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MAY 2015
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF OCALA
Women’s Ministries Unlimited
NEWS!
In this issue
Let’s Talk
pg. 2
From the editor…
pg. 3
What You’re Saying About... pg.4
Last Minute Gift Ideas
pg. 5
Heart of Worship
pg. 6
Women in Missions
pg. 7
Memorial Day Tribute
pg. 7
The Reading Light
pg. 8
Titus Two
pg. 8
Welcome Home
pg. 9
Calendar & Special Events
pg. 10
P31 Woman Revised
pg. 10
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and
on her tongue is the law of kindness. She
watches over the ways of her household,
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many daughters have done well, But you
excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and
beauty is passing, but a woman who fears
the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31:26—30
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Let’s Talk!
“And now these three remain: faith,
hope and love. But the greatest of
these is love.”
I Corinthians 13:13
THIS MOMENT...
I may never see tomorrow; there’s no written guarantee,
And things that happened yesterday belong to history.
I cannot predict the future; I cannot change the past.
I have just the present moment, I must treat it as my last.
I must use this moment wisely, for it soon will pass away
And be lost to me forever as a part of yesterday.
The Bible tells us that the GREATEST of these is LOVE.
We are blessed to know many different kinds of love,
that of parents for their children, children for their
parents, siblings, family, friends etc. etc.
However, NO greater love have we received than that
of God. Jesus, the Son, freely gave His life for us that
we might be saved and receive the gift of eternal life
because of His death on the cross. He was totally
innocent but because of His love for us, He was willing
to pay the price for our sins, He carried our sickness
and suffering …
CHOICES to be made ...Tomorrow is promised to no
one. It's an individual decision/choice that we each
have to make. Have we chosen, by faith, to ACCEPT
the gift of eternal life? Praise God, the tomb could not
hold Him! He's alive!
God bless you!
Eva Morales
Women’s Ministries Coordinator
I must exercise compassion; help the fallen to their feet,
Be a friend unto the friendless; make an empty life complete.
The unkind things I do today, may never be undone.
And friendships that I fail to win, may nevermore be won.
I may not have another chance on bended knees to pray
And thank God with a humble heart, for giving me today.
- ANONYMOUS
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from the editor...
ARE YOU A P31?
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall
be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
Regardless of what you think about the Proverbs 31 Woman
(P31), she’s here to stay. She’s not only alive and well in the
pages of Scripture, but in countless Bible studies, websites,
and daily devotionals that attempt to translate her 2500 year
old example into contemporary terms. So what is it that
makes this nameless, yet famous woman so significant and is
she still significant in our time?
Focusing on all of her
accomplishments can make her
example intimidating. We’re all
different. There will inevitably be
ways in which you and I just don’t fit
the total profile. There’s one word
that disqualifies me right away maidservants. She had
maidservants! I can’t even begin to
imagine how much more I could have accomplished with a
few of those around!! How about you? Seriously though, if
you’re among those who’ve found Proverbs 31 discouraging,
don't let it be. If your aim is for an all-consuming love for God
that seeks above all else to please Him, take a deep breath.
You’re fine.
Keep in mind that the Book of Proverbs from beginning to end
is Wisdom 101. There are two types of people defined in it’s
verses - those who seek wisdom, become wise and live right
and those who are fools because they despise wisdom.
Proverbs 3:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
wisdom and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 31, the final chapter, is a picture of what such a life
(any life) is capable of producing when one pursues wisdom. It
starts with a fear of the Lord.
The P31 Woman’s accomplishments certainly earned all of the
appropriate accolades, but the definitive praise is for her fear
of the LORD. It’s not so much about her homemaking or
parenting skills, nor that she’s knowledgeable, industrious and
has good business sense. It’s not about what she does, it’s
about who she is. And who she is all about Whose she is. She’s
perceived as “excellent” because her awesome God dwells
within. By drawing on His strength and grace she’s able to
accomplish what she does with excellence. Her husband is
able to trust and believe in her because he knows she
faithfully seeks the Lord. Powerful stuff.
So, is the P31 Woman still significant today? Absolutely! P31
should serve as an encouragement to pursue a closer, more
intimate relationship with Jesus, rather than pressure us to
be some sort of perfect. If we are women after God’s own
heart, all the rest will follow; “But seek ye first the kingdom
of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
So, are you a P31?
If you’re blessed to have such a wife or mom, then you know
what an asset she is to you, your family and to the kingdom of
God. She is rare. She is valuable. Celebrate her, let her know
that you are proud of her and thankful to be sharing life with
such a priceless woman!
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES AND OUR NEWSLETTER
STAFF WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF YOU A
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, GREAT MEMORIAL DAY
WEEKEND AND A LOVELY MONTH OF MAY!
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What You’re Saying About...
MOTHERHOOD... AND MOM
“My mom, Lydia Watkins, is more than my mother, she is my friend. She is my rock and my
inspiration. She is also my spiritual advisor! I think she’s the best mom in the world and I’m glad
God chose her to be my mother.” Lisa Koehl
Lisa Koehl & Lydia Watkins
“Hugs, Kisses and Unconditional Love! That’s
what I receive because I’m a mom. My three
children are a gift from God! It has been quite
an adventure but an awesome privilege and
great joy. There is something magical that
happens when I hear myself called Mom!!”
Lydia Watkins
Having not experienced motherhood myself, the
word Mother brings to my mind a kind, gentle,
soft-spoken woman of few words that spoke
volumes of life into my being. The greatest
compliment that could be given to me would be,
“Christle you remind me of your mother.”
Christle Blair
A mother’s love begins
Before the child is born
And lasts through time
And difficulties
And differences
And many wounds
And days of joy
And days of sorrow
Winding, wearing Weeping, sharing
Changing
Until, at the end
What remains is that solid core
That began as love
Before the child was born.
- Anonymous
Christle Blair
“I thank God for the matchless gift of motherhood and an unfathomable depth of love I never
knew until I became “Mom.” There’s an incredible joy in being loved by your children, that is
heightened as that love deepens into an abiding friendship. When your beloved ones place their
hands in the hand of their Lord and Savior, your cup truly runs over! Oh, and then there’s the
grandkids! Who could ask for more!”
Terry Schmidt
Terry Schmidt
and Lauren Strocchia
"I am forever thankful for the precious gift God has given me in my Mother. She has comforted
tenderly, laughed infectiously, given selflessly, encouraged faithfully, prayed relentlessly and loved
unconditionally. What a blessing it is to have both mom and friend in one beautiful woman!"
Lauren Strocchia
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What You’re Saying About...
MOTHERHOOD... AND MOM (CONTINUED)
“If I have done nothing else worthwhile for God’s kingdom, I have raised Chrissie, but only with the Lord’s help has she become a
Christian daughter, wife, mother and nurse any mother would be proud of. She always puts her whole heart into everything she does, be
it her Christian walk, her marriage, her children and her job, and does it with grace and calm, even when facing huge challenges.
Daughter, friend, Chrissie, I love you and thank the Lord for you.” Jackie Barth
“Proverbs 31 says: ‘she speaks with wisdom and
faithful instruction is on her tongue...Her children
arise and call her blessed.’ Not only is my mom one
of the smartest women I know (we actually, lovingly,
call her the queen on useless trivia), she truly is one
of the wisest women I know. Every day I have a new
respect for that God inspired wisdom she uses to
Jackie Barth & Chrissie Wilson influence the lives of the ones she loves. Thank you
Mom, for the years of wisdom and encouragement
you've given to me, to Tim and Kathy and to our
children. We are the ones who are blessed.
Chrissie Wilson
“God has blessed me as a mother of five wonderful
children, ten grandchildren and five and one half
great grandchildren. My deepest desire for all of
these loved ones is to know Jesus Christ as their
Lord and Savior.” Dolores Lunsford
Dolores Lunsford
LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS FOR MOM
So you waited until the last minute. Don’t worry, we’ve got this. These suggestions are quick, easy and inexpensive, but all are
thoughtful...and you know how moms like that sort of thing!
Most moms just want to spend the day with their
kids, so if you live nearby, a visit never fails. If you
can’t visit, a phone call or Skype will be the next best
thing. Texting? Don’t even think about it.
A great card with a handwritten letter letting her
know all the ways her life has made a difference
is stellar. This works whether you visit or send it
through the mail. The heart knows no bounds!
Plan a day trip doing something together that
she loves. And yes, even if it is shopping.
Every piece of art is enhanced by the right
frame. Moms love kids’ art. Dress it up and it’ll
become a “gallery piece” she’ll hang proudly!
How about he classic Mother’s Day gift potted plants! A better idea than flowers
because they keep on giving.
One simple jar + notes telling her all the reasons
she's loved = a thoughtful gift idea. Write your
thoughts on paper strips, roll them up and put them
in the jar. Jazz up the jar with a bow...and voila! It
will definitely be the thoughts that count!
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Heart of Worship -
by Heather Sorenson
I can’t do THAT in worship!!!
Have you ever been in the middle of worshipping God and felt an
urge to do something that you wouldn’t normally do? Maybe it’s
clapping your hands. Maybe it’s something really noticeable, like
running to the altar. How do you respond to that urge? Have you
ever told God, “I can’t do THAT! Are
you crazy? People will LOOK at me!”
Or maybe you’ve been half-heartedly
worshipping on a Sunday morning
and something someone else does
catches your eye. Maybe they fall to
their knees. Maybe they shout
loudly. Have you ever thought,
“What are they doing? They can’t do
that! We’re in church!”
I think sometimes we forget WHO
God is and WHY we worship Him in the first place. As easy as it is
to put God in a box, it’s just as easy to put our worship in one too.
And, in my opinion, neither belongs there! I believe our worship
should reflect our heart for God. It should show the rest of the
world how much He has done for us. Think about this… if
someone gave you a million dollars, how would you react?
Different personalities will respond SO differently. Not everyone
is going to act the way you would. But just because someone
responds differently doesn’t mean they are wrong.
Now let’s apply that to our worship. God does things for us that
are out of this world… worth WAY more than a million dollars. If
nothing else, dying on a cross for us so that we might have eternal
life through Him qualifies as a priceless gift. How we react to that
knowledge and that love should come through in our worship.
I’m not here to tell anyone what they should do in a worship
service. But I AM here to encourage you to do two things: 1) Let
the Holy Spirit reign in YOUR worship of God AND 2) in your
neighbor’s worship.
Let’s dive into the Bible and see some of the ways people have
worshipped God:
·
In John 4:21-24, Jesus says to worship in spirit and
truth
·
In Revelation 4:8-11 the elders fell down before Him
who sits on the throne
·
1 Chronicles 16:30 says to tremble before Him
·
Hebrews 12:28-29 says to worship Him with
reverence and awe
·
Nehemiah 9:5 says to stand up and praise the Lord
·
Psalm 100:1-2 says to shout for joy and worship the
Lord with gladness and joyful songs
·
Psalm 105:1 says to proclaim His name
·
Psalm 143:6 says to spread out your hands to Him
·
Psalm 95:6 says to bow down in worship, kneeling
before God
·
Matthew 5:15-16 says to let your light shine before
others
·
1 Corinthians 14:15-16 says to sing praise with your
spirit and also with your mind
·
Psalm 33:3 says to sing to Him a new song and play
on the strings, with loud shouts
·
Psalm 150:1-6 lists several ways to worship, including
trumpets, dancing, strings and cymbals
·
Psalm 47:1 says to clap and shout to God
This is all just the TIP of the ice burg. The bible talks about SO
many different ways to worship and praise our God in Heaven.
Who says only one or two of them should be done in church?
Next time, let the Holy Spirit reign in your worship. Don’t put it
in a box. Don’t worry about what you USUALLY do or what your
neighbor might think. And don’t worry about what your
neighbor is doing! Remember, this is ALL about the God that
loves you. Think about all He has done for you and let that
reflect in your worship of Him.
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Women in Missions -
by Terry Schmidt
LINDA VICE, MISSIONARY TO MISSIONARIES
“You did not choose me, but I chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” John
15:16(NIV)
times: The test – if they confirm something that has been going
on in your heart – bank on it...period. If it is out of the blue, you
can feel free to toss it. Later that night we had a guest speaker
in church. After the sermon, the guest had a word of
knowledge. “There is a young girl here who has fallen headover-heels with an upcoming
evangelist. If she marries him, mis*sion*ary (noun)
she will regret it for the rest of
someone who leaves
her life, because she is called to
their family for a short
the foreign field.” Bang! It was
like I had been shot. This, as you time, so that others may
can imagine, flung me to the join the family of God
front of the church in tears, and for eternity.
it was done. My beloved thought
I had lost my marbles, which didn't make it easy for me. But the
peace – oh, there is nothing to compare it to.
This was what I was up against. God was calling me to the
unknown. No one is comfortable with the unknown. Still, I kept it
to myself hoping that I would be able to keep my life intact.
Only 19 at the time, I did not leave for the mission field until I
was 36. In the mean time, I had married and had three children
– all headed in the same direction.
It was a Wednesday, and I was writing a letter to a friend, and
even found it hard to write the word “missionary” down – but I did
and sent it off.
God, in His mercy, did what He had to do to make me into what
I was designed to be and do. That peace has never left me. My
children have grown and it has formed who they are.
A thought about the gift of the word of knowledge – the gifts we
believe in as taught in I Corinthians 12 which have been abused at
If you find yourself at an intersection of life, hear Him, trust Him
– He has your back.
JOHN 15:16!
Once you read
something and God speaks to you
through it, you cannot “unread” it. It
was as clear as a bell. I was a Bible
School student and very happily
engaged to a man I loved, but that
verse! It was calling me to a different
life. How could this happen? I told no
one – thinking that with time the punch
that verse packed would dissipate and I
could get on with my life.
Linda Vice
MEMORIAL DAY - Monday, May 25, 2015
ALL GAVE SOME… SOME GAVE ALL
REMEMBER THEM THIS MEMORIAL DAY
MAY WE NEVER FORGET FREEDOM ISN’T FREE…
(WITH DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO THOSE WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE)
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The Reading Light
- by Pastor Lois Wade
WHEN TROUBLES COME...
I’m always amazed how quickly my faith vanishes when hard
times come. I’m not surprised when they come knocking at my
door but I am never ready for the guilt and fear along with the
sense of testing they bring. These hard times seem as if they will
stay forever. But each time I am set free, and I have yet another
praise report of how God rescued me!
I used to think difficult situations came into my life because of
me, that somehow I disobeyed or committed a sin of omission. I
was set free from that guilt by Jesus’ words in John 16:33, “In
this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world.” These words helped me understand
trouble in our lives is part of living in a sinful world.
When I deal with hard times, fear often creeps into my life. I find
myself playing the “what if” game. What if I don’t know what to
do? What if I can’t make it happen? What if people don’t
understand? The “what if’s” blind me from the truth. I John
4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out
fear.” This means fear has no place in my faith. I must not allow
fear to be the enemy’s tool to keep me from trusting God to get
through. Jesus came to keep me from fear and to help me live in
Titus Two
His love and mercy. I have to decide if I am going to live like I
believe that.
When times of testing arrive, nothing seems to make sense. God
can seem so distant. I find myself questioning God’s faithfulness
and His goodness. I’ve often wondered, “Why do these times
come?” I Peter 1:6-7 puts it all into perspective, “In all this you
greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had
to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the
proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold,
which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in
praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” The
refining of my faith is definitely worth the process!
It is a hard lesson to learn but troubles and faith go hand in
hand. I can’t have one without the other. Through troubles and
faith I can experience a miracle of God’s power in my life. The
outcome of my battles depends on how I choose to handle the
struggle. Will I run and hide, hoping for things to eventually pass
over? Will I blame God and sulk in anger and bitterness? Or will
I allow God to refine my faith so that it becomes greater worth
than gold?
- by Jackie Barth
DRUDGERY... OR BLESSING?
Are your days ones of dull, wearying tasks, repeated day after
day? You job is monotonous and demanding and at home the
dust never stops, the diapers are ever present along with the
laundry, cooking is required every day, and there are the dishes
– dirty ones that appear constantly on your clean counter top.
Yes, the Lord blesses you in many ways, but most of your life
seems like drudgery.
There is a very old book that I have read
a few times. It is “The Practice of the
Presence of God”, by Brother
Lawrence, who became a French monk
in the year 1666. “What”, you ask, “has
anyone from that century have to say
that would be relevant to me, a woman in the 21st century, busy
with work, family, whatever? There he was holed up in a
monastery with nothing to do but contemplate God. He would
know nothing of the drudgery that is my life from morning to
night.” Au contraire, Mon ‘Amie!
Brother Lawrence’s job in the Carmelite monastery was washing
the dishes. Did he have a dishwasher? No. Did he have Dawn
dish detergent? No. Did he have a “scrubee” that our craft
ladies sell? I doubt it. Did he even have hot water? I don’t
know. But I do know he had a deep love of God and a super
humble spirit.
Continued on page 9
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Continued from page 8
We know he gave his heart to Christ at age 18. He was
lame and a pretty clumsy fellow. He thought by entering a
monastery and devoting his life to God, his faults would
not be allowed and he would therefore become the
servant of Christ that he desired to be. Brother Lawrence
determined early in his Christian walk to honor God in
every detail of his life. Working in the kitchen became to
him the same as worshipping in the chapel, because he did
everything believing that God was immediately and
presently with him. Any transgression was immediately
brought before the Lord for forgiveness. Washing the
dishes and cooking was a joy to him, because he was
serving his fellow brothers with food and clean dishes.
As he worked at his hard tasks he sang and talked to God,
always believing that he was just where he was supposed
to be, doing what he was meant to do. He was sent into
the city to buy supplies and in time was questioned by
those he came in contact with about how he could do
what he did with such cheerfulness. It pleased him to
witness to the fact that Jesus loved him and was always
with him, helping him in everything he did.
Should we not
“There is not in the world a kind
remember as well,
of life more sweet and
“Lo, I am with you
delightful, than that of a
always, even to the
continual conversation with
ends of the earth?”
We ARE living in His
God; those only can
presence! So much
comprehend it who practice
the better if we
and experience it.”
acknowledge it and
Brother Lawrence
form a close
relationship with
Him. It will turn
your daily living from whatever drudgery it is into great
blessing, both for you and those around you.
Welcome Home!
Perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, these muffins are great for
breakfast, dessert or a midnight snack. The espresso spread is also excellent on a
bagel or toast.
CAPPUCCINO MUFFINS
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2-1/2 teaspoons baking
powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons instant coffee
granules
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup miniature semisweet
chocolate chips
In a food processor, combine the spread ingredients; cover and process until well blended.
Transfer to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate until serving.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl,
combine milk and coffee granules until coffee is dissolved. Add the butter, egg and vanilla. Stir
into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for 17-20 minutes or until
a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from
pans to wire racks. Serve warm with espresso spread. Yield: about 14 muffins (3/4 cup spread).
ESPRESSO SPREAD:
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee
granules
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup miniature semisweet
chocolate chips
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Calendar & Special Events
PROVERBS 31 WOMAN: 2015 Revised
“A truly good woman, is priceless. She is honest, loving and
tenderhearted. She doesn’t manipulate or deceive to get her own way,
but seeks the LORD to follow His ways. She dresses modestly and
conducts herself morally, mindful of keeping a good testimony. Her
dedication to the LORD, her husband and her family has earned her
husband’s heart.
She’s up early, and manages her home well. She doesn’t live beyond
her means creating debt and unpaid bills. She is sensible with her
money, shopping the ads, clipping coupons and getting the best buys.
She isn’t lazy but keeps busy at home,
ensuring that all the needs of her
We Can Do It!
household are taken care of. She
practices hospitality, creating a home
that’s warm and welcoming to friends and a
haven for her family. If there’s a need for her
to work outside the home, she rises to the
occasion.
She has learned the love of Christ for others
and the importance of being a giver. She
reaches out to help those in need and looks for
ways to produce the means.
She teaches her children both in word and deed that loving, trusting
and serving the LORD is the foremost thing. She lovingly nurtures,
wisely disciplines and trains them in the way they should go. She
teaches them that no matter what may come, they must never deny
their LORD and is constant in prayer for their faithfulness.
She entrusts God with her future and seeks Him to prepare for
whatever that future will require. She has peace and assurance because
she keeps God first
May 2015
2- Mother's Day Luncheon - 11:30 a.m.
Activity Center
3- Interfaith Food Drive
6- Living Beyond Yourself - 7 pm
10 - Mother’s Day!
13- Woman of Grace - 2 pm
15- June Newsletter Deadline
20- Living Beyond Yourself - 7 pm
25- Memorial Day!
27- Living Beyond Yourself - 7 pm
Women’s Ministries Unlimited
News!
Women’s Ministries Unlimited News! is a publication of Ocala
First Assembly of God Women’s Ministries.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
To inform, encourage, inspire and bless.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES COORDINATOR, Eva Morales
NEWSLETTER EDITOR, Terry Schmidt
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Her children are proud she’s their mom and her husband praises her
often, because he knows the treasure he has in her. Were he to
estimate what she’s actually worth, he couldn’t afford her because you
can’t afford priceless!.
1827 NE 14th Street, Ocala FL 34470
(352) 351-1827
Photos by Microsoft Office unless otherwise stated.
All Rights Reserved.