Purpose

The Holiday’s are over, the hustle and bustle has ended, the weather is FREEZING, New Year’s resolutions are failing, and it seems that the hurt in this world increases. It is as if our world has gone for an American high to a dramatic decline. Yet, I find the words of Paul to be a comfort not only in my life, but also in other people lives. Paul is telling the Church in Philippi to rejoice in all things. Rejoice and give thanks to God, even if your life seems to be falling apart. Paul was in prison while writing this letter and he does not grumble, in fact, Paul rejoices in His sufferings. He considers it pure JOY to be in chains for the Gospel. Paul is such an example of what it means to live a life for Christ. He writes to the Church in Philippi,

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

How often does one rejoice in the Lord always? How often does one feel the peace that transcends all understanding? The only way in which this can be possible in a sinful world is by the work of the Holy Spirit. God is the only one that can satisfy our desires. He is the only one that can give true peace and comfort in times of need. He is the only one that can guard our minds from going to deep, dark places. Christ is our all in all. Are we giving our thoughts, minds, hearts, body, and soul to Christ? Are we truly living a life that rejoices in the Lord, no matter what trials He may send us? Are we allowing God to invade each part of our life? Are we willing to stop trying to do this life on our own? For the Holy Spirit is the only one which can convict, and work out our faith, in order to live a life as Paul teaches us to. Philippians 2:12b-13

“-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”

Be comforted, dear friends, that one is not alone. It is not in one’s own strength that we can fulfill his purposes, but it is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Friday

Greetings!

This is a reminder that Steve and I are opening our home at 7pm for
Freedom House. Once again, we will have snacks so please eat before
you come. This time is meant for great food, fun, fellowship, and
discussion. If you have a fun game please bring it. Steve and I have
been playing a game called Settlers and would love to teach some of
you. If you have a very special snack you want to share, please bring
it! If you have any ideas for snack please let me know.

Love you all!

Cari

Christmas Party

We will be having our Freedom House Christmas Party at the Wolters’ on December 28th at 6:30pm.  Please note the time change.  We will be having a gift exchange, but their are some rules that must be followed in the gift exchange.  Here they are.

• The gift must be no more than $1.00 and that excludes tax.
• If the gift is free(no purchase necessary) it must be the value of a dollar.
• The gifts must be gender nuetral.
• If you cannot afford a dollar gift, I will have “extra’s” so that all can participate.
• The gift must only have the value of a dollar.  Anything nicer will  not be following the rules.
• Any questions, please e-mail Cari.

We will also be having dinner together.  Look for an e-mail in our yahoo group with more information on that.  I hope everyone is getting through this crazy time of year with exams, papers, and the Holiday hustle and bustle.  I love you guys and you are all in my prayers.

Hang out On Friday at 7pm

Hey Everyone!

We will be hanging out at the Wolters on Friday, November 30 at 7pm. If you would like to bring a snack feel free but otherwise just come as you are.  We will have snacks and beverages for the evening, so please eat before you come.  We are looking forward to it and see you soon!

No Bible Study for Next week

Due to all the Holiday hustle and bussel, I will not be posting on Ephesians 3 until Dec. 3.  So, for about two weeks you will not see me posting on the Freedom House yahoo Bible Study.  I will be giving my testimony on December 1, and much preparation goes into that.  I hope all the ladies will join us for that time (It is a Women Of Hope event, sorry guys!  I hope to see you there).  Also, remember that we will be meeting on the 30th of November for our “Hang out” time.  I love you all and pray God is leading and guiding you during this Holiday season.

Hang out Time has Changed!

Due to having unexpected Holiday guests for Thanksgiving, Steve and I will not be able to host our monthly “Hang out time” until the 30th of November.  Please mark your calendars for the 30th at 7pm.  We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope you all can make it.

Cari

Friday, October 26

Everyone is invited to our house for the annual Friday night hang out at 7pm.  We will be having a Fall Harvest party.  Please bring your favorite fall snack, beverage, or whatever reminds you of this great season God has brought us in.  I love fall time and my mom always made apple crisp for us.  I will be providing that along with coffee, but I am relying on you guys to bring some Fall snacks.  Please eat dinner before coming over because apple crisp is not going to be enough.  :)  Cannot wait to see everyone again.

More on Grace

Hi Everyone!

I have added an RSS feed for you all to check out Nancy Leigh DeMoss on the subject of Grace.  I wanted to write a post about it and I will at some point this week, but for now you can listen to what Nancy Leigh DeMoss says.  She is an excellent woman of God who speaks and teaches God’s Word boldly.  Her ministry is called Revive Our Hearts and she speaks to women, but I must say that what she has to say speaks to both men and women.  I encourage you to listen to the words of wisdom she has about God’s grace.  May you be blessed by it.  I certainly was!

Cari

Anyone meeting on Thursday?

As I have been studying and preparing for another e-mail on Ephesians, I thought about if anyone is going to be meeting for breakfast on Thursday.  I know that Raja is to training this week for her mission trip, but I know others wanted to discuss the Bible study.  This is up for discussion. 

Great Discussion

It is good to see that you guys are reading the Bible study material in the group.  God has really been stretching me to learn, grow, and go beyond the pages of the Bible into other study materials to help understand the deeper meaning of Ephesians.  I can actually say it has been really fun to learn!  You guys rock and I want you to know how much I appreciate each and every one of you.  Happy studies and discussion!