SWWOMEN’s Bible Study - A New Format!
I am excited to announce that this year we will be changing the format for Women’s Bible Study, and below I am answering a few questions about what that will look like for us come January.
SWWOMEN’s Retreat 2023 Reflections
A few weeks ago, we gathered together for the SWWOMEN’s Retreat and the title was “Unashamed: Living as Ambassadors for Christ.” It was an amazing weekend full of spending time with one another, learning more about how much God loves us, and being filled up spiritually and relationally.
Saturdays with Susan
Saturdays with Susan began 6 years ago, when I was in my senior year of high school. That one Wednesday opened the door to what became a weekly rhythm for Susan and me, and I can confidently say that meeting her was a divine appointment from the Lord.
SWWOMEN’s Retreat Speaker, Georgene Rice
Our speaker for the 2022, SWBIBLE Church Women’s Retreat is Georgene Rice. To many, she is a radio talk show host, speaker, singer, and musician. But to me, she is still my silly sister.
Reflections by a Ukrainian Woman
We have all seen and read about the terrible events occurring in Ukraine right now. Three weeks ago, when Russia first invaded Ukraine, it took a few days for the news to really sink in for us all. It is so difficult to see images of destroyed apartment buildings, mass graves, and displaced Ukrainians leaving all of their belongings behind to escape danger. As a mother of young children, I can’t begin to imagine being in that situation. The way this war is unfolding is cruel, horredness, and difficult to watch.
A Sacrifice of Praise
I was fairly young when I discovered that showing gratitude could have an impact. It is amazing how something as simple as smiling at the person behind the checkout counter and saying, “thank you!” can lift their mood and hopefully brighten their day. I like seeing the impact that gratitude and appreciation can have on others. However, I’ve come to realize that gratitude and appreciation can be harder to come by as we get older and try to tackle life’s challenges on our own. It’s not that there isn’t enough to be thankful for, but that we can feel the heavy weights of the world on our shoulders unless we bring them to the cross.
Leaning Into the Gray
Over the past few years, I’ve faced quite a few decisions that I had no idea how to approach. Through His grace and much trial and error, God has laid on my heart a framework for dealing with these types of situations. Below are some notes from my jumbled thoughts that I pray you may find helpful as you navigate your own tough decisions.
Women in the Word
Happy New Year to all of you! With a new year upon us we tend to, with sincere hearts and intentions, start new Bible reading plans! We hope you are encouraged and feel equipped as you think about how you interact with the God of the universe through His powerful, living and active WORD.
SWMUSIC “A Christmas EP”
Have you listened to SWMUSIC’s “A Christmas EP” yet? We asked Melissa Elliott and Mari Russell about their work on this album. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at what went into it and listen to the 6-song EP on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon or here on our church’s website!
Finding Assurance When Memory is Fleeting
My family is no stranger to Alzheimer’s. It dogged the final years of my grandmother and my mother, convincing each of them in their elder years that they were not home even as they were standing in houses they had lived in for decades.
Practicing Spiritual Disciplines
The Lord calls us in all stages. As single, married and now as a mom, the Lord has placed on my heart a conviction to abide in Him by taking the moments He gives me each day to live out practices that direct my heart toward Him.
The Blessing of Singleness
I was never the little girl who dreamt of a white dress and a big wedding. Maybe partly because I did not grow up in a Christian home, or because I came from a broken one, but I did not “believe in marriage.” However, that all began to change in my 20’s—my goal was to be married by the age of 30.
Who He Says I Am
Comparison is a trap that I often fall into. It’s too easy to find a woman who either looks the way I want to look or is living a life I want to live. This comparison occurs almost instantaneously in my brain, and it leads straight to jealousy. Either way, this isn’t good for me, nor is it what God wants for me.
Reflecting
I have been thinking about heaven lately as I recently turned 55 - the same age that my mom was when she was told she had breast cancer. These “milestone dates” have a way of bringing me to reflection.
Where I Choose to Dwell
He actually listens to each and every prayer. He hears me out. As I continue on and on parading them one by one, I start to feel sheepish. As the words come out of my mouth, I start to see them for what they really are and feel embarrassed. He doesn’t even laugh at me.