart study. She shared with us a passage in Luke concerning understanding God's Word. It says "Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." Let this be your prayer, "Lord, open my mind that I might understand your Word."
God wants you to understand. He desires to speak to you through His Word. He does not want His will, His plans, to remain a mystery. I'm so grateful that we have gifted teachers among us who can present God's truth to us with great power and conviction; however, one of the greatest things about God's Word is that it is for everyone. You don't need anyone to repackage His truth so that you can understand. God wants to speak to you directly. Should we still sit under the leadership of godly teachers? Yes, God uses people to express His heart. He uses His people to challenge and encourage us. He speaks through His people. But, He doesn't want you to depend on teachers. He wants you to seek Him for yourself. When you seek Him, you'll find Him. Let's continue seeking Him in His Word and asking Him for greater understanding.

International Missions

Please be in prayer this week (Jan. 15th - 18th) for Deb Russell. This beloved woman from our church is meeting with the International Mission Board with hopes of traveling abroad to spread the love and truth of Christ. Please pray for peace, clarity, and direction as decisions are made this week.

We love you Deb, and know that God has incredible plans for your life!

Calm My Anxious Heart

This Tuesday night will begin a new season of our women's quilting and prayer group. This group meets on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM. This semester they are going through the book, Calm My Anxious Heart. This is one of the most life-changing books that I have ever read. This class is most certainly not restricted to experienced and skilled seamstresses. This is a class for every woman. Come and meet with a group of women who will support, encourage, and challenge you as you look into God's truth together. You might even learn to sew along the way!

Resolution

Here it is the middle of January, and I've yet to make a New Year's Resolution. I am a big believer in goal-setting, but not very good at keeping resolutions. Last year, I resolved to train for a half-marathon! (Ha!) With my current exercise and eating program, I am more likely to gain 13 pounds than to run 13 miles. But, it never hurts to dream!

This year, I've been reading through the book of Hebrews and found a passage that is becoming a resolution of sorts for me. It's Hebrews 12:1. It says "....let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entagles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

"Let us throw off everything that hinders..." Are there things in your life that hinder your walk with the Lord? That hinder your enjoyment of His Presence? That hinder your relationships with others? That hinder the joy, peace, and abundance that God intends for you? Scripture says to throw them off! Get rid of the things that are holding you back! There are certainly some things that I need to throw off.....stress, anxiety, insecurity, worldly perspectives, negativity...I would like to eat better and get a little exercise. I'm not a "sparkling conversationalist" so rather than letting that hinder me, maybe I could work on it a little (there's a book called Conversation Peace that I've been wanting to read.)

What about "the sin that so easily entangles"? That speaks to the habitual sins that we keep running back to, the little indulgences, the weaknesses in our character that need to be strengthened. Maybe it's complaining or nagging, negative critical thinking, or an unhealthy relationship that we haven't let go of. I think entangles it such a powerful word for our sin because it most certainly has a way of holding us captive, of keeping us from enjoying all that God has for us.

The passage closes with "run with perseverance the race marked out for you." I love that the Lord has chosen a race, a specific coarse for me to run. I want to finish well! I don't want anything to hold me back, to keep me from fulfilling the Lord's perfect plans for my life. That's a race I don't want to miss. And who knows, maybe I'll even ponder that half-marathon idea again!

Writers Wanted!

Wanted: Women with a passion for writing, photography, and graphic design.

We are in the process of transforming our Women's Ministry publications team. We are currently collecting sample articles to be considered for our women's newsletter, our women's blog, and even a women's magazine that is in the works! We believe that publications can be a powerful tool for equipping and encouraging women, keeping us connected, and reaching the lost. So, if you have a passion for writing, put together a sample article about anything that interests women. Be as real, relevant, and authentic as you can be. Pour your passion, your dreams, your humor, your creativity.....all that is in you, into your work. Then submit your article to Jennifer at jpinkerton@theharvestchurch.org. I will pass it on to our editors and we'll get back with you as soon as possible. I can't wait to see what you've written!

In The Works - Life Groups

One of the new areas of women's ministry that I am most excited about is the formation of new life groups for women. You may have noticed in the small group connection book that there is only 1 women's life group listed! This is something that we hope to change in the very near future.

I love all of the possibilities that life groups bring... Bible study groups, book clubs, support groups, accountability groups, exercise groups, girls night groups, playgroups.... Life groups are great places for us to focus on more intimate topics like marriage, purity, temptation, roles of women, motherhood...things that we can't focus on as intimately in an ABF class or in a large worship service. How I would love for every woman in our church to be a part of such a close, intimate group!

So, there are a number of plans in the works. I'm hoping to start a "short series" group in the next few weeks. This group will meet for only about 4 weeks, with the intent that new life groups will be launched through it. We also have a book club in the works, an early morning walking group,...and a few others. I would love to see some special interest groups forming as well - "Solo on Sunday":a group for women who come to church without their husbands, groups for single moms, groups for those going through divorce, an empty-nesters group.....the list goes on and on.

For those who are interested in starting a group, it's so easy! Life groups do not require a gifted teacher or administrative expert; they are easy to organize, easy to facilitate, and can be incredibly flexible to fit any schedule. Please pray about your involvement in a life group. It could be as simple as inviting a few friends to gather at Starbucks every other week to talk and catch up, or discussing a favorite book, or meeting for prayer...Imagine the possibilities!!

Please let me know about the new groups you are forming. I would glad to be of help in any way that I can!

Fight Like a Girl

We are excited about offering a new study this semester based on the book, Fight Like a Girl by Lisa Bevere. (Natalie Sims offered this study as a life group last semester and enjoyed it so much we felt that it needed to be offered for all of the women of the church.) I believe that one of the most important responsibilities that we have as a women's ministry is to paint a new picture of what it looks like to be a godly woman. I believe that this study will do that in a powerful way. Lisa Bevere is a dynamic writer and speaker (the class includes a video segment with Lisa.) She is the mother of 4 boys. She is funny, honest, and authentic. I believe she will provide a refreshing look at the value of women and our importance within the church, our families, and communities. She will equip us to move beyond the old stereotypes of women and find our true strength and purpose in Christ.

"There have been times when I wanted to distance myself from the whole dynamic of females because of the petty politics and gossip rampant in groupings of females. I feared that if I befriended females, I would risk being swallowed up in their world of pink fluff and superficial conversations... I was not made for shallow but for deep." an excerpt from Fight Like a Girl

This class will be offered on Sunday nights only. I hope you will join us! (If any of you are interested in studying through this book or any other within a life group, please let me know. We are certainly not limited to the Harvest Life schedule.)

A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place

A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place was Beth Moore's very first in-depth Bible study, and my first introduction to Beth Moore. This study is one of my favorites, mostly because it ties the Old and New Testaments together in a way that I had never seen before. I can no longer read the Old Testament without seeing Jesus on every page. It's all about Him. It always has been! Plus, the concept of the Spirit of God dwelling within His people absolutely fascinates me. I can't imagine how different life would be if we really grasped this concept and lived it out powerfully in our daily lives!

From what I understand, this study has been completely updated, with new materials and new teaching segments with Beth Moore. So even if you've taken it before, it's certainly worth revisiting.

I hope that you all will make plans to participate in a women's Bible study this semester. In the coming days, I will share a little more about each of the studies offered. If one of these studies does not appeal to you, then I recommend considering a life group. It is so important that the women of God be connected to His Word. Find a place where you can receive instruction, encouragement, and accountability in the Word of God. It will make all the difference in your life.

Women's Ministry Goals for 2008

• To connect every woman more intimately with Jesus. That we would all know and understand what our lives are really about. We would surrender our lives fully and completely to the Lordship of our Savior. Our relationships with Christ would not revolve simply around church activities and service, but that we would know Him intimately and personally. That our private, personal lives would radiate His Presence. How can we do this? By training and equipping women in Bible study and worship. To paint a new picture of what life with Christ really looks like, and teach women how to apply the Word of God more powerfully in every area of their lives.

• To connect women more intimately with one another. Women are relational. We need friendships and relationships. We need friends to encourage and challenge us....to laugh with us, cry with us, empathize with us, and point us to the goodness of our Lord. How do we connect women? We help them to find small groups where they can be more intimately involved - Bible study groups, life groups, play groups...We partner them with mentors that can guide, support, and encourage them. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone, so let's grow in our relationships with one another and enjoy the body of Christ as God intends for us.

• To create an atmosphere of authenticity among the women of our church. To encourage women to be real, to be transparent, and to be approachable. Christian women struggle with "real stuff"- so it is impertative that our ministry be honest, and relevant to the everyday issues of life.

• To equip women to live out the purposes in their lives with great passion and power. To understand the roles and purposes that we have as women. To find our value and significance in Christ alone so that we can live and serve out of the abundance of His Presence in our lives.

• To provide every opportunity for the women of Harvest to be the "hands and feet of Christ." We must come to understand that ministry is not limited to the church building. We want to branch out, to get outside of this church, impacting our community for Christ.

• To bring God glory by enjoying Him! Life with Christ is anything but boring. Let's add some fun to our worship of Him. We want to include fellowship and fun in all that we do so that God might be glorified in our enjoyment of Him.

Favorite Moments of 2007

Before looking forward to 2008, I can't help but remember by favorite moments of 2007. This is my own personal top 10 list (in no particular order!) I encourage you to make your own top 10 and thank the Lord for all of the incredible blessings in your life!

1. My sweet Emily asked Jesus to be the Lord of her life. Can't imagine anything better!


2. No more diapers! Little Jake is potty trained, at least for the most part! A very proud "Mommy moment!"


3. Took the family to see Tobymac, Barlow Girl, and Thousand Foot Crutch in concert. One of the best nights ever. We sang and danced our hearts out! There's nothing boring about worshipping our Lord!


4. The kids learned to water ski! My dad found some little training skis and we tried them out this summer. There is nothing cuter than a tiny little one smiling and laughing while skiing along behind the boat.


5. Many family adventures! My favorite was when we went to Six Flags on a rainy, stormy day (We had been given free tickets that could only be used on that day! So, we decided to brave it!) As it turns out, there weren't many other people interested in being there in the yucky weather, so we had the park almost to ourselves! It was the only time that I've ever been the only person on a roller coaster. I sat in the front row all by myself - hands in the air, laughing and screaming the whole way!


6. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. We went back to the mountains of Arkansas (where we first met) and spent a wonderful week in a beautiful cabin on top of a mountain. It was incredible!


7. Our first year debt free! We actually got out of debt in December 06, but we really got to enjoy it this year! (I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University - it's made a huge difference in our finances!!!)


8. Had the opportunity to teach the Pure and Holy Passion study. It was the most incredible, most rewarding and life-changing experience of my life. How freeing it was to lay it all down - all of my struggles, doubts, and fears and see that our Lord can make something beautiful out of brokenness. He can shine brightly in our transparency. I've never been more in love or more excited about my Lord.


9. Saw Chris Tomlin in concert with some very good friends. Chris led worship at several of the Bible studies that I was a part of in college at Texas A&M. It was so amazing to see what God will do in the life of a regular guy fully surrendered to the Lord. It was an incredible night of worship!


10. So thankful for the abundant goodness of the Lord this year! He is faithful through it all.... good times and bad, joyful and painful...I'm so excited about this new opportunity to serve Him within the women's ministry of our church. I can't wait to see all that He has in store.