tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61195168029902160922024-02-22T10:10:34.014-06:00Women of WorthA ministry of Inter-Church Holiness Convention.IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-16602887854376084212023-06-26T00:14:00.004-05:002023-06-26T00:14:41.264-05:00Central Ohio Retreat <p> Held in Washington Court House, Ohio, July 7-8.</p><p>See the brochure for details!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdKEN4MyvPAOV_I1ZMw6LzDlYIAzNL6TFqXAW9f_TWZeP-02MMEwR87aywI1d8GRw-E7YkOIVogW3UZ0tjkADriTxqAM6AS4znfiRO1Xvy7Q4ePTulaxKnZfLtKPqWJna_2srWnuTrvaz-Xh3vH5LAHz8ljA9Fu3En2o5NTEygMIFExQLFA1d8wTJgrw/s3300/Anchored%20in%20Jesus%20outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdKEN4MyvPAOV_I1ZMw6LzDlYIAzNL6TFqXAW9f_TWZeP-02MMEwR87aywI1d8GRw-E7YkOIVogW3UZ0tjkADriTxqAM6AS4znfiRO1Xvy7Q4ePTulaxKnZfLtKPqWJna_2srWnuTrvaz-Xh3vH5LAHz8ljA9Fu3En2o5NTEygMIFExQLFA1d8wTJgrw/w378-h292/Anchored%20in%20Jesus%20outside.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLK-CZmKNgtGvrTqbnDfdomevdUaEZ2IqubKKhc7aMWBRPbBUjjfviLqxdFmBzglBgm7pxTrHAuyQDzlf5ZKMPRv-EWZ1IkHMeM12UZgOKMSfWUGbizXWsGlFGP6m9W7CPWymvQrqtoxop0DeyxWHFhz49Y0jyCNFjEKiSUL_oApfCzH1brod3fmwW45M/s2813/2023%20brochure%20inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2188" data-original-width="2813" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLK-CZmKNgtGvrTqbnDfdomevdUaEZ2IqubKKhc7aMWBRPbBUjjfviLqxdFmBzglBgm7pxTrHAuyQDzlf5ZKMPRv-EWZ1IkHMeM12UZgOKMSfWUGbizXWsGlFGP6m9W7CPWymvQrqtoxop0DeyxWHFhz49Y0jyCNFjEKiSUL_oApfCzH1brod3fmwW45M/w364-h283/2023%20brochure%20inside.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-27890816042374378932023-04-06T16:53:00.006-05:002023-04-06T16:53:49.198-05:00Featured Gatlinburg Speaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkpHOrNfRC3d3X0oS1n6dtFhzrzRHuDpBwIMx6nwe2pw2QmqyUKEK4sbeWiKSTyw5Xh8oRCvzPiV0_zoOi9TF1hGREX4b0Jp4pEYKxSZ-ntXT6i2lw9KJj6WK-GR6uxYxLrT8tWoxJ6QbjcoL1W6c_onEqb4XKY6rYojmijM4PC5_pr4a3vGzmTM2/s940/339568603_230073109665851_2914325208648552257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkpHOrNfRC3d3X0oS1n6dtFhzrzRHuDpBwIMx6nwe2pw2QmqyUKEK4sbeWiKSTyw5Xh8oRCvzPiV0_zoOi9TF1hGREX4b0Jp4pEYKxSZ-ntXT6i2lw9KJj6WK-GR6uxYxLrT8tWoxJ6QbjcoL1W6c_onEqb4XKY6rYojmijM4PC5_pr4a3vGzmTM2/w640-h536/339568603_230073109665851_2914325208648552257_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Joana Stratton lives in Hobe Sound, Florida with her ministry minded husband, Jonathan. First and foremost, she is a follower of God. Joana is thankful for the opportunity to be a teacher of small and large humans over the past 21 years. Joana enjoys reading, baking, and decorating. She misses the cool, spring mornings in Illinois that are perfect for hunting morel mushrooms. You can see her flying to and from her college classroom on her little aqua golf cart with “It’s all good” on the back. Joana is a person whose life has been changed by the power of God.</span><span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"> </span><span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"> </span></p><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="xyinxu5 x4uap5 x1g2khh7 xkhd6sd" style="font-family: inherit; padding: 14px 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><br />We are so excited to see what God has given Joana for us! Join us in Mills Auditorium at the Gatlinburg Convention Center on Wednesday, April 12 at 10:15 a.m.! <br /><br />*The session will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend.</span></div></div>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-70167022473106430022023-04-06T16:51:00.002-05:002023-04-06T16:54:03.015-05:00Meet the Ryan Family!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz8CK4hk9i9M0D1tNM8CucsBzCQHnOJvigZuXeamdB-vKzCt9yEHibWsmJYg3fBicT3kEqKkiwq3XBCjWc1JwRq_APy12B2ySZcO0lNFXkNPr6sPV_gSC9Lzy3mTQlVU9GWR2U1-MpgIacliHoHvUh3EpxEbL_hXaeg_UpWoIzdCjXYUpAIikb3Nv/s940/339975141_770206194450474_4912170522585174581_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz8CK4hk9i9M0D1tNM8CucsBzCQHnOJvigZuXeamdB-vKzCt9yEHibWsmJYg3fBicT3kEqKkiwq3XBCjWc1JwRq_APy12B2ySZcO0lNFXkNPr6sPV_gSC9Lzy3mTQlVU9GWR2U1-MpgIacliHoHvUh3EpxEbL_hXaeg_UpWoIzdCjXYUpAIikb3Nv/w640-h536/339975141_770206194450474_4912170522585174581_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">We are happy to share that the Rob and Stephanie Ryan family will be providing special music at our annual WOW Gatlinburg gathering! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">Rob and Stephanie have been married since 1996 and have five children. Rob is a music teacher and serves as the Minister of Music at Christian Nation Church in Pleasant Plains, Ohio. Stephanie is a homemaker and assists Rob with piano accompaniment at church and school. The family enjoys singing and making music together as schedules allow. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">Plan now to attend this special event on Wednesday, April 12 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center!</span></p>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-2526398647588469042022-04-01T11:54:00.000-05:002022-04-01T11:54:53.839-05:00An Interview with Mrs. Sarah Hatfield<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRpDae2gZrfdBGL6oKC_DdBcqb2PJW-5UQz81OWBkKtKjTi0neWJmoOqZ9LMXM4cZN23dyNRt9O_9FQXM1DPRsBXOubLqg3fjtLjzwByxp2kU4m1oWcC88nlD_IlJxi0RIUGAHnZvkEfdj8Y-9Es3yagEnTJdjMHxWvDpXzecEQ5XRcT-EWAGUn2-/s940/20220401_124555_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRpDae2gZrfdBGL6oKC_DdBcqb2PJW-5UQz81OWBkKtKjTi0neWJmoOqZ9LMXM4cZN23dyNRt9O_9FQXM1DPRsBXOubLqg3fjtLjzwByxp2kU4m1oWcC88nlD_IlJxi0RIUGAHnZvkEfdj8Y-9Es3yagEnTJdjMHxWvDpXzecEQ5XRcT-EWAGUn2-/w200-h168/20220401_124555_0000.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;">Women of
Worth was honored to interview Mrs. Sarah Hatfield of Greenville, Ohio. Sarah,
along with her husband and children, will be providing sacred music for us at
our WOW gathering in Gatlinburg on April 6</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 14pt;">. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Take a few moments to become better acquainted
with Sarah, and then join us in Gatlinburg or online to listen to the beautiful
music their family will share!</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>WOW: </b>Thank you for taking time for us today,
Sarah! Let’s begin with how you met your husband.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Sarah:</b> I met Travis when I was a teenager and
his uncle came to pastor the church I attended. Travis’s family attended a
different church, but they would often come and visit our services. A
friendship developed between us during that time, and we eventually began
dating. As time went by, we became best friends and fell in love. We married in
the Fall of 2004, after I had graduated from high school. We have now been
married for 17 years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">WOW:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Do you have any advice for young ladies who
may be waiting to see if marriage is part of their future?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Sarah:</b> My advice for young, single women is that
it is </span><u style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">always</u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> worth waiting for the man God has for you! Choose wisely
and don’t settle for less than God’s best. He has a special purpose for your
life, and it’s important to learn to be content while waiting for the right one
to share your life with!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>WOW:</b> Tell us a little bit about your beautiful family.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Sarah:</b> God has blessed Travis and me with 5
wonderful children: Jaelynn, Remington, Haddasah, Weston, and Colton. (Their
ages range from 8-15.) They bring us a lot of joy and keep things lively and
busy around our home! Some of the things we enjoy doing together are bike
rides, hiking, playing games, singing together, and listening to Adventures in
Odyssey. We also enjoy the planting & harvest seasons on the farm, where we
all get to take part in one way or another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>WOW:</b> You are a busy and blessed momma! I’m
guessing you don’t have a lot of spare time, but is there a hobby you enjoy?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Sarah:</b> One thing I enjoy is gardening, and a lot
of the time, we work together as a family on that, too. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>WOW:</b> I’m sure you are heavily involved in your
local church. Share with us about a ministry you participate in regularly.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I am currently involved in the children’s
ministry of our church where Travis and I teach together in the children’s
services. It is rewarding to share about God and His love for the children, and
to watch them learn and grow in their faith, as well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>WOW: </b>Tell us about a Scripture or promise from
God’s Word that has been important to you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> One of the Scriptures that has been
meaningful to me is Proverbs 3:5 & 6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine
heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge
him, and he shall direct thy paths.” If I try to rely on my own strength and
wisdom, things definitely won’t turn out the way they should…but by truly
relying on the leadership of the Lord and acknowledging Him in every area of my
life, I can trust Him to lead and guide me as I do my best to live for Him and
teach my children more about Him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thank you, Mrs. Sarah Hatfield, for taking time
to share with our readers! Your life is an inspiration to us, and we are
excited to see how God continues to use you in His kingdom!</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">-WOW</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p></p>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-38794359123387786222022-03-30T16:43:00.004-05:002022-04-01T12:00:05.191-05:00Interview with Mrs. Ann French <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXr0_R8qNX7StBsv_nWQ2N1wmJ-Cqn368KoKLudjCDP4o51QtTEo5dOeG5lsBCA2Lbt5iFX2LoU7TfVZP1b0Q_azL1kKjMTysrwAqOHaqiOEwB5C_fkRpRX1I3Xot_KORbztoXQhtI03Ul0c7bLjqZa70GFWH82sVOndrUd2LTWDFIO68vuDrX3nV/s940/20220328_114856_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXr0_R8qNX7StBsv_nWQ2N1wmJ-Cqn368KoKLudjCDP4o51QtTEo5dOeG5lsBCA2Lbt5iFX2LoU7TfVZP1b0Q_azL1kKjMTysrwAqOHaqiOEwB5C_fkRpRX1I3Xot_KORbztoXQhtI03Ul0c7bLjqZa70GFWH82sVOndrUd2LTWDFIO68vuDrX3nV/w200-h168/20220328_114856_0000.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Women of Worth was honored to interview Sis. Ann French of Hobe Sound, Florida. Sis. French will be speaking at our WOW gathering in Gatlinburg on April 6th. We trust you will enjoy this glimpse into the life and ministry of this gracious woman of God. </p><p><b>WOW</b>: Thank you for taking time to be with us and answer a few questions. Let’s begin with where you grew up and when you came to know Christ. </p><p><b>Sis French</b>: I grew up in Easley, South Carolina and came to know the Lord my early teens. I always had a heart for Jesus and a desire to do the right thing.</p><p><b>WOW:</b> Would you tell us how you met your husband and when you were married? </p><p><b>Sis. French:</b> We were both active in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Because he was eight years older than I, we didn’t get acquainted until I was in my late teens and in college. He had a BA Ministerial Degree plus a graduate degree from Asbury Seminary and was pastoring a church in S.C. He was elected youth president of the SC conference and I was elected secretary. We were often together for business reasons since we served on the youth committee. That was our first formal introduction. I was in a serious relationship with another young Christian man, but God had different plans. Eventually, we became good friends and then starting dating. When I graduated from college we married, pastored four years, and then moved to Hobe Sound in 1969.</p><p><b>WOW:</b> What advice would you give to a single woman who is waiting on God’s direction? </p><p><b>Sis. French:</b> First and foremost, allow God to lead and confirm your choice and relationship. Seek good advice and counsel from mature Christians you know. Young love sometimes acts out of emotions and not with good common sense. We tend to overlook traits that may be a problem later on. People can change, but we can’t count on that in every situation. </p><p><b>WOW:</b> Tell us about your children and grandchildren. Share with us some of the values that guided you in parenting.</p><p><b>Sis. French: </b>I have two daughters, one son, and six grandchildren ages 14 to 25. We always lived in a glass house with high expectations because of my husband’s leadership roles. We had to do what was best for each of our children regardless of what “everyone” else thought or said. The main objective was to guard their hearts from bitterness and dislike for ministry. And we also tried to win the hearts of their friends so we could manage their influence over our children. Always be available to listen to your children. You have one opportunity to mold them and if you fail to communicate the proper values, you may not have another one. </p><p><b>WOW:</b> Did you have any ministry or professional roles outside the home during your earlier adult years?</p><p><b>Sis French:</b> My first and foremost responsibility was to complement my husband in each of his roles and be a helpmeet. That varied and increased as the years progressed. When he began to lose his hearing, I had a big responsibility to become his “interpreter” in every capacity he served. I did lots of entertaining with young people, camp visitors and evangelists, missionaries coming and going and early morning Bible studies with the college young people struggling through a variety of issues. But, in addition to that, I did serve in several capacities at the college and church. I taught music courses in the college and worked with the academy music program, accompanied college quartets and choirs. I served as college Admissions Director for several years, then registrar. </p><p><b>WOW:</b> How long were you married, and do you have any marriage advice? </p><p><b>Sis. French:</b> I was 2 ½ months short of 50 years of marriage when my husband was suddenly taken to heaven. Advice – open communication is crucial. Misunderstandings happen too often, and they can grow into difficult problems. Always do what is in the best interest of your mate, regardless of whether you like it or not. Pray together, laugh together and cry together. The children and I will forever be grateful that after he passed away we had a clean slate with</p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No unresolved conflicts</p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No unsaid apologies</p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No unforgiveness</p><p><b>WOW:</b> When did your husband pass away, and how has that changed your ministry role? </p><p><b>Sis. French:</b> My husband died November 2014. It drastically changed my role in everything. We were inseparable partners and then I had to figure out who I was without him and what my new role was. I am still figuring that out but opportunities present themselves often. I am working with Grief Share sessions for those who have lost a loved one. I also try to reach out to widows to encourage them and help them in whatever area they may need. It is surprising how many widows are somewhat helpless because their husbands did everything—finances, domestic decisions, driving and taking care of the car, even putting gas in it, etc. I work with them one on one, to help them navigate through all the things they are now responsible to do. I am a part of two groups that socialize often. It is a good venue to share our struggles without our husbands. </p><p><b>WOW:</b> You’re still quite busy in ministry it seems! Do you mind to share your current positions with our readers?</p><p><b>Sis. French:</b> I am half time as the college online registrar and halftime as assistant to Joe Taylor with Gospel Publishing Mission. I currently serve on the Hobe Sound Bible Church board and am the Sunday morning pianist.</p><p><b>WOW:</b> I’d love to hear a Scripture verse that is special to you.</p><p><b>Sis. French:</b> Proverbs 3:6: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”</p><p><i>Thank you, Sis. French, for your willingness to take a few moments to allow us to become acquainted with you. Your passion for God and dedication to ministry are examples for us to follow. -WOW</i></p><div><br /></div>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-68111609445306135642022-03-29T05:29:00.008-05:002022-03-29T05:36:41.024-05:00Gatlinburg<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qjYP4ZC2x_qL7GdgPDZtuVJlm3x1Il6NEyBycDsIibrHS0bMWxrvkyQg2T_nyiGdYlsEUtnh1QZQBUAMG9QueXDsWeI43F8VkBoL1k-z5Ubr4PQ09MixjYjXApFkM4ZkmpgCqL9oRxQ/s731/59AC2CCE96AA43529605A92EAF906378.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="731" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qjYP4ZC2x_qL7GdgPDZtuVJlm3x1Il6NEyBycDsIibrHS0bMWxrvkyQg2T_nyiGdYlsEUtnh1QZQBUAMG9QueXDsWeI43F8VkBoL1k-z5Ubr4PQ09MixjYjXApFkM4ZkmpgCqL9oRxQ/w640-h428/59AC2CCE96AA43529605A92EAF906378.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Be there! Wednesday, April 6, at 10:15 in the Mills Auditorium for <i>Women of Worth Gatlinburg</i>!</p>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-41581340412525368702021-12-23T21:10:00.003-06:002021-12-23T21:25:26.259-06:00Christmas Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_cN8Mt_2GpHGoRhspH74HyHWxIW8HHHjIjeWhxMwU4hZy8kVGMIiig5wkX6t-1lzUH8gz63DCJPdqRSrwrnZSd04c0x3xcjIJU1K1vLVVZvnZicCIVuSIBIBGO1Z9I3tDbvpyJRrHXR8yspJrYgFAsKpnuI0azrrB_kLY0p5vQpSuQHqbX4LUl9TZ=s940" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_cN8Mt_2GpHGoRhspH74HyHWxIW8HHHjIjeWhxMwU4hZy8kVGMIiig5wkX6t-1lzUH8gz63DCJPdqRSrwrnZSd04c0x3xcjIJU1K1vLVVZvnZicCIVuSIBIBGO1Z9I3tDbvpyJRrHXR8yspJrYgFAsKpnuI0azrrB_kLY0p5vQpSuQHqbX4LUl9TZ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The countdown to Christmas is nearly complete! The planning, shopping, baking, cleaning, and gift-wrapping will soon give way to hugs and laughter as families gather to make a new set of memories. We have asked our National Women of Worth Committee to reach back into Christmas past and retrieve a personal tradition or story to share with you. Go ahead and fix yourself a cup of peppermint hot cocoa, grab your favorite plush throw, and spend a few moments reflecting with us.<div><br /><div><i><b><u>Reva Campbell - Loveland, Ohio</u></b></i></div><div>During our ministry time to students from God's Bible School, the Lord began to give me a special burden for the Asian students. It wasn't long before the door of opportunity opened. Every weekend our home was filled with international students from GBS, the University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University. </div><div>It was the Christmas of 1992, and as usual our home was open for those who could not return to their own homes for the holidays. Our twenty-one guests were from Taiwan, South Africa, India, China, Bahamas, and Grand Cayman. Our home was full, or so I thought. Then Ivy, one of our Taiwanese girls, came to me and said, "Mom, my friend from Hobe Sound wants to come for Christmas. Can she come?" "Why sure," I replied. What was one more in our already crowded quarters? Soon the day of her arrival came, and much to my surprise four girls showed up! They were an amazing group. They were content with all the inconveniences we shared. </div><div>I had already purchased two gifts each for the girls. I began asking the Lord for another gift for each of them. On the Saturday before Christmas, I went to a local flea market. There was the third gift - red blouses for $2 each. I bought a blouse for each girl and one for myself. </div><div>One of the Christmas traditions at our house is that we read the Christmas story while the children act it out. Then we open our gifts beginning with the youngest and moving to the oldest. When the time came for our oldest guest to open her gifts, she was awestruck and couldn't move. All of the girls were overwhelmed. They had never been given Christmas gifts! It was truly a "God moment." What a blessing it was sharing Christmas with those whose heritage involved ancestral and Buddha worship! What a privilege it was to lead several of these young people to Jesus! Serving Jesus is an awesome journey! </div><div>P.S. We all wore our red blouses and went for lunch at the revolving restaurant in the Cincinnati area (At that time, lunch was affordable there).</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><u>Missy Miller - North Lawrence, Ohio</u></i></b></div><div>Christmas baking is one of my favorite traditions! I've loved this age-old tradition since Gerald and I were married in 1998. Over the years, it has become much more than just "baking." It has become a way for our family to say, "Merry Christmas." </div><div>On the weekend before Christmas, we package up many containers of homemade cookies, bars, and candies to deliver to Gerald's tenants. Some of them are in heartbreaking, hopeless situations and have very little love in their lives. When we began the tradition years ago, we thought we were just giving them Christmas treats. Over the years, we've realized the impact of this act of kindness. One just never knows what a small gift of love will mean to a lonely heart at Christmas!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><u>Ruth Nichols - Lima, Ohio</u></i></b></div><div>One of the greatest Christmas traditions we have enjoyed for many years is our family gathering. My parents had six children, and three of the six got married during the summer of 1974. Two others were already married by that time, and the youngest was still living at home. My parents were living in Florida at the time, and we knew we were really going to have to put forth an effort to make the family reunions a reality. We agreed to work with our in-law families for a rotation of alternating the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. For the past 45 years, we have carried that tradition. Our first holiday was held in Florida with mom, dad, six children, five in-laws, and five grandchildren. When our parents moved to Ohio, so did the reunion. </div><div>This year, Mom is in Pennsylvania, and the family has grown to 19 grandchildren, their spouses, and over 60 great-grandchildren! Although the reunion will still happen this 46th year for those who can attend, some of us will not be able to make it due to distance and employment duties. We cherish the memories of decades of family fun and laughter and watching the cousins bond with one another. When we taste the sweet glaze of a Honey Baked ham or take a slice of cranberry ring with an extra spoonful of cream cheese filling, we will remember the warmth of family tradition and long for the time when we are together again.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><u>Lorena Glick - Massillon, Ohio</u></i></b></div><div>Thinking about a Christmas to remember, my mind goes back to the 1980's in Papua New Guinea. We were back in the bush, and my Sunday School children had never done a Christmas drama. When I told them we were going to do the Christmas story, they were so excited! They were to come to the mission station on Saturdays when the sun was straight up in the sky. Remember, they didn't have watches or clocks! </div><div>We started our practices and excitement was running high. Even the boys that were home from Bible school were joining in! We had no props, no fine costumes, so I did what I had to do. I gathered my towels for headpieces, my sheets for angel costumes, and my housecoats for shepherds outfits. </div><div>Finally, it was presentation Sunday. The kids were all fancied up in their "nice" costumes. My heart was so touched as I started to read the Christmas story. All in the congregation were so attentive and the children were doing a splendid job acting. I looked over at the shepherds as the angels were coming to announce the wonderful news, and to my surprise, the shepherds had built a fire in the middle of the wooden floor in our church! Smoke was rising! By this point in the Christmas story, I was so touched that I let the fire go and trusted that the church wouldn't burn down as they acted their part. Then they put the fire out and quickly took off to see the Savior! I'm sure the charred spot was in the floor for many years, and it is probably still there! I have fond memories of the Christmas where a group of precious young people from Baiyer River gave the most wonderful story ever told.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><u>Debra Gaskins - Shelbyville, Indiana</u></i></b></div><div>Several years ago, I heard about Operation Christmas Child, a ministry led by Franklin Graham and Samaritan's purse. Operation Christmas Child delivers shoeboxes full of Christmas gifts to children in impoverished countries, and as they deliver gifts, they offer the Gospel.</div><div>I shared the project with my nephews, and we packed a few shoeboxes the first year and dropped them off at a participating church. As I learned more about the ministry, I involved my Jr. Sunday School class and our number of shoeboxes grew. The teens soon joined in, and for the last few years, the entire church has participated! Our highest number of boxes packed so far is 167!</div><div>Our church's shoeboxes have been delivered to Mexico, Burkina Faso, Togo, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. This year's boxes are being shipped to Benin and Ukraine.</div><div>In preparation, we shop for bargains all year, looking for special gifts to bless children who we will never meet. Our church loves this outreach and looks forward to the "Shoebox Packing Party" each year. The boxes are packed by every age group!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><u>Cheryl Watters - Cincinnati, Ohio</u></i></b></div><div>My favorite Christmas memory quickly comes to mind, and is centered around the Christmas tree. My sister's birthday is December 11th, so our tradition was to go out on her birthday and cut down our Christmas tree. My favorite was when I was a teenager and we drove out toward mid-Michigan and found a tree farm that had a team of horses pulling a wagon. My dad would get a saw from the office, and we would all pile on the wagon and the horses would pull us out to cut down our favorite tree. Dad would cut it, then we would all have to pull it back to the path where the horses and wagon were waiting to take us back up to the front of the farm. </div><div>Taking our tree home and setting it up was always so exciting! We loved our tree, and we were faithful to make sure it was watered. Mom always hung our favorite, homemade ornaments. In the evening, we would turn off all the lights and have devotions by light of the tree. We always dreaded taking the tree down because of all the pine needles that would end up in the carpet. Mom was very wise and gave each of us a little bucket. She paid us a penny for every needle we would pick up! She made out pretty well on that deal, but it got the job done!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><u>Valorie Quesenberry - Cincinnati, Ohio</u></i></b></div><div>One of the Christmas memories that comes to mind is one that took place when I was a preteen and my family was in evangelism. This particular year, we were in meetings in the fall and the Christmas season was approaching. My mother was very staunch in her commitment to keeping Christmas music and decor for after Thanksgiving, but this year as the weather chilled and we kids were so excited, she relented just a bit and let us play one of our eight track cassettes (remember those?) and also let us purchase and display a small ceramic tree in our travel trailer. My brother even scrounged around in his little treasure stash and wrapped a small gift for each member of the family!</div><div>My mother was the master designer of Christmas at our house. When the time was right, she would go into the attic and pull down boxes of things we only saw once a year, including all our childhood Sunday School tree ornaments and other bits she had saved through the years. Our home was awaft in the delicious smells of Christmas cookies, peanut brittle, divinity and other good things. I learned early about the gift of Jesus that God gave to the world, and, because my parents were very focused on making Jesus the center of everything, this wonderful knowledge was the anchor of all the festivities and gave them all meaning. As I have grown and had my own family, there are traditions that my husband and I have instituted. Stories we like to hear again and again and requisite recipes that we love to munch and shopping and gifting traditions. </div><div>And why is Christmas so centered on tradition and memory? I think it's because Christmas and home are closely melded. In our modern understanding of this holiday, we can't imagine one without the other. Yet, Jesus left His home to come to earth so that one day we may share His. The mystery of this event continues to wrap everything we do with the warmth and love that we so cherish!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><u>Stephanie Burley - Lima, Ohio</u></i></b></div><div>My earliest and most favorite memories are of the holiday season. I grew up in a pastor's home, and although I loved our church family dearly - and still do, I often missed being with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Thanksgiving and Christmas were two of the high points of my year. One year we would spend Thanksgiving with my paternal grandparents in Greenup, Illinois, and Christmas with my maternal grandparents in Cincinnati, Ohio. The next year, we would alternate. Each family gathering had its own uniqueness, but I loved each of them so much! </div><div>While in Cincinnati, the cousins would often take walks from my grandmother's three story house on Erie Avenue up to Hyde Park square. As little girls, we'd sometimes dash through the boutiques and act like we had the money or the maturity to be a shopper. We always performed a spontaneous Christmas play on the landing of the entry staircase before a grand audience. And we played and ate so intensely that one or more of us usually ended up sick. </div><div>While in Greenup, we loved to walk the streets in the village and visit the general store. We'd take a trip to the family farm and reminisce about the generations before us that worked the soil and created a living under the harsh midwestern sun. And we would often have the opportunity to worship and fellowship with the little congregation whose prayers were effective in bringing my father to Jesus.</div><div>As I mentioned, each celebration was unique, but I am forever grateful that both of them had Jesus at the center. What a heritage I have to pass on to my children!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We hope you've enjoyed sharing in the committee's Christmas traditions and memories. We trust you will have a wonderful, meaningful Christmas.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">II Corinthians 9:15</span></div><div><br /></div></div>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-41108654277496080172021-10-05T22:11:00.005-05:002021-10-05T22:11:53.076-05:00Amish Country and a WOW Retreat - A Winning Combination<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> On the weekend of September 15-17, 170 ladies gathered in Berlin, Ohio, for the annual Northeast Ohio Women of Worth Retreat. (and if you're a local, its pronounced "Burlin" not like the city in Germany) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The ladies, from teens to terrific eighties, enjoyed the lovely Berlin Resort with decorations in the conference room done by Lynn Weitbrecht and her team, complete with registration gifts for everyone and lots of giveaways in every session. Retreat director and National Women of Worth Director Lorena Glick led the retreat with class and warmth. Food and accommodations were capably managed by Missy Miller and her helpers, including her daughter, Jazzy. The presentations on Moments in Time presented by Mrs. Sheila Wolf and her daughter, Sarah Fry, were packed with good information and inspiration. And the Amish setting was welcoming as always, glorified by autumn produce and featuring the usual savory cooking. Lots of laughter and late-night talks and excited shopping took place on Saturday before the evening concert with the Isbell family. And then on Sunday, a service with the Lord's presence near and a wonderful ending with prayer and singing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Make plans now to attend in 2022! Watch this site or follow us on Facebook for more information. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BL0-4yJSs0MQ3pglCCoZmHlmuBbABoFgu6uTvivZkC-pJF06tWvgVdArpwGmO96FeOpBFE1GVCa30CdEUSa2SXd884F1ncq2KWolujx5RUHBjpA1VLFChcRaI-iwlTx7Ac92AuNXZ3s/s960/242233763_4537038406342606_1332356054304680119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BL0-4yJSs0MQ3pglCCoZmHlmuBbABoFgu6uTvivZkC-pJF06tWvgVdArpwGmO96FeOpBFE1GVCa30CdEUSa2SXd884F1ncq2KWolujx5RUHBjpA1VLFChcRaI-iwlTx7Ac92AuNXZ3s/s320/242233763_4537038406342606_1332356054304680119_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnVGJ4Wc58OFJ4xS1RylSD-ryEOI6JOGi6Nx0b4cJwhitNMPz_wSAhz8u-eY9SfNDGRU0kC7C0teLxEWq9MYe6efTpCV1wlaX6rIN2lKCmnGqaNeY7OU-KHkKFveV4-GEwbwc1rjrev4/s960/242322287_10221938067263192_3831373075445023829_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1yFIdzjncvgXUJPRqO_TDagIJNNDELlMBJH7qEm2Uel5DSN41Tbwh6GtvhIW4PzkvJGcEY6mQf4BuxAqhQKcFgwXV3h1ziEbtiWSf3ich2ArG4ltje4Jl8wGsVPXc09wkK_ayOei81s/s960/242603513_4546283792084734_4010463267522607492_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1yFIdzjncvgXUJPRqO_TDagIJNNDELlMBJH7qEm2Uel5DSN41Tbwh6GtvhIW4PzkvJGcEY6mQf4BuxAqhQKcFgwXV3h1ziEbtiWSf3ich2ArG4ltje4Jl8wGsVPXc09wkK_ayOei81s/s320/242603513_4546283792084734_4010463267522607492_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-7839634158787695002021-08-24T05:41:00.003-05:002021-08-24T05:44:13.238-05:00What a meeting we had! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnoCFaQ881vZ_f8SBlNQUdWhwD8_MqaDjCNvoNrtwJb_WkmrdomBEgoUtxoupSyOBuCU_EAHAM8FR5xD-cRF0tCP6KOPyADEkikA9_udmun3wmwZbaJeQH5qOYkdGRb9pTefWtupVWfA/s731/BC58C08A25A348E3B8AB93F41DA3C4B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="731" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnoCFaQ881vZ_f8SBlNQUdWhwD8_MqaDjCNvoNrtwJb_WkmrdomBEgoUtxoupSyOBuCU_EAHAM8FR5xD-cRF0tCP6KOPyADEkikA9_udmun3wmwZbaJeQH5qOYkdGRb9pTefWtupVWfA/s320/BC58C08A25A348E3B8AB93F41DA3C4B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2ylRBy1DU4Mr-vbhOueUUhHnD5N25Ta3XVhlLRwDt0Tm3E2t-5DAjURHTfrT7EAS3VsOcJzRQfj7YgSHKwK90neB6kHfSMRCOJHM6GsUxnVSm2ECvp6D8pz3XdJ9b-cTYybp2BXqwtk/s731/D127D372B04D4EC5B48BEC65479FA617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="731" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2ylRBy1DU4Mr-vbhOueUUhHnD5N25Ta3XVhlLRwDt0Tm3E2t-5DAjURHTfrT7EAS3VsOcJzRQfj7YgSHKwK90neB6kHfSMRCOJHM6GsUxnVSm2ECvp6D8pz3XdJ9b-cTYybp2BXqwtk/s320/D127D372B04D4EC5B48BEC65479FA617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div>If you met with us in Gatlinburg, you know what a wonderful time of fellowship and learning and music and love and laughter it was as we gathered with our sisters in Christ. Music was provided by the Stetler ladies ad Mrs. Cheri Spangler taught us out of the Bible with real-life examples. Our National Leader, Lorena Glick, gave us information and inspiration and our friends beside us made it all the better. </div><div><br /></div><div>THANK YOU, ladies, for prioritizing Women of Worth. We love you!</div>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-73762411189480633542021-04-10T12:23:00.002-05:002021-04-10T12:23:31.345-05:00We Can't Wait to See you!<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRry_lmNI0ylsP4u4o314QPqfPgPlsQ_HDLH04MYHwIXz0XI29lpjAAKckyGpytrx56Arpwva7qP2ke067Q2TdciCDvnJTA2JkpGr_nnBA8AKE8Z_1eCMS5VYiitJ0f0HD07b7vI90oE/s2048/0E3C2E40-B438-4B39-A4FB-94904CE6D497.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRry_lmNI0ylsP4u4o314QPqfPgPlsQ_HDLH04MYHwIXz0XI29lpjAAKckyGpytrx56Arpwva7qP2ke067Q2TdciCDvnJTA2JkpGr_nnBA8AKE8Z_1eCMS5VYiitJ0f0HD07b7vI90oE/s320/0E3C2E40-B438-4B39-A4FB-94904CE6D497.jpeg" /></a></div>We are so excited to meet with all of you at our annual Women of Worth gathering – this year in Gatlinburg, Tennessee! Someone said once that the “company of women refreshes my spirit.” We agree. And especially so when those women are gathered in Jesus’ name. We will greet one another with smiles and hugs and compliments. We’ll coo over the babies and congratulate those who are experiencing good life changes. We’ll share our struggles and lean into the support of being known and loved. We’ll sing songs and pray and hear news from around the country. And we’ll listen to inspiration from our speaker, and this year that is Mrs. Cherie Spangler. And we thought you’d like to know a little bit about her.<o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Cherie Spangler was born Cherie Hallenbeck in New York State. She has two older brothers and a younger sister. As a young girl, she enjoyed the outdoors and could often be found horseback riding, swimming, bike riding, hiking or playing ball. After graduating high school, Cherie attended Penn View Bible Institute where she traveled in public relations with a music group. During her college years, she also served as secretary to the President for a time. While there, she also met her future husband, Brian Spangler.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7t47WnmNscZ3W7sNz-6gpd867UFSTxBi4XIjDvVjuPkvp2zwfl3YyZWVxrOVkKgW-OJZTyRKSegXZuSSLvPNiFZ3-NoLhPGE2xQ9LttRqLpI-fhUay7n6maZQivXZrXzaHoOVegyAgY/s2048/43A30CDC-84E6-49A9-BFE1-96D955B95291.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7t47WnmNscZ3W7sNz-6gpd867UFSTxBi4XIjDvVjuPkvp2zwfl3YyZWVxrOVkKgW-OJZTyRKSegXZuSSLvPNiFZ3-NoLhPGE2xQ9LttRqLpI-fhUay7n6maZQivXZrXzaHoOVegyAgY/s320/43A30CDC-84E6-49A9-BFE1-96D955B95291.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">After marrying and leaving Bible College, the Spanglers entered ministry life, pastoring for 27 years and doing evangelistic work about 6 years. God blessed the Spangler home with three children whom Cherie says are “the greatest in the world” along with the “best daughters-in-law and son-in-law.” When they started looking for life partners, they didn’t waste time; all three of them married within eighteen months of each other! (We need to ask her to share stories about wedding stress!) And now, happily, all of them live close and attend and work in the same church as their parents. What a blessing. A highlight of their family life was the trip to Israel where Brother Spangler was privileged to baptize all his children in the Jordan River. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Cherie has traveled extensively with her husband, having visited most of the 50 states and several foreign countries. She shared that one of her pet peeves is observing a driver on a cell phone who then creeps over in the opposite lane (probably something she sees a lot in her travels). They like to go camping with their family, and she loves holidays when everyone can be together. If she has some time to relax, she likes to read, do Bible studies and write Christmas programs! A favorite quiet day would find her sitting by the ocean or a stream, journaling or reading a good book. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaNtUdoZkrWKkLiC5aOqNeU6ZUiT4Viy2FsZ1fuudL5tdDWS9a2RdgNNUce3Xs4JAHfqlQuOynmapfyw2dAJeIAnUbWKXNDgjZM0_9DNuC-wBpvznS4VbSDBAtIofGjV5aSpDrAndNzM/s2048/87C96826-E437-4203-9BF9-3FCDC2DA6042.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaNtUdoZkrWKkLiC5aOqNeU6ZUiT4Viy2FsZ1fuudL5tdDWS9a2RdgNNUce3Xs4JAHfqlQuOynmapfyw2dAJeIAnUbWKXNDgjZM0_9DNuC-wBpvznS4VbSDBAtIofGjV5aSpDrAndNzM/s320/87C96826-E437-4203-9BF9-3FCDC2DA6042.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">We are looking forward to what she will share with us next Wednesday morning. Will you join us in prayer for her and for the Women of Worth team as they prepare? And will you pray for your sisters in Christ with whom you will gather?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Let’s be the family of God.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Let’s gather with full hearts and smiles and expectation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">See you soon!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-84202746904730976792021-02-18T13:00:00.004-06:002021-02-18T13:02:27.227-06:00I Want Normal<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SNmY2HNqS4NBfdFUZdINl_TkggOWoMNlpxKAkWf54OZquWIOhT_y96_ktJoPntwpUCbQKcad5k61jkiWVIB9UiaSw0boIV6Bzq4KUBm6X4GrYGDuVJ34qYy9iX0wBayeXv-BNCd6PzM/s2048/bianca-jordan-FMCoNY-rH74-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SNmY2HNqS4NBfdFUZdINl_TkggOWoMNlpxKAkWf54OZquWIOhT_y96_ktJoPntwpUCbQKcad5k61jkiWVIB9UiaSw0boIV6Bzq4KUBm6X4GrYGDuVJ34qYy9iX0wBayeXv-BNCd6PzM/s320/bianca-jordan-FMCoNY-rH74-unsplash.jpg" /></a></div>Christian comedienne Patsy Clairmont used to say "Normal is only a setting on the dryer."<p></p><p>It seems she was right. </p><p>All of us who were old enough to catalog 2020 in our memory banks long for what we used to call "normal." But it appears that we will only find it in the laundry settings. </p><p>2021 began with a chaotic national inauguration and continued with apocalyptic snowstorms for parts of the country. States struggled to dish out COVID-19 vaccines and shoppers continued to haggle with their masks while e-learning days and Zoom meetings rerouted the family week. It is an era about which we will tell your grandchildren - "I lived through the coronavirus pandemic!"</p><p>As winter begins to wane in tiny ways and we dare to look at spring styles and long for tulips and green shoots in the flower bed, we also start to hope for just a little bit of normalcy in our daily lives again. </p><p>We want to be able to go to church with all the people who used to attend before sickness changed things. We want to experience unity in our family and friend relationships and not worry about the issues that those in politics keep saying are dividing us. We want to focus on little things like new recipes and summer shoes and when to have a yard sale. We want our aging relatives to be free to enjoy life again. We want the threats in our lives to vanish. We don't want a new normal; we want the old one. </p><p>Maybe it will help us if we keep Patsy's words as a mantra. "Normal" only controls us if we let it. No one knows what God will allow to shape the spring and summer of 2021, but attitude will help us manage it. </p><p>Philippians 4:7 tells us that "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."</p><p>A woman who has keeping peace in her heart and mind can truck through both normal and abnormal because she knows the One who sees the end from the beginning. And it is His intention to bring us out into a good place. That's the best possible normal ahead of us! </p><p><br /></p>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-12728576789548811732021-01-14T14:09:00.010-06:002021-01-14T23:04:27.132-06:00IHC and Women of Worth are meeting in 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41ciC8eW5L8pS9olOWgNKeB8XoiDajYIXoy_O-nLCFP_H8j8fzmv4vLe3qMr9HyuLj_DVoFelT1M2jx_9_uKSWHgQNd-6yFGdNToXRmLah4a8jAE3zbkDUZHbsFxiNDItb7kbEWHFfIE/s2048/ryan-franco-l4LI70HhUP0-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41ciC8eW5L8pS9olOWgNKeB8XoiDajYIXoy_O-nLCFP_H8j8fzmv4vLe3qMr9HyuLj_DVoFelT1M2jx_9_uKSWHgQNd-6yFGdNToXRmLah4a8jAE3zbkDUZHbsFxiNDItb7kbEWHFfIE/s320/ryan-franco-l4LI70HhUP0-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> After so many cancellations in 2020, we are delighted that IHC and the annual national Women of Worth gathering will happen this year! <p></p><p>There has been a necessary change of location and venue, but with flexibility and a willingness to try something new, we can have a great meeting!</p><p>We are looking forward to seeing your lovely faces this year, April 13-15, 2021, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee!</p><p>Watch this video clip for information that you need to know! <a href="https://fb.watch/30np1bziPi/" target="_blank">2021 IHC Announcement</a></p>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-22214018421675784212020-07-22T23:37:00.000-05:002020-07-22T23:52:56.367-05:00God Amid the Chaos<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">- Maricka Herrer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I admit—I sighed that morning when I opened my Bible reading plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Judges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Not exactly the most encouraging read, particularly in April 2020. Reading of the baffling, and at times sickening, sin-caused suffering is painful, perhaps all the more so when it strikingly resembles sin’s destruction in our own world. True, the unique position of Israel as God’s chosen nation prevents us from drawing strict parallels between their story and current states of affairs. Yet, the general sentiment of the two was similar—chaos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaNkviGLGG0_Ke62Vy9pIMvwaNMb-lYL4I3MFmM0-8HEJeNW6I1jx0lIok1i2Z3dHfmxqwcTGkLUd84_r70YSnD5Pf0pghSaZiIvTpmw7ser_iY1ag5UruRr3Y_g6equkrqaZMdEi7RQ/s1600/book-2572013__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="510" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaNkviGLGG0_Ke62Vy9pIMvwaNMb-lYL4I3MFmM0-8HEJeNW6I1jx0lIok1i2Z3dHfmxqwcTGkLUd84_r70YSnD5Pf0pghSaZiIvTpmw7ser_iY1ag5UruRr3Y_g6equkrqaZMdEi7RQ/s320/book-2572013__340.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Thankfully, the Holy Spirit kept me reading that morning, using two truths faithful Bible college professors did their best to engrain in our student minds. The first was the forceful, elongated emphasis one teacher would place on “<i>all</i> Scripture” every time he quoted 2 Tim. 3:16, to remind us that all of God’s Word, including Judges, is useful to us. The second, from another instructor, was a simple Bible study question: If nothing else, always ask yourself when reading the Bible—what does this teach me about God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">God in the Big Story </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I had been thankful many times for the correction to perspective that question brought, and this time it was no different. Asking what Judges teaches me about God did not diminish the appalling realization of the downward spiral of corruption that sin brings, or of the woeful deceitfulness of the human heart. Yet, perhaps because current world events and personal experiences made the turmoil of Judges more palpable, answering that question from the ancient narrative lifted the eyes of my heart, amid chaos, beyond chaos, to see Him, gloriously radiant in antithesis to the darkness:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Just and holy</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">. True to His nature, not letting Israel’s sin go unpunished, just as He had warned them before they entered Canaan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Faithful and good</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">. Still, not forsaking a stubborn, blatantly disobedient people, who had so shamelessly broken their covenant with Him, and using the dreadful consequences of their unfaithfulness to call them back to Himself, the only source of true life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Compassionate</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">. Saving Israel when, time and again they pled for deliverance, after the consequences of their sin had brought them to ruin, and the things in which they had so foolishly placed their trust in days of abundance, proved to be worthless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Sovereign</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">. Showcasing His omnipotence by using the most unlikely (and even at times most unsavory) people and confounding methods, to destroy some of the most powerful nations of that time and deliver His people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">God in the Back Stories - “In The Days The Judges Ruled...”</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Yahweh did not show Himself as this kind of God only in His dealings with His people as a whole, during this turbulent time of their history. The two books immediately following Judges, Ruth and 1 Samuel, give us a glimpse into the lives of a few ordinary people alive during that period. And what their stories reveal is that Yahweh is the same God to “the least of these” as to the great and many.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Sometime during the last century of the 300 years the judges ruled Israel, a helpless widow returned from years of famine-forced exile in Moab. She had no husband, no children, no hope—just a widowed daughter-in-law from a nation that God had cursed. Yet, in His care, Yahweh stepped into Naomi’s life, through the simple faithfulness of Ruth. And in so doing, He tenderly displayed His own faithfulness and utter goodness to a woman who, in her despair, had begun to believe the lie that He was out to bring her bitterness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Decades later, a heartbroken, childless woman, wept at the entry of God’s House in Shiloh, her painful reality a curse by society’s standards, ridiculed by her competition, and misunderstood by her husband. Yet, God heard Hannah’s voiceless, tear-soaked prayer, and showed His compassion on the sorrows of the despised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">But He did not leave it there. Unbeknownst to them, their existence, along with that of Israel, was being woven into the eternal redemption plan He was orchestrating for His people, and ultimately, for the whole world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Little did Hannah know that her Samuel, the blessing from God that took away her reproach, would become the last and greatest of the judges, who would lead Israel back to their God. Naomi, Ruth and Boaz had no inkling that Obed, the child who had already brought them such hope and joy, would become the grandfather of David, God’s chosen king, nor that they all would be part of the genealogy of the Messiah, the Son of God Himself, the Redeemer of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">God in Our Story</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">That God, Israel’s Yahweh, is our God today. What a soul-calming realization it was that April morning, and as world events and unexpected circumstances revealed the fragility of our supposed certainties, the familiar truths of God’s unchanging character proved once again to be the life-anchor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Whether in the sweeping histories of nations or the intimate spaces of our individual lives, He is sovereign, His reign unthreatened by whatever chaos may be raging. Despite what circumstances may seem to indicate, or what lies Satan may be whispering to our hearts, our God will always be faithful to His promises, and always, completely, infinitely good. He is still holy and just, and will ultimately set aright all that is unjust in the world. He is still compassionate, saving those who come to Him in repentance, seeing and caring for those suffering, whether they be whole nations under oppression or the unseen, unspoken pain of a single heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">And in it all, our lives are not lost in a meaningless cycle of life and death, ebb and flow, fortune and disaster. Instead, in a way only the all-wise God can now see, our stories are part of an eternal plan, the design of which, if we could see it now as we see those of Naomi, Ruth and Hannah, would leave us breathless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-39236833413709690532020-05-12T07:00:00.000-05:002020-05-12T10:14:19.120-05:00COMPASSIONATE HANDS-CARING HEARTS<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">without even a prescription.”</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>It was shortly after 2 a.m. rounds when the call light panel lit up and chimed. I could hear groans as the nursing staff all looked at the panel, seeing the room number which was requesting our assistance. Much to the relief of the other nurses hovered over their charts, I quickly responded that I would answer the call!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><b>Entering the room of one of the most difficult patients to whom I have ever given care, I asked how I could help. This patient was a Catholic priest, and in his final stage of cancer. Over previous weeks and admissions, I had the opportunity of having multiple short conversations with him. On one occasion, he asked if I was married and noted that I did not wear a wedding ring. I smiled and told him yes, that I was happily married and blessed with a wonderful husband and three beautiful children. The questions followed, with the priest wanting to know my husband’s occupation, the size of our “parish," and even asking if my husband preached "store house" tithing. Over the multiple times that I answered his call light, he would question me about our church and beliefs. </b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><b>Answering the call light this night was similar in his requests for care, every little request before leaving his room taking forever to complete (pull the tray table ½ inch this way, put my head up one inch, move my water glass ¼ inch that way…the details were so time consuming), but was also strikingly different. As he again turned the subject to our church and religion, I felt God’s nudge to share with him the plan of salvation. I told him that we both knew that death was imminent, and I wanted him to be prepared to meet Jesus. Just as I would speak to a child, using the scriptures of the Roman Road, I shared that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; Jesus died on the cross for our sins because of His great love for us; if we confess our sins to Him and believe Him for forgiveness He is faithful to forgive us, and we can accept His gift of eternal life. He then asked me if I would pray with him. I took his hand and asked him to pray along with me as I prayed the sinner’s prayer. When the prayer was ended, with tears in his eyes, he peacefully said, “I think I can sleep now.” Then he made a statement that left me wondering, “If anyone gives you any trouble for being in here so long (about 45 minutes) refer them to me.” </b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><b>On my next scheduled shift, my supervisor, a sweet Methodist lady, asked me if I had heard that our patient had passed away. You see, when I had been interviewed by her for the position on the Oncology Unit, she told me to feel free to pray or read scripture with any patient that was open to it. So even though I was a Protestant working in a Catholic hospital, I had an open door to share Jesus with those who were so close to eternity, and my opportunities were many! Hearing the account of my last moments with this patient, my supervisor became so excited and said, "Oh, just wait until I tell the nuns and priests!" Then she began to tell me the rest of the the story. My patient was not just a priest, he was one who had oversight of the diocese in that area. (No wonder he told me to refer questioners to him!) The nuns and priests in the hospital had felt he was so high above them that they could not minister to his spiritual needs. My supervisor said they would be so thrilled to know that someone had met that need. God had used me that night, just a simple nurse following the nudge of the Holy Spirit, to share Jesus. I was just a willing vessel through which He could work. Someday, I plan to see that Catholic priest in heaven!</b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><b>When considering my role as a nurse, I have always felt it to be a ministry. An unknown author once said, “When you are a nurse, you know that every day you will touch a life or a life will touch yours.” Knowing that every human being to which I give physical care has a soul, I also have an obligation to minister to their spiritual and emotional needs to the best of my ability. I have been so grateful for the opportunities to minister to the spiritual needs of my patients. Nursing is rewarding work, but also very hard work for those who are in it for more than a paycheck. You don’t leave your ministry at the time clock when you end your shift. Your concern and prayers for your patients continue. You celebrate even baby steps toward recovery, and you grieve when the doctor says, “We have done all we can do.” </b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><b>As we celebrate Nurses Week, I congratulate every nurse working in every field of the profession! Mahatma Ghandi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Some are on the front lines of service frantically trying to save the life of someone hovering between life and death. Others are behind a desk making policies and putting in place procedures for those life and death situations. Wherever you are as a nurse, I challenge you to give it your best. Your character will be as important as the knowledge that you have obtained. </b><b>We need hard working, ethical, and morally upright Christian nurses to most effectively minister to the whole patient-physically, spiritually and emotionally. And during this time of COVID – 19, treating all three is more needed than ever. </b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><b>Congratulations on choosing to serve others! Happy Nurses’ Week!</b></b></span></div>
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IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-5182381062263978482020-05-09T18:21:00.000-05:002020-05-09T21:13:13.255-05:00Empowerment: Are We Sure?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEb4pgzwFxyfAZ6coUw6mGmrKUh1PLhn047-6yaGOlg9v8FaydFx2dND2QYdbYMCqWEq2oNEfWRn1LGMdmefJviErNzBNfMSnichj8sV5YR6Mp3y5dLCJPpRLxMRVJcdSrSFiXDTJbJic/s1600/peonies-3468739_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEb4pgzwFxyfAZ6coUw6mGmrKUh1PLhn047-6yaGOlg9v8FaydFx2dND2QYdbYMCqWEq2oNEfWRn1LGMdmefJviErNzBNfMSnichj8sV5YR6Mp3y5dLCJPpRLxMRVJcdSrSFiXDTJbJic/s400/peonies-3468739_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- guest article by Joan Stetler</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-cf5ac252-7fff-1193-ff26-5ae619753409"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Being a wife and mother is akin to being in a comfortable concentration camp.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-cf5ac252-7fff-1193-ff26-5ae619753409"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So said feminist, Betty <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Feminine-Mystique-50th-Anniversary-dp-0393063798/dp/0393063798/ref=mt_hardcover?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1589045732">Friedan </a>in the 1960s, </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; white-space: pre-wrap;">enlightening women everywhere of their inhumane and unjust victim existence. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Womanhood, motherhood, the home and family have been under attack for a long time. But Betty and her feminist pals weren’t content to keep their deviant brand of sunshine and cheer to themselves. She wrote a book called <i>The Feminine Mystique </i>in 1963 and became an immediate celebrity. In 1976, a New York literary club included it with works by Marx and Mao Zedong in its exhibit on “Books As Troublemakers.” So now we all know who to hang with if we’re looking for a better and more exciting life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why did Betty become a sudden celebrity with her new message for women? What was its message of appeal? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One word - power. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Forces Against the Family</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But there were other forces arrayed against the home and family which had been coming together for over a hundred years that will further explain this loud cacophony of disgruntled women’s voices. Liberal theology, enlightenment, rationalization, modern biblical criticism, social gospel, neo-orthodoxy, and fundamentalist-modernist controversy were influencing seminaries and preachers to make significant changes in practical biblical application in messages to their congregants, thereby affecting society at large. Evolution and atheism began being promoted as the more intellectual and highbrow way to think. Who would be so boring and uninformed to actually want to be guided by truth? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Margaret Sanger began her twisted push for population control and eugenics, setting the stage for the 1973 legalization of abortion. And perhaps the single most powerful influence on society came from Hollywood. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Affairs, workplace infidelity, immodest dress and behavior, partying, smoking, drinking, gambling all began to be glamorized and made sophisticated by the messages sent everyday, all day from the producers of television. Housewives were made to appear as dull drudges. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then war happened; women left the home and went to public work to promote the nation’s efforts. The family began to realize the effect of an absent mother. The traditional balance of support and care for one another as husband and wife began to wear away. Men felt freer to pursue their own afterwork interests. Mom was thrown in with male attentions and making her own money, but she had just as much work to be done at home. Women would soon feel this lack of commitment, cohesion and mutual support; they began to exchange their homes and families for sexual freedom, money and careers. Divorces became commonplace. Relationships between husbands, wives, and children were broken. Children suffered emotionally. Young people drank, took drugs, joined gangs and committed suicide. Teenage pregnancy rose. The pill was invented. Soon we were in the middle of an STD, HIV/AIDS epidemic. Something had gone horribly wrong in American society. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Voices and Dissent</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had many voices warning us of our steep moral decline, voices such as James Dobson, Kevin Leman, Henry Cloud, Phyliss Schlafly. They helped many and salvaged many homes. But women’s quest for empowerment </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; white-space: pre-wrap;">still</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> continues its increasingly aggressive fist-shaking and man-hating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We watch in horror as women march in the streets screaming vulgar obscenities, holding up figurative heads of those in authority, wishing them physical harm. We try to look at the daily news online and are met with pornographic litterings of celebrities. Families with small children attend sports events where half-time shows are comprised of shocking, lewd and depraved acts. Then we’re supposed to feel sorrow for those who have used their bodies to obtain sought-after acting roles and then want to charge the directors with rape. I ran onto this terribly frightful <a href="https://mallorymillett.com/?p=322">quote</a>: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>So many people think the rise of women and the evisceration of our culture are somehow coincidental. But it’s been calculated and deliberate . . . it is the result of hate - hating God, hating life, hating society, hating men, hating babies, hating our families, hating our white male Founders, hating happiness, hating heterosexuality, hating western civilization.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why did intelligent, educated women come to these mad, insane conclusions? Why are women still falling for the same old, ancient, satanic, Garden of Eden, “Why don’t you just live a little” line?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Power of Created Design</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Women are intrinsically created by God to be naturally sensitive, intuitive, creative, with limitless potential for love, tenderness and affection. We love beauty, manners, romance, flowers, candlelight, sweet nothings, babies, baby magic baths, and adorable children. We can scream about inconveniences and injustices at the top of our lungs, but all of these wonderful nurturing gifts are undeniably programmed into our innermost beings, our feminine DNA, our complex, intricate hormonal structures, our mental construct of superb multi-tasking abilities, and our ever-changing emotional variants. When we bond in a physical way by choosing to honor our created design, our minds, our emotions and our spiritual components become inseparably, irreparably, and unchangeably intertwined. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Speaking of empowerment - why, we women have the world eating out of our hands, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">literally, with all the comfort foods that our families and loved ones consume with much enthusiasm and fondness for favorites. But women do much more than mere cooking and cleaning.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And when we buck against the created design in us, we’re trying to come up with some warped sense of happiness and fulfillment with power, money and career? No wonder we’re crazy with anger!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God has given women a very strategic and vital role in the delicate balance of society. Women with their innate sensitivity were designed to be the conscience and character of our families. We have the power to create fidelity and virtue by being pure and modest in our thoughts, motives and actions and by instilling the same in our children. When we walk into a room, we either exude wholesome goodness or questionable deportment. The Bible calls this “shamefacedness and sobriety.” When we carry out this essential role, societal ills are kept in check. We maintain a safe and orderly society. Without it, we risk the gradual but sure destabilization of civility.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Think about the forever-altered course for humanity that came from Eve’s choice of forbidden fruit in place of quiet, evening conversations in the garden with her husband and God, the Creator Who came to talk with them personally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Think about Sarah and the far-reaching implications of bearing Isaac in her old age. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And Jochebed, with her baby Moses that she hid in the bulrushes, along with his famous babysitting sister, Miriam. Jochebed’s Moses, who is considered the greatest of Jewish leaders and prophets, who authored five books of the Bible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rahab, who intuitively sized up the men of God who had her life in their hands and made a deal with them which protected a nation and her own family by hanging a simple scarlet cord in her window. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consider Abigail with her diplomacy skills and picnic lunch that kept a lot of angry men, including the soon to be king, David, from making rash decisions and from perhaps altering his future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then there was <a href="https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/deborah-in-the-bible/">Deborah</a>, who was a national leader, judge and military leader over Israel for sixty years.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She judged while sitting under a palm tree - a setting rabbinic tradition maintains that validated her fairness, openness, and refusal to show partiality . . . The Bible records no dissent or rebellion against her leadership. Leadership resides not in gender but in character and gifting. The Israelites recognized her abilities and prospered under her tenure.</span> </i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(How’s that for empowerment, girls?) </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remember Queen Esther and her policy-making, political positioning dinner dates that preserved the life of the nation of Israel and exalted the Jewish status in the Persian kingdom? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Elizabeth with her son, John the Baptist, the announcer and forerunner of the Messiah? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And lastly, there was Mary, the mother of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - Jesus, whose life was such an history altering event that the ancient calendars were forever changed. We still use Christ’s birth and death (B.C.) and (A.D.), to tabulate time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes, truly our churches, our schools and our homes are in crises. We, as women, have the ability, the gifting, the skill set; we have this opportunity and this moment in time, to bring back conscience, character and Christianity to our communities, our country, our continent and our world.</span></div>
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IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-86881123785632110932020-05-04T17:55:00.001-05:002020-05-05T08:14:22.429-05:00Thoughts from the Classroom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> -Stephanie Burley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Three decades ago, Congress made a declaration which recognized teachers all across America. They called it National Teacher Day, and for five years it was celebrated on March 7th. In 1985, The National PTA took things a bit further and established Teacher Appreciation Week. Since that time, Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated annually the first week of May, with Tuesday being named National Teacher Day. That's a bit of information you may or may not have known, but the important thing to recognize is that teachers not only deserve our prayers and support, they desperately need it. Now more than ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the greatest lessons we have learned through this national crisis is the importance of a strong yet flexible educational process. If your children typically leave home and go to school each day, your world was upended mid-March as schools were shuttered and stay-at-home orders were issued with as little as a day's notice. This has affected each family differently, depending on family dynamics, needs of the child, accessibility to curriculum and technology, and the preparedness of the school to pivot to a distance learning format. What is the one constant in this process? The teacher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a caring educator, the teacher is taking this opportunity to engage with students in a way that assures them of their individual importance. She spends her days interacting, offering feedback, explaining difficult concepts, and giving the students a sense of security by being a constant in this ever-changing time. Like you, she is adapting to circumstances for which she was unprepared. Like your children, she is grieving the loss of the end-of-year celebratory events and the opportunity to close out the school year along side of her closest companions. For many teachers, the 2019-2020 school year is the last in what may have been a lengthy tenure. They are retiring or moving into a different career path. This journey was supposed to culminate in celebration and reflection with students, parents, and co-workers as the school-year came to a close. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although we are now socially distanced, teachers have remained fully engaged. So how can parents and students recognize and support our teachers during this special week? Let me share some meaningful ideas:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have your child create a card for the teacher and mail it to her. An emailed note would suffice if you are unable to secure an address. In the note, have your child name a specific action or trait of the teacher for which he/she is appreciative. For instance, "I love how you take extra time to help me in Math." Or, "Your field trips are my favorite!"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take a meal to your teacher. Everyone is busy right now, and teachers are no exception. Days are long and often run into dinner time. Maybe you can run lunch to her home at noon, deliver dinner to her family at six, or even just drop a dessert by her house for her to enjoy as she wishes. Those acts of kindness are never forgotten. An alternative idea is to order a meal for her and have it delivered.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Place a hanging basket of seasonal flowers on her porch or have a bouquet delivered from a local florist. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Find out where your teacher has her vehicle's oil changed and give her a gift card for that service. An alternative would be a gift card to a local car wash.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If the teacher doesn't have a membership to a local wholesale club, purchase one for her.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For coffee lovers, Panera Bread is currently offering a monthly coffee subscription. Click <a href="https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/mypanera/mypanera-coffee-subscription.html">here</a> for details. Gift cards to local shops and national chains are a great idea, as well. As an alternative, a gift bag of coffee (or tea) related items or K-cups is a fun surprise.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These are just a few ideas varying from no cost to a larger investment, but the sentiment is the same, and I promise you, your thoughtfulness will make her day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On a different note, maybe you are struggling in your relationship with your child's teacher and you're just not sure what to do. Let me encourage you to pursue the following actions:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Pray for your child's teacher.</b> I don't mean just a passing "bless her" type prayer, but pray specifically for her. Ask God to empower her to flourish in this season of upended expectations. Ask Him to give her strength for her days. There's a good chance that your child's teacher is taking care of/teaching her own children at home while she's supervising the students who are in her virtual classroom. These changes are significant to everyone, and your child's teacher is no exception.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Give your child's teacher the benefit of the doubt. </b>If your child is struggling and the temptation is to blame the teacher, remember your child's teacher is human. You may not be seeing the whole picture, so it's helpful to talk with your child and explain that you are sure that his/her teacher is doing her best. Then stick with the problem to help find a solution. Avoid speaking negatively of the teacher in front of your child. That is counterproductive to building what needs to be a good and effective relationship. Also keep in mind that, in many cases, teachers are simply carrying out instructions provided by principals and administrators. They are seeking to meet mandates they didn't create, and this can create extra pressure, especially with so many new things happening quickly.<b> </b> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Communicate with your child's teacher. </b>Begin by telling her that you are praying specifically and daily for she and her family. Let her know that you understand that this time of virtual or distance learning is tough for teachers, parents, and students, and that you are willing to do everything you can to lighten her load and help your child succeed. Then follow through with that. If you or your child are frustrated, be clear and respectful in your communication with her. Seek resolution, not further conflict. Be open to honest, constructive criticism. I assure you, there is no place your child's teacher would rather be right now than in the classroom, fulfilling her God-given calling. The best thing you can do for her during this time is to communicate well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Look for the good in your child's teacher. </b>Personality clashes are a real thing, and they aren't necessarily a bad thing. However, what we choose to do with them makes a huge difference in our relationships. Your child may not like his/her teacher. You may not like your child's teacher. But that doesn't mean your child's teacher cannot be a positive force for good in your child's life. If there are glaring problems creating lingering issues, of course, that could be a sign of further problems and you need to seek God's help and use the proper chain of command in securing a resolution. Many times, though, frustrations are brought about by a simple misunderstanding or a personality clash. How can you work through this? Understand that your child's personality may be difficult for the teacher, as well. All teachers have students who are more difficult for them to relate to than others, and a good teacher will make it nearly impossible for a student to tell the difference. The best way for you to work through a personality clash with your child's teacher? Look for the good. Make a list of her positive qualities and find ways to weave those into your conversations with your child. List the sacrifices she makes. List the fun activities she plans. Yes, even include the seemingly demanding assignments she issues. All of those things are helping your child grow into the person he or she needs to be. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we head into the home stretch of the 2019-2020 school year, we realize it has taken a team effort between parents, teachers, and students to arrive at the completion of a successful term. No one asked for this challenge, but we are meeting it in ways we never thought possible.</span></div>
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IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-7552744289801558332020-05-01T15:39:00.001-05:002020-05-01T15:40:47.656-05:00Speed Bumps on My Road Called Contentment<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Janet Burton</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Have you ever had difficulty breathing? I have because my asthma kicks in anytime I have a sinus infection which then develops into bronchitis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In mid-March I began to hear the news reports about the coronavirus that would be having a great impact on the older population, especially those with respiratory diseases. Whoa! That hit close to home! They were talking about ME and I didn’t like it one bit! Immediately, a “speed bump” of fear sprang up on my road called Contentment. As a nurse, I know about ventilators and multi-system organ failure, and I was not interested in experiencing any of that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fear set up big time. I was afraid to leave my house for anything. For days, I lived trapped in fear.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Speed Bumps</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I had been so content with my life. I had just retired in December and had already made three trips south to be with family at Christmas, to attend Sea Breeze camp and to be with my brother-in-law during his surgery. My friends and I had enjoyed shopping, attending revivals, eating out, etc. We were all looking forward to the InterChurch Holiness </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">Convention</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> and then a “speed bump” of disappointment showed up on my well paved Contentment road. Stay-in-place guidelines until the end of April or longer. Really?</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Truth vs. Falsehood was the next “speed bump” I encountered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Oh my, who in the world is telling the truth? Who’s lying? Are we losing our religious freedoms? What is essential? What isn’t essential? Is Covid-19 part of the end-times? Is it a conspiracy? A biological terrorist attack? Opinions were abounding everywhere!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And then there was the boredom “speed bump.” What does one do for hours on end? Well, I’ll tell you later how I avoided letting boredom lead to the loneliness “speed bump”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Perhaps you experienced these same “speed bumps” or maybe you experienced other ones during this pandemic. Let me share my approach, and the ways I coped with the quarantine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fear has not always been a major issue with me, so I was surprised when it gripped me fiercely. I could hardly think of anything else except the possibility that I might die from this virus. I just knew if I got “it,” I would die. I told the Lord HE would to have to help me because I couldn’t control this fear. And you know, HE helped me! He brought to my mind all the times He had protected me in various circumstances. God assured me He was able to protect me now and He would be with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Although God relieved my fears, I didn’t throw caution to the wind and do what I wanted. No, I followed the guidelines. In the midst of my fear God worked through my neighbor to provide me with a N95 face mask. I am no longer fearful when I go grocery shopping. Hopefully, this quote from Brian Tracy will help someone: “Stress [fear] comes from within; it is your reaction to circumstances [Covid-19], not the circumstances themselves.” I’m glad I looked to Jesus to defeat Satan’s tactic of fear!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Coping </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">Skills</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Disappointments can lead to depression and if you are prone to depression it is especially easy to fall into despair. You might say I did a little grieving over what I was “giving up” to be safe and healthy. I had to implement some previous coping skills to work through this.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">How do you cope with all the “if he had” or “if he hadn’t opinions,” end-of-times predictions, etc.?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Well, it helps me tremendously not to read and believe everything I read on Facebook. I had to become very discerning about whose posts I read in order not to fill my mind with controversy and negativity. Sometimes I spoke out when I knew a post was giving inaccurate health information. I had to ask a friend not to send me any more messages about the pandemic. To keep a positive mindset, I had to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience [submission] of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5 KJV). God’s Word became my filter to process the end time predictions. To assist me in this effort I enrolled in the free online course offered by God’s Bible School & College on the Book of Revelation (taught by Dr. Stephen Smith).</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Now, back to the boredom “speed bump.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As a single person, battling boredom has become a daily activity for me. I have to be </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">intentional</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> so I can ward off </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">loneliness. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I take each day as a new day and start each day with “Lord, what do you want me to do today?” It is amazing what He tells me to do. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Some days God’s answer is to do some long over-due deep cleaning in my house. Other days God tells me specific people to call and check on or to whom I should send a card. One of my friends was really struggling with being homebound, so I colored a picture and took it to her, along with some books and magazines to help cheer her up. Basically, now, as in other times, God wants me to be a blessing to others. When we bless others, we often receive a blessing ourselves, and that helps combat boredom. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">There have been </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">some</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> rewards to the slower schedule. One of my friends bought bird feeders and has enjoyed watching the birds come and go. A couple of my friends and I have discussed how we now do not feel rushed in our devotional time. We are finding God’s grace sufficient as we come from His presence! I obtained a digital library card and have enjoyed reading books from our local library. My new best friends are Facebook (in spite of the negativity), Marco Polo (staying connected with family), and the Bible Broadcasting Network (BBN which has provided me with hours of good music and stories). Online church services and live musical performances have been so helpful to keep me inspired spiritually.</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Yes, I too long for the day when states are “open” again. When that happens, you will find me with bags packed and headed to who knows where-just because I can!</span></div>
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IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-38644653779428988452020-04-28T21:15:00.000-05:002020-05-01T16:12:22.988-05:00College and Quarantine: A Candid Conversation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's almost here. You know, the moment you've dreamed about since freshman year. You've climbed out of bed before daylight to make it to early classes, and stayed up long past midnight putting the finishing touches on projects and research papers. You've worked hard to pay your tuition. You've built relationships with professors, classmates and dorm buddies. You've made mistakes, and you've learned from them. And it's almost here: the moment your family and friends converge on your campus to watch you turn the tassel.</div>
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But there is an interruption that no one saw coming. Just as you were preparing to savor your final moments as a college student, you received a notice that residence halls were closing, classes would become virtual, and the events of your spring semester would likely be canceled. Suddenly, all your idealistic hopes and plans crumbled into a heap of confusion, and you are left wondering why.</div>
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Thousands just like you are experiencing a similar chapter in their story, and recently we had the opportunity to talk to four young women about how they are affected by the current national crisis.</div>
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Let's take a moment to meet them before they share their thoughts:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><i>Katrina Cooley is from Pennsylvania and is a senior at Penn View Bible Institute.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><i>Rebecca Flowers resides in Michigan and is a sophomore at Hobe Sound Bible College. </i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><i>Ashley Quesenberry lives in Indiana and is a senior at The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences. While studying at Christ, she resides on the campus of God's Bible School and College.</i></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></span></td></tr>
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<i>Laura Sprenkel is from Pennsylvania and is a sophomore at Hobe Sound Bible College.</i></div>
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</i><i><b>WOW: Thank you for spending time with us and sharing your hearts during this crazy time. All four of you lived on a college campus and have unexpectedly moved back home for the remainder of the semester. How are online classes going? </b></i><br />
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<b>Katrina:</b> It is a learning curve for everyone. It has made some things more challenging, however, I think is commendable that our school is committed to keeping the standard of excellence through this time.<br />
<b>Rebecca: </b>I'm enjoying seeing my classmates and teachers via video chat. We have classes at the same time we would if we were on campus. This is helpful because it gives me a schedule and something to do every day, even if I'm not leaving the house.<br />
<b>Ashley: </b>It's certainly not preferred or ideal, but through this process of transition, I've been amazed at the dedication of educators across the country. My own professors have been incredible in providing meaningful content for our classes and have been creative in finding ways for us to still meet the course outcomes. It is nice for me to be able to log into my class sessions and to hear and sometimes even see my professors and/or my classmates. I can't say that it's always been easy, especially when I struggle to keep the days straight at times. I've been late to a class session because I got the times confused. Thankfully, the professor was very understanding. We're all just making the best out of the situation at hand. Perspective influences a lot in this matter.<br />
<b>Laura: </b>Since our school has an online department, the transition to online delivery for class has been, all things considered, relatively smooth. Having class in my house is reminding me of the time that I was homeschooled! I miss the classroom setting, but online methods have still allowed for "easy" communication with professors and classmates.<br />
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<b><i>WOW:</i> <i>What are some events that you were looking forward to that are now canceled or threatened, and have you felt a sense of grief over those losses?</i></b><br />
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<b>Katrina: </b>Since I'm a senior, there would be a lot of "lasts" for me as a student. I really enjoy Missions Convention and our Jr/Sr banquet, and both of those are canceled. At this time, we're unsure about graduation, and that is the milestone we all look forward to, especially as seniors. I do struggle with the fact that my senior year won't be normal and I won't get to do all the events one last time, as a senior. I also think about the unsaid goodbyes. I never relished the last moments in the classroom with my friends and professors, or in the dorm with my dorm family.<br />
<b>Rebecca:</b> I am so sad that we will miss spring choir tour and IHC, as well as our education department's scheduled trip to Savannah, GA. I'm grieving the lost time with friends, the loss of experiences that would produce growth and change for good, and the loss of time ministering to the kids I work with on the bus route.<br />
<b>Ashley: </b>I am saddened at the cancellation of Easter services, as well as IHC in Dayton. I've dreamed of graduation day since I started nursing school four years ago. Now, my formal ceremony is being replaced with a drive-in ceremony, and I'm not even sure I'll get to have an actual pinning ceremony. Reading those emails was hard. I admit that I cried tears over the fact that the last half of my senior semester is ending so differently than anticipated. There's much uncertainty in our lives now, and I think that not being able to know a date for when everything will return to "normal" makes the disappointments harder. Grief is a normal human response to loss. In order to accept and move past the hurt, the losses must be grieved in some way.<br />
<b>Laura: </b>At a small Bible college, choir tour is a highlight of the year. We had been looking forward to this tour since the beginning of fall semester, and had spent many hours in practice and preparation. It was canceled. The weekend after I returned home, I attended a friend's wedding. Instead of one hundred fifty planned wedding guests, there were forty. The wedding date had to be changed so the newlyweds could get to their home state in case the state borders closed. A family trip to celebrate my sister's graduation has been canceled, and we are unsure if she or my boyfriend will have a graduation. I tend to get homesick easily, but the day we were told to move out of our dorm rooms , I found myself standing with a group of girls on our hall crying because this was not in our plans. We all understood that the decision to close the doors for the semester was necessary, but the reality of that decision has been difficult.<br />
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<b><i>WOW: How has God been near to you during this time, and what strategies have you used to remain joyful?</i></b><br />
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<b>Katrina: </b>God has helped me to learn that He knew this was going to happen. I need to trust that He has me here and living in this moment, as it is, for some specific reason. I realize that this is time that I can spend with my family: doing projects, playing games, and just being together. We have played family games almost every night, and eaten dinner together, as well.<br />
<b>Rebecca: </b>God has been near to me through Scripture. As I reread well known passages, I am reminded again of how faithful He is to me. God has also been near to me through songs, and I'm thankful for the gift of music. I really am glad to be home, and am trying to use this time to invest in my relationships with family. That, as well as staying connected with friends, has helped to be joyful.<br />
<b>Ashley:</b> At the beginning of 2020, I knew that this was going to be my year to learn much about trust, as I have several big changes coming in my life. The matter of trust keeps popping up in seemingly every area of life these days. God has used wise people in my life to remind me of trust. None of this has taken God by surprise. While the process of learning trust is not comfortable or enjoyable, it's a good and lifelong process. His ways are always perfect. He can be trusted. I've endeavored to be very intentional about using technology to remain in contact with friends, my mentor, my classmates, etc. Seeing and hearing other human beings outside of my family members is sometimes needed, and always good for the soul. I've been careful to keep my perspective as positive as possible, filtering through what I choose to read. My sister, Autumn, started a list of thankfulness and posted it on the refrigerator. Our family has been adding to it each day as we go about our tasks. It's a good reminder that we all are truly so blessed.<br />
<b>Laura: </b>When your schedule goes from completely full to almost empty in a matter of hours, things begin to come more clearly into focus. The "empty space" that used to be full is the time that God becomes so much closer to me. I have time to focus. This time has allowed me to search and know God more. I've been digging into what it looks like to pray boldly. There's no better time to pray bold prayers that when the world feels like it is falling apart around me. To remain joyful, I'm looking at the positive aspects of this situation. I have extra time to spend with my family, friends, boyfriend, and my cat (all of which I miss when I'm on campus). The HSBC girls have started a group chat where we share encouragement and random things that are happening in our quarantined lives. It's affectionately called "The Smile Chat," and it manages to bring a smile even though my phone is always blowing up with notifications!<br />
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<b><i>WOW: Do you feel like this experience has changed you, and what would you like to share with others who are in your circumstance who may be struggling?</i></b><br />
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<b>Katrina: </b>It has changed me. I realize thing things that I take for granted. I see that I go through a lot of motions, but wander how much of it reaches my heart. Do I appreciate the moments while I'm in them instead of always looking back wishing I had? Do I take the time to tell people what they mean to me and let them know they are appreciated? This quarantine has given a lot of time to think and reflect on what things should be the most important things in our lives. I'd like to encourage others to cherish the moments you have together with your family. These are times that everyone will remember. Make it a time that you won't regret. Feeling sorry for yourself steals your joy, makes you miserable, and wastes precious time. Look for the good, and if you can't find anything...start something good. Pray and see what God would have you do.<br />
<b>Rebecca: </b>This experience has made me rethink my priorities. I realize how many times I was so preoccupied with unimportant things instead of focusing on the people there in the moment, loving them like a good friend, and enjoying life then and there. If you're struggling, I would encourage you that it's okay to be upset. Sadness and grief is not a sin. God is not scared of your feelings (John 11:35). But don't live in sadness and grief. Take it to Jesus and ask Him to carry the load with you. Realize that joy will come in the morning and that this season will end (Psalms 30:5). We are all in this together. Don't feel like you are alone. Remember Jeremiah 29:11. We have a hope and a future.<br />
<b>Ashley: </b>This experience has changed me. I realize now the small things that I have before taken for granted. Things such as a hug from a friend, the luxury of going for a random shopping trip to TJ Maxx, or the relaxation of sitting in an adorable coffee shop. Even things like attending church and worshiping with other Christ-followers has been taken for granted. There are countless blessings that I now see more clearly: family time, relationships, my faith, the beauty of nature, and rest. In my nearly twenty-five years, I have learned that great disappointments often breed much growth if we allow it to happen. We can either own the disappointments, setbacks, and losses and come through them stronger, or we can allow ourselves to become a victim of them and wallow in our self-pity. During this time, God has given us all opportunities to learn something, to grow closer to Him. Lean into the disappointments and the growing process. The result of what He wants to do in each of us is more beautiful that you or I could possibly imagine.<br />
<b>Laura: </b>How could anyone live through an experience like this without being changed?! I live more in the day to day than I did before. I feel motivated. Motivated to accomplish things that I have placed on the back burner because of busyness. Motivated to embrace where I am no matter the circumstances. Motivated to achieve academically along the journey to accomplishing my goals. Motivated to embrace normalcy. I have newfound appreciation for campus life and the college experience because the temporariness of this time in my life is now vividly real. My advice to you? Embrace this time. I know that sounds like the worst advice anyone could share at a time like this, but embrace it. Embrace the fact that for perhaps the first time in your life, you can't make your own plans. Embrace the fact that you get to try something that is maybe completely new. Embrace the opportunity for God to fill the "empty spaces" on your previously full calendar. Embrace the opportunity to connect with people, even via technology. Embrace the feeling that you don't have your life completely figured out, because you don't, and that's okay. Embrace the abnormalcy that you are currently experiencing because, before you know it, it will be gone and our world will fall into a new normal. Embrace this rare moment in your life because it's happening for a reason.<br />
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<b><i>WOW: Katrina, Rebecca, Ashley, and Laura, thank you so much for sharing with us! We appreciate your time, your vulnerability, and your honesty. These are unprecedented moments that will soon be history, and we know that God is using these days to draw us closer to Himself. We wish you all the best in the remainder of this semester and in the days ahead! </i></b><br />
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To our readers who find yourselves in similar circumstances, we trust you have found encouragement through the words of your peers. We pray that God will make Himself fully known to you during this time of extreme change in our world. We challenge you to stay focused, committed, and more determined than ever to be a light in a culture of darkness. Lots of things may be different, but God's plan for you hasn't changed!<br />
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-Stephanie Burley<br />
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IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-77081410981376352412020-04-26T07:00:00.000-05:002020-04-26T15:14:29.153-05:00A Whole New World<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.25in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
- Christina Black</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of our dearest friends on earth eat dinner with their whole family almost every Sunday. The other day, though, I was looking through Facebook statuses and saw them, those precious friends, pictured on video messenger with their children and grandchildren. They had taken screen shots of their whole new world experience!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Video family time is such a typical activity for us on the mission field, but I knew it was highly unusual for them, and the separation they no doubt were feeling deeply pulled on my heartstrings. I rather jokingly told them, though, as I hit reply, that they were getting their missionary training! But feeling slightly sobered by the whole event, I began to think. Could it be possible that almost everyone we know, and love will now identify in some new, significant ways with their missionaries? Will recent weeks make a difference in the way we pray for missionaries in the future? Did it even cross our minds that we might be living a “missionary’’ lifestyle during our time of quarantine? As I pondered these ideas, a post appeared on another Facebook page. It was a blog that I read and considered for days. I reached out to the source and asked if I could share some of the ideas his blog had inspired. He readily agreed, and here are some of my recent thoughts:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I am a busy missionary, but I take time, daily, for emails, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Line, WeChat, Marco Polo, and iMessage; because they are my only options if I want to stay connected with my family and friends around the world.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">My home is the center of my universe. My office is across the hall from where I sleep. It is where I often teach by Zoom or work online. We cook and eat most of our meals at home. We have to keep ourselves busy during our free time, so sometimes we read books, color, do puzzles, and play games.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We don’t greet people in the same way on the mission field. At home in the States I instinctively know who to hug warmly, who prefers a handshake, and who might just like a smile. I remember when we moved overseas, that I suddenly didn’t know how to greet people! I had to learn new ways to show pleasure when seeing someone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Especially when we first arrived, on both fields where we have served, I fought to overcome a lot of fear. “Was it safe to eat the food on my plate? Was the table clean? Would good medical care be available if we needed it? Did I have enough faith to live without a paycheck?” I wondered. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I woke up one morning about 20 years ago, opened the windows, swept the insects that had collected and died in the hallway as they swarmed around the one little light I left on to attract them, and started some coffee in the old pot with the broken carafe that previous missionaries had left behind. I remember feeling such resounding loneliness. It almost seemed as if I could hear it mocking me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I remember homeschooling the kids for the first time, trying to find a window unit air conditioner for our bedroom, and searching endlessly for a gentle soap. Shopping weekly was like a search and rescue event! When I found canned green beans, I hid them behind the sardines because I could not afford to buy too many at once, and I also knew there were only a few cans of green beans in the whole country.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I was sitting in a grass hut in the Philippines and voiced my frustration to someone who had known and helped many missionaries. He said these words, and they gave me such hope and comfort, “In a few months everything here will feel normal. It’s just all really different right now. Be patient with yourself.”</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am absolutely sure that each of you dear readers have already started to see the parallels I mentioned earlier as you have followed me through my list of thoughts and memories. You, like your missionaries, have learned to depend heavily on social media recently. In fact, I am going to miss the increased presence of my friends and family there when this is all over!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">You have learned to make your home the center of your universe, to greet people differently when you really just want a hug, to ignore your fears and keep doing what you need to do, to live by faith, to power through the loneliness, to shop in a culture without everything in stock that you need, to resist hoarding, and to be patient with yourself while you learn to trust more and worry less in a whole new world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Please, allow yourself to remember these days- forever! Let the memories fuel your prayers. Pray for your missionaries in a whole new way today and in all of your tomorrows! You see, you have lived some similar experiences! </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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</style>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-86226321781925797432020-04-21T20:52:00.002-05:002020-04-22T08:58:42.638-05:00Meet Esther Dotson Coner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarjOp-iABOZyrR8nlui3Eu0Inj88o6tMEiEPBEQuCfFcClRqKPVZmYXwmgR2GKwk-dkXtATtL4brmg4lNzv9H1ruveHhZny9gMsRNBBvL0m2AOZdMu86CZ1eNGD_q5-Lb09TbFEDu2Mk/s1600/Family+pic+Christmas+2017+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="92" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarjOp-iABOZyrR8nlui3Eu0Inj88o6tMEiEPBEQuCfFcClRqKPVZmYXwmgR2GKwk-dkXtATtL4brmg4lNzv9H1ruveHhZny9gMsRNBBvL0m2AOZdMu86CZ1eNGD_q5-Lb09TbFEDu2Mk/s200/Family+pic+Christmas+2017+%25282%2529.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For many of us, Esther Dotson Coner is a familiar name. She grew up traveling extensively in music evangelism with her parents and siblings, known to many as The Edwards Family. In 1993, Esther and her husband, Tim, began a full time music ministry of their own. In 1998, they transitioned to a pastorate in Gratz, PA. Esther's life was full, being a busy mom and pastor's wife. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In 2004, Esther's loving husband unexpectedly went home to be with Jesus. Her life took a different turn as she, along with their four precious children, moved back to her home in Indiana. For the next seven years, she worked from her home as the Deputation Secretary for Evangelistic Faith Missions. In 2005, she became the co-supervisor of The Steps, Inc., an after-school ministry for kids in Ridgeville, Indiana. She continues to serve in that capacity today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Esther remains active in music ministry with her family, as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1VgAo7YEgKdtXfCi9XSZy4CFxm0JGtKCcnVhIxkP6nLRUFx_S5Iqc7ccCXSgD2rwkhDJcE1voPBETzJxKqSIIP_Yv3lGVeTYjGkPVz7YCMVJSymtmCT4qAr-FgJnBFIgEGYvGl__shQ/s1600/Family+Christmas+snapshot+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="532" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1VgAo7YEgKdtXfCi9XSZy4CFxm0JGtKCcnVhIxkP6nLRUFx_S5Iqc7ccCXSgD2rwkhDJcE1voPBETzJxKqSIIP_Yv3lGVeTYjGkPVz7YCMVJSymtmCT4qAr-FgJnBFIgEGYvGl__shQ/s320/Family+Christmas+snapshot+2019.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Esther shares that she loves to spend time with her family which includes her husband, Kenny, children Sharlenae (Phillip) Collingsworth, Brianna (Brian) Plumley, Luke Dotson, and Jillaina Dotson. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Esther's favorite title these days is "Grammy," and she's soaking up every moment with her new grandson, Noah Timothy Collingsorth. We agree that little Noah is just perfect. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TUGr-YEGZWBj29V-Gsg-s3IfL-AkYWKeZr0XIpjy3XVrQUz3nPvFrLZBEJ0uNEHabMMrcz-qbEQHMYUeUT-qstDBhPWJzGuNwr_8YoK3jQErf4sNYmmABtH9zZWXi2VtXxwhGClvlKQ/s1600/84166293_10221547715105241_1231447907803070464_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TUGr-YEGZWBj29V-Gsg-s3IfL-AkYWKeZr0XIpjy3XVrQUz3nPvFrLZBEJ0uNEHabMMrcz-qbEQHMYUeUT-qstDBhPWJzGuNwr_8YoK3jQErf4sNYmmABtH9zZWXi2VtXxwhGClvlKQ/s320/84166293_10221547715105241_1231447907803070464_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the spring, Esther's favorite activity is working outdoors, landscaping and gardening with her family. She also enjoys reading, bike-riding, and canoeing. She has a cup of coffee with breakfast every morning (a taste she has acquired since her husband and children are coffee-lovers), and she enjoys eating healthy foods. Like many of us, Esther finds herself doing a lot more cooking since the children are doing their studies from home!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During this time of quarantine, Esther is primarily focusing on more quality time with her family, taking time to play games and to sing, as well as continuing routine devotional times together. She's also working on some home projects, and she likes to stay informed with current events by tuning into President Trump's daily White House briefings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just this week, Esther shared some insight with us that we would like to pass along to you:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"It is so encouraging to know that NOTHING ever takes God by surprise! Ultimately, our safety is of the Lord! '...for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.' (Psalm 4:8) What peace that brings! Keeping our focus on the positive things that are happening is healthy for us! In the midst of this crisis, there are many positive things! Primarily, PRAYER is going up for America. It has, no doubt, made a difference! We do not need to be fearful, just aware, respectful and reasonable with our actions. God has us in His care! I love a statement that I recently read: <b><i>If a tiny virus can do this much damage, imagine what mustard seed size faith can do!</i></b> I will not be surprised that when this is allover, we are going to hear some great faith-building testimonies as to how God worked during this COVID-19 quarantine."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thank you, Esther, for sharing your heart with us. We are excited to have your archived message to Women of Worth featured during <u><span style="color: #000120;"><a href="http://ihconvention.com/">IHConvention 2020 online</a>!</span></u></span></span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><u></u><span style="color: #000120;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><b></b><i></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-21180545709370553122020-04-19T00:02:00.000-05:002020-04-19T00:54:09.059-05:00Curbside Calling and Porch Visits: Pastors' Wives in a Pandemic <div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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- Valorie Quesenberry</div>
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This is a very strange time to be in ministry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then again, it’s a very unique time to be in ministry!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just think, we could have gone our whole lives and never experienced a season quite like this. Our mothers didn’t. Our grandmothers probably didn’t – most of them were not born in 1918. The pastors’ wives who influenced us when we were young girls didn’t. But we have!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because this is such an unusual time, it is only fitting that God has birthed in us a desire to creatively keep on ministering to our parishioners. At first, it was rather unsettling, wasn’t it? We thought it might only last a Sunday or two. But then, we realized that we were going to be “shut down” for quite a while. Many of us had not done full-blown livestreamed services. Many of us had never had a Zoom meeting. Many of us were comfortable on the internet and social media but never imagined that it would become our primary source of communication and ministry. Our husbands were rattled a bit as they tried to adjust their preaching to a blank screen and did their best to figure out how they could encourage people who desperately needed a bright hope just when we couldn’t even shake their hands or see them. Some of our churches started to do the drive-in church idea; the Christian community across our nation has adopted this novel way of doing worship – sitting in a parking lot, looking at a raised stage while listening to an FM transmitter or watching a livestream, singing loudly with the windows rolled up and honking the car horn for “amens.” The memories and photos of these days will someday invoke the kind of nostalgia we feel when we look at vintage images from the past. We will always remember the way the Church of Jesus Christ refused to quit and found ways to meet together from a distance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But in between Sundays, we have found that we need to connect with our church family. Part of the beauty of being the Body is the relationship with the other members. This has been taken from us in the ways we are accustomed to using. But, many of us have thought and prayed and tried something new. Here are some things that pastors’ wives across the country are doing:<br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Phone calls and texts to check in with families of the church<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Driveway and porch “visits” with their husbands to encourage and pray with members; one pastor’s wife called it “curbside calling”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Schedule of handmade cards of encouragement from church children to elder saints<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Post cards and cards with handwritten notes to church families<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Treats and gift cards for bus-ministry families<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Baked goods like cookies and cinnamon rolls delivered to church families<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">A weekly group ladies’ prayer call<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Packets for Sunday School children with activities, treats and Easter eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">A picture from each church family shared to a special page on social media<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">A Zoom ladies’ Bible study<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">“Masked” prayers at windows, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Songs and prayers outside the windows at the nursing home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Flowers delivered to porches<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black;">Easter eggs hid in the Sunday school kids’ front yards with treats inside to coordinate with the day’s lesson. For the adults - packages of Peeps candy with the words, “We miss our” peeps. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "wingdings";">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Video clips from each family to post to the church Facebook page<o:p></o:p></div>
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All of these innovative ideas are things that none of us, a couple months ago, would have known could have such a huge impact. But it is vital for pastors and pastors’ wives to stay connected, according to the dynamic and needs of their congregation and the limitations of their situation. Not every church needs the same approach. And sometimes we have to try a few ideas before we find the right one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, all of us hope that the situation will soon begin to change for the better and we can gradually get back to the “old way” of doing church. Imagine being able to meet as a group again on Sundays and Wednesdays and even on days in between! It might take a little while for the restrictions to ease, but we will celebrate when that big day comes! And I don’t think we’ll ever again be nonchalant about the privilege of gathering together as one Body in one place. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The joy of heaven will be the eternal and constant presence of our Savior and the never-ending companionship of those we love. We were made for relationship. God remarked about the first man that it was not good for him to be alone. (Genesis 2:18) We are created to be social beings, meant to interact with our Creator and with each other. Sin has stolen from us, over and over again, this gift of relationship. Sin separated the first couple from God, and it isolates us today when we choose it over Him. And sometimes the results of sin in the form of a virus show up to separate us from each other. But over there, in that Land, there will be no separation of any kind. We may be sure of that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For now, we are going to overcome these obstacles to ministry with a little creativity and a lot of grace. The One who called us will enable us. And who knows what new skills we may carry into the next season of ministry? After all, God doesn’t waste anything He can use for good in our lives and ministry, even a pandemic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><o:p><br /></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Thank you to my online pastors’ wives for sharing their ideas with me. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I love my ministry colleagues!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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<i>And, if you’re not a pastor’s wife, just know that YOU can be an encouragement to her! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>During this uncertain time, she has her own set of concerns and stresses. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>A text or phone call or small gift might really make her day.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Together, we can help each other to come smiling and singing through!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-72380382487722594532020-04-17T15:12:00.000-05:002020-04-18T17:48:37.771-05:00Meeting the Children's Ministry Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> -Stephanie Burley</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>One of the most influential ministries of any lively church is its children's ministry. Countless stories have been written detailing the impact of a praying Sunday School teacher, a concerned bus captain, a passionate kids' club director, or some other caring individual who was willing to give of themselves to touch young lives. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>An important part of any children's ministry is its ability to connect personally with the most vulnerable: the children. Today we are faced with a new challenge. Without any warning or time to plan, most churches find themselves disconnected from the children they usually serve. Social distancing hasn't just taken a week from us. For most it has been four weeks and counting. We aren't sure what the future holds. Many are fearful that summer vacation Bible schools will be held virtually or not at all. With the uncertainty comes frustration and confusion. What next?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Disadvantaged children from your church's bus ministry may be the most at risk of all during this time. Child advocacy services are not able to be as involved in their assigned cases during a quarantine. Parents who are already struggling with drugs and/or alcohol, or are prone to domestic abuse may have an escalation in negative behaviors, leaving children who find church and school to be their "safe place" feeling anxious and alone.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>On the other hand, there are children who find themselves in a different set of circumstances. They may come from a middle class family and have no obvious material or emotional needs. However, they too have unique disappointments and fears. Some have watched their parents be laid off from work and have sensed tension in the home due to impending financial pressures. Some are experiencing difficulty with transitioning from the classroom and not having the teacher as accessible and able to meet their needs. On and on the list could go, as uncertainty looms.</b></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We know that God is able to give us direction in meeting the needs of the children in our communities and in our churches. And it isn't really a matter of "if" we should, rather "how" we will respond when our usual methods are unavailable. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're struggling to decide how to approach this challenge, ask yourself this question - "What message do I need to convey to the children?" I believe there are three important facts we need to share:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>God loves you and He is in control. </b></span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am here for you and have not forgotten you.</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Life will not be like this forever. </span></b></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Allison, a 6th grader in Ohio, has received a special envelope in the mail every Friday for the last month. Her Sunday School teacher has included a handwritten letter and a copy of that week's Sunday School leaflet. I'm guessing that all the other children in Allison's SS class have received the same communication. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>A Children's Minister's wife in Indiana has been delivering goody bags to the children in the church as a way to connect with them on a personal level.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>A Jr. Worship co-teacher, also in Indiana, is using Zoom to visit individually with the children who would normally be in her Sunday services.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Joana Stratton, Children's Ministries Director at Hobe Sound Bible Church, shares that on the Saturday before Easter, they hosted a drive through Easter Egg Hunt for the children. Additionally, they have created an easily accessible You Tube channel. Several missionary families join online, and some of the missionary children were able to give a greeting during a recent video! Another member of the team put together "smile bags" for the children to let them know they are missed, and an online talent show is in the works. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Whether large or small, each church has a tremendous opportunity to minister to children. Rather than allowing this time to pass without any real connection, consider looking over the list of names of the children who are on your church's attendance roster. Ask God to direct you to the specific need of each home. Don't be afraid to branch out and try something new. And don't be afraid to adjust if that new thing doesn't fill the need. One children's worker attempted a Zoom meeting with her group, and it was challenging. There were more effective ways for her to connect, and it was beneficial for her to recognize that and change course. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Decades from now, our church's children will remember these days as defining moments in their lives. Be bold, be engaged, and be a part of the new thing God is doing!</b></span></div>
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If you or your church is providing an alternative ministry to children during this time of social distancing, would you take a moment to share in the comments? Your idea may be a blessing to someone who is looking for an outreach opportunity.<br />
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Children's ministry is ministering to a person at the most critical time in their life. -Dale Hudson</blockquote>
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IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-18991285798327908712020-04-17T13:58:00.003-05:002020-04-17T14:01:39.284-05:00IHC 2020 Cyber Convention!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Prepare to join us for this exciting online event!</div>
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Click <a href="http://ihconvention.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b><i>here</i></b></span></a> to access IHC 2020!</div>
<br />IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-56831659669661699612020-04-14T13:35:00.001-05:002020-04-15T13:35:32.764-05:00Navigating an Unexpected Homecoming<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> -Stephanie Burley</span><br />
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">For the last
couple of years, nothing has been as exciting as planning for the days when our
kids could be home from college. Buying
a plane ticket is the easiest purchase we make!
Their arrival is highly anticipated, and we maximize every moment we can
be together. </b></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But this
time, things are different.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">No one
wanted this.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">No one asked for it.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">The global pandemic we are currently
experiencing finds many of us with a full house as our college students make their way back from closed residence halls. Our hearts ache for our
kids as we process the news that they won’t be able to complete the year on
campus with all the accompanying activities and opportunities for which they
had hoped and planned.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>So how can
we carefully balance our role as parents to “grown” children while welcoming
them back and helping them through this time of transition and possible
frustration and even grief?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider the
following:</b></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
</span><br />
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<ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Set realistic expectations.</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> It may take a few
days or even a few weeks to develop a comfortable rhythm. We should give ourselves much grace during
these trying times. Take a deep breath and remember that we are not alone. There are millions of others who are facing
new challenges right now and God will walk with us on this new and sometimes
difficult path. We should encourage the same for our college kids. </span></span></li>
</span></span></ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
</span><br />
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<ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Create reasonable boundaries. </span></b><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Our young adult children need to know
that we love them, but they also need to understand that one or both parents,
as well as younger siblings, still have work and school schedules, maybe more
rigorous than theirs. As an example, staying
up half the night may work in the dorm, but it may not promote a healthy
transition back into family life. We must
function as a unit in order to have a pleasant, happy home, and that likely will
mean them relinquishing some of their freedoms. It is in these times that a respectful approach will be of great value.</span></span></li>
</span></span></ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
</span><br />
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<ul><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Communicate with mutual respect. </span></b><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">As parents, we expect our children to
show respect for us and our home. It’s
important that we also communicate respect to our children, no matter their age. Our responses to their behaviors and
attitudes say more about us than about them. Our kids need to see Jesus in us, now more than ever!</span></span></li>
</span></ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Watch for subtle changes. </span></b><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Many of our college kids are grieving.
They have experienced great losses this semester. If we notice sadness or
anger, hopelessness or aimlessness, boredom or anxiety, we shouldn’t ignore those
emotions. This is our opportunity to
parent them uniquely during one of the most crucial times in their lives.</span></li>
</span></span></ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;">
<ul><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b>Encourage alternative experiences. </b></span></span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Long-anticipated events have been erased from
the calendar, but that doesn’t mean life can’t be enjoyed. In fact, this can be a season of discovery as
we are forced to be creative and flexible. Cooking/baking/grilling, photography, music, art, online enrichment
classes, games, biking, hiking, nature hunting, and on and on the list could go
of activities that we sometimes just can’t find the time to do. Now may be the perfect opportunity to engage
in a few of these as a family. Documenting with journals and pictures will capture the memories for
them to share as this story is handed down to their children and grandchildren.</span></span></li>
</span></ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Capture the atmosphere</b><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><b> </b>Home is the safe place. Home eases the pain. Home allows healing. Home keeps us grounded. Moms, we have the opportunity to create this place for our kids who need this so desperately right now. </span></span></span> We can listen without interrupting. We can be present without hovering. And we can make our homes a haven from this storm. </li>
</span></span></ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>As we consider
the time we’re spending as families, social distancing from the rest of the
world, let’s be intentional about making the best of this unexpected
opportunity with our most valuable possessions. We’re given this moment. This
unplanned, inconvenient, and painfully beautiful moment. It’s in our hands today.</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
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<br />IHC Women of Worthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00953373431417584005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119516802990216092.post-76319727924850714082020-04-10T11:06:00.001-05:002020-04-10T11:18:13.744-05:00When I Survey<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-size: 10pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. - Galatians 6:14 </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The cross still stands outlined in stark relief against the backdrop of time. After all of the books, poems, songs and sermons about it have been exhausted, it still calls to us. The sacrificial death of an innocent in place of the guilty captures the attention of even the most jaded. It reaches out to us with pierced and blood-stained hands. It begs a response. That, with grateful humility, we sacrifice ourselves and shoulder the weight of a cross of our own to follow the One Who died there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Isaac Watts is known as the “Father of English Hymnody.”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” has been said to be the best of his over 700 hymns.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is the hymn that forms the bridge between psalmody and hymnody as the common practice for congregational worship.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Watts was born in England and raised in a family of Dissenters.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">His rigid deacon father disciplined him for constantly composing verses.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One time, after several warnings, Isaac received a spanking for his rhyming, to which he responded woefully, “Oh, father, do some pity take, and I will no more verses make."</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He disliked the strict and awkward metrical psalms that were sung for congregational worship at the time, so when he complained about them, his father rather sarcastically told him to come up with his own.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That comment launched Watts’ hymn writing career.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Although Isaac was frail and sickly, he was highly intelligent, training in Greek, French, Latin and Hebrew.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He became a pastor, but soon left the ministry because of illness.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He lived the final years of his life as an invalid, continuing to write his many hymns.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Watts had very specific goals for his hymns.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He wanted them to parallel the theme of the sermon, to be evangelical in nature, and to reflect personal experience, not just a recounting of past events.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He wrote about Old Testament events in light of the truth of Christ.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">His texts were composed to fit the most common meters, allowing them to be sung to a variety of tunes, and almost all of his lines expressed a complete thought. This was important because at that time, the song leader would “line out,” the songs in such a way that the leader would sing a phrase, and the congregation would repeat it.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Published in 1707, in Watts’ first book of hymns, “When I Survey,“ appeared titled, “Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ,” under the topic “Prepared for the Holy Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The song employed poetic devices that contribute to its power, such as oxymoron, paradox, and rhetorical questions.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is a song, like its subject, that insists upon a response.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is interesting to note that the pledges at the end of the song - “my soul, my life, my all,” were formerly vows that were required before entering monastic life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Typical of a Watts’ hymn, the words have been sung to several hymn tunes. The most commonly used are HAMBURG, written by Lowell Mason in 1824, based on a Gregorian chant; and ROCKINGHAM, composed by Edward Miller in 1790.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Often in our eagerness to rush to the victory of the empty tomb, it’s easy to neglect a full embrace of the bitter beauty and aching love displayed at the cross. We need to sit and grieve its terrible costliness, and the sin that caused it. There, God proves that there is no length to which He is unwilling to go to win our hearts. His passionate pursuit of us cost Him everything, a price He willingly paid. So, we don’t just celebrate an unoccupied grave. With full hearts, we also commemorate the avenue that Jesus took to get there. And the only response that proves our grateful sincerity echoes these words that Isaac Watts penned so long ago:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>When I survey the wondrous cross </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>On which the Prince of glory died,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>My richest gain I count but loss. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>And pour contempt on all my pride. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Were the whole realm of nature mine,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>That were a present far too small.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Love so amazing, so divine,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Demands my soul, my life, my all.</i></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Resources: <a href="http://www.challies.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.challies.com</span></a> - “Hymn Stories: When I Survey.” Tim Challies. www.hymnswelove.blogspot.com - “The Story Behind When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Liz Tolsma. www.reasonabletheology.org - “Hymn Story: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Clayton Kraby. www.sermonaudio.com - “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” www.sermonwriter.com - “Hymn Story: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Richard Niell Donovan. <a href="http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.umcdiscipleship.org</span></a> - “History of Hymns: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Rachel Tillay.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">- Joy Barnett</span></i></div>
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