lifting up one another

Do I anoint others with prayers and blessings so we can see the spirit working?

Nehemiah 1: 5And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: 6Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

7We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandest thy servant Moses.

We have all sinned, we need to lift one another in prayer.

Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

1 Corinthians 7:5
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

James 5:15
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

When you refuse to love people because they're hard to love, you forget the fact that God always loves you, even though you're not always easy to love.

God's love for you is unconditional and everlasting. God loves you exactly as you are, and He loves you no matter what you do. God doesn't love you because you are a "good" person; instead, God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Do I trust that God will use the small so that we can do mighty things through him and in His name? Am I praying for others? Do I love unconditionally?

Good questions.  Apply them in your life.

Oscar Night

Oscar Night- Ladies Group at Cornerstone!

These are all ideas and itinerary for the evening's events. I do not have the devotional,

6:00 – Welcome, red carpet, stars on ground, tables set up with candles,  glass, flowers, crystal, sparkles, plates, black napkins

Before the big night I bought a subscription to JibJab, an online site that allows you to put faces in the movies, dances, etc.  It cost $12. and it provided an evening of great fun!  You just have to preview their videos, some you would not want.

I had taken photos of most of the congregation for our directory, so I used those photos to surprise everyone in attendance as they were featured in our evening's performances!!

the night began

MC – welcome to our first Oscar night celebration!  We have a fun evening ahead, some great food and fellowship, and most important a time to share Gods word.  We are going to start with a lovely meal, some fine dining. While you eat we have some movie trivia attached to your glasses, see how many questions and answers you can find. Some glasses have the answers and some have the questions! You may have to visit another table to answer them all!

Now,  we have  une salade croustillante fraîche   , le pain enfonce, and et les lasagnes or pepites de poulet with a sherbert dessert .   During our time of fine dining, we will be taking some photos of the Oscar dresses at the Oscar star pavilion sign.  Please join with me as we praise God for his provision. Pray

Ladies Fellowship as we eat.

Around 6:30-6:45

Oscar night is filled with beautiful gowns, stars, glamour, and wealth.  We too have a room filled with beautiful things.  Unlike Movie stars, we may not flaunt our wealth, or worry about aging, or starve to achieve that size 2 dress size. We are not concerned with the fluff that Hollywood is concerned with, because we know that true beauty is within us, true beauty comes from God.  We want to begin first and foremost by including God in our night’s celebration.  God’s word is the best trophy we can claim, and with that, ***** will be bringing our devotional for the evening.

*** Pray and thank God.
Devotional by Special Speaker

The night continued

There have been wonderful movies that have touched lives in various ways. And so, I have a game for you.  I will be playing quotes from various movies.  You will have a challenge to write as many of the names of the movie they are from.  They go fast, so you will have to really move your pencils to keep up!

Quote game

Oscar night is a night filled with anticipation and prizes!  and a select few get rewarded with the highest prize of all! The Oscar!

Oscars are given out to best actor, best movie and so on. Sometimes it is difficult to recognize actors because of the costumes and make up, so, you have to look carefully to identify them.  But anyway, without further ado, we would love to have our first Oscar Night presenters introduce our first Oscar category.    (dance video)

1.       Best choreography-  Many long hours and practice go into getting dance routines ever so precise.  There were so many excellent dance routines to choose from, but let’s look at the winning routine….Starring in tonight's presentation; **********……. roll the tape!

May I have the envelope please….. open it………And the winner is __________ for her excellent dance moves.  I didn’t know she was so talented!   Present an Oscar!

2.       Best Musical Score -  Only the very best voices and the most popular songs are selected to win this prize. It was a difficult choice, but I think you will see the quality in the next performance!  Starring :  ********  (take me out to the ball game)

Roll the tape.

And the winner is ___________ what a voice! What talent!  Speech!

3.       Movies would not be movies if it wasn’t for the action parts!  The next film has so much action it is sometime difficult to see every actor involved and the difficult moves they exhibit!  I am sure you will enjoy… Starring********….. roll the tape!  (soccer game)

May I have the envelope please         (open it)

And the winner is _________________  can you believe all that action! I got tired just watching!

4.       Action Adventure and suspense! Is the name of the next category!

This film had us on the edge of our seats, thrilling to the heart stopping drama and the chilling suspense! What a cast of characters!  (the Latex)

Starring : *************

5.       Horror films don’t always get the recognition they deserve.  But occasionally there is a rare film that brings out the classic beauty of the beast! ‘tonight’s best picture,   Join me as we watch…. ********* ……Roll please.  (the monster mash)

And the winner is _______________ for the howling good job!

                Quote Game

6.       And now for the final category. Best actress.  Occasionally there is a film that shows us action, suspense, wonder.  But the film isn’t much without the actors.  So tonight you will see some great acting ability. Starring ********…. Roll film  (Jowls .. this one I had to edit on my photo program)

And the winner of best actress is______________  how did you do all those leaps and bounds??

Quote Game

We want to end the evening with a prayer and then one more treat. Let’s pray-

7.       Awards are wonderful and Oscars are such a treat.  But sometimes our award isn’t a trophy or a gift. Sometimes our award is just a moment of time, a captured memory.  So tonight, I want to take a few of you back in time, back to the memories of your youth.  This is that special gift from me to you. Something that when you leave, you will keep with you for all time.  

With love dawwling!   Roll film!   (Pastor and wife in Sonny and Cher's "I've got you babe")

And with that I say good night! Thanks for the memories!

Oscar night skit

***1 – Dawwwling!  Are you going to the Oscar night event on Saturday at 6?  I will be there! I finally get to wear the tiara I made! I can be a princess for a night! I get to dress up and act up! Talk to the hand.

***2-  Sweetie, I will soooo be there.  I don’t have a fancy dress, but nothing will keep me from sharing in the fun! Besides, I want lasagna! And I want to talk with all my girl friends!  I hear there is going to be a special surprise!  Do you know what is going to happen??

***!- Dawwwwling! Surprise means secret!  If I knew I wouldn’t tell???  I just hear that it is going to be hilariously fun!  Did you get your invitation?

***2- Yes, and I put the rsvp in the offering plate and wrote that I am bringing a friend

***1 -  sometimes the jewels we wear are the friendships we share. They are so much more precious!  I will see you on Saturday girl friend! Taw taw now!

You can find quotes from movies online, save them in a list and play them.  Ladies try to write down as many movie titles as they can in this very short time of quotes.  These are the movies I used.

The 10 commandments, 2001 space odyssey, Mars attacks, The Wizard of Oz, the Adventures of Robin hood, Dracula,  True Grit,  Snow White, Toy story, Airplane,  Animal crackers,  Raiders of the lost ark, The king and I ,  Pride of the Yankees,  Arsenic and old lace, King Kong,  Night of the living dead, Austin Powers.

Harvey, Gone with the Wind,  young Frankenstein ,  it’s a wonderful life,  Frankenstien, Ben Hur,  The Breakfast club,  Casa blanca, Cool hand luke, The good the bad and the ugly,  ferris buler’s day off,   Forrest Gump, Gentlemen prefer Blondes, The God Father

Movie Questions-  Placed at each place setting as an ice breaker, some had the questions and others just had the answers. They helped each other find the answers to the questions.

What screen character has played opposite Maud Adams, Claudine Anger, Kim Basinger, Britt Eklund and Ursula Andress?     A: James Bond.

What statuesque actress earned a living by standing still in department store windows prior to her film debut in Tootsie?   A: Geena Davis.

What movie's first victim was played by a skinny-dipping actress named Susan Backlinie?  A: Jaws.

Who was the first female to direct a movie that raked in over $100 million?  A: Penny Marshall.

What movie has Bob Hoskins seething: "A toon killed my brother"? A: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

What 1996 movie was hyped with the line: "It Will Blow Audiences Right Out of the Theater"? A: Twister.

What one city must a movie play in to be eligible for an Oscar?  A: Los Angeles.

What movie has Anjelica Huston coo to Raul Julia: "You frightened me. Do it again"?

A: The Addams Family.

Who shared a room and bed with Eli Wallach while filming The Good, the Bad and the Ugly?

A: Clint Eastwood.

What two-word term does The Cynic's Dictionary call: "A movie seen about 50 times by about that many people"?

A: Cult film.

What 1995 blockbuster movie was created by the computer animation company Pixar?

A: Toy Story:

What movie theme was Barbra Streisand's first chart-topping single? A: They Way We Were.

What actor sighed: "If I had known Michael was going to be so successful, I would have been much nicer to him when he was young"?

A: Kirk Douglas.

What Oscar-winning actress made her final appearance in the movie Nobody's Fool?

A: Jessica Tandy.

How many hubcaps does Steve McQueen's car lose in the famed chase scene from Bullet?

A: Six.

What director cast himself as the voice of God in 1956's The Ten Commandments?

A: Cecil B. De Mille.

What Beatles movie was untitled until John remembered a line Ringo uttered after an all night recording sessions?

A: A Hard Day's Night.

Candy Cane

Ladies Candy Cane Devotional

Candy Canes are everywhere. They are used as decorations on Christmas trees and are one of the most popular of all Christmas treats. I have heard several stories about the history and meaning of the candy cane. I don't know if they are true, but I do think that the candy cane can teach us a few things about the true meaning of Christmas.

First of all, Did you know that the candy cane appeared for the first time way back in about 1670 when a choir master had sticks of candy bent into the shape of a shepherd’s crook to be handed out to the children who attended his Christmas pageant? That became a tradition at pageants, as did using it as a decoration on Christmas trees. It was all white until the early 20th century when the red stripes were added.

Second, religious meaning has been given to every aspect of it.

First It is also like the letter “J” in Jesus’ name, so that should remind us of Jesus and help us to remember that Christmas is Jesus' birthday.

Second,

The shape is that of the shepherds’ crook, symbolic of how Jesus, like the “Good Shepherd,” watches over His children like little lambs. The shepherd used his crook to keep the sheep from wandering away from the flock and getting lost or eaten by a wild animal. The Bible says, "The Lord is my shepherd." The candy cane should remind us that Jesus is our shepherd and he will keep us from wandering away and getting lost or hurt. (John 10:11)

It is a hard candy, solid like a “rock,” the foundation of the Church and the sweetness of the candy cane reminds us that God Loves us and wants us to enjoy the many gifts He has given us -- especially the gift of His Son, who came into the world on the first Christmas to save us. (John 3:16)

The peppermint flavor is similar to another member of the mint family, hyssop, which was used for purification and sacrifice, and thus symbolizes the purity of Jesus and the sacrifice He made.

The color white of the candy cane also represents the purity of Jesus and His virgin birth. That should also remind us that Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God and that because he came to be the sacrifice for our sin, we can become as white as snow. (I John 1:7)

Red Stripes

The candy cane typically has three red stripes. The bold red stripe represents God’s love. The three fine stripes are said to represent the Holy Trinity: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, or the blood spilled at the beating Jesus received at the hands of the Roman soldiers. The Bible tells us that before he was crucified, Jesus was beaten with a whip which made blood-red stripes across his back. The Bible says that we are healed by those stripes. The stripes on the candy cane should remind us that Jesus suffered and died, so that we can have everlasting life. (Mt 26:28)

We may not always accept all the symbols that other people see in the candy cane or for that matter, any other “Christmas-y” thing. Maybe the candy cane is special to you in some other way and Christmas isn’t Christmas until you have a candy cane!

It is amazing to me that someone was so blessed to be able to see so much of Jesus in something so simple! I pray that we too are able to recognize Jesus in the simplest things, as we enter the season celebrate the birth of our Savior and the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 which reads:-

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Random Acts of Kindness

Random Acts of Kindness

Ladies meeting- Spring

Decorate with flowers and spring colors of greens, pinks, light blue, yellows

Table decorations- each table setting- purchase small Chinese take out boxes, fill each one with a spray of flowers and strips of paper with random acts of kindness suggestions.  These suggestions give the ladies kind acts to show their love and care of others.  Here are a couple of sites with suggestions.

http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/Kindness-Ideas/Browse/

http://www.helpothers.org/ideas.php

Also in the decoration have seed packets labeled “Seeds of Kindness”-  check the listed site for examples or printables.  Ladies will decorate their seed packet covers and select several people that they will be giving this small gift to.

http://www.gardensandcrafts.com/seedpackets.html

Devotional -      Whatever-

I say whatever a lot.  When someone says something I don’t really believe--- “whatever”

When I disagree with someone---- “whatever”

When I don’t understand something and give up----- “whatever”

I say it when I don’t really care about the subject someone is talking about and insists on me listening ….”whatever”

It really isn’t being used in a positive way. It is said when things are against what I want or agree with.

Negative words remind me of a time long ago, when I was exercising every day by walking with my friend and my neighbor. You know that when you are walking with friends the conversation kind of goes everywhere. But, one thing I noticed with while walking with them is that their conversation always went to the negative. The negative talk was usually about their husbands. Their husbands didn’t do this right, or that fast enough, or they didn’t pay enough attention to something, or whatever! Oh, there is that word again!!

 After a few days, I began to realize that my husband was just as terrible as theirs! And I began to see all those faults in him that they had mentioned. Wow, how could all our husbands be so bad!

 I began to realize that I was being influenced to look only at the things my husband was doing wrong! I knew better! So I knew I had to make a change. I spoke with him and told him that I didn’t think I would be walking with them any longer, so I stopped and they continued walking daily. Within an amount of time, my neighbor decided that it was time to divorce her husband. After all he wasn’t doing and being the husband she felt he should be,

and after a time… my friend, was finding all kinds of fault with her husband, things grew bad at home and divorce was soon to follow.

Negative words, negative actions, negatives.

It is very easy to fall into the negative. But God wants us to delight in His positive!

Whatever………. you say!

That is where I want to dwell now, in the whatever.

Whatever - things are true, whatever - things are honorable, whatever - things are just, whatever- things are pure, whatever- things are lovely, whatever -things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

WHAT EVER! Will never be the same! I will dwell in the positive of God’s words and actions every I think of Whatever!

That’s right,  God doesn’t want us to dwell only in hearing, he wants us to take action as well! How can I bear the fruit that God wants me to bear?

This brings me back to Philippians 4, but let’s back up a little:

Philippians 4:3- 9

3. Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Notice the words, We need to help each other because we all are laboring together to reach the lost, our names are written together in God’s book, we are sisters in Christ! We can not focus on the negatives of one another when we are working together for Christ!

 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Let others see that you are patient with them, knowing that God is watching us and that we represent him to others.

 6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Trusting, knowing that all things work for good, and praising God through it all! And if we do then we will have God’s peace.

 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

This is where our whatevers are :          ( yes, I left out the so…. Whatever)

 verse 8:

 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Think about the conversations that took place on the walks we were taking, like then, you are very likely to come across unkind people speaking unkind words, and often about other people!

God wants us to be different, he wants us to be kind, loving, full of compassion. Then we need to begin sowing seed of kindness! God’s command is very simple.

Micah 6:8 (New American Standard Bible)

    8He has told you, O man, what is good;

         And what does the LORD require of you

         But to do justice, to love kindness,

         And to walk humbly with your God?

Colossians 3:12-13 (New American Standard Bible)

 12So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10

Let’s begin sowing seeds of kindness and begin using  our  whatevers.

Random acts of kindness strips of paper with suggestions of things you might do anonymously for others! Seeds of kindness – seed packets

Alice in Wonderland Tea

Alice in Wonderland tea

10:10 Welcome - Today we will be enjoying a tea party , Alice in Wonderland style.  You have already fallen down the rabbit’s hole and have found yourself at the Mad hatter’s tea party, You probably can almost hear them singing their tea party songs.  You will meet several other characters in Alice’s wonderland and they will teach you about your own wonderful walk with God.  So, We hope you will enjoy the day and  you will take home a special memory of your day in Wonderland.

Before we begin,

                We need items for the birthday baskets, both for adults and children

                We are starting the Secret Sisters with a twist, we are not going to reveal our identities, it will be anonymous.  If you can’t commit to giving a card, note, or small gift at least every 3 weeks, then please do not participate.

Prayer

10:15- 10:45 Game: Who is the Queen of Hearts?   Old Maid game -  Deal all the cards,  players remove any pairs,  players to the left may select a card , if the card makes a pair they discard it, the next person on the left continues, as players lay all cards down they are out of the game.  The last player with the queen of hearts is the queen of hearts.  She will receive a prize crown and heart scepter. 

The Queen of Hearts shows no love in Alice in Wonderland, she often says “off with her head” but God has given us the ability to love one another with a perfect love.  Our queen of hearts bears love!

1 Peter 1:22-25 (King James Version)

 ²²Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently

So today our queen will show love to others and we will show love to her!

The Cards in Alice’s world made a mistake of having white roses for the Queen of Hearts, so they painted them. We will be “Painting the Roses Red” not blue not green, not aquamarine- This crafted pin will remind us of God’s love for us, because we are nothing without Gods love.

Song of Solomon 2

 ¹I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. ²As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

10:45- 11:15 Craft-  Painting the Roses Red Pin- White premade fimo roses, paint red with green leaves.  Need paint, brushes.  These can be drying while we do other things. When finished create a pin and put a ribbon on them to wear that Sunday at church.

Alice worked really hard to find her way. Through hard work much can be accomplished, that is why I would like to now Thank  all that took the time to dress up for this day. It always takes a little more effort to make things really special, and I appreciate all you have done.  I would like to show my thanks to Colette, Siri, and Cheran for all the extra help and time they invested in making this a special retreat by giving them a gift.  

11:15-11:30 Costume Prizes

Now we will sit down to feed!  Pray for food

11:30 – 12:00 High Tea-  Sandwiches, cookies, scones, tea, lemonade etc.

The Chesire Cat has a large grin and is often into mischief. Much of what the world offers comes disguised behind a mask of pleasure,  remember God is truth and in him is no shadow of turning

James 1  ¹⁷Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  ¹⁸Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures

Lets pin a grin on the Chesire Cat – need scarf or something to cover eyes.

12:00- 12:20 Game- Pin the grin on the Chesire  Cat

Now that our cat has a grin let us fill our hearts within, 

There is no better way to grow, this the Bible tells me so

So into God’s word, Let the Holy Spirit be Heard

Ladies Tea

How about PUT A PENNY? You have everyone bring a bag of pennies......even a dollars worth will do. You ask questions and they put or take pennies from the middle of the table as the answers indicate. For instance: If you have ever been to Florida take a penny.....If you have ever worn white shoes after Labor day...put in two pennies...if you have ever had a cake fall..take a penny....if you met your husband on a blind date....give two pennies....etc.... The winners are those with the most pennies at each table. I suggest a box of flavored tea or a cup and saucer for prizes. The pennies by the way should all go to the missions!

~ Afternoon Tea

My copper kettle

whistles merrily

and signals that

it is time for tea.

The fine china cups

are filled with the brew.

There's lemon and sugar

and sweet cream, too.

But, best of all

there's friendship, between you and me.

As we lovingly share

our afternoon tea.

- Marianna Arolin

Once I went to a woman's activity and they had a poem word-processed out on nice paper (suitable for framing) and rolled into scroll with ribbons and bows tied around it. They were sitting in a flower vase and given to each lady as they came in.

Devotional

WHAT I LEARNED FROM GOD WHILE BREWING TEA

  Every time I brew a cup of tea, I think of what Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Women are like tea bags.  Put them in hot water and their true strength emerges."

When the tea bag is sitting on the shelf, in its colorful box, carefully wrapped in a protective shield, it stays nice and fresh.  We're like that too.  When we're wrapped up in our peaceful lifestyle, and everything is going well, we feel nice and secure.

Like individuals, every tea has a different personality.  There are also different grades of teas, from premium to low grade, just as there are different levels of faith.  Like people, some teas are strong and full of flavor, and some are very aromatic, but without much substance.  There are teas known for their calming, soothing effect, and teas that give strength and energy.  Some of the weaker teas are tasteless, and just grow lukewarm as they steep.

But what happens when we are yanked out of our comfort zone?  Like a tea bag that is unwrapped and plunked into a cup of hot water, we can find ourselves plunked into a cup of trouble.  Now the real test begins.  What will emerge as the hot water uncurls the little dried tea leaves?  What level of strength emerges from us as we are steeped in difficulty?

Just as a tea bag hangs from a string tag, we too have a lifeline to which we can hold:  Jesus.  As we hold on to Him, we feel His peace emerge, and He flavors our troubled waters.  His power and energy moves through our situations, changing our despair to hope through faith in His promises.  And as we trust Jesus, He becomes the flavorful strength that anchors our souls, and we become the tag that is lifted and draped securely outside the cup of hot water.

The lift we get from a cup of tea lasts only a short time, but the lift we get from Jesus is long lasting.  In fact, it will take us all the way to heaven!

There are a lot of recipes online that you can get to make tea sandwiches, scones, and other English type treats. :)

God Rocks

Wow Ladies Retreat - 2007

God Rocks

Items to bring - , personal hygiene items ( toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, etc) , towels and wash cloth, clothes for church on Sunday,  money for a trip into town, bible , notebook, pen or pencil,  comfortable walking shoes, light jacket, camera if you want, bring coins for auction

Friday July 27

Theme Song -  The Solid Rock

Arrive , unpack, meet in main room for gift (bag of goodies, Tee shirt) explain that they will need to keep their goodies for tomorrow’s activities and we hope all will wear their t-shirts tomorrow, prayer.

               

Farmer’s  Market - 5-7:00pm

Singing  - Solid Rock

Evening Devotional - Debbie

Finger foods, sandwiches, chips/ veggie trays/ ice tea/ lemonaide

Evening Games and actiivities

                Smores,  trail mix or popcorn

                Jinga, 

Saturday July 28^th

8:00 breakfast -  Muffins,  Eggs,  sausage,  Costco  sweet muffin

Devotional -  Colette

Tell them about Rocks - they will provide devotional by what they have to say about  their rock

 Quiet time, free time

Craft -  coin purses

Craft- Making cards -Card writing-

Song Practice - singing

Lunch - sandwiches, veggies, ice tea, lemonaide

Devotional - Ladies all share about what the rock means in connection with their walk with God.

Walk - 

Afternoon trip into town for shake and fries!

more crafts or games

Craft- cross

Craft- God Rocks Necklace or pin

 Auction of  items

Dinner - Pizza from Costco - we bake

Devotional - Kim

I have been reading in the book of Isaiah lately. God I am sure had it laid out for me to be in this book at this time, and to bring this devotion to you from his words in that book. There is so much in God’s word, and it is hard to not want to read you every word. If you do not read God’s word, I encourage you to begin.

                In the time of Isaiah the prophet there was  a  king.  The king’s name was Hezikiah, and he was dying. Hezikiah had removed the idols from the high places and done righteous things, so he cried to the Lord asking him to spare his life and God granted him another 15 years.  When he recovered  Hezikiah was so excited that he showed off to some visiting men from Babylon. That is when God sent Isaiah to Hezikiah to tell him that his children and all the things he had bragged about would be taken away at the time of his death- 15 years later.

                But God is so merciful, he wanted those that would be carried away to have a hope. Before the Babylonians came to take them captive for 70 years, Isaiah wrote, and I encourage you when you have more time to read all of Isaiah , for God gave them and us more than a prophecy of 85 years, he proclaimed the coming of our Messiah . 

                I want to read to you the words that God spoke to them before they were taken away, ( read 40) , then  42:1-12.  These words were written as a comfort and a hope.  Just as they are written to us as a comfort and a hope.   God wants us to know that when all seems lost He has a plan for us. It is He that is directing us. His plan for us has been laid out before the foundations of the earth. There is no other God, no other perfect savior.

Read 43:1-13

                Remember, these words were written 15 years before their captivity.  God is so awesome.  We are going to pick it up again in 44:23 (44:23 to 45:7)  Cyrus the Great was mentioned by name, before he was born.  85 years in the future Cyrus would read these words, know that God is God, and let the Israelites return to rebuild. But these words in Isaiah were not written only for the Israelites, they were written for us as well. Turn now to 1Peter 1:10 TO 1Peter 2:9

                God preserves us ,  takes us through the trials we need to go through. We are nothing, but what He desires. He has given us salvation. He has made us living stones. Redeemed, chosen to be a  royal priest hood, proclaiming  praises to Him that called us from darkness into His wonderful light.

                Do you live like a living stone? Do you see God’s majesty and strength? Do you understand that He directs? That he has power over all? Do you lean on His way, Trust in His directing? His timing?  Do you strive to do the things that please God? 1Peter 3:3  -5

                I am not much, but God has made me a living stone, called out by him into salvation, promised a future hope.  I am like this small rock, worn down by the things of the world, but given hope in God. God has placed within me a light.  He wants us to praise him, to worship him, to proclaim the great things he has done for us.  If we do this small thing, we shine with unfading beauty because we put our hope in God.  I want to shine for God. (light the candle) and I want the ladies that are at Cornerstone to shine as well.  (give all a candle and light each one.)  Take this light within this rock, and remember you are a living stone. You have a purpose that God has set for you.  Place your trust in Him and Know that He is God.

Evening games and activities

Scruples, mad libs

Bible Pantomime

Sunday - 

Breakfast- eggs, pancakes, real magarine , syrup

 prayer, 

cleanup, back down for SS.

Christian Love

They will know we are Christians by our Love

            It seems expected that in the month of February we would be speaking about love. It is in this month that we remember our loved ones and send them gifts and cards to express that love. It is my desire that you, the ladies of Cornerstone, grow in love for God and one another, and that we follow His commandments and grow in the ways that He wants us to grow.

             We know that God loves us; there are numerous scriptures that tell us so, especially in the Psalms. We don’t really need to be reminded of our Father’s love for us. The fact is that His love is unconditional, unchanging, and not dependent upon us.

            The Bible often speaks of God’s love for us,

But what I want to speak to you about is how he expects us to love. That is where we need to pay heed to God’s word.

            God tells his people from the beginnings, the things we should do to please Him.. The Old Testament is full of examples like the one in Deut. 10:12-13  

 Deut 10:12-13

And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

            What we need to examine is do we really love Him with all our heart and soul? Do we really keep His commandments? Do we really serve Him? And what are His commands about our love toward others?

. If we really love God we would be thinking about Him, talking about His word, and sharing our faith. We would love to see and hear God’s word in our homes.

Deut 6:5-9

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

NIV

Those scriptures tell us how we should love God.

Jesus tells us that to Love God we keep his commandments, and the greatest commandments he has told us. We should love those around us, whether friend or foe.

 Matt 22:36-40

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'   38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'   40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Rom 13:10

Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

NIV

 So Do we really love our God and do those things?  If we love God, what about the second commandment, loving our neighbors?….

When we think of our neighbors, we should think of those around us in the world.

Luke 6:27-38

I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that.   34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 

NIV

God makes it clear that to keep these commandments, it would not be easy. We do not automatically love enemies.  It is not natural for us to act this way, but as Christians, we will be known by our love.

But if we love our enemies to this extent, how much more should we love our Christian family? Rom 12:10-13:1   Hebrews 10:23-25

Rom 12:10-13:1

Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

NIV

Heb 10:23-25

3 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

NIV

Finally, we all know these scriptures, but we must look carefully at them once again. Do we truly love? Examine yourself and your motives as we read 1 Cor 13:1-10

1 Cor 13:1-10

:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails

I challenge you to pray daily asking God to help you truly love.