MVNU WOMEN’S CONFERENCE- Laura Story

Posted on February 17, 2015 by

Women’s Auxiliary Spring Conference    March 13-14, 2015

Register Here: http://www.mvnu.edu/cgi-bin/forms/womensaux.php

imageSpeaker: Laura Story

Laura Story will share stories from her first trade book scheduled to release fall 2015. When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn; Truths You Can’t Live Without will include Laura’s journey from life expectations through shattered dreams and on to the incredible truths that she uncovered in her study of God’s Word. She will offer information from a friend who understands, important biblical insights, and hope that God has not forgotten.

 

 

Schedule:

Friday, March 13
4 p.m. Registration Begins
7 p.m. Evening Session
Saturday, March 14
8 a.m. Registration Begins
9 a.m. Morning Session

The MVNU Women’s Auxiliary exists to accomplish the following: Provide scholarships for MVNU students

 

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LAVISHLY LOVED

Posted on February 11, 2015 by

To write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry.   Frederick M. Lehman 1917image

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 

 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!   –  1 John 3:1

lavish ~bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities ~cover something thickly or liberally

Lavish- a Pastor once told me that being lavished with God’s love is like pouring syrup over your pancakes.  Do you lavish your pancakes with syrup the same way my family does? We’re definitely not ones to go light on the syrup!  That brown, gooey, sugary substance gets lavished over those hotcakes and quickly soaks right in mixing with the butter and melting in our mouths.imageWhen was the last time you felt lavished with love?  It could be as soon as today.

It’s the week the world focuses on love… Valentine week. Red hearts, hugs and kisses. It’s time for thinking about love. This week pause in your normal routine and for a few moments just consider God’s great love for you.  Quiet yourself for a few moments and hear him whisper… I love you.

Read one of his 66 love letters to you and hear his words of loving commitment and loving grace. The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. – Zephaniah 3:17  He loves you as if sin never happened.  He loves you without condition and beyond compare. He loves you perfectly.

As the Hebrew pastor wrote~ consider Jesus Hebrews 3:1… think about your Savior, “turn your eyes upon Jesus, this love of your life- look full in his wonderful face”  “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Hel­en H. Lem­mel 1922

imageConsider Jesus

❤ think about his  love

❤ think about his goodness

❤ think about his grace

Reflect on these scriptures about love. Contemplate them.

Read them.  Write them.  Pray them.

Journal what you hear God saying to you as you read these verses.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  – 1 John 3:1

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  – Romans 8:39

But whoever loves God is known by God.  – 1 Corinthians 8:3.

For though we have never yet seen God, when we love each other God lives in us, and his love within us grows ever stronger.  – 1 John 4:12.

Whoever does not love  does not know God, because God is love.  – 1 John 4:8

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  – Ephesians 2:4

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever.  –  Psalm 136:1

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. –  Zephaniah 3:17

       To write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry. Frederick M. Lehman 1917

How will I respond to God’s lavish love towards me?image

Receive it. Cherish it. Spread it.

Loved,

Kalyn

Spread it: Invite some ladies over for brunch.  Mix up some pancakes and as they are lavishing thier pancakes with syrup you are lavishing them with God’s love.  Then, send them all home with 1 John 1:3 written on a card.

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Cinderella’s Closet- Service Opportunity

Posted on February 9, 2015 by

cinderellas_closet_chatham

You are invited to serve hundreds of deserving young ladies at the Cinderella’s Closet Event.

Event details:  Set up: Thursday, April 9th

Decorating of the foyer and reception area, sort and organize dresses, set up dressing rooms and place signage. This is always a huge area of need.

Actual Event:  Friday, April 10th (5:30-10:00) & Saturday, April 11th. (9:00-1:00). 

 

We need hostess’, fairy godmothers, shoes/jewelry “shoppers”, alterations help (A HUGE NEED), and check in help.

Location: Center Point Christian Church 5962 Hamilton Mason Road, Liberty Township, Ohio 45011

Southwest Ohio Ladies:     Please contact Kalyn at kalynv73@gmail.com if you would like to sign up to volunteer.

 

imageimageimageCinderella’s Closet provides formal wear to girls who could not otherwise afford to attend their prom. Through donations of new and gently used formal dresses and accessories, we are able to “Turn Dresses Into Dreams” for juniors and seniors referred to our organization by their school, community organization or social care agency. Even more than a dress, Cinderella’s Closet provides an unforgettable, amazing experience. From the moment our princesses dance through our doors they are greeted with an environment of grace, love and respect. It is our mission that they leave knowing they are cherished.

Visit http://www.cinderellasclosetnky.org to find out more.

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THRIVE recommends these book of the Bible studies

Posted on February 9, 2015 by

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Reading Hebrews is like reading the sermon notes from a wonderful Hebrew pastor.  You’ll look at this book differently than you ever have if you choose to dive into a good study like this one. Our group has  ladies from the ages of 30-85 and the discussion has been relevant and effective each week as we have journeyed together chapter by chapter.  Kalyn

 

imageHebrews was a sermon for a specific people and culture in the midst of martyrdom and persecution, but is also so relevant for us today, reminding us to continue walking toward Jesus regardless of our culture or our circumstances.

 

imageJoin Lisa as she journeys through this bridge between the Old and New Testaments to get to the heart of the matter: Jesus is our accessible King. He is not a faraway God, but an up-close Redeemer who draws near to us. Hebrews helps women make the connection between God the Father and God the Son and reminds us that Jesus is supreme, but He is also compassionate, empathetic, and loving to no end. Lisa Harper makes digging into Hebrews fun and doable, as only she can, without losing an ounce of depth.

Beth Moore studies of the Word that have drawn us closer to our Savior:

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 Or… Why not just read all 66!

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Larry Crabb, author of Finding God and Inside Out, examines the Bible as the story of God in 66 Love Letters. Written in first person as if God were speaking, Crabb boils down each book of the Bible into a sentence or two, then unpacks each sentence in a chapter, putting all of the pieces together in the e

 

 

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Out of Our Minds Recipes

Posted on January 22, 2015 by

I’ve received many, many emails, comments and handwritten notes about the recent Out of Our Minds – Devoted event. The Lord was so faithful to work and move among us. Many have commented on the wonderful food and asked for recipes. A big thank you to Pam Fette and Sueann Angel who made us all feel special that someone would take the time to prepare such delicious food for us. Several have asked for recipes so Pam and Sueann have graciously shared them to post on our website. Enjoy!

Pineapple Cheeseball

  • Servings: 16
  • Time: 2 hour
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredientspineapplecheeseball

1 8oz cream cheese
1 can crushed pineapple- drained well
brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
chopped pecans
Ritz type crackers

Directions

Line the bottom of a small flat bottom dish with foil then plastic wrap. It just makes removing cheeseball easier. Press enough brown sugar into the bottom to cover ( like you would a pineapple upside down cake ). Cover that with 1/2 the crushed pineapple and press into place. In separate dish mix the cream cheese, remaining pineapple, 1-2 tsp brown sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix well press into pan over the pineapple. Put in the fridge to set. To serve pull out of the dish by the foil then place plate over the cream cheese mix and invert onto your serving plate. Peel the foil and plastic wrap off. You can top with chopped pecans if desired. Serve with ritz type crackers . You can adjust this recipe for bigger crowds and use a springform pan.

Cherry Preserves w/ Sirachi Hot Sauce

  • Servings: 12 servings, 2 Tbsp. each
  • Time: 10 minutes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:spicycreamcheese

1 8oz block cream cheese
1/2 cup Cherry Preserves
1-2 tsp Sirachi Hot Sauce
Crackers

Directions

Mix 1/2 cup Cherry Preserves with 1-2 tsp Sirachi Hot Sauce pour over 8oz block of cream cheese. Serve with crackers.

Caramel Corn

  • Servings: 24
  • Time: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredientscaramelcorn

2 bags microwave popcorn
1 c brown sugar
1 c corn syrup
1/2 c (1 stick) butter (not margarine)
1/2 t salt
1/2 t baking soda
1 t vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 300. Pop the popcorn and remove all unpopped kernels. Pour popcorn into a large mixing bowl that’s been sprayed with Pam. Melt butter, corn syrup, sugar & salt in a sauce pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes then remove from heat. Add baking soda and vanilla and stir. Pour over popcorn and gently fold until it’s covered well. Pour caramel corn onto a large baking sheet that’s been lined with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven to stir popcorn. Bake an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let the caramel corn cool on waxed paper. When it’s completely cooled, break apart and immediately store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Brownie Bites

  • Servings: 48
  • Time: 1 hr
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredientsbrowniebites

 

1 box brownie mix
1 small bag frozen raspberries, mini Rolos, mini Reese’s Cups, etc.
Mini muffin tins (totaling 48 muffin cups)

Directions

Prepare brownie mix according to directions. Spray tins with Pam. Put approx 1 T brownie mix into each cup. Place one raspberry (or mini candy piece) in center of each muffin cup. Use a spoon or knife to cover the center with brownie mix. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Let cool in tins for about 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before frosting. Store in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for 5 days.

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Out of our Minds- DEVOTED

Posted on January 14, 2015 by

He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  Hebrews 11:6

fb_devoted_thumbnail

Devoted– loyal, affectionate, zealous, faithful, strongly attached

To what do you give your devotion?

Did you know that the devotion Christ asks of you in scripture can never equal the devotion he pours out on you?  Never. He’s divine and we are human.  His loyalty to us and affection towards us can never be matched.  Yet, he still longs for our unequalled devotion.

Psalm 139trust Jesus

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

Can you hear the Lord’s supernatural devotion to you in these verses?  His devotion, that can’t be equaled, (Greek- PROSKARTERESIS) -unremitting care, his perseverance towards us, his steadfast and constant readiness.  He is so worthy of our loyalty.  He has proven himself devote-able.

imageI am so thankful for all those beautiful ladies who joined us at our Out of our Minds– DEVOTED renewal event this past weekend.   Thank you to Amy Mahaffey,  Julie Pierpont and Pastor Adam Widecan who ushered us into worship right from the beginning.  You can find all those great worship songs right here on our website under the Music tab.

As you start this year, I pray that you will take some time to reflect and see all the ways God has shown his devotion to you.  Thank him for his faithfulness and constant care towards you.  Thank him for the invitation he gives you to be devoted- strongly attached- to him in prayer (Colossians 4:2), brotherly love (Romans 12:10) and the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42).

imageAs you pray, tell him of your affection towards him.  I was convicted as I listen to Cindi speak about devoted time in prayer, realizing that I have spent more time lately asking God to show his devotion to me than I have spent in expressing my loyalty and faithfulness to him.  I was challenged by Elaine to always be a student of the Word and can’t wait to dive into a new study on Hebrews this week. And don’t forget to “one- another” (fellowship) like the church in Acts.

imageAll those wonderful ministries we learned about are highlighted right here on our THRIVE site.  It has been exciting to hear how God has already used these women and their stories to inspire those listening to get busy being devoted to one another in brotherly love (Romans 12:10).  In fact, after hearing about the Broken Bus Friday night,  one event participant hopped on the bus Saturday afternoon for her first trip downtown to serve with the ministry.  I heard about 2 gals who met at the event and didn’t even know they were neighbors.  Now, they are planning their new neighborhood outreach dinner!  God is so cool!

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If you enjoyed Matthew West’s  “Do Something” video, take another look:

I also like this version:

I’d love to hear how God spoke to you at the renewal event this weekend.

Out of my mind with lots of love for Him!

Kalyn

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Kara Tippetts – The Hardest Peace

Posted on January 13, 2015 by

Do you want to be inspired to enjoy every moment of life? Author Kara Tippetts challenges you to look through a different lens, respond in kindness and give thanks for every breath.

Expecting grace in the midst of life's hard

The Hardest Peace – Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life’s Hard – Kara Tippetts, October 1, 2014

Back of the book: “Losing myself in the startling light of Kara’s story, I have found who I am, who He is, and more of the meaning of every breath.”  — Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of One Thousand Gifts

Kara Tippetts knows the ordinary days of mothering four kids, the joy of watching her children grow…and the devastating reality of stage-four cancer.

In The Hardest Peace, Kara doesn’t offer answers for when living is hard, but she asks us to join her in moving away from fear and control and toward peace and grace. Most of all, she draws us back to the God who is with us, in the mundane and the suffering, and who shapes even our pain into beauty.

The practice of loving beyond your limits

Big Love: the Practice of Loving Beyond Your Limits – Kara Tippetts, September 21, 2014

Living in love takes courage. It takes unbelievable grace and humility to love others well. This book offers grace, ideas, practical help and a story of one broken mama fighting to live well with her children.

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