Tuesday, December 21, 2010

His name is John

Let's just get this out of the way: Where have I been for 2 months?!
Answer: I have no good answer. I cannot believe 2 months have passed. I blinked and November passed me by and here it is, the end of December. No excuse.

I have a little Bible humor to share with you. Seriously.
If you jump inside the Scriptures you're reading and try to picture yourself as a bystander watching the scene unfold before you, Scripture comes to life...becomes so real and enjoyable. Try it. You'll be surprised how dear and precious the Word becomes. Or, sometimes... funny. Hang in here with me...

I love the Gospel of Luke.
Its style, detail... just love it.
There's something so familiar, comfortable and sentimental about hearing or reading Luke's account of the birth of Christ. More often than not, we begin in Luke 2,
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. "

But if you page back to Luke 1, you'll read about what happened before the birth of Christ. Zechariah, a priest was chosen to offer incense in the temple. While he was offering incense, an angel appeared to him and told him his wife, Elizabeth who was advanced in years would conceive the forerunner to the Messiah, John.
Zechariah questioned Gabriel, much like Abraham, that his wife was advanced in years and how could he know for sure? So Gabriel answers and tells him "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. " He then tells Zechariah that because he didn't believe immediately, he would be silent and not be able to speak until he has a son who Gabriel tells him is to be named John.
In Jewish tradition, babies aren't given their names until 8 days after they are born, at their circumcision. Those who would perform the ceremony wanted to name the baby after his father. But Elizabeth said that his name should be John. But they disagreed with her suggestion because John was not a family name.
So (here's the amusing part...if you're still hanging with me) verse 62 tells us "so they made signs to his father as to what he wanted him called."
Did you ever notice that? Gabriel only told Zechariah that he would be unable to speak, not unable to hear! ha! Zechariah had gotten into the habit of writing things on a tablet or making signs to be understood, but he would have been able to hear the world around him.
I love when the Word reminds us we are human. Isn't that just what we would do? It's like when people talk really loud to someone who doesn't know very much English. They're not deaf. Just slow it down, don't turn it up!
As the account continues, Zechariah "asked for a tablet" and wrote "His name is John." And at once, "his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God."

The moral of the story: If the angel Gabriel visits you to give you a message, believe him and the One who sent him. If the angel Gabriel doesn't visit you, but the Lord Himself speaks to your heart... Believe Him and the One who sent Him.

Merry Christmas!!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

First Friday/Spring Brunch Committees

Hello Ladies!

Thanks to all of you who have responded and volunteered to be a part of these committees! We have 4-5 on board for Spring Brunch and myself and 1 other confirmed for First Fridays.

Here's a little more information about what I'm looking for regarding the First Friday committee.
I understand if you can't commit to 12 First Fridays! That's quite a bit! And I know adding one more meeting a month to our calendars can be overwhelming. I think we could meet monthly if that suits everyone's schedules, and if not, we can meet every other month & plan 2 events at each meeting and rely on email communication for minor details.
Also, if you want to volunteer to help with the planning of some but not all, that's fine, too. There are a few that don't need any planning (summer stuff) and some that need only minimal. There are a few, though that need creativity, errand runners and people willing to pitch in and set up.
Here's the list I've come up with.
Perhaps there are a few that you could be a part of:
January 7th: Swap Meet
February 4th: Pajama Party
March 4th: Game Night (board games, group pictionary, minute to win it, maybe wii..FUN)
April 1st: Talent Show
May 4th: Prom Night
June 3rd: Movie Theater (Penn Cinema) & Ice Cream
July 1st: Pool Party
August 5th: Picnic
September 2nd: Barnstormer's Game (let's hope they're in town... if not we might be able to swap Aug with Sept)
October: Barn Party
November 4th: Soup Night and Book Swap
December 2nd: Ladies Latte/Coffee House

So... as many as are interested to help plan, I'd be so grateful. Really, you wouldn't have to commit to all of them. I'd appreciate your help on just one. Or, you could help with the planning but not the execution, OR you could commit to helping with set up/clean up of an event but not attend the planning meeting. OR we could chat about it and see what works best for you.

And those interested in Spring Brunch planning, Come On! I've never attended a Spring Brunch here, so I'll be leaning on your input greatly.

Looking forward to all God is going to do in and through you ladies in 2011. From WBF to new friendships to First Fridays, etc... He's moving. He's working. Join In!

Monday, October 25, 2010

When God Ran

I got an email recently from one of the fabulous women in our Daniel WBF class and she simply stated, "I didn't know how hungry I'd been until I started feasting on God's word."

Let that sink in.
Roll it around a time or two.

Is that you?
Are you getting by on the knowledge you have of God's Word without diving in and letting it spark a fresh hunger and fire within?
And why on earth is having a consistent, daily time set aside for scripture reading and purposeful prayer and sitting quietly before God so stinking hard to fit in? We KNOW how much better life is with Jesus at the center, giving Him our day before we start racing through it and yet, rather than run to Him, we just... well, we don't.
And what would it look like if we did?
Who would you be if you let God have more of you?
What if you let Him have all of you?

Think about that. Picture it.
So, what holds you here? Are you stuck? Afraid? Holding too tightly to things of this world? Not willing to let go of cherished sin? Maybe you haven't realized how long it's been since you carved out some quiet time and talked to the Lord?
Maybe you feel like it's been so long that maybe it's too long? Really? Too long? For Jesus? That may work on the surface, for the enemy to tell you that lie to keep you away, but if you think about that... it's been so long since I've been where I need to be with the Lord that it's probably been too long and He's given up on me.
Given up on you? Over a few months, many months, a year, 2 years, 5 years that have passed without you even realizing it... and yet you think it's been too long? Well, how long is too long? 2 months but not 3? 1 year but not 2?

Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear. --Isaiah 59:1

You know those moments in life when someone makes a statement that you know will be with you forever? We were in our Connect Groups one Sunday after the morning service at the church I used to work at in Virginia. We were all sitting around the table talking about something similar to this topic and my dear friend, Mina, who incidentally is so full of wisdom and timely words of encouragement I can hardly stand it... she said something to this effect... The Bible doesn't give us 10 steps to getting back into the groove with God. It doesn't talk about us earning our way back to the "sweet spot". What it does talk about is God saying "Return to Me", and about a Prodigal Son being IMMEDIATELY, ENTIRELY, FULLY welcomed back to the Father. He didn't shame him for being gone and wasting the money. He didn't look on him with disappointment. He hadn't stopped caring as time went on.
What does the Scripture say?

First, it doesn't tell us how long he'd been gone. "When he came to his senses." (Luke 15:17)

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)

Ok, I won't preach a sermon BUT...

"While he was still a long way off": The son made his way back. Can you imagine it? Shoulders slumped, dejected, feeling unworthy, guilty, shameful, embarrassed... just coming upon his father's land maybe coming up over the farthest hill to be possible to be seen.

"his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him": He was waiting and watching. He didn't care how much time had passed, he always longed for his son to return.

"he ran to his son": This part can make your heart stop. This is the only time in Scripture when God (because this is a parable, the father is representing God) is seen RUNNING. Are you ready for this? The son was a long way off, had decided it was time to come back, to come home, the Father was watching and waiting and as soon as he saw his son, the father took off running to him. He could have made the long trek worse by making the son pay his penance, feel the weight of his guilt, endure a few more steps of shame, but no. He would have none of that. The Father bridged the gap. He more than met him halfway.

He removed the distance.

Isn't that what we sometimes need?
We feel the distance.
We want it removed.
But we feel so bad for being gone so long, we don't know how to get back to where we'd once been.

There is no magic formula.
It's simple: Begin your journey back. Open the Bible. Talk to Him, tell Him you want more of Him... that you're ready to return. And He'll do it for you, too. He'll remove the distance.

Keep your eyes wide open so you don't miss it: He'll run for you, too.





Click Here to listen to an AMAZING song sung by Phillips, Craig & Dean called "When God Ran"


This post was a God-thing. I sat down to blog tonight to tell you I couldn't really blog tonight and this is the direction God took it. I love Him so. And He adores you. If you're feeling the sweet nudge of His spirit drawing you, then know He did it for you.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Accountability

"Accountability is not always easy, but it is necessary." --Ryan Snyder

If you were in Sunday's service, you might remember that quote from the message. I wonder: Do you have someone in your life who shares your love for Jesus? Who is in this with you? Who you KNOW will caution you before you fall into a pit and throw in a rope when you do... and that person will love you no less when you fall. That person will not hold your failures over you, but will rejoice in the redeeming work of the Lord? Who is your "person"?

Maybe you sat in the service on Sunday and thought, "Gosh, I've never had a relationship like that in my ENTIRE life." Well, do you want one? Do you need a girlfriend to come alongside of you and do this thing with you? In it together. Iron sharpening iron. A faithful friend. If that kind of friendship is missing from your life, I suggest you find one. Not just at random, but by prayerful consideration. Ask the Lord for such a friend or accountability partner.

So, this thing called Accountability. It's really a beautiful thing when it's working the way Ryan shared on Sunday. There's a lot it can look like, and I'll go into it in just a minute, but there are also a few things that accountability is not.
1. It is not a license to freely sin to your heart's content. You're first and foremost accountable before God.
2. It is not a brag session on your sin, failures and missteps. Each and every one of them sent your Savior to a torturous death on a Cross so you might be redeemed. Never forget that. If we pictured Christ's bloody body hanging from that cross in those brief moments before we choose to sin, perhaps we'd have a little reverence and take the way of escape He's promised.
3. It is not a get-together without getting accountable. How much we miss if neither party is brave enough to bring the conversation to the reason for getting together.

So, maybe you're longing for it but don't have any idea where to begin.
Here are a few suggestions. Not a how-to book. I didn't find this in Scripture. Mostly from personal experience or something I heard about or came across. Just a starting point if this is where you want to go.

#1. DEFINE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
What do you want? Do you think you want to meet one on one with someone? Maybe the idea of a group of 3 or 4 is more appealing? Not sure? ASK JESUS. If He has stirred in your heart the desire to do something like this, talk to Him. Spend time in His presence, see what He says.

#2. FIND YOUR PEOPLE
Once you think you know if you want one-on-one or a group, prayerfully determine who these people might be. Perhaps there's someone you meet with on a regular basis or a dear friend and right away you know you and Suzy Jones would make great accountability partners. If you don't know who you might meet with, ASK JESUS to show you. Recently, being new on staff, Greg encouraged me to have a sister in Christ praying with me and for me personally and the ministry I am involved in with you. I felt overwhelmed because I barely knew the ladies, but I began to ask the Lord and as I did, as I was around a certain woman, God would remind me and even suggest in my heart to ask her. The God of the Universe, concerned with the details of our lives. Unfathomable. Yet, unmistakable. So, if you need the partner, let it be a God thing.
Then, when you know who you want to approach, do so. Ask them if they are familiar with accountability partners or accountability groups. Would they be interested in getting together with you and building that kind of relationship. If they missed the sermon, tell them to listen to it online!

#3. STATE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Share what each of you would like the group/partnership to look like. How often will you meet? What kinds of things will you discuss? This can be important, especially when it's new. Realize that someone new to your life is probably not going to be comfortable sharing her deepest sin issues outright with you until she feels loved, accepted, safe and knows she can trust you. These things take time. But, while you're building those bridges, start with easier things:
Consistency in daily Quiet Time
Consistency in daily Prayer times
Memorizing a new verse or passage of Scripture each week/2 weeks/month
You can even start with something specific you know you need to uproot from your life that you're willing to entrust to your new accountability partner. Some examples: How much time you spend watching TV, What shows you choose to watch, Working on responding in love to your spouse or teenager, Getting to the gym however many # of days.

#4. SET A REGULAR TIME/PLACE AND GET TO IT!
No need to sit down at the coffee shop an start declaring your struggles! Have a little chat, enjoy each other's company. Find out how her week was, what God is doing in her life, etc. But then, before long, turn the conversation to the reason you're there. Bring a little notebook with you. Write down what you're going to ask your friend about and what she's going to ask you about next time you meet. Then, throughout the week, pray for your dear sister in Christ and the things she wants to work on. And, be reminded daily of what you want to work on before you meet again. Knowing that she's praying, knowing that you desire to see change, and knowing you'll have to report back on how the week went will all contribute to victory.

#5. BE HONEST
Be honest with yourself and your accountability partner or group. Remember why you wanted this partnership/group to begin with. Be willing to be the first to say you messed up. Be gentle and full of grace. When someone says where she fell short, don't tell her how to fix it for next time. Ask her what she might do in that situation next time it occurs? Offer suggestions graciously, fully aware of the plank in your own eye. With humility. The thing is, James says "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." James 4:17 More often than not, she's gonna know what she should have/would have/could have done. You don't need to tell her. But, to best walk in victory, ask her to tell you.

#6. BE REALISTIC
Sometimes in our world of wanting to be superwoman, we say we want to be held accountable to a rigid thing like committing to exercise 5 days a week for an hour a day but then the kids get sick, the car breaks down, life happens and you just can't do that much. But you can do some. So, celebrate the "some" and be more realistic in your expectations of yourself for next time. As the partner, think about your partner's requests for her own want-to's for the week. If you think it's too lofty, ask her if she thinks it's realistic. Some of us set ourselves up for failure because somewhere subconsciously we think we're going to fail anyway. Send that back to the pit from which it came! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." And let the things you want to change be Holy Spirit driven. Let Him show you where He wants to sharpen you, rather than picking random things you a) know you can do before the next week or b) are driven by the world's motives and not the Spirit.

#7. PRAY TOGETHER
There is something special in a friendship when your friend tells you she'll pray for you. But there is a sweetness and sincerity that develops when she prays WITH you. I would encourage every accountability meeting to start and end with prayer. Whether you're sitting in Starbucks or over the phone. Pray for her, let her pray for you. Encourage each other.

#8. CONFIDENTIALITY
This is the MOST important part of a successful accountability group/partnership. You have to have a conversation at the outset that EVERYTHING said between you will stay in the confines of that safe circle of you and your partner/group. The ONLY exception is if someone tells you something that jeopardizes someone's safety or well-being. Otherwise, husbands, sisters, friends, best friends, co-workers who don't even know your friend, children, anyone else not in the accountability partnership or group is off limits. Then, you know what? You agreed to keep it confidential, then, keep your mouth shut. (I say in love). Seriously, live with integrity here, ladies. Be the kind of accountability partner you want to have.

Whew! Ok, really, this is not a magic formula. Just suggestions or a starting point. If you truly desire to have this kind of relationship, cover the thing in prayer. Wait on the Lord, trust Him to work and then watch for Him to amaze you. He can and He will.

I'd love to chat with you if you want more direction, need someone to join you in prayer about finding a partner, etc.

In case I haven't told you lately, I'm crazy about you. Blessed beyond measure to be counted among you and overjoyed to be used of God to lead you closer to Him.
Much Love,
Katherine

Monday, October 11, 2010

Dogsitting in Boyertown

This weekend, my parents went to New York to visit my brother and his family. They asked me to stay at their house and watch their dog. Koko. A beautiful, loving, mild mannered Australian Shepherd.
Aaaaahhh... a much needed and appreciated "retreat" right here in the real world.

In the past few days, I...

Slept with a dog on my bed. He is SO not allowed to do that, but knows I won't kick him off.

Collected about 100 stink bugs in a container of Mr. Clean. They're dead now. But their 20 or so closest friends and family are still hanging around. Ew!

Visited my 91 year old great-aunt Margaret at the rehab facility she's staying at until she regains strength after a recent hospital stay. Today, I filed her nails and made some memories.

Watched the Phillies beat the Reds! Twice!

Missed church at LEFC on Sunday but just listened to the message online. So glad I did. I want to be a sold out disciple joining Jesus in His Movement, don't you? "Encountering Jesus on a daily basis and engaging the world around me for Him." Phenomenal message. You should definitely listen to it if you missed it. God is doing great things at LEFC!

Started reading a fabulous book called "Surrender to Love" by David Benner. It is so good.

Took a mid-term exam. Online. Open book. Lucky me.

Went to see "Life as We Know It." I haven't been to a movie in forever! It's the new romantic comedy with Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel. Very cute.

Thought about stuff. Perhaps you find that funny. I find that I need downtime to think. Long drives are great for thinking (and praying). Once, when I was in college, I was sitting alone in the dorm room. Just sitting on the couch thinking. No tv on, no books in my lap. My roommate walked in and was like. Are you ok? I said, yeah, I'm just thinking. She didn't get it. We had a good laugh. I did some thinking :o)

Thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend. The cool night air, the trees changing colors, gorgeous sunshine.

Aaahhhh... definitely needed a weekend like this. It's been a long time coming.

"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him..." Psalm 37:7 (NAS)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

3rd Annual Harvest Hoedown


You'll never believe what I bought at a Lancaster Target the other day!


I got EVERYTHING I need for the Hoedown and Hoedowns to come...


In Target.


In Lancaster.


Not in the Halloween section.


Does that seem strange to anyone else? Anyone?


A western shirt, boots and a hat. In the regular clothes sections.


Y'all, I lived in Dallas, TX and never did I see any of these things in a Target. What kind of world are we living in?!

But, since it was Target, you can be sure I'll be cute :o)


In all seriousness, all you need is a bandana to feel a a little country.

You can get bandanas in any color under the sun for $1.00 at a Wal-Mart near you! In the accessories section, near the purses.


Also, since this weird western thing is apparently in some sort of style, you might be interested to know I have seen western shirts and boots at Old Navy, too.

You are not required to dress like you belong on an episode of The Lone Ranger (yes, I know what that show is!), but you're more than welcome to, and strongly encouraged to!


My favorite Western accessory is Big Texas Hair. Tease, spray, curl. Repeat.


Ok, seriously. I finally got to see this barn for myself last night.

It is FABULOUS.

And I am SOOOO excited for next Friday!

We sure do hope you can come.




Here are the event details:

3rd Annual Harvest Hoedown



At the Barn of Paul & Brenda Zimmerman

975A Lincoln Road, Lititz.

6:30pm-??


Please bring a finger food to share!



There will be

square dancing,

rope swinging,

western wearing,

big hair sporting,

friend making,

cider drinking,

snack eating,

prize winning

FUN!



Bring a friend, invite a neighbor!


If you're on Facebook, hop over to the Women's Ministry Facebook Event Page and let us know you're attending!




Thursday, September 30, 2010

OH! The Rains Came Down as the Floods Came Up!

Did you ever sing that song in Sunday School growing up?
You know the one about the Foolish Man building his house upon the sand, and the Wise Man building his house upon the rock and when the rains came down and the floods came up the Foolish Man's house went *SPLAT* but the House on the Rock stood firm!

Talk about RAIN!
Whew! I cannot remember ever having been sent home from school early when I was a kid because of rain. Now, not to get ahead of ourselves too much, but even this morning when I woke up and heard the rain at my window I thought, I wonder how much this would be in SNOW! Yeah, no, let's not even go there. I'm enjoying the fall way too much to think about what follows it!

So the Rain.

Showers of Blessings? A much needed drink for the earth?
Seriously, that's not generally my first reaction to a rainy day!

Or perhaps soggy pant legs? An umbrella left in your CAR rather than in your house when you needed it this morning? Flooded shoes? Hydroplaning? Traffic crawling? Foggy windshields? Late to appointments? Kids school closing wrecking your plans? Water EVERYWHERE? Ceilings leaking? Walls dripping? Sump pumps working (we hope!)?

Or maybe there's a reason we want to stay in bed on a rainy morning.
Not to escape the things about super soggy days that make us impatient & frustrated, but a chance to enjoy the sound of the water hitting the window pane.
Not to avoid the rat race, but a chance to sit a while, curl up with a good book, just "be."
So often we just go go go without slowing the pace to enjoy family togetherness when there is no where else we need to be.
Enjoy the unexpected change of pace and the interruption of life that it is and be thankful for an evening when you don't want to and don't have to endure the madness.

What's your favorite thing about a rainy day?

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Simulcast Re-Cap

She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue
is the law of kindness.

Proverbs 31:26

Ladies,
Yesterday's Simulcast was so wonderful! I do hope you were able to join us! 350+ women gathered in the LEFC auditorium for a day filled with worship, singing, praying, and learning.
For those of you unable to attend or those wanting to be reminded, I thought I'd jot down a few notes from what we learned.

Why are we studying the law of kindness? Because we live in a mean world and it will just keep getting meaner. Another reason: "Because she openeth her mouth!" We're women. We talk. We relate. We speak. We're all teachers by gift, position, example, motherhood, sisterhood, neighbors, coworkers, mentors, lawyers, doctors...and we are all opinion givers. Who did Jesus appear to first after the Resurrection? WOMEN! "Why?!" Beth joked, because He wanted to get the word out and He knew women would do just that!
Throughout the day, we heard 8 Tastes of Kindness (to play on the "tongue" part of the phrase) just points...

Taste #1. Kindness is not weakness.
And, kindness is not simply niceness. One can be nice without ever being kind. Kindness comes from within. Luke 6:35-36 reminds us that we show ourselves to be children of the Most High God when we exhibit His qualities "for He Himself is kind." Also, we need to be kind to others even if they are not kind to us. We are His image-bearers. Beth broke apart the difference between nice and kind.
Originally, the root word that meant nice (sorry I didn't write it down but she got it from Merriam Webster's dictionary) means "not-knowing." She said basically the idea was that if you can be that nice it's because you're an idiot. That out of your ignorance you're nice because you're clueless to reality. But kindness... that's a whole other ball game. Kindness is being fully aware and still choosing to be kind.
Proverbs 11:16 "A kind hearted woman gains respect..." Nice is fine, but kind is divine.

Taste #2. Kindness is not an action, it's a disposition.
In the Greek, Kind is translated as an adjective Chrestos which means profitable, fit, good for any use, (about people): good natured, useful toward others. As a noun, Chrestostes--the grace which pervades the whole nature--descriptive of one's disposition. You can fake nice but you can't fake kindness.


Taste #3. Kindness wears down when we do.
It's the work of the enemy to wear us down. We can form bad habits of unkindness in our relationships. Usually our closest relationships. Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says "My yoke is easy" The word translated for "easy"... Chrestos... His yoke is kind. Things that can wear us down are resentment (2 Timothy 2:24), Hatred, jealousy (Genesis 37:4)...anyone you are capable of hating, you once probably loved.
When we're worn down, we need to be built up. Beth researched every scripture in the NT that used the phrase built up, building up or edification. Her conclusion? Overwhelmingly the context of being built up is in the corporate context and not the individual context...being built up with other believers. We need each othere, girls! Ephesiand 4:16, 4:16... In a world of social networking and virtual friendships, we still need face to face relationships!

Taste #4. Kindness looks pain in the face.
Job 6:28 She didn't really spend a lot of time on this one, or I didn't write a lot of notes... SORRY! But she did say that Job's friends wouldn't even look at him...

Taste #5. Kindness is a Savior.
Beth showed a picture of a little girl of 3 or 4 who had just been given a fish as a reward. Her eyes were HUGE, her mouth agape in awe... made you absolutely know what she was thinking. You could almost feel her excitement. Then she asked us, "How long have you known Jesus? Have you lost your wonder?"
Ephesians 2:4-10 God was kind enough to give us Christ Jesus, v.7
Being kind cannot save. And our kindness cannot mean becoming any persons's everything. That's for the Lord. Our kindness should point toward Him.

Taste #6. Kindness has a good memory.
Psalm 106:7...when we forget God's goodnesses, we begin to rebel. Your God has been good to you. Do not forget. Beth then shared a story of her border collie, Star. When Beth grabs Star's red leash, the dog comes up, takes the leash between its teeth and walks beside her. Beth says she does attach the leash to the dog, but could walk for 2 miles with the leash in the dog's mouth and never have her leave her side. As if she's saying "you don't have to bind me to you, I just want to be with you." Hosea 11:4 says "I led them with cords of Human kindness..." same thing. The Lord has NEVER let us go. He doesn't have to bind us to Him. We just want to be with Him.

Taste #7. Kindness craves an outlet.
2 Samuel 9 is the story of King David wanting SOMEONE from Saul's house that he could show kindness to for Jonathan's sake. She didn't flesh this out, but there was one from Saul's house David could bless. Mephibosheth. A man crippled in both feet. In their world, that meant they did not receive aid or handouts. The handicapped were treated as outcasts. But David brought Jonathan's crippled son to sit at the king's table and gave him everything that belonged to Saul and his family... If you've never read the story, you absolutely should...
Then, she had us turn to Acts 28:1-2 where Paul has arrive on the island of Malta and "the natives showed extraordinary kindness." In her research, Beth came across a statistic that of all 153 countries surveyed for charitable acts and giving in the WORLD, 83% of people in Malta currently give charitably. So cool, that those who were known for extraordinary kindness are still those known for giving to those in need.

Taste #8. Kindness leaves a legacy.
Nothing has the right to take authority over you when you have the yoke of liberty in Christ upon you.
If we have children grow up in a mean world and be kind...it will not be an accident.

WHEW!
I know notes are not nearly the same as being there, but wow... it was such a good day! We were so blessed!

Before the Simulcast began, as people were filling the seats, I tried to meet as many women as I could. Being the new girl, I totally expected most people to be from LEFC. Surprisingly, no. They were overwhelmingly from somewhere else. One sweet lady told me she'd seen a sign at a library in Adamstown, wasn't really a "church girl" but thought she'd come. Praise Jesus. We had groups from Water Street Ministries and the Lydia Center. We had moms and daughters, several groups of sisters... many groups of friends and quite a few women who so wanted to hear from Jesus they came all by themselves.

As I told the ladies in attendance yesterday, there has been a team planning and preparing the event for the past 9 months to a year. We give God the glory and our thanks to the many many ladies of LEFC who gave so much of their time and energy into planning this event! And the husbands & men who helped with set up and tear down!




Beth made a big deal about the simulcast reaching "125,000 women and a few brave men." We had 1 brave man, Ken Martin... and we are so thankful for his ministry to us all day from the sound booth!

Those 125,000 women were represented among 30 denominations! That's HUGE... this is a Church thing, a Body thing... a God thing. Not an E.Free thing or a Baptist thing. But 30 denominations... can you imagine?! 27 churches from Canada. 5 military bases and I believe 11 countries represented.
And the enemy thinks he is the only one getting victory through the internet?!
Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!!

You are so dear to my heart already...
In Christ Alone,
Katherine

Monday, September 13, 2010

Great Expectations

Only 5 more days until the Simulcast!!! Can you believe it?! Are you so excited? I know I am.

I've attended other Living Proof events and have heard Beth Moore speak at a handful of venues. Never have I been disappointed. My first simulcast that I attended was in Manassas, VA.

It was life-changing.

For starters, before that night I had never heard the song "In Christ Alone" not the one written by the former Backstreet Boy (Brian Littrell) but the amazing Gospel in song written by Stuart Townend performed best (in my humble opinion) by Beth's worship leader, Travis Cottrell.

As we were singing the song and I was reading the words I was so blessed I could hardly stand it. And I lost it. EVERY live event since that one (it was my first) I've been to where Beth has spoken, granted it's been like 3 or 4 maybe, but that song has been a part. Now, it could be a standard in their repertoire. I like to think it's Jesus giving me a great big hug. I'm hoping we sing it this weekend... do you know it?

In Christ alone my hope is found.
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This Cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace;
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease;
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid,
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay.
Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious Day,
Up from the grave He rose again.
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me.
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
‘Til He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.


This post is already long, I realize but there's so much MORE to say. Hang in there, friend... and if you feel the pressures of time, scroll to the end of the post and PRAY for your simulcast team!!!

I still remember the scripture Beth taught on at that first simulcast. Psalm 126. A passage that reminds us the Lord has done great things for us... a psalm that was written about the exiles leaving captivity... the whole message changed me and was the catalyst for a HUGE work of God in my life. Here it is for you...

1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."

3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.

6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.

Other events I've been a part of have been rooted deeply into my heart... At an event in Charleston, WV she taught a message called "His Love is Measureless" and at the end, we sang that precious old hymn "The Love of God." Incredible. At a Women of Faith Pre-Conference, she had us turn to a passage in Scripture that I had been wrestling through in my quiet time for 2 weeks prior. When she told us to open our Bibles to "my" passage, I nearly died. That's when you know it's time to listen. That message burns deeply in my soul: God has given you [each of us] a ministry, you are enough for that ministry. Showing God off is our ministry.

And now, here we are, about to be participants in whatever God is up to... I cannot wait to sit at His feet and soak in His word with you this weekend.

Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning, O Lord, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

So, this week for me is all about anticipation and expectation. I am anticipating a HUGE work of God in each of the lives of the 326 women registered to come and all the others the Lord will bring us. But not only am I looking forward to it with anticipation, I'm EXPECTING Him to show up and be HUGE. Why? Because He is God. He is Almighty. He is Omnipotent. He is able. He doesn't make mistakes. He has a purpose for gathering hundreds of thousands of women all across the nation and the world. I encourage you this week to PRAY for what He wants to do in your heart this weekend.

It has been my prayer for the past few weeks that each and every one of us walks out of that church a different woman than we were when we walk in there that morning. That God, through His Word gets into our hearts and our business and forever changes us.

Pray that He prepares your heart... let nothing distract you and change your plans... and then, my dear sister... EXPECT YOUR GOD TO BE HUGE. Come thirsty. Drink Deeply.

One last thing: Please be praying for the women of LEFC who are making this event possible... in no particular order and I beg you to forgive me if I have left a single one out...

Thank God for their ministry/servants hearts and pray His protection on their health and their families this week as they have many preparations to take care of before and on Saturday... that NOTHING would hinder the work God has planned and that they would be richly blessed...

Beth Schwartz
Ina Bunnell
Kathy Bewley
Julie Hurst
Sue Mitchell
Sharon Day
Molly Longo
Stephanie Painter
Scottie Griswold
Kaye Beachey
Amy Hackman
Valerie Metzler
Sharon Neal
Jen Rohrbach
Lois Steffy
Wendy Komancheck
Jen Neupauer
Kathy Friedberg
Laurie Conrad
Marie Acebo
Susan Wolfe
Susan Matteson
Angel Ludwig

Bonnie Martin
Kathy Bartel
Donna Reimer
Naomi Sensenig
Linda Page
Cindi Balson
Anne Heisey
Pat Shelly
Chris Shebish
Michele Martin


Expecting our God to be HUGE!

Katherine




Thursday, September 9, 2010

WBF Kick-Off Brunch Recap


Hello Ladies!

I just had to jump on the blog and tell you about our WBF Brunch this morning!
Melissa Zook and her FABULOUS team provided us with a WONDERFUL morning!
There was a great turn out. Almost every seat was filled... my best guess would be 70 ladies?
Thanks to all who came!

Towards the beginning of the program, Melissa found a great youtube clip of Derek Redmond's 1992 Olympic run in which he pulled his hamstring... take a look at the video and think about how this is just like God's hand in our lives. He will always carry us through. When circumstances look bleak, when life is upside down, He is WITH US. By our side to the end. Your God is FAITHFUL. He is MIGHTY to SAVE... watch & worship Him today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VgRtWiuyvU

The remainder of the Brunch, we heard from all of our fall WBF teachers a little about their classes.
Here's a list of what you can choose from this fall:

Morning Studies (begin September 16th at 9am)
2 Samuel (Precepts) taught by Lynne Hendrix
Psalms taught by Sharon Neal
Sacred Waiting taught by Keri Altland, geared for our TLC moms (no homework, the kind of class you can pop in and out of if your life is unpredictable!)
When Life is Hard facilitated by Donna Reimer
Genesis DVD series (6 wks) facilitated by Kathy Friedberg
Hearts & Hands to God (begins 10/28) with Linda Page

Evening Studies (begin September 16th at 7pm)
Psalms taught by Sharon Neal
Daniel (Beth Moore study) facilitated by Katherine Eachus

For more information on these studies, please visit us online HERE.

Want to sign up? You can get in touch with the teacher if you know her, shoot me an email and I'll make sure you get connected, or really... you can just show up to most classes next Thursday.

How about YOU? Which study are you taking this fall?

Post a comment and let us know!
"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

10 Things You Didn't Know You Didn't Know

I figured it might be helpful to share a little more about myself than what I can say on the back of the Voice and in a 2 minute intro on a Sunday morning. If you glance back at the last post, I think the idea for this post comes from my HUGE desire to know you and be known by you, so that we can get past all the formalities and focus on building sweet friendships and sharpening each other to be more like Christ. Really.


So, I was thinking about the kinds of things my closest friends know about me that you don't yet. Of course it's all good stuff. I can't tell you how much I am NOT a morning person yet or that my smile doesn't always wake up before 9am. :o) So, here it is... as you're reading, be thinking of your own list... I'd LOVE for you to reply in the comments to let us get to know you a little better, too.


1. I have big feet. Size 11. Well, frankly, I'm 5'10" tall. They have to be big so I don't fall over. But it's hard to find shoes. So you can imagine how difficult it can be to find CUTE shoes that don't make me taller than I am. Although, I think I'll take a lesson from Beth Schwartz and marry a guy who's like 6'5" so she can wear way-high-heels.


2. Maybe because of #1, or maybe because I'm trying not to grow up, I LOVE flip flops. I should probably get a pedicure to be kind on the eyes of everyone who sees my big feet in my flip flops, but you know... it's one of those things I always think I'll do next pay check and here it is September and that didn't happen. Maybe next summer.


3. I'm the middle child. Yes. Before you even ask, I can tell you that I grew up with Middle Child Syndrome where the middle child thinks the older gets everything because he's older and a boy and the younger gets everything because she's the baby and the one in the middle... well... she feels a little left out and neglected. Before you get to feeling pity on me, rest assured I have been delivered. I don't still feel like that.


4. I LOVE my family. My parents still live in the town I grew up in. After living in VA for so long, it's nice to be able to visit them on an almost weekly basis.


I have an older brother, Matt who is the pastor of a church in Albany, NY. He is married to the most perfect woman God could have possibly given him. She is a treasure to our family and one of my most trusted friends. There's no in-law anymore.




Matt & Amanda have 3 of the most incredible kids on the planet. Yes, I am biased, but I'll still proclaim it until I'm blue in the face. I never knew how special being an aunt would be. I never for a moment imagined how much a part of me they would feel. Until I met the first...


Avery Hope is almost 6 years old and is starting 1st grade this fall. She is the oldest and the only girl. She has a tender heart, loves to help her mommy, and like her daddy can remember almost any song she's ever heard word for word. I love her so. After meeting and loving on Avery for 2 years, her brother was born and I honestly worried I wouldn't be able to love him as much or the same. Oh, but I do.



Andrew Jacob will turn 4 in October. He is ALL BOY. Full of energy, athleticism, life, laughter and joy. There is nothing I love more than having him crawl on my lap just to cuddle. Many times he does, I tell him I hope he does it until he's all grown up.



Finally, the newest Eachlet (my brother's nickname for his kids), Noah Matthew. He just turned 1 in August. Don't you just LOVE this picture of the older kids meeting their baby brother? Melts my heart.

Like his brother, Drew, Noah likes to be held and snuggled. He also like to laugh. His giggle is his own and so very precious. aaahhh... I love those babies.




This is sweet Noah one year later. Don't miss the big kids in the background! This carousel is in a park near their house in NY. It's been a favorite spot to visit ever since Avery was a wee little girl and she wanted "Aunt Kaki [to] ride the horsies!" Who would EVER say no to that?!




I also have a "baby" sister who really is only 5 years younger than me. She also went to Liberty University (as did my brother and his wife) and now lives near Lynchburg, VA and teaches Math in a public middle school. She just got engaged in June...we shopped 'til we dropped for her perfect wedding dress a few weeks ago (and found it!) and their wedding will be one year from the proposal, June 2011. Her name is Becky & she's marrying Dave, a man who treats her like a princess. He's a good guy. Pray for them as they prepare for their happily ever after :o)






5. Some people have asked, so I'll tell you. I prefer to be called Katherine. I've always preferred it. That doesn't mean that's what I've always been called. But, I go by Katherine.


6. I use the word y'all in normal conversation and some people think I have a hint of a southern accent. I was raised in PA, my grandparents were both of German descent and spoke PA Dutch to each other and their friends often. But, when I went to college, I had roommates and friends from Mississippi, Savannah, GA, Atlanta, Southern VA, NC, TN... good old "country folk" whose accents were so thick I couldn't understand them at first. Eventually, it rubbed off on me. I lived in the South for over 11 years. I think some of the "damage" was irreversible. Better watch out, it might rub of on you, too!



7. I don't drink coffee. I'll pause for your collective *gasp!* ---PAUSE--- I like the way it smells but have never been able to handle the taste. But, lest you fear I am caffeine-free... oh, mercy no. Two Words: Diet Coke. Aaaahhhh.... Do you know McDonald's has been selling any size drinks for only $1 all summer? If you or anyone you know works at a local McD's, they probably know me as the Diet Coke lady. Seriously, y'all (there I go again). I am sure they will serve Diet Coke in heaven. I should really give it up and I have for seasons, but I always come back to it. My poor kidneys.




8. I like to read. Some of my favorite authors include Karen Kingsbury, Liz Curtis Higgs (Did you know she used to live around Lititz? I think she may have even been raised here), and Francine Rivers (LOVE her Mark of the Lion series).


9. Fall is my favorite season! I can hardly wait for it to get here. Sleeping with the windows open, waking up to a cool room in the morning. Crisp air, the sound of leaves crunching under your feet, the smells of apple cider, cinnamon, pumpkin candles... a day that's perfect in jeans and a sweatshirt. Love it.

10. I have traveled to London & Paris on a high school trip, England to bless a missionary family for a week and Budapest to visit a friend who was a missionary for a year there. It is a dream of mine to tour Israel some day.

Well, there you have it... 10 things you didn't know you didn't know...

Your turn!!! What are a few fun things I should know about you?
Please post a comment for everyone to read!

Much Love in Christ, dear Sisters...
Katherine

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

This Beautiful Adventure

"He who calls you is FAITHFUL; He will surely do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24

This verse has been such a source of peace to my soul over the past few years. More specifically, in the past month it has been a Scripture I have held onto tightly, recited frequently and shared with others as I waited and prayed through the hiring process.

It is the verse I shared with the congregation on my last Sunday on staff at the church where I worked for 5 years before leaving to pursue a degree in Women's Ministry at Dallas Theological Seminary. Which, just so you are aware, I did not complete. I'll tell you about it one day, but the short version is that God used my time in Dallas to sharpen my faith, redirect my path, and confirm His calling...specifically Women's Ministry. And He knew leaving Dallas would lead me back to Pennsylvania to a different job in Lancaster and eventually to this position at this time at LEFC.

It is the verse I posted on my facebook page last week about 5 minutes after Ann Unruh & Linda Page called and told me that the Executive Committee had voted to offer me the position as Director of Women's Ministry. The conversation went a little something like this:
*ring*ring*
Katherine: Hello?
Ann: WOOOHHHHOOOOO (Seriously)
I knew right then this was the place for me!

It is the verse that is hanging on a welcome banner in my new office at LEFC that (along with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, balloons and a gift from your AMAZING Interim Director of Women's Ministry, Beth Schwartz) moved me to tears my first morning of work...so overwhelmed by a God who is relentless in His love for me.

As we begin this new journey together, I want to tell you everything! And I want to hear all about your journey in this life, too. I could go on and on recounting the faithfulness of our amazing God. There will be time for that. But for now, the only thing I need you to know about me is this:

I am nothing without Jesus.
He is everything to me.
He is more than enough.

As we begin this journey together, I want you to know that I am so looking forward to getting to know each of you! Sunday's Tent Event was a wonderful opportunity to meet many of you. Looking forward to watching the Lord knit our hearts together in friendship & ministry.

So... this blog is for you. I encourage you to stop by regularly. I plan to use it to post stories, encouragement, updates, announcements, prayer requests, praises... begin posts with the intent for the best part of it to be in the comment sections, so please be sure to comment back and forth to each other. It won't be too long before I get fancy with pictures and spruce things up here in blogworld. We'll still be on facebook, but this is just a different format God's given me a vision for... and I'm trying to find the best way to incorporate all things internet with all things women!
I encourage you to leave comments and interact with each other. Expand your community at LEFC. You never know what God will use to spark a great friendship.

One last thing to say about Facebook. It's ok if you're not a Facebook gal. I get it. One more thing in the world to keep up with. No condemnation to you, whatsoever. That's the beauty of a blog. You can pop in when it's convenient for you or several times a day.

Grateful & Blessed,
Katherine