Hello, Sisters:

Over the last 6 months or so, I and my siblings have been working to help our mother prepare for an auction. It has been a very stressful time. For any of you who have been down that road you know all about the emotional journey that takes place as you help your loved ones through this life transition of going from independent life to assisted living. The heartache of sorting through what you should keep and what you should sell is a challenge. Making those decisions about the "personal" pieces of one's past is extremely difficult. Even when it's all over you continue to second-guess yourself wondering if you did the right thing.

In the midst of the struggle and hard work, we ran across some wonderful items and found ourselves in some hilarious situations. In the coming months, I can't wait to share "auction" stories with you as I recap parts of our adventure. There are lots of experiences, heirlooms and crazy finds that will be fun to tell you about and I know buried deep in every story is a life-lesson straight from the heart of God. Sharing these stories with you, my sisters, will be a healing process for me as you laugh, cry and hear me through. So, without further ado, let's get started!

My mother is an avid reader. She has been a reader since she was a little girl. It would not be uncommon for her to read 2-3 books a week. In our little hometown library, my mother has had the same library number since she was old enough to read. You can pull just about any book off the library shelf and you will find mom's number stamped on nearly every book, at least once. Needless to say, since she has a passion for reading she has quite a collection of books. That passion is hereditary. My daughter has the same love for books, but we will save that for a future story.

I ran across a precious book called "The Art of Living." It is a collection of stories from Reader's Digest with a copyright from 1958. There are some adorable, compelling and convicting stories. One story I would like to share with you is called "The Art of Understanding People" written by Clarence W. Hall, condensed from Christian Herald in May, 1956. Here goes! This is a great lesson and message for all of us. I hope you enjoy excerpts from this story!

THE ART OF UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE

"It is amazing how the habit of searching out the best in others enlarges our own souls"

One of the richest hours of my life was spent in the company of a woman who had just turned 80. Though she had been buffeted by what seemed more than her share of ill fortune, Miss Emily had created more happiness for herself and her neighbors than anyone else I've know. For years her humble home was a refuge for the troubled in heart. I asked the secret of her serenity and she replied: "I found it when I overcame the bad habit of judging others."

There is no other quirk of human nature so common or so malicious. All of us at one time or another has been guilty of this cruelty. And many of us have been the butt of it.

A prominent minister says, "I have heard people confess to breaking every one of the Ten Commandments except the ninth: 'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.' Yet this is the one we all break most often." What irreparable damage has been done to innocent people by thoughtless indulgence in this vice!

When a neighbor asked Mohammed how he might make amends for falsely accusing a friend, he was told to place a goose feather on each doorstep in the village. The next day Mohammed said, "Now go and collect the feathers." The man protested, "That's impossible - a wind blew all night, and the feathers are scattered beyond recall." "Exactly," said Mohammed, "and so it is with the reckless words you spoke against your neighbor."

Hazel Warner tells of a woman who was forever complaining about the untidiness of her neighbor. One day she gleefully drew a friend to her window and said, "Look at those clothes on the line, gray and streaked!" The friend replied gently, "If you'll look more closely, I think you'll see that it's your windows, not her clothes that are dirty."

The article goes on to say that the habit of judging others tends to reveal about us that unattractive character flaw, self righteousness. Our very attitude seems to say: I must be good, look at all the bad I'm finding in others. Christ's classic rebuke to self-appointed judges was, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone." I heard of a businessman who keeps on his desk a stone with the word "First" lettered on it - a strong reminder.

A recent (mid 1950's) poll of American clergymen brought out four simple rules for overcoming the habit of judging others. First, be sure you know all the facts, so that your evidence is not merely circumstantial. Second, remember that, however certain another's guilt may seem there may be extenuating circumstances. Third, give your habit of judging others a "reverse twist" by focusing on the graces of people, not their faults. And finally, leave all judgments of others' sin to God. Arrogating to ourselves the functions of the Deity is as presumptuous as it is irreverent.

"The separation of people into sheep and goats will take place only on the Last Day," Bishop Fulton J. Sheen warns. "Until then we are forbidden to make the classification."

Amen, Bishop Sheen! Thanks to Reader's Digest for this beautiful write-up. I hope it encourages you. One of the closing paragraphs says this, "Develop the habit of seeing the good in people. Comment on it. Practice the art of good gossip. It is amazing how this habit of searching out the best in others enlarges our own souls. Look in your mirror when you are inclined to pronounce harsh judgment on another and see how crabbed you look. Then speak well of someone and watch kindliness flood your face. Wow! Sounds like the perfect strategy for a face-lift or better yet a faith-lift!

Cheryle Jaggers
Women's Ministry Coordinator

WOMEN'S MINISTRY EVENT REMINDER

The Holiday Bazaar - This Saturday, November 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wilson Fellowship Hall
First Baptist Hendersonville

Calling all shoppers!!! Don't miss this chance to get a head start on your holiday shopping. Join us this Saturday for our 4th annual Women's Ministry Holiday Bazaar. Shop for beautiful, handmade and specialty items. Admission is free! We look forward to you sharing your Saturday with us as we sponsor this community event and raise money for outreach and missions right here in Sumner County and beyond. Get your purses ready and brace yourself for an exciting day of fellowship, fun and best of all shopping!

Dear Sisters:

As I think about my past, I celebrate the special people who came into my life over the years. God has sent to me incredible women who have helped me become the woman I am today. Make no mistake, I have not yet "arrived" and I have a long way to go in becoming the woman God has purposed me to be. The truth is, we will never reach perfection, but with God's help and the gift of those he places in our lives we can certainly strive in the direction of perfection. I have often thought what my life would be like right now had I not had the benefit of the love of these women selected by God to come my way. They came from all walks of life, women armed to impact my personal, professional and spiritual life with their skills, love, talents, testimonies, their stories and most of all their passion and commitment to God. I am different because of each of them. I am saved by their unfailing dedication to take this life and live it to the fullest, living it with purpose, hope, fulfillmen t and impact. These mentors swept into my life and they poured into me and because of these fabulous women, I am forever transformed and the circumstances of my life journey are forever changed.

My daughter leaves for college tomorrow. She has started packing her personal items. Her shirts are piled and folded neatly on her bed. Her garments will soon find a new home in a college dorm dresser, one of which many young freshman girls have used during their college adventure. Her dorm room will come alive and take on a new personality as she splashes the room with her own flair. She is embarking on a new adventure and I am so proud of the young woman she has become. Bright, funny, intelligent, creative and on and on the list could go. I was reflecting this morning about all the different stages of her life, remembering what life was like when she was a baby, a toddler, a child, a teen and now my college student. A picture sits on my kitchen counter. This morning the picture spoke some truths to me as I am reflecting during this sentimental, bittersweet day. In the photo Kendall is about 6 years old and her great-grandmother is holding her in a tight embrace and gently k issing her forehead. Kendall is nestled up close and has willingly given in to the moment. The looks on their faces spell out the joys of their relationship. In the photo, Mamaw is in her 80's and Kendall is just beginning her life. Mamaw is gone now, but the fragrance of her impact still remains. As Kendall leaves for a new life chapter, she will pull out of our drive-way a fabulous person. Unfortunately, I can't take all the credit. She too has a list of women like Mamaw who have poured into her life. Women from all walks of life have come to her in all the various stages of her journey. How she lives her life, the decisions she will make, the choices she will land on will be weighed against the criteria set in place by her treasured mentors who have patterned their lives after our amazing God.

Two very special women from our church are taking Kendall to lunch today to celebrate her upcoming birthday and to pray for her, a perfect send off for tomorrow. I can tell you that the impact of their love and Godly example will serve as a garment Kendall will proudly wrap herself in. Her character forever impacted, her life forever changed. When she is faced with challenge or heartache or when her life calls for celebration her mom, of course, will be readily available. But the phone lines and lines to the hearts of her great mentors and friends are always open, too. Their voices of encouragement are only a phone call, text or email away.

If you are hungry for relationship or if you need encouragement as you walk through this season of your life, I invite you to consider our Kindred Souls ministry. In this ministry you can find hope, joy and celebration in your journey as you connect with a mentor who will love you through your challenges and laugh with you in your good times and cheer you on when you need a lift. The ingredients of God's word, her love and her personal life experience, cook up a beautiful recipe for an impactful relationship. Details about how you can get involved in Kindred Souls are listed at the end of this email. Also, I have included a writing in this email about a woman who connected with Kindred Souls during a dark time in her life. Please read her words of celebration as she pours out her story to encourage and inspire you. Her identity will remain anonymous as she bears her soul in celebration of her mentor, her God and the power of relationship.

A Kindred Souls Journey

I was sure I had made a mistake of a lifetime. God must not have meant for me to marry my husband because our marriage stunk! It had been five years since we said, "I do," and instead of enjoying an exciting partnership, we were enduring a boring, autonomous existence. We tried hard to act happily married for our nine-month-old daughter, family and friends.

Alone in our quiet home with the baby, I grew more downhearted each day. Countless hours were wasted picking apart my husband's every flaw. His opinions and responses (not only from the present, but also from five years ago!) to just about everything irritated me. His lack of spiritual leadership made me feel I had to shoulder that responsibility. This was neither the dream guy nor the fairytale life I had hoped for. We were clearly incompatible.

"Had we only sought more wisdom and counsel and prayed more while dating?" I inwardly sighed. "Had I ever really been in love to begin with?" In retrospect, I had "lost that lovin' feeling" after about the first year. I felt zapped. In spite of my feelings, I had a mustard-seed-size faith that somehow God was deeper than this pit. But I needed help understanding the God I had apparently boxed in.

I chose not to reach out to friends for counsel because I wanted them to continue to like my husband. Besides, all of them appeared blissful; they probably couldn't relate. Telling my mom too much would further impair my parents' relationship with my husband. When I heard about our church's mentoring program, Kindred Souls, I attended the informational meeting, reluctant that I would find a mentor skilled enough with God's Word to apply it to my situation. I was happily surprised.

Through Kindred Souls, I received a mentor and established a meeting arrangement that was an answer to prayer. She was a phase or two ahead of me in life: in the midst of raising teenagers. She radiated hope and I was drawn to her. Owner and operator of her own business, she suggested I bring my baby along to our weekly meetings. I didn't even have to worry with a sitter! Meeting during the day left our evenings free for family time.

During our first meeting, I sort of emotionally vomited on her, a faux-pas the program rightfully advises mentees (those being mentored) not to do during your initial meetings. But I just laid it all out there; my exact feelings. I wanted my mentor to know what she was up against. She didn't even flinch. She actually said I was normal. Normal?

My mentor cheered me through a 30-day husband encouragement challenge that immediately changed the mood of our home. She taught me that my thoughts of making a mistake were not of God, but Satan. To be honest, that advice took me the full six months of our mentorship to accept. Most of our time together was spent with the Word open, her listening to my weekly update, then sharing applicable scripture.

My marital recovery didn't heal completely overnight. I hit frustrating snags. For example, months into my mentoring program, I told my husband that I loved him, but still didn't feel like I loved him. That hurt him because he was hopeful that things were better. So many times I responded negatively to him. Even though I was spending time with God daily, my heart was like a rollercoaster, turned toward Christ one minute, then bitter about my marriage the next.

Thankfully, I didn't have to hide my blunders with my mentor. I appreciated her friendship and her service (though she claimed she got more out of it than I did). Knowing she was lifting us up in prayer gave me peace. God was investing His resources into our marriage. How could we not have hope?

One of the best pieces of advice my Kindred Souls mentor offered was that just because I may not observe my husband spending a lot of time in God's Word doesn't mean he's not relating with God. Men operate different than women, including spiritually.

"You never know," she said. "He might experience God with some Christian guys while out on the basketball court or something."

Realizing that God wired us differently, I let go of the spiritual reigns. God would relate with my husband on His terms-God didn't need my advice.

My mentor's advice was right on. Shortly after I trusted God with my husband's growth and focused instead on my own walk, he and two guys from our Sunday school formed a weekly accountability group. The trio decided to meet early on Saturdays so as not to conflict with family time. On his only day to sleep in, he awoke before daylight to spend time in prayer, scripture and Christian fellowship. I felt ashamed for having misjudged his heart for the Lord.

A few months into his accountability group, I noticed him reacting to life with more peace and self-control. He opened up about what God was doing in and around him and we began having intimate times of sharing, prayer and even consistent Bible studies together.

He had changed, but I had too. My mentor had helped me fall deeper in love with God's Word and had made prayer exciting. I no longer felt I was the only one with such struggles. I began to see so much good in our marriage I wondered how I could ever have thought otherwise. With the veil lifted, I could see that God had awesome and exciting plans for our life. In fact, I realized that my struggles had little to do with my husband or our marriage, but much more to do with my trusting God, his sovereignty, his goodness and his ability to work out all things for good (Rom. 8:28).

In addition to helping me not get a divorce (seriously), my mentor helped me achieve a life of order and discipline through prioritization. We read the practical book, "Simple Ways to a Better Life." Making the most of each day, I have found more time to focus on life's important things: intimacy with God, blessing my partner, and plenty of one-on-one play time with our baby girl.

God saved us from our marital pit and though I know we will face struggles in the future, God will always be bigger! Like the woman in Proverbs 31, I "can laugh at the days to come."

Because I have been blessed through Kindred Souls, I desire to comfort others as I have been comforted (2 Cor. 1:4). Likewise, I would encourage any woman to use her struggles, failures and experiences and encourage a younger woman as described in Titus 2. I can assure you that they are hungry for it.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Kindred Souls (Woman to Woman Mentoring) Informational Coffee Sunday, August 14 It has been proven that discipleship and growth are best accomplished through the context of relationship. Our Kindred Souls ministry is designed to help you connect on a deeper level in the areas of accountability, prayer, encouragement and discipleship, through one-on-one intentional friendships. Women's Ministry invites you to join us on this journey of mentoring through our Kindred Souls Ministry. This Sunday, August 14 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Hearthside Room, we will host an informational coffee. Come to the coffee and learn all about this powerful ministry. Can't make the coffee? No worries. The beauty of this ministry is that you can enroll at anytime. There are no deadlines, schedules or timeframes to consider. Let us help you find your partner in encouragement. To find out more about this mentoring ministry or to enroll, contact Mary Jane Payne for additional details at 319-4992 or mjpayne72@bellsouth.net. Be intentional. Get encouragement. Connect and sign up today!

The Timothy Initiative is coming! This Wednesday night August 17 Looking for a Bible Study this fall? Then consider registering for one of our classes offered through the Timothy Initiative. The Timothy Initiative is a strategic disciple making plan for First Baptist Church. Classes, taught by our Adult Education Ministers, begin on August 17 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. For a complete menu of classes offered, course descriptions or to register for a class, click here. and click on the Timothy Initiative frame. We look forward to you joining us on Wednesday nights this fall. Enroll today and begin your discipleship journey.

Women's Ministry Mission Trip to Knoxville, TN - October 21-23
Calling all women! Join us on mission as we travel to East Tennessee in October to minister to women and families in the Knoxville area. The deadline to register for the trip is August 28. The cost of the trip is $100.00 per person. Applications should be submitted to Donna Milewski in the Missions Office, along with a $50.00 deposit to secure your space for the trip. The first team meeting is Sunday, August 28, 4:00 - 5:00 in 1115 (Glass Room) in the Weekley Building. We hope to see you then!

Holiday Bazaar Vendor Application Day - Monday, September 12
During our "Holiday Bazaar Vendor Application Day" Vendor Applications will be available on Monday, September 12 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at our "Caf? Connect" restaurant located near our Family Ministry Center Entrance. We will be receiving applications until 10:00 a.m. To reserve your space for the Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 5, we must receive a completed vendor application/agreement and your registration fee. You may obtain a vendor application on the 12th. Take time to fill out your application and turn it in with your vendor registration fee and signed vendor agreement that morning.

Chosen - A Ministry for Widows

Potluck for Young Chosen-August 25
For an evening of fellowship and fun join the Young Chosen Group in the Hearthside Room at 6:00 pm. Bring a dish for the potluck celebration and share the evening with special friends and great food. For additional information please contact Kim Easter at 417-7501 or keaster02@gmail.com.

Classic Chosen-September 13
Classic Chosen will host a potluck dinner/game night in Weekley Room 1103 at 6:00 p.m. Bring a dish and a game to share. Please RSVP to Tish Wright at 452-5284 or tishwright@bellsouth.net

Women of Worth- August 20
The Women of Worth house focuses on helping women transition from incarceration to independent Christian lifestyle. The team travels to the WOW house in Nashville every third Tuesday night of the month and departs from the Weekley Building at 6:00 p.m. To find out how you can plug in to this local mission project, contact Janet Hutton at 491-8567 or janet@atkinsoncompany.com. Can't join the team on the road? Then consider donating to the August campaign as we collect detergent: laundry, sink and fabric softener for the WOW House.

Gallatin Jail Ministry - September 1
Want to participate in an outreach project right here in Sumner County? Then consider joining the Gallatin Jail ministry team the first Thursday night of every month. The group leaves for Gallatin at 6:00 p.m. from the Weekley Building entrances. Join us in sharing the love of Christ to women incarcerated at the Gallatin Jail. To join us on mission or for questions about this ministry contact Bethany Crain at 405-4129 or bethanyjocrain@gmail.com

"You put your left foot in; you put your right foot in and then you shuffle all about." This dance is no Hokey Pokey; it's a dance with serious moves, one that every beach lover should know. It's the Stingray Shuffle. You beach bums out there know what I am talking about. It's the shuffle you have to perform as you enter the water during sting ray season. It's really quite easy. If you don't know the shuffle, allow me to give you a dance lesson. Here's how you do it. Just shuffle your feet back and forth on the ocean floor when you get into the water, which warns the rays you are there. They will clear out.

This summer on a trip to Clearwater, Florida, I had to dance many times as I entered the water. The little stinkers were everywhere. My husband, with some very practical advice, suggested that I consider wearing water shoes. But, no, this gal couldn't bear the thought of a beach trip without the sand between my toes. So, I passed on his sensible suggestion as I without good sense typically do, and took my chances. I think I was looking for a good excuse to do some dancing. The waves can draw you into that sort of thing.

The water was calm and clear so I could easily see the activity on the ocean floor. The stingrays were quite fascinating. As I shuffled in, I saw a stingray dart out from near my foot. He scurried away, but settled just a bit away within eyeshot. I watched him bury himself in the sand. It was quite an incredible scene. He nestled down packing the sand on top of him. If I had not watched him bury himself, there would be no way I would have been able to see him. I walked up to him and shuffled again. Off he went doing the same thing. I played like this for quite awhile. It was intriguing. Stingrays are impossible to see when they decide to burrow themselves in the sand. They are hard enough to spot when they are exposed because they are the exact same color as the ocean floor. I just had to sharpen my dance skills and shuffle the rest of the trip.

Several years ago we took a trip to the Cayman Islands. We went on an adventure to a place called Stingray City. We took a boat ride many miles out through the ocean. Suddenly we saw a sandbar and there were hundreds of stingrays, big stingrays I might add, swimming around in the shallow water of the sandbar. Legend has it (and according to a website) that many years ago local fishermen stopped in the area to clean their daily catch. The fishermen discarded the unwanted fish parts into the water which attracted hordes of Southern Stingrays to the area. As the fishermen arrived the Stingrays would gather awaiting their free meal. The Stingrays began to associate the sound of a boat engine with their free meal. Eventually local divers realized the rays could be fed by hand and were docile.

The southern stingrays are located in the shallow waters of the northwest corner of Grand Cayman's North Sound. It is just inside a natural channel that passes through the barrier reef and consists of a string of sand bars that crosses the North Sound from Morgan Harbor to Rum Point. The area is a popular attraction where the rays are found in abundance and visitors can feed, pet, and interact with the animals.

Of all the experiences I have had in my lifetime Stingray City makes the top of the list. We jumped in the water and suddenly there were hundreds of stingrays swimming with us. We could pet them, feed them, ride them or just stand and watch them as they captivated us with their beauty and grace as they would fly through the water. It was a little unnerving at first, because the expectation was that we were swimming with demons with barbs. Those demon barbs had serrated surfaces like bread knifes that could stab us releasing harmful venom. Or, if attacked near a vital organ could cause death. We were not at Sea World where the barbs on the rays are clipped. No these guys were barbed, and through a freak of nature, they were not armed for harm. They were ready for action, but not the expected kind. They were hungry for gentle interaction. They felt soft to the touch and after being in the water for awhile, I totally forgot I was swimming with what could be deadly creatures. The y were gentle, kind, breath taking creatures and I was caught up in their majesty.

My experience with the stingrays reinforced the magnificence and creativity of God. God revealed himself to me through this phenomenon of nature. In those moments I had fellowship with God and I experienced Him in a unique way like never before. He gave me a picture of Himself, of His power, of His greatness, of His friendship and of His trust.

Who is this God who chooses to create the ocean and stock it full of the most interesting creatures? He did not have to give us such diversity, but He is such a creative mastermind that His gift to us from the ocean and nature in general had to be packed with variety and creativity to stop us in our tracks. I am intrigued by His creation, both big and small.

God has left evidence of Himself in the world He has created for you. Creation is one of God's ways of communicating Himself to you. There are five "nature psalms" in the Bible. They are found in Psalms Chapters 8, 19, 29, 104 and 148. Go to the book of Psalms this week and pick one. You might consider reading one of these as you watch the sunrise or watch the sun set. If you are really lucky, you might have the privilege of sitting by the ocean while you read a nature Psalm. Perhaps you will be vacationing in the mountains. Enhance your experience with the mountains with an inspiring word. In your own back yard, consider reading while you watch a butterfly do her thing or you listen to a gentle rain. Or read a Psalm and then simply marvel at your child and celebrate how she is wonderfully made. Treasure the fact that God chose to create her and chose to give her to you. While reading, my guess is that God will reveal Himself to you and touch your heart so you will discover s omething new about Him. All you have to do is look for Him, sisters. I promise, He is there waiting to extend His heart, His hand and all of who He is. Take Him in and rest in the creator today. The music of His love just might move you to praise Him with a dance.

Cheryle Jaggers Women's Ministry Coordinator

Upcoming Events in Women's Ministry

MISSIONS AND OUTREACH

Back Pack Night - Wednesday, July 27
We hope to see you this Wednesday night in the Weekley Building room 3309 at 6:00 p.m. to help stuff backpacks with school supplies as we prepare for the Back-to-school fair. It will be a great opportunity to work together as a church family.

Back to School Fair - Saturday, July 30th. There is still time to sign up to help with the Back to School Fair this Saturday at the Shalom Zone in Gallatin, TN beginning at 10:00 a.m. We need you to help us love on our community through this incredible block party. If you want to make balloon animals, serve snow cones, do some face painting, coordinate games or serve popcorn, jump on board this local community mission. To work the fair just give Anita Jacobs, Women's Ministry Outreach Coordinator a shout at 452-1071.

Women's Ministry Hands On Mission Trip - Informational Meeting - Sunday, August 10 Meet us in the Hearthside Room at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday night August 10 to find out how you can join us on mission to Knoxville, TN on October 21, 22 and 23. Janet Hutton has all the details and you can contact her at 491-8567 or janet@atkinsoncompany.com for more information.

Women's Jail Ministry August 4th-Join a group of ladies as they minister to women in the Sumner County Jail. For more information contact Bethany Crain at 405-4129 or bethanyjocrain@gmail.com

Women of Worth-August 16 Be a special part in helping women transition from incarceration to independent Christian lifestyle. To find out how you can plug in contact Janet Hutton at 491-8567 or janet@atkinsoncompany.com. Can't join the team on the road? Then consider donating to the August campaign as we collect detergent: laundry, sink and fabric softener for the WOW House.

Kindred Souls Coffee - Sunday, August 14. Kindred Souls is a ministry designed to connect women for the purpose of growing together in Christ. If you desire accountability, prayer, encouragement in discipleship or friendship, then Kindred Souls is a must for your spiritual journey. No matter your age or situation, God can do amazing things through the Biblical process of mentoring. Join us for an informational coffee to hear more information and to start your journey of encouragement. Call Mary Jane Payne to register for the coffee or to discuss details at 319-4992 or mjpayne72@bellsouth.net.

Chosen - A Ministry for Widows. Classic Chosen will meet at Mimi's at 6:00pm on August 9th. Young Chosen meets each 4th Thursday off campus. For additional information please contact Kim Easter at 417-7501 or keaster02@gmail.com.

Discipleship

The Timothy Initiative is coming! Wednesday night August 17 The Timothy Initiative is a strategic disciple making plan for First Baptist Church. Register for classes or find out more information through our church website. Join us on Wednesday nights in August by enrolling in courses intentionally designed to help all of us fulfill the mandate of Jesus to make disciples (Matt 28:19).

Save the Date

The Holiday Bazaar - Saturday, November 5th Our annual Holiday Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, November 5th. Mark your calendars to attend this treasured event in Women's Ministry. Watch the church bulletin and website for more details.

Dear Sisters:

I ran across a journal entry I had written several years ago. I wrote down some specifics about a road trip experience and I wanted to share it with you. Here goes!

Journal Entry - October, 2004

We are traveling this weekend - just me and Rick. We spent the night in Roanoke, Virginia and headed out early this morning.

We got just on the outskirts of Bedford, VA and we ran out of gas. We had landed in front of a small, white house. It was a little home and it sat far away from the main road. We were out in the country, in the hills of Virginia and it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. Rick walked to the house to see if they had any gas. I'm from the country myself and we always had gas for a mower or a tractor on hand. We were hoping the folks in this house would have gas on hand as well.

Luckily, the mother said they could help us and her teenage son brought the gas to the car. After emptying the gas into the car, Rick paid the young man. His mom did not really want him to take the money. The boy's eyes lit up at the sight of the $20 bill and we knew we had to insist that he take the money.

I began to think about that experience. According to the gas gauge, we had enough gas. We initially thought we were having a more serious car problem than just running out of gas. So what was that experience all about? I believe it was about a couple of things. First, for us, it was about total faith that God would provide. It was odd. I somehow knew in my spirit that this family had what we needed. I am certain God spoke that into my heart. I also think the God stop was for that family. Just from an outsider's glance, these precious folks seemed to have very little. I believe God provided something for them through the money. Somehow I think it paid the electric bill or provided them with some groceries. There's my journal entry. I had forgotten about that story. Of course I remembered it immediately when I stumbled on those words in my journal. The memories of that experience flooded over me as I read them for the first time in several years.

You may be traveling this week or you may be staying close to home. Regardless of where you are going to be, God might place people in your life who are in need. Be on the lookout! You may find yourself in a frustrating situation, but in the midst of that you may encounter a divine appointment. Ask God, "What is it you want to do in and through me to draw someone closer to you in this situation?" Allow God to help you see past your circumstances and look at the scenario with spiritual eyes. You may be in those circumstances by design. He knows what people need and He just might be looking to you to fill a need in their life. Galatians 6:2 tells us to "share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." So, lift a load sister! Help someone on life's road. Who knows, someone might be "out of gas"; maybe not in the literal sense. Perhaps they just need enough fuel (or hope) to make it on down the road. Allow yourself to be the vessel and let God bring the blessing. Let your goodness flow and be a load lifter.

Cheryle Jaggers
Women's Ministry Coordinator

Upcoming Events for Women's Ministry

• Back to School Mission Project - click here
• Backpack Night - click here
• Back to school Fair - click here
• Coming This Fall - The Timothy Initiative Join the excitement as we launch this fresh, new discipleship series. Check it out! See what the Timothy Initiative can do in your life and in the lives of others as we live out the great Commission; to go and make disciples.

Dear Sisters:

I can't believe this day has finally arrived. My girl will be graduating from High School in just a few days. It seems like yesterday I was dropping her off for her first day of Kindergarten. I can still see her so tiny and a bit fearful of her first day of school. She was reluctant to stay, but she mustered up an enormous amount of bravery and entered the classroom. I didn't want to leave, but I had to let go of her. I think the whole experience was harder for me than it was for her. I cried all the way home. Now I have another hurdle to cross. This one is huge. We will smile, celebrate and get a bit misty during the graduation. When I leave her behind at college, she will be reluctant to stay, but will muster up an enormous amount of bravery to stay on campus. I will not want to leave her, but I will have to let her go. And I will absolutely cry all the way home! The drive and the cry will be much longer this time.

As I have been preparing for her graduation celebration, I put together picture collages from every age of her life. I had so much fun sorting through pictures, being reminded of how much fun it has been being her mother. Each segment of her life has been such a blast, and though things will be different, I know the best is yet to come. I am so excited about what God is going to do in her life. It will be thrilling to watch Jeremiah 29:11 unfold as God reveals His plans for her. With His power, strength, love and common grace, she will do great things for His kingdom.

Kendall wrote a letter to me and Rick. With her permission, I want to share segments of my letter with all of you. Here goes; straight from the heart of my girl. I treasure every word!

"I put a great amount of thought into how I should start this letter and what exactly I want to say. I guess the first thing that you should know is how much I love and appreciate all that you have done for me for all my life. You have been shaping my character for more than seventeen years and I can only hope that I showcase the excellent upbringing that you have given me. Any success that I have in my life, I owe to the two of you. There are so many things that I feel that I need to say before my high school career ends, and I would like to say something to you both individually.

Mom, I will never be able to put into words how much you mean to me. There are very few girls that I know that truly like their moms, instead of simply loving them because they have to. I cherish the fact that I am always able to say, "Yeah, I'm friends with my mom." I so appreciate the fact that you have never stifled me in any way by trying to force me into the role of the "perfect daughter". I know that I have the liberty to go, live my life, and be who I want without having to worry about gaining your approval. You have the type of contagious joy that spreads to everyone and such happiness is the reason that people love you so much. You are a role model for a multitude of young girls, including myself. There is a reason that there is a consensus among the senior class as to who has the coolest mom, and that decision has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with you.

It is because of you that I can find humor in anything, knock down the obstacles in my way, and the reason that I claim Ephesians 3:20. Our God has done remarkable things with you, a country girl from Indiana and I am confident that he will do great things with this city girl from Tennessee.

The memories that I cherish most are the ones that I have spent with you. Halloween wouldn't be the same without cooking pumpkin seeds and Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without baking cookies that will never be eaten. Whether we are hysterically crying through a movie or rolling on the floor laughing, those memories are the ones that we can't forget. No matter how big I get, just know that I will never outgrow my mom. If I ever need a person to talk to, you are my only choice. I know that there will never be too many tears for you to dry or a wound bigger than Mom has a band-aid for.

When I go off to college in the fall, I will be that same little girl that stood beaming as I headed off to kindergarten thirteen years before. I will always be that girl dancing on the beach, wearing a baseball cap when all the other girls are wearing dresses, and waking up at seven on Christmas morning to see what treasures Santa left for me. I will always be eager to find a bargain at a yard sale, kicking off my shoes when they get too uncomfortable and rubbing my nose when I laugh. I will always be your little girl."

Thank you, Shug, for those precious words. To all the moms (and dads) out there who are "letting go", I have a scripture to share with you. A very special friend of mine dropped a card on my desk. She wanted me to know that during this crazy time of transition, she loved me and is praying for me. How sweet of her to think of me, she too has a daughter graduating in a few days. She is clinging to Isaiah 42:16 - "I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them, and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not forsake them." Let's be prayerfully dependent on God on behalf of each other and trust our children to his unfailing love and guidance. With that scripture, God's promises and a purse stuffed with Kleenex, I will be just fine...and so will you! Love you, sisters.

Cheryle Jaggers
Women's Ministry Coordinator

What's Happening?

Looking for a Home mission project? Help us collect school supplies for needy children in Sumner County, with a focus on the Shalom Zone in Gallatin. Although students are just finishing the school year, we are gearing up early for our "Back to School" campaign. Women's Ministry invites you to join us during the months of June and July in donating supplies to this incredible local outreach. Below is a list of needed items. Look for drop-off boxes throughout the church. Thanks in advance for "holding the rope" and helping us make a difference right here in our corner of the world.

Supplies Needed:

• Crayons
• Colored pencils
• Washable markers
• Pencils
• Pens
• Glue
• Scissors
• Rulers spiral notebooks
• Folders
• Notebook paper
• Plastic school boxes
• Erasers
• Dry erase markers