Personally, I need to say: THANKS to Roxanne, Christina and Tammy who helped me take eons of photos out of magnetic albums this month. (I learned from the no photos at the tea fiasco and took photos Friday. ::snort::) You gave me a precious gift with your friendship and work....peace of mind and the mandate to leave the project unfinished and "get a book" instead of albums for the PCS trip.
Check with Debbie, watch the Protestant News, your email box and this blog to hear about upcoming PWOC Summer Activities.
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
Bldg 136
Doors open from 5:00 p.m. - midnight
Bring a munchie to share
Bring a project to work on (this is not a craft class and no supplies will be provided or sold)
RSVP to Debbie (address in sidebar/phone in Protestant News) or De'Etta
While dinner is not provided, several do walk over to Subway and grab a bit together.
Note: If you don't have a project to work on, several are going to be removing years of De'Etta's photos from magnetic albums before the packers arrive - AGAIN. ::snort::
No childcare is provided for this event. Stay as long as you can.
The following women through prayer and discussions have agreed to step into leadership roles for the 2009/2010 PWOC year.
Debbie H (President), Tammy L (1st VP Spiritual Life), Bobbie Jo G (Administrative Coordinator). These ladies will be installed on the 19th (see post below). Join me in praying for our new board as they step into their roles. Thank you so much ladies for answering the call of God to servant leadership.
There are a lot of ways YOU can be involved in PWOC, pray about the list below and then talk to one of the board members. Debbie will be appointing several board positions in the following weeks:
Here are some ways you may want to serve without holding a board position:
{Psst....I'll try to get a photo of our ladies Tuesday night, but I didn't want to let this brief moment in the midst of moving madness disappear!}
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
19 May
Fellowship Hall
6:30 - 8:00 or so...
Main entrees will be provided by PWOC via Olive Garden. Talk with Debbie (email in side bar or info in Protestant News) about bringing a side dish.
We plan to install our 2009-2010 Executive Board, say farewell to a few ladies, and enjoy a bit of end of the year fellowship.
We'd love all ladies to attend, regardless of your previous PWOC involvement.
*NOTE: There will be no children's ministry provided on this evening.
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
The Army Chief of Chaplains has issued a proclamation making today a "global day of fasting and prayer for the protection, preservation, and peace of military families."
Share your BEST PCS tips below! Things you've learned by "trial and error", gems that were shared with you, things you THINK would be good to do on your next PCS....Don't be shy....I know some of our ladies were Military Spouses for a LONG time..... others have recently pcs'd and the experience is fresh in your mind.Choosing Joy! De'Etta
Are you aware that you can input any passage of Scripture into the search box above and go directly to tools for study? The Strong's numbers are listed for you, several Bible dictionaries are available, several translations are listed... Looking for the reference of some phrase you remember from a sermon or previous reading? Type in the phrase and the search engine will give you the reference.LISTEN to well known Bible teachers right at your computer (or download for your mp3 player). Have you ever listened to Elisabeth Elliot (widow of martyred missionary Jim Elliot)? I find her motivating and easy to listen to. Pastor Chuck Smith (founder of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa) has a virtual audio commentary of the entire Bible uploaded. Some of us remember the daily radio broadcasts on Christian radio from J. Vernon McGee as he "walked through the Bible" in the 1970's and 1980's. There are many other speakers available. You can also Google your favorite speaker to find mp3 files free online. Both Sue Edwards and Beth Moore, authors of our recent studies, have teachings available online.
Bible Gateway is another great site to visit when you are studying. I haven't found as many useful language tools on their site but they have an amazing list of Bible Translations that you can check out.
Enjoy the free tools available on the Internet.....and remember, Bible STUDY is not only for overachievers....."Be DILIGENT to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth". 2 Timothy 2:15 (Holman Christian Standard Bible). Yeah, before you tell me you have no plan to TEACH the word of truth....consider your life...do you have children, friends, co-workers who would benefit from you being able to correctly, accurately and clearly share the word of life? We are ALL teachers at some point in our lives. No outs on this one. ::snort::
Have you discovered some great Christian study tools? If so, share the links in the comment section. See you Tuesday!
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
He was the wonderful chef who cooked and entertained us at March's Ladies Day out. Some were a bit unsure of what Japanese food would taste like, but we loved it. This was a fun break in the midst of a busy season. 
Deb Easterling, one of Central Region's Titus 2's has posted a great devotional. Hop on over, read it, apply it, tell her how it blessed you!
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
Tonight at Bible Study we somehow got off on a discussion of a chronological Bible reading plan..... This site has 5 Bible Reading plans - 50 translations - and you can start on any date of the year. Check it out.
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
A reminder that we are off this week due to Spring Break. We resume our study of Proverbs on 24 March at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall. There will be no children's ministry on the 24th. We will be discussing lesson 2.
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
Pat B brought this to our fellowship a few Sundays ago. It was wonderful. When I commented on how yummy it was, Pat shared the recipe.
1 box yellow cake mix
1 carton Betty Crocker Pecan & Coconut Frosting
Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box. Beat in the frosting. Pour into a bundt pan and bake according to the directions on the box of cake mix.
Pat reports you can do this with a lemon frosting, or a chocolate cake mix and the Pecan and Coconut Frosting.
If you come up with some fun combinations, come back and share them.
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
I made this wreath with my children last year. Celebrating the season of Lent was a new practice for our family. This proved to be a fun and meaningful family project. This year we will simply discuss the meaning of each item on the wreath and hang it as a reminder.
I had contemplated hosting an ecumenical Lenten Wreath Workshop...but the projected seemed HUGE and expensive and didn't come together this year. I was excited yesterday when, Lois, shared that she saw the wreath on my personal blog, made one for her family and then got smaller wreaths and had each of the girls in her Bible study make one. THAT is a great idea and an inexpensive way that this idea could be used for many as a Lenten Devotional and aide to take home and use with their children.
Below are the symbols used on the wreath and their meaning. I did adlib a bit (is anyone surprised?). We talked about each symbol and read the verses as we made the wreath. I'll spare you the adlib - you can tell the story in your own words. I KNOW YOU CAN!
Souvenirs of Jesus' Last Week/ Tokens of Jesus' Identity
Vine & Grapes - reminds us of the Lord's Last Supper (and Maundy Thursday). John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
Palm Branch - Triumphant entry to Jerusalem (Palm Sunday). (Yes, ours are exotic fern because we couldn't find palm fronds). Eph 2:14-16, "He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall...." Originally Micah 5:5 was used, "He will be their peace..." I HAD to use Ephesians as I'm currently immersed in the book.
Wheat Stalks - Lord's Supper - Bread of Life. John 6:35, "Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst."
30 Pieces of Silver - Judas was paid to betray Jesus. Matt 26:14 - 16, "...What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?" And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him." Originally Zechariah 11 was used. The bag held pretty stones - we didn't use the stones but thought the bag would work for a money bag.
Thorns - Crown of thorns fashioned by the soldiers. Matt. 27:29, "And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand, and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
Cross - Crucifixion. John 3:14-15, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life."
Nails - Crucifixion. Colossi ans 2:13 - 14, "When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. "
Black Ribbon - Death and Mourning - Good Friday. Luke 23:27, 46, "And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him....And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father into your hands I commit My spirit." Having said this, He breathed His last."
Linen Ribbon - Grave Clothes. I added Matthew 27:59, "And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth...." and Rev 1:18 - great verse - "I am the Living One, and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades." I bought muslin and tore it.
Stone - rolled in front of the tomb and sealed. Rolled AWAY from the tomb on Resurrection Day. Matt. 27:60 - "....and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away." Matt 28:2 - "...an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it." Matt. 21:42-44, "Jesus said to them, Did you never read in the Scriptures, the stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief cornerstone; this came about from the Lord and it is marvelous in our eyes; therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it. And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust."
Lily - Dogwood bloom/ Resurrection. Isiah 35:1-2, "The wilderness and the desert will be glad, and the Arabah will rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it will blossom profusely and rejoice with rejoicing and shouts of joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the Lord, the Majesty of our God."
*Butterflies - New Life in Christ. Technically, butterflies are not meant to be on the Lenten Wreath*.... I couldn't help myself. 2 Corinthians 5:16-19, "....Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation...."
*I know - I know...the season is somber but when we were shopping Nolan and I HAD to get the butterflies and the whole time we were making the wreath I debated if we'd use them...but these verses in 2 Corinthians - some of my favorites kept ringing in my spirit....His suffering bought my metamorphosis - my new life IN Christ...and as I abide, I am like those grapes...This was a great project.
Tools of the trade...Mike had taken the glue gun away from me years ago as I always burned myself and glued things that would be better fixed in other manners. I found the glue gun.
We had a plan - would it come together?
Nolan at work
Our finished wreath
I hope someone is able to use this idea. It's been an easy way for us to focus on the meaning of this season.
Choosing Joy! De'EttaIn Protestant Women of the Chapel our Executive Board/leaders are "selected" each year.
Please be in prayer about who the Lord may be calling to lead GAFB PWOC next year. The Executive Board consists of: President, 1st VP Spiritual Life, 2nd VP Programs, Secretary. Positions can be combined. This year I (De'Etta) served as both President and Spiritual Life. To step into leadership on the Executive Board you need to be an "active participant" of PWOC and a chapel attendee.
If you don't see a position that you are pulled to, remember that there are other positions that are appointed each year: Titus 2, Newcomer, Prayer, Hospitality, Web Contact....you do not need to attend the chapel to minister in these positions.
If you are interested in serving next year, please pray first. Talk to your family second. If you receive a green light from both, contact me and let me know you are interested.
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
Thanks for your leadership and service, Debbie! It was a fantastic evening.
Bobbie Jo - intent on some good-natured evil...
We laughed. We cried. We shared memories and food. We gave gifts and stole gifts. It was a nice moment of calm in the middle of a busy season. Thanks to all who participated.
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
A priest, a rabbi, two ministers. All chaplains. Brothers, as they shared the same FATHER.
Today is Four Chaplains Day. We'd never remembered this day until we began attending military Chapels.
Before boarding the USAT Dorchester, Chaplain Poling had asked his father to pray for him, "Not for my safe return, that wouldn't be fair. Just pray that I shall do my duty...never be a coward...and have the strength, courage and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate."
On February 3rd, 1943, at 12:55 in the morning, the USAT Dorchester, carrying 902 servicemen took a torpedo mid-ship and began taking on water rapidly. Panic and chaos was rampant aboard the ship as men sought to save their lives pushing and shoving to find a place in one of the lifeboats.
The following excerpt from Home of Heroes says it much more eloquently than I.
"In less than half an hour, water was beginning to flow across the deck of the sinking Dorchester. Working against time the Chaplains continued to pass out the life vests from the lockers as the soldiers pressed forward in a ragged line. And then....the lockers were all empty...the life jackets gone. Those still pressing in line began to realize they were doomed, there was no hope. And then something amazing happened, something those who were there would never forget. All Four Chaplains began taking their own life jackets off....and putting them on the men around them. Together they sacrificed their last shred of hope for survival, to insure the survival of other men.... most of them total strangers. Then time ran out. The Chaplains had done all they could for those who would survive, and nothing more could be done for the remaining...including themselves.
Those who had been fortunate enough to reach lifeboats struggled to distance themselves from the sinking ship, lest they be pulled beneath the ocean swells by the chasm created as the transport slipped into a watery grave. Then, amid the screams of pain and horror that permeated the cold dark night, they heard the strong voices of the Chaplains. "Shma Yisroel Adonai Elohenu Adonai Echod." "Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done."
Looking back they saw the slanting deck of the Dorchester, its demise almost complete. Braced against the railings were the Four Chaplains...praying...singing, giving strength to others by their final valiant declaration of faith. Their arms were linked together as they braced against the railing and leaned into each other for support, Reverend Fox, Rabbi Goode, Reverend Poling, and Father Washington. Said one of the survivors, "It was the finest thing I have ever seen this side of heaven." "
You can find out more about this story by doing a simple google search of "The Four Chaplains."
