Ribbons Of Faith

Spring Retreat

2010-03-01T13:43:00.004-06:00

Plans for the Spring Retreat are coming right along. The Lodge of Granbury is expecting our group, Marilyn Stinson is preparing her presentations on "Listening to God", and others are working to plan our meals and activities. Due to previous requests, we are trying something new for this retreat - two nights - scheduled for Friday, April 23rd through Sunday, April 25th. The two-night format will give us more time to worship together, study together, and have lots of fun. Sign-ups will begin soon, but for now be clearing your schedule, saving your money, and getting ready for a great weekend!

Ladies' Night Lesson

2010-03-01T13:10:00.003-06:00

The first of our guest contributors is Staci Knowlton. I was going to post some thoughts about our recent Ladies Day/Ladies Night, but could not have expressed my thoughts any better than she did. Thanks for sharing, Staci.

Last night I went to Ladies Night at our church. I expected to have a few hours to hang out with some of my girlfriends, eat, hear a "nice" speech, and then come home to my family (kids already in bed). I think that my motivation for going shows that my heart wasn't in the right place when I left my house last night. What about my heart when I came home? That's a different story!

When I walked in the door of the church building I was greeted by a bulletin board on which people had taped their prayer requests. Upon seeing some of the burdens that my sisters are struggling with, my mindset of the evening changed.

When I sat down to eat, I had the opportunity to talk with old friends and even made a few new friends! Just as I finished eating my dessert, Karla Taylor (the wife of our former preacher) stepped up to begin speaking. The topic of her speech was easy enough to comprehend. She spoke to us on prayer.

She reminded us that prayer with our Lord is not just a time for us to list our grievances or give God a list of "I want this". Instead, prayer should be a conversation with our precious savior. Karla related our conversations with God to the conversations we have with our husbands. Sometimes Mike and I have long, intense, drawn out conversations about something very deep. Other times we have a short conversations (like "How was your day today?" or "What do you want to do for fun this Saturday?"). Mike and I even have 1 sentence conversations at times (ex. "Barrett's stinky." or "They car lights were left on and the battery's dead.") All kinds of conversations are needed to give depth to the relationship that I have with Mike. If we only had intense conversations, we might start to avoid each other (since those types of conversations can really wear you out!). On the other hand, if we only spoke to each other in 1 sentence conversations, how could our relationship grow? Because we have a balance of both, even the 1 sentence "I love you." has immense meaning to both of us.

The same is true for our relationship with God. We need all types of conversations to build a deep, lasting relationship! Here are the practical prayer ideas that Karla talked to us about:
1) One way to have an intense conversation with God is through journaling your prayers. This can come in the form of a list that you pray over or it can mean that you actually write out your prayers in diary form. Not only will it help you stay focused on your conversation, but it will also give you encouragement as you look back at your journal weeks, months, or years from now and see how God answered your prayers.
2) ACTS - This is an acronym that gives you an outline for praying. Structure your prayer in this order: Adoration -praise God Confession - confess your faults and shortcomings Thanksgiving - thank God for all things He has given you Supplication - this is where you ask for things
3) Scripture prayers - Have you ever been reading a verse in the Bible and thought, "Wow. This writer really knew how to express his feelings to God." Did you realize that you can pray those same scriptures to God? A few examples of scriptures to pray that Karla gave are Psalm 86:11-13; Lamentations 3:22-26; I Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 3:13-14; Galations 5:22-26; and Ephesians 4:29-30
4) Do you ever feel overwhelmed in your prayer life? I know I do! There are so many people that I want to pray for from my family to the leaders of our church to the leaders of our nation! Karla suggested doing daily assignment prayers. This is where you make a list of everything you're wanting to pray for and then assign it a day of the week.
5) Sometimes life gets hectic and you need to stop and catch your breath. What a great time for refocus prayers. Take 1 to 2 minutes to refocus mentally on what's really important.
6) One sentence prayers can be some of the most important words you ever speak. When you're about to give advice to someone and you stop to ask for God's wisdom before you speak, you'll be amazed at how God will work through you!

These are the ideas that Karla challenged us with to go home and renew our relationship with God through prayer. Instead of walking out the door thinking about going home and relaxing (because my boys would be in bed), I walked out the door excited to go talk with God! What a great night!

Transitions

2010-03-01T09:27:00.003-06:00

Life is full of transitions, and sadly - Vickie Thompson needs to step back from the responsibility of maintaining this blog. She has done a wonderful job of getting it designed and launched, but just has not had the time to devote to it like she wants. I love the articles she has written, and hope she can continue to contribute on occasion. Thanks to Vickie for all that she has done! The Women's Ministry committee is working on a new plan, but until it is finalized I will make a somewhat feeble attempt to keep this going. If any of our readers out there would be willing to post on a rotating, but regular basis, please let me know.
Sue Jones

Nanoprisms - Part 2!

2010-02-19T06:38:00.000-06:00

I received the wrinkle cream filled with nanoprisms that I told you about (see post below if you don’t know about nanoprisms). The cream finally arrived that promised I would look 15-20 years younger, because the nanoprisms fill in the shadows of my wrinkles, making them vanish from human eyesight! Girl, when I got home from work and saw that brown package on the table, I knew exactly what was inside. I could hardly tear into the package because I was so excited. I finally got it open, grabbed up the TINY little jar and headed to the bathroom mirror. Of course the instructions were include so I snatched them up and read, “Do not rub or pat product on your skin, let it glide over your skin.” I got a dab of cream and I let my finger glide over my wrinkle shadows just like an Olympic skater glides over the ice. This was going to be so awesome! I put those nanoprisms in just the right places. I got everything set and finished my cream gliding. I looked in the mirror expectantly, but I saw nothing. Grabbing the instructions again, I read that in 10-15 minutes I would see a DRAMATIC difference. Bummer – I had to wait 5 minutes so I went to the den where I paced for a few minutes until I ran back to the mirror where I saw NO change! Well, it did say 10-15 minutes so I still had 5 more minutes to wait. I waited 15 more minutes and returned to the mirror. NOTHING – I saw the same me and not a younger looking version even though I had carefully glided nanoprisms in all the shadows I could find on my face. I grabbed up the instructions one last time and read these final words: “ After 10-15 minutes pass and you still notice fine lines or wrinkles, you are standing too close to the mirror!” It said that – I couldn’t make that up – it really said that! Well, DUH! If I stand far enough from the mirror I can’t see my eyeballs, much less wrinkles! I paid good money for that product and I expected NO Wrinkles, whether I was standing close to a mirror or not. It seems the key to looking younger is to just stand far enough away from the mirror and you will not have wrinkles or at least you won’t be able to see them. By the way, did I mention the name of the product? It’s called DECEPTION and no, I’m not kidding. I fell for Deception because I had such a need and desire to appear younger. What was I thinking? I really would appreciate it if the next time you saw me you would say, “Wow, you look so young! Have you had some “work” done?” I’m pretty sure it would make me feel a little better!

Isn’t that just like the world and how we view things? We tend to think if we just had the right sweater to go with the right pants, we would look so darling. If we had just the right man we would be so fulfilled. If we just had a baby we’d be so happy. If we could only lose 25 pounds we would be able to be somebody. If we just had the right job our troubles would be over and if we had a beautiful new house we would use it for the Lord! It’s called DECEPTION, ladies! It’s a lie that Satan tries to sell you. When you pin your hopes, dreams, trust and faith on someone or something other than God, The Father, you will always be deceived. Let God be the one who is your wrinkle remover. He will never deceive you. He will never let you down and He will always think you are young and beautiful just the way you are. -Vickie T

Send Me Some Nanoprisms!

2010-02-05T12:28:00.003-06:00

I’ve just ordered a product that is guaranteed to make me look years younger! In 7-10 business days, when I receive this miraculous product, I will look at least 15 years younger than I do today. I can’t wait! When I read about it, I just couldn’t resist. I whipped out my credit card, to order online, faster than you can say - “Wrinkles, what wrinkles?” Girls, it has nanoprisms – “billions of microscopic three-dimensional nanoprisms!” Can you believe it? I’m not sure what a nanoprism is but it sure sounds cool and so sparkly. Here’s the way they explain it: “the human eye cannot see a wrinkle. What the eye sees is actually the shadow made by the wrinkle. And, since all those billions of microscopic nanoprisms refract and scatter light onto the “walls” of the wrinkles, when you use this product...” . There is so much more, but that’s the part that sold me. Imagine – I’ll still have wrinkles, but no one will see them because of the nanoprisms!! I’m lovin’ this!

As I was thinking about those nanoprisms that refract/scatter light and eliminate the appearance of my wrinkles, the thought struck me that I have a savior who does the same thing for my sins. Think about it. There is and will continue to be sin in my life, but Praise God – Jesus is the ultimate nanoprism that hides that sin. NO! He doesn’t hide it. He takes it away and there I stand – unblemished and wrinkle-free because of the sacrifice He made for me. Forget about wrinkles, forget about shadows – I will slather myself with Jesus and look like a brand new creation. There isn’t a product in this world that can promise those results. Thank you, God, for your unmatchable love and sin covering Son!

New Year, New Energy, New Ideas

2010-01-13T18:25:00.000-06:00

There is something about the beginning of a new year that renews my spirit. A fresh start – days, weeks and months stretched out before me like a new road leading to new adventures. When I was a young girl, I loved the beginning of school. More specifically, I loved getting new school supplies and especially a new spiral notebook. The empty pages called my name – inviting me to fill each page with something wonderful. By the end of the year I had filled the notebook with lots of assignments. Some of the pages were terrific and some not so good, but it was always enlightening to see the progression of my year.

I have that same feeling of expectation today about our blog. After launching the Ribbons of Faith Blog, I have to admit that I sort of stalled out. I let myself be distracted and fooled into busyness. Someone once told me that if Satan can’t cause you to sin, he causes you to be to be busy. I'm going to work on my busyness because I beleive this blog has huge potential to be a tool in our ministering to each other. And let me just say, "STAY AWAY SATAN - I'm not going to be too busy to blog!"

I have a vision that our blog can not only be a useful tool for communication, but an innovative way to teach, encourage and reach out to women. I have a dream that some day many will check this site regularly to get a much needed boost of positive energy. Won't it be fun to have a great place to stop in for something refreshing - a bonus for our action packed, fast paced life! A little something for you to grab on the run!!

I have a strong desire to create a place where you can find encouragement, life lessons, and maybe a bit of laughter. It will be a place available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You won’t even have to get out of your pajamas to visit – what more can you ask for? I ask for your prayers, your ideas, and subjects that you would like to see discussed here. Please either leave a comment or send a message to me at vickiegg@sbcglobal.net. -Vickie Thompson

Sister, You Rock

2010-01-07T17:00:00.000-06:00

If there is a special woman at Pleasant Ridge that has done something wonderful and you would like to acknowledge that person, please add a comment so we can build each other up and brag about accomplishments that our sisters may have! Of course, we think each of you is very special, this is just a way to highlight some of the awesome things the women at Pleasant Ridge do.

Recipes To Share

2010-01-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

Some of us love to cook and then there are those of us who would just as soon take out our kitchen and use the space for something more fun! If you are one of the ladies who love to cook and don't mind sharing your recipes - this is the spot for you. Please make sure your recipes are correct before posting them so we won't have any fiascos! If you are a new cook or are just looking for something different, please check often to discover new recipes or maybe some old standbys that you have forgotten.

We Need You!

2009-10-22T13:45:00.001-05:00

The Women’s Ministries need You! We have several volunteer opportunities if you have been looking for a way to get involved.

Betty Encalade does a wonderful job of keeping our kitchen clean, organized, and ready to use for each congregational event. She needs some additional volunteers to sign-up to help for one month a year. A co-leader to work with her would also be appreciated.

Ladies’ Day for early 2010, and a Spring Retreat are also in the planning stages. If you would like to serve on a committee for either event, please let any of the Women’s Ministry Committee members know.

For these immediate needs or in the future - we can find a spot for you if you would like to serve – on an ongoing project, or a one-time event. Please tell us your interests, or ask where you are needed.

Karan Bridgwater
Virginia Clayton
Karen Collins
LouAnn Jordan
Juli Beth Ledbetter
Teri McCalip
Sue Jones
Marilyn Stinson

About The Women of Pleasant Ridge

2009-08-08T19:36:00.000-05:00

Being a daughter, wife, mother and friend can be very rewarding, but in today's world, it can also be very challenging. The ladies of Pleasant Ridge have worked together to offer many ministries to provide encouragement, edification, rejuvenation, and fellowship.

As you read our blog and the posted comments, keep in mind the theme of the Women's Ministy - "Ribbons of Faith". A ribbon is defined as "a band of fine fabric used for trimming, tying or finishing." A ribbon is not used for just one reason but for many. We are all "fine fabric" created by God. If it were not for each lady using her unique talents and strengths our ministries could not function correctly and, quite possibly, could not continue. Every ministry ties us together and allows us to thread through each other's lives.

Ribbons of Faith Blog Purpose

2009-08-08T13:15:00.000-05:00

This blog has been created as part of the Women’s Ministry of Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ, in Arlington Texas. Our hope is that it will be used as a communication tool, a source of encouragement, perhaps a place that will make you think, as well as, a place to share ideas, joys and burdens. It is a work in progress and suggestions are welcomed. We hope you will visit often and we pray you are uplifted, informed and blessed by what is contained in our blog. If you’d like to contribute a short thought, favorite scripture or a prayer request please send an email message to our “Web Servant”, Vickie Thompson - vickiegg@sbcglobal.net.

Ribbons and Faith

2009-08-08T13:02:00.000-05:00

Almost from the moment a female child is born, ribbons play a significant role in her life. As soon as a few twigs of hair can be gathered together, our mothers carefully place ribbons on top of our head! From that moment on little girls, of all ages, have a fascination with ribbon. From dressing up our pony tails to turning birthday packages from plain to gorgeous, ribbons always add a little flair to our lives. In just a matter of minutes, placing a few pieces of curly ribbon on a table turns it from a boring place for a meal to a celebration waiting to happen! A ribbon is a small touch that can be vivid, elegant, colorful, cheerful or exciting.

I’d like to suggest that faith can be like ribbons in our life – part of us from the time someone begins to teach us about the grace and wonder of God. Faith enhances our life like the ribbon adds flair to our hair. It can take us from timid to bold when necessary. Faith causes us to celebrate joy in our life even during tough times. Faith prompts us to help carry the burden for others who aren’t strong enough to carry the load they might be called to bear. Faith creates a desire in us for being more than ordinary and causes us to strive for the extraordinary. Faith sees us thorough the storms of life and directs us to the sun and the rainbows.

Ribbons add so much to a woman’s life. Faith is so important to a woman’s life. Ribbons of Faith is an incredible combination! I pray that through our women’s ministry your Ribbons of Faith will be strengthened. -Vickie Thompson

Lessons from Olga

2009-08-08T12:02:00.001-05:00

I must confess, I am a Country Western music fan. I love those cheatin', hurtin', heart-breakin' songs. I always thought I preferred songs like "All My Exes Live in Texas", "He Stopped Lovin' Her Today", "I'm A Red-Neck Woman" or "Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" over anything by Chopin, Rachmoninoff, Lizt, or Scarletti. However, several months ago I had an experience of enlightenment at a recital where Olga Kern performed. Olga Kern won the gold medal at the Van Cliburn contest in 2001 in Fort Worth, Texas.

There was no Country Western music there. This music was written by some of the master composers of this world. I was amazed at Olga's concentration on the music - complicated music! I dare say a bomb could have gone off and she would not have noticed. This music was intricate. I'm not talking honky tonk music with a few chords here. I'm talking extravagant pieces that should have taken at least six hands to accomplish. Olga played those pieces with dedicated focus and the audience was enthralled in her performance. It was awesome!

During the intermission my friend and I went exploring in the lobby of the music hall. There was a board that had pictures of Olga with an interview of her by one of the music professors at TCU. I found Olga's answer to this question fascinating: "While in Fort Worth this week, you'll also teach at the PianoTexas Festival. What is the most important thing you hope to convey to the students?" Her answer was: "It is in our hands, the music of the great composers; we are responsible for how this music sounds. Through us, through the artists, their music is still alive. This is what I always try to give the students - inspiration, and a feeling of big love for what they do." What a responsibility and sense of obligation she feels for the music of the masters.

When I read her answer it reminded me of what I hold in my hands - the music of The Master Creator; His love, grace and mercy. I have a responsibility for how God's message sounds to those in my life. Through the Spirit working in me, His music is alive. I have an obligation to give those around me the inspiration and feeling of BIG LOVE for what God has done for us. I pray that I can be as dedicated to God's message as Olga Kern is to the music of the great composers. -Vickie Thompson

Think On These Things

2009-08-06T21:25:00.000-05:00

Paul tell us in Philippians 4:8 to think on these things: what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and wothy of praise. In this area of our blog we want to share scriptures, inspirational thoughts or praises that are special to you - perhaps something that has gotten you through one of the storms of life. Please post a comment that will help us in our positive thinking just as Paul has suggested.

Ministry Spotlight

2009-08-02T15:37:00.004-05:00

We have numerous ministries for the women of Pleasant Ridge. Check this spot often to discover where you might best use your talents. The spotlight will shine on a few ministries for a time, then others will be spotlighted. If you have an interest in receiving a Women's Ministry brochure detailing all the ministries and ministry leaders, send a message to vickiegg@sbcglobal.net or leave a comment on our blog (be sure to include your email address).

Kitchen Ministry - The best way to host a fellowhsip is to start with a clean, well-stocked kitchen. This ministry ensures that the kitchen is clean, well organized and convenient for cooking and serving food or refreshements whenever needed by the congregation. It also ensures that the equipment is in good working order and supplies are available as needed. Betty Encalade is the current Kitchen Ministry Leader. If you have a talent for organization and a heart for making sure our kitchen is in tip top shape to serve others, you may want to participate or help lead this ministry. It is a vital ministry of Pleasant Ridge, but also one that is a "behind the scenes" minsitry. If you have a shy quiet nature with a desire to serve, this might be the perfect ministry to particiapte in. Contact Betty Encalade, Virginia Clayton or the church office for more details.

Eternal Threads - Eternal Threads a not-for-profit organization in Abilene offering impoverished women from around the world opportunties to use their skills and initiative to earn a living. Women in countries such as India, Madagascar and Nepal apply their traditional crochet, lace making and silk weaving skills to make totes, jewelry and etc. SIS hosts Eternal Thread's "Gatherings" on a regular basis to offer this merchandise for purchase by the women of Pleasant Ridge. By doing so we help these women to feed their families and educate their daughters.

We have also taken on as a service project to support a survelliance team along the Nepal border. Every year 12,000 Nepali girls are trafficked into Indian brothels. Eternal Threads partners with local Ramesh Sapkota to combat this evil. Our survelliance teams save these girls from certain death and offer a safe place to stay and the opportunity to learn a skill such a sewing. To learn more or to purchase merchandise ladies can visit the Eternal Threads website: http://www.eternalthreads.com/.

Sisters In Scripture (SIS)
The women at Pleasant Ridge have several options for study, prayer, praise and support from other Christian Sisters.

On Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening opportunities are available to discuss family and spiritual issues applicable to their daily lives. On Wednesday evenings one may choose to attend a group for an uplifting devotional and fellowship. Another group of women, from various age groups, come together to study directly from the scriptures and discuss prayer concerns. This small group is conducive to intimacy and often allows the scriptural forum for confession, edification and support. Occasionally a topical study from a published workbook is also offered.

For a list of topics, times and current studies, please call the church office at (817) 478-8245

The GALS
This area of Women's Minitry is designed for the single woman over forty-five years of age. The objective of this ministry is to offer support and encouragement to women in this special group. By filling the need for spiritual, emotional and social growth they will be Glorifying A Loving Savior.

News

2009-08-01T15:38:00.003-05:00

We want to know what is going on in the lives of the women at Pleasant Ridge. If something special happens in your life, please let us know. If there is a burden we can help carry for you, we want to help. This blog is designed as another way to communicate, we ask that you help us by sending your news, concerns, or ideas to sueleejones@yahoo.com .