Kick-Off Event for New Year

Thank You from The Fountain of Hope

We wanted to share with you this note we received from Rev. Josephus Foster from The Fountain of Hope.

Dear Randy and the Women’s Ministry:

Greetings in the Blessed Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I want to take this time to thank you and to acknowledge your gifts of winter coats to The Fountain of Hope Youth Development program.

These coats will keep warm many children at The Fountain of Hope Community Church and the after-school youth development program.

The Fountain of Hope would not be in existence without people like you, people who are willing to support us through prayers, finances and donations.

Sincerely yours,

Rev. Josephus Foster

Executive Director

Thank you all so much for your generosity.  We delivered over seventy (70) coats to them!

update on Coat Drive

As you can see from this photo taken on 12/7, the response for coats has been great.

We delivered all of these today to the Fountain of Hope. With the high winds & temperature dropping that we are experiencing today, I'm sure the need is great & the coats will be put to good use.

We'll be accepting additional coats (youth sizes medium & large, if possible), through next Wednesday, 12/16. We'll make another delivery to them next week.

Thanks everyone!

Christmas Brunch

A few photos from our fun brunch at Jan Espersen’s.

(click on photo to enlarge)

Her great room tree was beautiful.

 

 

 

Jan attempted to teach taught us all how to make a big bow.  It was a lot of fun!

Our bashful hostess.  Actually, the photographer was negligent in getting a good photo of Jan.  We need a new photographer!  Any volunteers? 

Jan – thank you so much  for a wonderful morning.  God bless your servant heart.

 

Wednesday Night Bible Study - Crazy Love

Tonite, we are beginning to study Francis Chan's book , "Crazy Love".

Francis is pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California. He is also the founder of Eternity Bible College and sits on the board of directors of Children's Hunger Fund and World Impact. He is committed to teaching directly from the Bible. His passion is to see the church display a much deeper love for Jesus (amen!).

This is from the back cover of the book:

God is Love. Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It;s crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe - the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor - loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not...we all know something's wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts - it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

Won't you please join us? We meet every Wednesday evening, in the Life House, from 7 p.m. (sharp!) to 8:00 p.m (ish).

Let's pray for each other

Let's start this week off by praying for each other.

Let us know how we can pray for you or a loved one in the comment section. If there is a prayer request above yours, would you please take a moment to type a prayer for that request or all of the requests & then type your request. (In that way, you'll be encouraging them as well as receiving encouragement.)

We know you'll want to check back to continue to pray for others adding their requests after yours.

If you have an update on a previous prayer request, please share that with us, as well.

Father, here we are, on another Monday, facing another week. We need you, Lord. We pray for each other. We pray for those who are hurting, that you will lift their spirits & comfort them. We pray for those that are sick, that they will feel your healing touch. We pray for those who are struggling, that they will lean on you. We pray for those who are lost, that they will seek you and be saved. "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT) In Jesus name, we pray all these things. Amen

Thank God on Friday (Praise Day)

It's Friday. And we want to know what you are thanking God for today?

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;
make known among the nations what He has done.
Sing to Him, sing praise to Him:
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Psalm 105:1-3

Have a great weekend and don't forget about the craft sale tomorrow -

Thank God on Friday (Praise Day)

Yes, it's finally Friday. Let the praising begin. What are you thanking Him for today?

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;
make known among the nations what He has done.
Sing to Him, sing praise to Him:
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Psalm 105:1-3

Have a great weekend -

Christmas Brunch

We're starting the Christmas Season Early this year!

Come to a Christmas Brunch
Saturday, December 5, 2009
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

at the home of Jan Espersen

We'll have a great time of fellowship
& sharing of family traditions,
& you'll even have the opportunity to
learn how to make a Christmas bow!

Bring a dish to share & 3 yards of ribbon.

Sign up begins 11/14 in the lobby.

Gratitude Journal

gratitude: the state of being grateful; thankfulness...

Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and our thoughts are hopefully turning to thoughts of thankfulness & remembering what we are grateful for.

And, today...
....for the beauty of the deer, playing in the woods, just feet from my window, I am thankful.
....that Henry didn't flush after throwing paper cups & straws into the toilet, for that I am thankful.
....for a washing machine that stands ready for a mountain of dirty clothes, I am very grateful.
These are the things I am grateful for at this very moment.

What are you grateful for today? We'd like to hear from you. Is it something funny one of your children said, or perhaps, the very fact that your car is running & not broken down?

This is the ICU Gratitude Journal. A place where you can come daily to jot down what you're thankful for.

Remember - God is in the details, large or small or funny or serious. But if you're anything like me, it's hard to remember all the little things that happen in your life. Jotting down your thoughts will help you remember them longer & sharing them here may be a great source of encouragement for someone else.

Do you suffer from depression? Or do you get a little "blue" around the holidays? A lot of people do. Making an active choice to write down & remember all the good or positive things that happen in your life, however small they may be, can help. We're much happier when we are in a state of gratitude. The benefits of are many & it spills over into everything you do. Try it and see.

This is the season for counting our blessings but let's continue to do so as we move toward Christmas & the New Year & beyond.

Leave your expressions of gratitude as comments, anytime, day or night.

Blessings & Gratitude for you all -
Randee

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

Let's pray for each other - week 4

Let's start this week off by praying for each other.

Let us know how we can pray for you or a loved one in the comment section. If there is a prayer request above yours, would you please take a moment to type a prayer for that request or all of the requests & then type your request. (In that way, you'll be encouraging them as well as receiving encouragement.)

We know you'll want to check back to continue to pray for others adding their requests after yours.

If you have an update on a previous prayer request, please share that with us, as well.

Father, here we are, on another Monday, facing another week. We need you, Lord. We pray for each other. We pray for those who are hurting, that you will lift their spirits & comfort them. We pray for those that are sick, that they will feel your healing touch. We pray for those who are struggling, that they will lean on you. We pray for those who are lost, that they will seek you and be saved. "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT) In Jesus name, we pray all these things. Amen

Fall Fellowship Breakfast Highlights

Just a few of the highlights from yesterday morning. I believe it was well worth leaving a warm bed on a rainy day for 32 hungry women! Great food with encouraging conversations & encouraging words. I hope everyone had as good of time as I did!

the tables all set & ready

welcome sign & name tags waiting for the ladies to arrive

aah, here they come!

coffee & conversation beforehand

yummy food

judy stemen, sharing from her heart,
precious words of encouragement

Thanks to Vicki & Delora for all their hard work yesterday. Thanks to Robin Rosier & Ruth Kinder for coming early & helping set up, we really appreciate you! Thanks to everyone who stayed & cleaned up. Many hands did indeed make short work (is that how it goes?)

Blessings -

Randee & the ICU Team

Thank God on Friday (Praise Day)

Yes, it's finally Friday. Let the praising begin. What are you thanking Him for today?

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;
make known among the nations what He has done.
Sing to Him, sing praise to Him:
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Psalm 105:1-3

See you at the breakfast tomorrow -

Let's pray for each other - week 3

Wake up everybody, it's Monday!

Let's start this week off by praying for each other.

Let us know how we can pray for you or a loved one in the comment section. If there is a prayer request above yours, would you please take a moment to type a prayer for that request or all of the requests & then type your request. (In that way, you'll be encouraging them as well as receiving encouragement.)

We know you'll want to check back to continue to pray for others adding their requests after yours.

If you have an update on a previous prayer request, please share that with us, as well.

Father, here we are, on another Monday, facing another week. We need you, Lord. We pray for each other. We pray for those who are hurting, that you will lift their spirits & comfort them. We pray for those that are sick, that they will feel your healing touch. We pray for those who are struggling, that they will lean on you. We pray for those who are lost, that they will seek you and be saved. "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT) In Jesus name, we pray all these things. Amen

Collecting Coats for Fountain of Hope

Would you have any new & gently used winter coats
that you could give to the needy of the
Fountain of Hope?

We are asking for all sizes of coats
from toddlers to adults.
Adult sizes Medium to XXL are particularly needed.

Let's see how many times we can fill these coat trees
(located in the back of the Worship Center)
to overflowing!

just a little Friday Fun

Thank God on Friday (Praise Day)

Yes, it's finally Friday. Let the praising begin. What are you thanking Him for today?

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;
make known among the nations what He has done.
Sing to Him, sing praise to Him:
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Psalm 105:1-3

Have a great weekend -

ICU Blog Contest

We're having a contest with an awesome prize package!

& everyone who comments is automatically entered.

So - what's in the prize package?


First, 3 sweet little oak leaf candles -
Nice, huh?

But that's not all.

Next, these really cute little plaques to hang anywhere your heart desires -
don't you just love them?!?

& finally, this beautiful acorn dish, which would be perfect for fall entertaining -
check out the detailing of the little acorns & leaves at the top

Wouldn't you love to have this prize package?

You are already so close to winning.

You're here & all it takes to be entered is click on the comments & tell us who you are & what you think about our blog. Do you have suggestions? Would you like to do a devotional for us? Do you have a prayer request or a praise? Do you have a question? We're here for you & want to hear from you.

The winner will be announced at the Fall Fellowship Breakfast & though we'd love it if you could be there, you don't have to be to win.

All ya gotta do to win is comment & have your name drawn. That's it. Easy Peasy!

One last look at the prize package -

We thank God for you & count you as blessings!

CRAFT SHOW & RUMMAGE SALE

Are you a Crafter? or do you have items you'd like to sell at a Rummage Sale?
Or, do you just love, love, love going to craft shows & rummage sales?
Well, whatever the case, P. Kim Bobb has a great day planned just for you!!!!!

Recess Ministries
is having a
CRAFT SHOW & RUMMAGE SALE
Saturday, November 14th
8 am - 4 pm
at NAFCON

This show is open to Crafters & Rummage Sale participants
Table Space for Crafters: $15.00
Table Space for Rummage Sale Table: $10.00

Limited Number of Spots available for Independent Sales Consultants!
(Tupperware, Silpada, Mary Kay)
on a first come, first serve basis
Cost for these tables: $15.00

All table fees & concession profits will go to support the continuing ministry
of Recess Ministries, the Children's Ministries of NAFCON.

Call or email P. Kim at: 614 855-1921 or kimbobb@nafcon.org
for entry forms & more information.

See you there!

Let's pray for each other

Dear ______ -

You are a beloved NAFCON woman. We thank God for you and hope to encourage you in the Lord.

Each Monday, let's start the week off by praying for each other.

Let us know how we can pray for you or a loved one in the comment section. If there is a prayer request above yours, would you please take a moment to type a prayer for that request or all of the requests & then type your request. (In that way, you'll be encouraging them as well as receiving encouragement.)

We know you'll want to check back to continue to pray for others.

If you have an update on a previous prayer request, please share that with us, as well.

Father, we thank you for this new week. Only you know what lies ahead for us. We pray for strength, courage, & joy for each day. "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT)

Come, let us pray -

Thank God on Friday

Yeah, it's Friday! The second most favorite day of the week ( Sunday is the most favorite, right?). Everywhere you go, people are saying: "TGIF".

Well, let's change it up a bit. From now on, every Friday, here on the ICU Blog, it's TGOF. Thank God on Friday. You made it through a tough week, either at home, work, or school. And we're giving you the opportunity to sing your praises to God for what He has done for you this week.

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;
make known among the nations what He has done.
Sing to Him, sing praise to Him:
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Psalm 105:1-3

Let the praising begin!

Blessings -

Women's Bible Study

Starting this Wednesday (tonight) we will be exploring a new book in the Bible:

HABAKKUK: When God Seems Unfair

These lessons will be a review & more intimate study from Pastor Larry's sermon from the previous Sunday. So, tonight we will be discussing the sermon from October 11.

If you are not able to sit in & hear the message on Sunday & take notes just go to the side bar on the left marked Bible Study. Then click on Habakkuk. It will take you to the NAFCON website where you can click on the current sermon and print out the notes. How cool is that!

Let's pray for each other

Let us know how we can pray for you or a loved one in the comment section. If there is a comment above yours, please take a moment to pray for that person before leaving your request. I know you'll want to check back to continue to pray for others. If it's too personal to leave your name, then, please sign it as anonymous. The most important thing is that we all pray.

Father, thank you for this day. We praise your holy name & we praise you for your son, Jesus. We thank you for the Holy Spirit leading & guiding us always. We ask you to hear our prayers. Bless each woman leaving a request and, Father, please bless the woman who doesn't feel comfortable leaving one. May you speak words of courage & peace to her today.
Help us to move outside of our comfort zone & be transparent with each other. May you be glorified in all we say & do. We pray all of this in Jesus name. Amen

Bloggy love & a little help

Have heard lots of great comments about the blog!

Beth Bridges was the one responsible for the setup & the flow of it all. All the boxes on the sides are called gadgets & Beth is still adding more for us. Hasn't she done an awesome job?!? Beth, you rock! God bless you for your servant heart!

We know this is all new to so many of you. A few of us have personal blogs, but we're only slightly ahead of the learning curve than you. You'll all catch up very quickly.

One question that we're hearing is: HOW CAN I LEAVE A COMMENT? Here's what you do:

1. Click on the word "comments" that follows each post (a post is a separate entry). When you click on the word comment, it will bring up the comments for that post.
2. Now you should see a big white square with the words "post a comment" right above it.
3. Write in your comment.
4. Right below the big white square, do you see the words "comment as"? Just to the right of that is a white area with a drop down option. It should say: "select profile". click on downward arrow & you'll see several options.
5. Now, click on "name/URL" option in the drop down area.
6. You should see another white box that says: "edit name". Enter your name as you want it to appear on the comment.
7. Do not worry about the URL line. Leave the URL line blank.
8. Finally, click on "continue" & it'll take you back to show your comment.
9. Click "post comment" & that should do it.

If you're still having trouble, email us at: www.nafconwomen.gmail.com. & we'll see if we can offer any additional help.

Hope you have a great afternoon, delighting in the Lord & His Sabbath day.

Blessings -

new blog giveaway

Hi, all!

Leave us a comment & you'll be entered into a contest. We'll reveal the prize next week & reveal the winner at the Fall Fellowship Breakfast.

We're very eagerly anticipating all of your comments & suggestions for this blog.

Are you out there? We want to hear from you!

Blessings -

Your ICU Team

Fall Fellowship Breakfast

Hope you can join us for breakfast
on Saturday, October 31st, from 9-11 a.m.

Sign up begins this Sunday in the Lobby.

More details to follow!

Welcome to the ICU Blog

Welcome, NAFCON Women, to your very own Women's Ministries BLOG!

This blog was designed with you in mind. We hope to inform, involve & encourage you in your walk of faith. We also hope to give you "food for thought" with devotionals & a time to pray for each other with weekly prayer request days. We will also highlight upcoming ICU events & opportunities to serve.

Our prayer is that you will find a loving, warm & encouraging place here....a place to come when you are weary....a place to come for Biblical answers and encouragement, a place to shout your praises...even, a place to come for a good laugh.

You've probably picked up on the fact that encouragement is BIG on here. That's because of the key scripture verse we use for the ICU. "encourage one another and build each other up" 1 Thessalonians 5:11. That is our mission & our goal to encourage you & build you up. We pray that it will be your mission & goal, as well, for the days ahead, as you encourage others & build them up.

Maybe you're wondering "exactly what is the ICU?". ICU stands for Intensive Care Unit. Just as an Intensive Care Unit in a hospital provides life support for their patients, your Women's Ministries Team wants to provide life support for you. Obviously, we're not going to hook you up to an IV or intubate you, but, we will do our very best to support you in whatever way you need it & just as importantly, we want to equip you to do the same for others.

Together, with the Holy Spirit leading us every step of the way, we hope that the NAFCON women will bring glory to God by living lives that reflect Christ & point the way to Him.

Again, we welcome you & may God bless you as you encourage others!