God truly blessed us at the Faithgirlz event this past Saturday! Over 750 moms/mentors and girls attended the event at Word of Life church in Lynden and the whole thing was phenomenal! Nancy Rue is outstanding and wonderful and is totally one of my CFF's - just a little inside thing for all those who were at Faithgirlz. Colleeen & Grace were beautiful in their leading of worship, as always. The event coordinators, Jessica, Kris, and Alecia were so much fun and so organized and so gifted in bringing this event to completion. I am humbled and amazed at the work God did over the past 8 months to make this happen and to bring all those females into that building to worship and to learn more about Him and His truths for us and how especially how that applies to tween girls.
THANK YOU to everyone who helped in any way - you were all used by God for such a time as this.
View pictures here (more captions coming soon)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Get in the Word
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
Colossians 3:16a
As a mom of adult children, I’m still learning when it’s time to listen and when it’s time to give a sermon. When I get that wrong, my daughters let me know. “I don’t need a sermon right now, Mom.” That’s when I lean in, listen, and sometimes give a loving sermonette anyway.
In Hebrews 13:22 the unidentified author of the book says, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter. Granted it’s fairly short and in letterform, but let’s call it what it is: It’s a sermon. It’s a sermon that exhorts and encourages its readers to leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity (Hebrews 6:1). It’s a book that prompts us to quit playing with matches and go feed the fire!
One of the ways we grow up in Christ and become mature in our understanding of Him is to get in the Word. Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t need a sermon about studying the Bible more. It’s all I can do to read the few verses I’m reading.” The writer of Hebrews leans in and gives us the sermon anyway.
Pay careful attention to the Word. We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away (Hebrews 2:1). Get in the Word. Listen intently when it’s being read, read it slowly when you’re studying it for yourself, and apply its truth to your life. If we neglect the Word we’ll drift, and there’s nothing passionate, zealous, or mature about drifters (Revelation 3:15-16, Romans 12:11).
Eat the Word. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:13-14). “Milk” is the basics of God’s Word, the elementary teachings of Christ that must be learned when we come to Him. Although we always treasure the milk of God’s Word, we must add “solid foods” to our diet. Get in the Word. Dig deeper than you have in the past. Let it be training grounds to differentiate between right and wrong. Training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17) comes by constant use (Hebrews 5:14). If we’re not constantly in the Word, we’ll be as immature as infants, instead of doing what ought to be done – teaching others the elementary truths of God’s Word (Hebrews 5:12).
Let the Word penetrate your life. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Get in the Word. Prayerfully read it and allow God to reveal your true spiritual condition. Listen, obey, and let it shape your life.
PASSION Step: Get in the Word.
Do not be surprised when the world around you rips away the Word of God. Sometimes we don’t even listen.
Jon Bushnell
Written by Lenae Bulthuis, Staff Training Manager, GEMS Girls' Clubs
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
It's almost your last chance!
Moms and tweens: It's almost here! The Faithgirlz “Beauty of Believing” Tour featuring bestselling author and tween specialist Nancy Rue is coming to Lynden Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. Nancy 1986 Main Street . Nancy
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Have you encouraged your girls to buy their tickets?
Tickets for the EXCITING Faithgirlz event are for sale at itickets.com! Please encourage your girls and moms to purchase their tickets soon! It's ony $12 for each girl and Moms/Mentors are FREE! Tickets at the door at $16. Don't miss this event on November 6 at Word of Life Church in Lynden from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Christian author Nancy Rue is the speaker and Praise & Worship duo Colleen & Grace will be leading us in worship throughout the event. Crafts, gift bags, refreshments and door prizes are all part of the fun afternoon for moms and tween girls! The links on the right side of this page will give you even more information or email faithgirlzlynden@gmail.com if you have questions. If you are too far away to attend this event, or unable to attend this event, please cover us in prayer!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Faithgirlz
Counselors: I am still looking for a few more volunteers for the Faithgirlz event. I need help Friday evening, Nov. 5, and Saturday, Nov. 6 (morning, afternoon, and/or both). If you are able to help, please email me at faithgirlzlynden@gmail.com or bethelgems@gmail.com. Thank you for continuing to pray and support this event!
In addition, we are in need of monetary donations to purchase snacks for the day. If you or your club or church are able to make a contribution, please email me at faithgirlzlynden@gmail.com or bethelgems@gmail.com.
Thank you and blessings to you!!
In addition, we are in need of monetary donations to purchase snacks for the day. If you or your club or church are able to make a contribution, please email me at faithgirlzlynden@gmail.com or bethelgems@gmail.com.
Thank you and blessings to you!!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Pray Constantly
Happy October, dear sisters! His world is in glorious color and the transition into another season is all around us. Maybe there are transitions taking place in your life, too. There certainly was for the Israelites as they stood on the banks of the Jordan and prepared to cross into the Promised Land. May all our transitions be done in humble, prayerful dependence on God, being reminded of the amazing promise that the Lord our God will be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9).
Have a prayer-filled, beautiful week!
Fall is filled with GEMS firsts – the first club meeting, the first ACTS Workshop, for some, the first year as Club Coordinator, counselor, or CIT, for others the first year in existence as a club. And in all that newness is a keen awareness that we can’t do it alone. We must humbly and prayerfully depend on God.
Joshua knew all about firsts. God commissioned him to be the first successor to Moses (Number 27:12-23). After 40 years of wandering in the desert, a new generation of Israelites would follow their new leader into a new land – the Promised Land. And Joshua did so in humble, prayerful dependence on God.
Camped along the east bank of the Jordan River on the edge of Canaan, God assured Joshua of His promises and reminded him that he wouldn’t go alone. Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
Before they stepped into the new land they consecrated themselves, the ark of the covenant of the Lord went ahead of them, and the Jordan waters that were at flood stage stopped flowing upstream when the priests’ feet touched the water’s edge (Joshua 3). The Israelites humbly walked on dry ground.
The first place of battle in the Promised Land was the city of Jericho. As Joshua stood before the city, his next big first, the commander of the army of the LORD met him. Joshua fell facedown in reverence, for the place where he was standing was holy. The Israelites humbly and repeatedly walked around the walls of Jericho and the Lord gave them the city (Joshua 6).
The second place of battle was in Ai. It looked like an easy win, but Ai’s few foot soldiers chased Israel’s 3,000 men out of the city and down the slopes, killing thirty-six of them. Why? Israel’s walk had become complacent. Achan stole some of the devoted things and lied to God. The Israelites humbled themselves once more (Joshua 7) and then God gave victory over Ai (Joshua 8).
Israel forfeited the next battle. The deceptive Gibeonites greeted the Israelites in worn and patched sandals, with a dry and moldy food supply, and said they were from a distant country and wanted to make a treaty. The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord (Joshua 9:14). Israel became complacent in prayer. They failed to pray and made a treaty with one of Canaan’s inhabitants – people God had forbid them to make peace with!
It’s October already and maybe some of the humble prayerful dependence you had on God during your first club meeting is being replaced with complacency. Be women of prayer. Talk to God frequently (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Begin and end your club nights in prayer. Seek His leading and guidance when the walls look impossible to crumble (Jericho) and when it looks like an easy club night (Ai). Young hearts are at stake! Don’t make peace treaties with the enemy (Gibeon), but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord (Romans 12:11).
PASSION Step: During October girls will focus on the PASSION discipline “Pray constantly.” Intercede for girls and clubs. Pray that we never become complacent in prayer.
Have a prayer-filled, beautiful week!
PRAY CONSTANTLY
Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Fall is filled with GEMS firsts – the first club meeting, the first ACTS Workshop, for some, the first year as Club Coordinator, counselor, or CIT, for others the first year in existence as a club. And in all that newness is a keen awareness that we can’t do it alone. We must humbly and prayerfully depend on God.
Joshua knew all about firsts. God commissioned him to be the first successor to Moses (Number 27:12-23). After 40 years of wandering in the desert, a new generation of Israelites would follow their new leader into a new land – the Promised Land. And Joshua did so in humble, prayerful dependence on God.
Camped along the east bank of the Jordan River on the edge of Canaan, God assured Joshua of His promises and reminded him that he wouldn’t go alone. Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
Before they stepped into the new land they consecrated themselves, the ark of the covenant of the Lord went ahead of them, and the Jordan waters that were at flood stage stopped flowing upstream when the priests’ feet touched the water’s edge (Joshua 3). The Israelites humbly walked on dry ground.
The first place of battle in the Promised Land was the city of Jericho. As Joshua stood before the city, his next big first, the commander of the army of the LORD met him. Joshua fell facedown in reverence, for the place where he was standing was holy. The Israelites humbly and repeatedly walked around the walls of Jericho and the Lord gave them the city (Joshua 6).
The second place of battle was in Ai. It looked like an easy win, but Ai’s few foot soldiers chased Israel’s 3,000 men out of the city and down the slopes, killing thirty-six of them. Why? Israel’s walk had become complacent. Achan stole some of the devoted things and lied to God. The Israelites humbled themselves once more (Joshua 7) and then God gave victory over Ai (Joshua 8).
Israel forfeited the next battle. The deceptive Gibeonites greeted the Israelites in worn and patched sandals, with a dry and moldy food supply, and said they were from a distant country and wanted to make a treaty. The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord (Joshua 9:14). Israel became complacent in prayer. They failed to pray and made a treaty with one of Canaan’s inhabitants – people God had forbid them to make peace with!
It’s October already and maybe some of the humble prayerful dependence you had on God during your first club meeting is being replaced with complacency. Be women of prayer. Talk to God frequently (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Begin and end your club nights in prayer. Seek His leading and guidance when the walls look impossible to crumble (Jericho) and when it looks like an easy club night (Ai). Young hearts are at stake! Don’t make peace treaties with the enemy (Gibeon), but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord (Romans 12:11).
PASSION Step: During October girls will focus on the PASSION discipline “Pray constantly.” Intercede for girls and clubs. Pray that we never become complacent in prayer.
May we learn to intercede so wholeheartedly that Jesus Christ will be completely and overwhelming satisfied with us as intercessors.
Oswald Chambers
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Faithgirlz
The FAITHGIRLZ - LYNDEN event is coming soon! This is an event for tween girls and their moms/mentors featuring author Nancy Rue who will speak on topics such as body image, friendship flubs, and girl politics. Colleen Reinders and Grace Moes will be here to lead Praise & Worship. Moms and daughters will receive gift bags, a snack, and do a craft together. There will even be prize giveaways throughout the day!
November 6, 2010
1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Word of Life Church
Lynden, WA
To order tickets:
http://www.itickets.com/events/250458/Lynden_WA/Faithgirlz.html
For more information:
http://www.itickets.com/events/250458/Lynden_WA/Faithgirlz.html
http://www.faithgirlz.com/tour
Please email at faithgirlzlynden@gmail.com for more information! This is a very special event you won't want to miss!
November 6, 2010
1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Word of Life Church
Lynden, WA
To order tickets:
http://www.itickets.com/events/250458/Lynden_WA/Faithgirlz.html
For more information:
http://www.itickets.com/events/250458/Lynden_WA/Faithgirlz.html
http://www.faithgirlz.com/tour
Please email at faithgirlzlynden@gmail.com for more information! This is a very special event you won't want to miss!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
September 13 Devotion
FIRE IN MY BONES
But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
Jeremiah 20:9
Have you ever been knee deep in ministry that you were certain God called you to when frustration set in? Everything that can go wrong does. You come against unforeseen obstacles. People gripe about things you thought they’d be grateful for. Maybe you even said to God, “Did I hear You correctly? Am I really supposed to do this?”
If that describes you, you have a kindred spirit in Jeremiah. His calling to be a prophet was certain. The word of the LORD came to him and said, “Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5b).
Even with a sure call, Jeremiah questioned if he was the person for the job. The LORD countered his apprehension with assurance. “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord (Jeremiah 1:7-8).
God called Jeremiah and assured him that He would be with him, and Jeremiah obediently stepped into his assignment. It feels quite happily ever after, doesn’t it? Not even close. In chapter twenty of his book, Jeremiah lays out his complaints against God.
1. This isn’t what I signed up for! “O LORD you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed” (v 7a).
2. I’m being poked fun of and insulted! I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me (Jeremiah 20:7b). The word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long (v 8).
3. I’m ready to quit! But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot (Jeremiah 20:9).
Jeremiah was ready to quit, but he couldn’t. His passion to proclaim God’s Word was like fire burning in his bones. Although he experienced sorrow, persecution, insults, and contempt, he needed to do what God called him to do.
Has God given you a difficult assignment? Has He called you to do something that feels too difficult to complete? Follow Jeremiah’s example and go to God. Cry out your complaints to Him (Jeremiah 20:7-18). Claim His promises and strength, The LORD is with me like a mighty warrior (Jeremiah 20:11), and give Him praise, Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD (Jeremiah 20:13a)!
PASSION Step: What is the biggest challenge you face today? Thank God. He is greater than that challenge.
Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfill it.
Lilias Trotter
Sunday, September 12, 2010
First Workshop
We had our first Area 3 Fall Workshop yesterday in Sunnyside. God provided through it all. Nineteen of us gathered together to praise the Lord and learn about working with our GEMS girls this year. God was present and equipped us with everything good for doing His will in our clubs. We are so thankful.
Next workshop: Saturday, September 18 in Mount Vernon!
Next workshop: Saturday, September 18 in Mount Vernon!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Feed the Fire Devotional, August 30, 2010
ACTS Update 08/30/10
Dear Sisters,
Good morning! There seems to be a lot of countdowns going on lately. We’ve been counting down the days until school starts and the kick-off meetings to our local GEMS season. We understand countdowns and what it means to count the cost of school supplies for the kids. Yet, the most important cost we need to examine in our lives is the cost of being His disciple. Let’s think on that together this week.
As middle daughter Stephanie and I were unloading her groceries into the pantry of a small on campus apartment she’s sharing with five other girls this school year she told her friends, “I’ve got food! I figured I better stock up while my mom was here with the checkbook!”
They laughed and identified. With tuition, books, plus the responsibility of purchasing and preparing their own food, they were indeed counting the cost.
When Jesus taught about counting the cost of being a disciple He compared it to tower building and military strategy. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way of and will ask for terms of peace” (Luke 14:28-32).
To be Jesus’ disciples we must also count the cost. True disciples that are feeding the fire do not coast into the Kingdom or compartmentalize their love for God into a 15-minute devotional time in the morning and their service into an every other week GEMS Club night.
To be a passionate disciple of Jesus comes with conditions. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27).
Oswald Chambers wrote, “The only men and women our Lord will use in His building enterprises are those who love Him personally, passionately, and with great devotion – those who have a love for Him that goes far beyond any of the closest relationships on earth. The conditions are strict, but they are glorious.”
PASSION Step: List the people, plans, and possessions that are dearest to you. Do you love these things less than Christ?
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Dear Sisters,
Good morning! There seems to be a lot of countdowns going on lately. We’ve been counting down the days until school starts and the kick-off meetings to our local GEMS season. We understand countdowns and what it means to count the cost of school supplies for the kids. Yet, the most important cost we need to examine in our lives is the cost of being His disciple. Let’s think on that together this week.
COUNT THE COST
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?
Luke 14:28
As middle daughter Stephanie and I were unloading her groceries into the pantry of a small on campus apartment she’s sharing with five other girls this school year she told her friends, “I’ve got food! I figured I better stock up while my mom was here with the checkbook!”
They laughed and identified. With tuition, books, plus the responsibility of purchasing and preparing their own food, they were indeed counting the cost.
When Jesus taught about counting the cost of being a disciple He compared it to tower building and military strategy. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way of and will ask for terms of peace” (Luke 14:28-32).
To be Jesus’ disciples we must also count the cost. True disciples that are feeding the fire do not coast into the Kingdom or compartmentalize their love for God into a 15-minute devotional time in the morning and their service into an every other week GEMS Club night.
To be a passionate disciple of Jesus comes with conditions. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27).
“Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple” (Luke 14:33, MSG).
Oswald Chambers wrote, “The only men and women our Lord will use in His building enterprises are those who love Him personally, passionately, and with great devotion – those who have a love for Him that goes far beyond any of the closest relationships on earth. The conditions are strict, but they are glorious.”
PASSION Step: List the people, plans, and possessions that are dearest to you. Do you love these things less than Christ?
Our LORD was not referring here to a cost which we have to count, but to a cost which He has already counted.
Oswald Chambers
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Monday, August 16, 2010
Weekly Devotions
Every week, the Area Coordinators and Leadership Trainers receive an email devotional from our trainer, Lenae Bulthuis. I would like to share these devotions with you from time to time. They are usually based on the theme and are great tools for preparing your hearts to show a fire for God to your GEMS. Here is the devotional from today, August 16:
GOOD ZEAL
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. Galatians 4:18
What are you most passionate and zealous about? The Barna Group recently released a study that tracked America’s priorities. They reported, “Family and faith continue to be the most common priorities of Americans, though these have waned in importance since 2006. Meanwhile, other elements such as health, leisure, money, and professional success are more likely to be identified as American’s top priorities.” Over the past few years, family and faith have shown a drop in priority, while health, wealth, leisure, personal comfort, success, financial stability, and lifestyle balance are on the increase. Do you and I identify with these statistics?
In the book of Galatians Paul wrote, It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18a). Paul knew all about being zealous for wrong things and even confessed that to the Galatians earlier in his letter. You have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers (Galatians 1:13-14).
Paul was a zealot for destroying God’s church, and an enthusiast for the traditions of men. The horrors! Yet to the Jews he was a hero! His actions were progressing his career path at rates beyond his peers. His persecution campaign had the stamp of approval from the high priest who provided arrest warrants for any disciples that Paul found in the synagogues.
How clearly we see that Paul was zealous for the wrong things! Is it as easy for us to notice when we’re zealous for the wrong things? When we compare our lives to the world and sometimes even to the church, we may see heroism. Yet, when we make the correct contrast, comparing our lives to God’s Word instead of the world, we may see the horrors of our priorities – bowing down to other gods instead of God who must be our first love (Exodus 20:3-6, Mark 12:30-31).
God’s Word says, Be zealous for the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 23:17b). Be an enthusiast for demonstrating fear, reverence, and piety to God. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10). When we fear God, we’ll get wisdom to choose His priorities and have knowledge and understanding to how the Holy One desires for us to live.
What are you most passionate and zealous about? Remember, it is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18). Look to the Good Book to learn what God says is truly good.
PASSION Step: Evaluate your priorities. Make course corrections as necessary.
That which is striking and beautiful is not always good;
but that which is good is always beautiful.
Anne de 1 Enclos
GOOD ZEAL
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. Galatians 4:18
What are you most passionate and zealous about? The Barna Group recently released a study that tracked America’s priorities. They reported, “Family and faith continue to be the most common priorities of Americans, though these have waned in importance since 2006. Meanwhile, other elements such as health, leisure, money, and professional success are more likely to be identified as American’s top priorities.” Over the past few years, family and faith have shown a drop in priority, while health, wealth, leisure, personal comfort, success, financial stability, and lifestyle balance are on the increase. Do you and I identify with these statistics?
In the book of Galatians Paul wrote, It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18a). Paul knew all about being zealous for wrong things and even confessed that to the Galatians earlier in his letter. You have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers (Galatians 1:13-14).
Paul was a zealot for destroying God’s church, and an enthusiast for the traditions of men. The horrors! Yet to the Jews he was a hero! His actions were progressing his career path at rates beyond his peers. His persecution campaign had the stamp of approval from the high priest who provided arrest warrants for any disciples that Paul found in the synagogues.
How clearly we see that Paul was zealous for the wrong things! Is it as easy for us to notice when we’re zealous for the wrong things? When we compare our lives to the world and sometimes even to the church, we may see heroism. Yet, when we make the correct contrast, comparing our lives to God’s Word instead of the world, we may see the horrors of our priorities – bowing down to other gods instead of God who must be our first love (Exodus 20:3-6, Mark 12:30-31).
God’s Word says, Be zealous for the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 23:17b). Be an enthusiast for demonstrating fear, reverence, and piety to God. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10). When we fear God, we’ll get wisdom to choose His priorities and have knowledge and understanding to how the Holy One desires for us to live.
What are you most passionate and zealous about? Remember, it is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18). Look to the Good Book to learn what God says is truly good.
PASSION Step: Evaluate your priorities. Make course corrections as necessary.
That which is striking and beautiful is not always good;
but that which is good is always beautiful.
Anne de 1 Enclos
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Reminder
Remember to send in your registrations for Fall Workshop SOON! Registrations must be postmarked by August 15 in order to qualify for the $25 fee. Please email if you have any questions!!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Devotional from GEMS
What We Must Not Forget Over Summer Vacation
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.Deuteronomy 4:9
In a web article titled, What I Forgot Over Summer Vacation, Lisa Tolin writes, “Most kids love the idea of forgetting about school during the summer months. But they may be taking that goal too literally. University of Missouri psychologist Harris Cooper finds that children typically forget between one and three months’ worth of schooling during the summer.”
In Deuteronomy 4:9 God warns us about forgetfulness! Like children, it’s counsel that may especially be needed over the summer months. Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
The Israelites had seen a great many things! Before their very eyes they heard the voice of God speak out of fire, and experienced miraculous signs, wonders, and awesome deeds (Deuteronomy 4:33-34) all for this purpose: That you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other (Deuteronomy 4:35).
What great many things have you seen God do? Reflect on your faith journey, this past GEMS season, or your most recent time in His Word. What things must you not forget or let slip from your heart as long as you live?
The God of power who performed the miraculous signs and awesome deeds recorded in the Old Testament is still at work today; we just need to have eyes that are watching closely for His hand in our lives and in this world. He promises that if we seek Him, we will find Him, if we seek Him with all our heart and with all our soul (Deuteronomy 4:29).
If life is really dark for you and you simply can’t see Him, and you don’t feel His Spirit in your life, stop and ask: Do I believe in God? If your answer is yes, then He’s there. We see by faith, not sight (Hebrews 11:1).
Deuteronomy 4:9 contains a three-part S command:
1.See God at work.
2.Store up that memory in your heart.
3.Set off to teach the children.
It’s not enough to have a glorious scrapbook of His deeds within our hearts; we must tell the children and the children after them. Summer vacation or not, we are commissioned to go and tell girls everywhere about God.
Prayer Step
Be faithful in telling children about Jesus this summer. Pray that they and we do not forget God.
"If I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible that main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some 60 million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: ‘Men had forgotten God; that is why all this has happened.’”
Alexander Solzhenitsyn
These devotionals are available monthly on the GEMS Girls Clubs website.
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.Deuteronomy 4:9
In a web article titled, What I Forgot Over Summer Vacation, Lisa Tolin writes, “Most kids love the idea of forgetting about school during the summer months. But they may be taking that goal too literally. University of Missouri psychologist Harris Cooper finds that children typically forget between one and three months’ worth of schooling during the summer.”
In Deuteronomy 4:9 God warns us about forgetfulness! Like children, it’s counsel that may especially be needed over the summer months. Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
The Israelites had seen a great many things! Before their very eyes they heard the voice of God speak out of fire, and experienced miraculous signs, wonders, and awesome deeds (Deuteronomy 4:33-34) all for this purpose: That you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other (Deuteronomy 4:35).
What great many things have you seen God do? Reflect on your faith journey, this past GEMS season, or your most recent time in His Word. What things must you not forget or let slip from your heart as long as you live?
The God of power who performed the miraculous signs and awesome deeds recorded in the Old Testament is still at work today; we just need to have eyes that are watching closely for His hand in our lives and in this world. He promises that if we seek Him, we will find Him, if we seek Him with all our heart and with all our soul (Deuteronomy 4:29).
If life is really dark for you and you simply can’t see Him, and you don’t feel His Spirit in your life, stop and ask: Do I believe in God? If your answer is yes, then He’s there. We see by faith, not sight (Hebrews 11:1).
Deuteronomy 4:9 contains a three-part S command:
1.See God at work.
2.Store up that memory in your heart.
3.Set off to teach the children.
It’s not enough to have a glorious scrapbook of His deeds within our hearts; we must tell the children and the children after them. Summer vacation or not, we are commissioned to go and tell girls everywhere about God.
Prayer Step
Be faithful in telling children about Jesus this summer. Pray that they and we do not forget God.
"If I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible that main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some 60 million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: ‘Men had forgotten God; that is why all this has happened.’”
Alexander Solzhenitsyn
These devotionals are available monthly on the GEMS Girls Clubs website.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Fall Workshop Registration
Registration Forms for Fall Workshop were mailed on Friday, July 16, 2010. If you have a new counselor whose address we may not have, please feel free to photocopy the form! If you do not receive a form by July 26, 2010, please let Julie Ball know so that we can double-check addresses. In the meantime, you will find a link in the right column of this blog so that you can print your own form if you would like!
We cannot wait to see you at Fall Workshop this year! We are praying for each of you and praying that God will bless our workshop with lots of attendees and that it will be a time of learning, refreshment, and glory to God.
Registration forms must be post-marked by August 15. Registrations post-marked after August 15 are $30.
Blessings,
Julie
We cannot wait to see you at Fall Workshop this year! We are praying for each of you and praying that God will bless our workshop with lots of attendees and that it will be a time of learning, refreshment, and glory to God.
Registration forms must be post-marked by August 15. Registrations post-marked after August 15 are $30.
Blessings,
Julie
Thursday, June 24, 2010
ACTS Area 3 Fall Workshop
Your GEMS ACTS Area 3 Fall Workshop is coming SOON!
This year, you have TWO locations to choose from:
Yes, just Saturday! No overnighter! This workshop is for ALL Counselors!
You'll be encouraged by fellowship, inspired by Praise & Worship, and prepared to teach the new theme, "Feed the Fire." Time will be spent with other counselors sharing ideas and discussing aspects of your club. NEW Club Coordinators (or even relatively new) and NEW Counselors will be informed about their tasks. We are praying now that your experience at Fall Workshop will feed your fire so that you can spread the PASSION to your girls!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Registrations will be mailed to ALL Counselors in a few weeks.
With prayers for you,
Julie Ball, Area Coordinator; ej4k@ejball.com, 360-966-7353
Tami Cleveringa, Leadership Trainer; clever@nwi.net, 509-754-1309
An additional request for all Club Coordinators: Please make sure ALL of your counselors are aware of this upcoming workshop. We do not have email addresses for everyone, so could really use your help to make sure the word gets to everyone. Thank you so much. Registrations will be mailed via snail mail in a few weeks.
This year, you have TWO locations to choose from:
Sunnyside, WA
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
OR
Mount Vernon, WA
Saturday, September 18, 2010
9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person
Yes, just Saturday! No overnighter! This workshop is for ALL Counselors!
You'll be encouraged by fellowship, inspired by Praise & Worship, and prepared to teach the new theme, "Feed the Fire." Time will be spent with other counselors sharing ideas and discussing aspects of your club. NEW Club Coordinators (or even relatively new) and NEW Counselors will be informed about their tasks. We are praying now that your experience at Fall Workshop will feed your fire so that you can spread the PASSION to your girls!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Registrations will be mailed to ALL Counselors in a few weeks.
With prayers for you,
Julie Ball, Area Coordinator; ej4k@ejball.com, 360-966-7353
Tami Cleveringa, Leadership Trainer; clever@nwi.net, 509-754-1309
An additional request for all Club Coordinators: Please make sure ALL of your counselors are aware of this upcoming workshop. We do not have email addresses for everyone, so could really use your help to make sure the word gets to everyone. Thank you so much. Registrations will be mailed via snail mail in a few weeks.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Crazy Love
If you haven't yet read "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, it's time to put it on the "to read" list. It's our new devotional book for counselors for the 2010-2011 theme, "Feed the Fire". It's a great book, chock full of to-the-point and convicting ideas. I'm rereading it right now. The first time I read it was on the plane on the way home from ACTS Training in April. I marked my whole copy up with a pen, underlining stuff, starring Scripture verse references, etc. Now I'm going through again, paying special attention to my notes and marks and looking up all the references in my Bible.
This morning I read a section with Matthew 22:37-38, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."
Chan was talking about how we often read Scripture and do our quiet time with God because if we don't we feel guilty. We've been taught to have that daily time and we feel we have failed when we don't. Chan's point is that when we truly LOVE God, we run to spend time with Him. Notice that Jesus' command wasn't to have quiet time with Him every day. Jesus' command was to LOVE Him. When we do that, we naturally spend time in prayer and in the Word. In other words, We don't love God because we study His Word; we study His Word because we love God.
Think about that today.
This morning I read a section with Matthew 22:37-38, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."
Chan was talking about how we often read Scripture and do our quiet time with God because if we don't we feel guilty. We've been taught to have that daily time and we feel we have failed when we don't. Chan's point is that when we truly LOVE God, we run to spend time with Him. Notice that Jesus' command wasn't to have quiet time with Him every day. Jesus' command was to LOVE Him. When we do that, we naturally spend time in prayer and in the Word. In other words, We don't love God because we study His Word; we study His Word because we love God.
Think about that today.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Area 3 GEMS Camp 2010
We were blessed by
Pictures and more details to come soon!
- beautiful weather
- awesome praise & worship
- God-inspired speaker
- cute craft
- fun swimming
- good attitudes
- safe travels
We were challenged by
- illnesses
- not enough water
- unforeseeable glitches
- a dead van battery
Pictures and more details to come soon!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
GEMS Camp
Dear GEMS,
Thank you for registering for GEMS Camp! We are so excited that you will be able to join us for a fun weekend! Below you will find directions and information you will need. Please email or call me if you have any questions!
• Registration on Friday is from 6:00-7:00pm.
• Please remember to bring the following: Sleeping bag, pillow, swimsuit & towels, sunscreen, toiletries, clothes for warm and cold weather, shoes for walking/hiking, flashlight and bible.
• DO NOT BRING: cell phones, iPods or other music players.
Dear Leaders,
Thank you for registering for GEMS Camp! We are so excited that you will be able to join us for a fun weekend! Below you will find directions and information you will need. Please email or call me if you have any questions! It is important that as a leader, you are setting a good example for your girls. Please refrain from using your cell phone or spending time socializing with the other leaders when you are participating in group activities.
• Registration on Friday is from 6:00-7:00pm.
• Please pack a dinner sack to eat in the car on the way.
• Please remember to bring the following: Sleeping bag, pillow, swimsuit & towels, sunscreen, toiletries, clothes for warm and cold weather, shoes for walking/hiking, flashlight and bible.
• DO NOT BRING: cell phones, iPods or other music players. Obviously, most leaders will have their cell phones with them for traveling and/or in case of emergency. Please do not use the cell phones while at camp, except in an emergency or if you need to reach me while at camp.
• Your duties are centered around leading your cabin of girls to and from different activities, helping them out, etc. At each activity there may be specific instructions for leaders, or you will just be able to do the activity with your girls. There are devotions in the booklets which you will receive upon arrival at camp. You, along with the other leader in your cabin, will lead your cabin girls through these devotions at the designated times.
Directions: http://www.campgilead.org/
From the North:
Take Hwy 2 east to Monroe, turn right (south) onto Hwy 203. approx. 16 miles to Carnation Farm Rd. turn right, (sign at intersection) 3/4 mile & across Snoqualmie River to camp entrance.
Thank you for registering for GEMS Camp! We are so excited that you will be able to join us for a fun weekend! Below you will find directions and information you will need. Please email or call me if you have any questions!
• Registration on Friday is from 6:00-7:00pm.
• Please remember to bring the following: Sleeping bag, pillow, swimsuit & towels, sunscreen, toiletries, clothes for warm and cold weather, shoes for walking/hiking, flashlight and bible.
• DO NOT BRING: cell phones, iPods or other music players.
Dear Leaders,
Thank you for registering for GEMS Camp! We are so excited that you will be able to join us for a fun weekend! Below you will find directions and information you will need. Please email or call me if you have any questions! It is important that as a leader, you are setting a good example for your girls. Please refrain from using your cell phone or spending time socializing with the other leaders when you are participating in group activities.
• Registration on Friday is from 6:00-7:00pm.
• Please pack a dinner sack to eat in the car on the way.
• Please remember to bring the following: Sleeping bag, pillow, swimsuit & towels, sunscreen, toiletries, clothes for warm and cold weather, shoes for walking/hiking, flashlight and bible.
• DO NOT BRING: cell phones, iPods or other music players. Obviously, most leaders will have their cell phones with them for traveling and/or in case of emergency. Please do not use the cell phones while at camp, except in an emergency or if you need to reach me while at camp.
• Your duties are centered around leading your cabin of girls to and from different activities, helping them out, etc. At each activity there may be specific instructions for leaders, or you will just be able to do the activity with your girls. There are devotions in the booklets which you will receive upon arrival at camp. You, along with the other leader in your cabin, will lead your cabin girls through these devotions at the designated times.
Directions: http://www.campgilead.org/
From the North:
Take Hwy 2 east to Monroe, turn right (south) onto Hwy 203. approx. 16 miles to Carnation Farm Rd. turn right, (sign at intersection) 3/4 mile & across Snoqualmie River to camp entrance.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Fall Workshop
Fall Workshop dates have been set and postcards will be mailed soon to each counselor in Area 3. Please note that this year the workshop is JUST SATURDAY! No more overnight. But also, we are bringing the workshops TO YOU! Well, most of you, anyway. For those who are used to having the workshop practically in their backyard, you'll have more of a drive. But for everyone else, this will be easier. We will have TWO workshops, one on each side of the Cascades! We hope you'll join us for a dynamic, passionate, valuable training workshop this September!
September 11: Sunnyside, WA
September 18: Mt. Vernon, WA
More information coming soon, but don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions!
More GEMS camp details will be posted soon. Can't wait to see you all there!!
September 11: Sunnyside, WA
September 18: Mt. Vernon, WA
More information coming soon, but don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions!
More GEMS camp details will be posted soon. Can't wait to see you all there!!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Camp Registration & Help!
All Club Coordinators should have received an email or a snail mail letter along with registration forms for girls and adults for GEMS camp. Please let me know if you have not. Those registration forms are due by May 21 and earlier is great so that we can plan activities and purchase needed items.
We are also looking for groups to volunteer with needs of camp. Please contact either Tami C. or myself AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!! We have many areas of needs, so I'm sure there is something that will fit within your gifts!
Blessings,
Julie
We are also looking for groups to volunteer with needs of camp. Please contact either Tami C. or myself AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!! We have many areas of needs, so I'm sure there is something that will fit within your gifts!
Blessings,
Julie
Monday, April 26, 2010
Welcome!
This blog is for you, the counselors, Club Coordinators, and CIT's of GEMS Area 3 (Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon - Area 4). It will be a place of information, communication, and encouragement. This blog will be updated as necessary, but hopefully at least twice a month....more often when there are upcoming events, however.
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