Posted in Prayers/ Encouragement
Names: Top Row from left to right: Sister Donna, Sister Nikki (also my SIL), Sis Kim (Pastors wife), Sister Cori, Sister Stacey (My hubby's niece), Sister Melissa, Sister Jackie, Sister Melinda, Sister Sharon.
Bottom Row, Left to Right: Sister Angie, Sister Rhonda ( one of my new friends and my oldest sons BFF's mom), Sister Helen (an absolute angel), Sister Geri (my mother).
The Ladies meeting yesterday was much better than expected. The Lord has blessed above and beyond that which I could have ever imagined.
The meeting was due to start at 1:00 p.m. I arrived about 12:15 with my neighbor, whom I had invited on Saturday, and 2out of my four children. I opened the door and was just blown away by the way Sis. Helen had prepared everything. It was so beautifully arranged and decorated.
This little lady
had prepared the tables for the ladies. At the table in the place of each seat sat a very precious, decorated gift bag. Inside the gift bag, a small ceramic birdhouse. Now you all know I love almost anything to do with birds and yes, I did get me one of those gift bags....after the first and second and third person opened them, I decided there was enough for me to have one too 
. Really, she had extras and told me I could have one too! How could I pass it up???She had the meal, the decorations, the games....the whole thing with the exception of my speaking, arranged and ready to go! I was absolutely blown away. I believe that this is the beginning of a whole new year for us ladies and thank God for the help, the partnership he has placed between her and I. She teaches us how to organize, have fun, and much more. Have I ever mentioned that this (organization) is one of my biggest challenges? I am terrible at it! God knows our needs and provides even in these areas! He's such an awesome God!
We had a great turn out for this meeting, seeing as it has been months since the last one. There were 15 ladies and a large number of children. Even a few teens in there! I know next months will be even better.
The Lord really blessed, the fellowship was just awesome and the food was delicious. Jambalaya and loads of desserts, did I mention we are in Southeast MS??? Sis Helen opened up with a game to name 12 women of the old testament and 12 of the new. Each person had a paper similar to that of a bingo card and the ladies all did a great job. Once everyone had finished filling in the squares with the names they could come up with, she gave out prizes for 1st, 2nd ,and 3rd place. If I remember correctly there were a few ties and of course, Sister Helen was prepared for that and had extra prizes prepared
. Once she finished with her part, she then opened the floor for me to speak. Now, I must admit I was extremely nervous because it has been a while since I got up in front of the ladies and taught. My belly was flip flopping and those butterflies were going crazy in there.However, thanks be to God, He already had my teaching laid out for me. He is an on time God!
I introduced the book (Joyce Meyer-Conflict Free Living), gave them out (BTW- I have to order 10 more!!!) And just shared from a chapter in the book that had really touched my heart. From there, the Lord took over and to be perfectly honest I don't know much of what I said. I would love to be able to share but, I had no script as time here at home had not allowed for me to get my notes together (this time). I just tried to let the Lord lead and before I knew it, almost an hour had passed by. I guess I really enjoy talking
. Oh and yea, those butterflies must have flew away because they weren't bothering me anymore.
If any of you have bought this book, I shared from chapter four titled "The Pastor Must not like Me". The focus mainly being on how to keep strife and conflict out of the church. Every church that I know of has had a battle that is similar. So, I thought it would be a great way to start. Now what we are doing is reading one chapter a month, then coming together to discuss the summary and reflections at the end of each chapter.
I still can not say enough about how grateful I am to God for allowing me to be a part of such a great group of ladies. It is such a blessing to know that you are walking into a room full of women that are hungry for the Word of God and eager to learn together, how to apply His Word into their everyday lives. I thank the Lord for allowing me to do what He has called me to do, for not giving up on me and for sending help my way. Ladies, I may have been down for a bit, but I am climbing back up and it sure feels good to be on the right track once again.
The photo below is with me included, another lady and I had to switch places so everyone could get into the shot
.Be blessed,
Stacy
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