Women of Faith February Newsletter

Here at Women of Faith we focus on the things that bind us together rather than what may drive us apart. What would those "binding" things be?

While not a comprehensive list by any means, we'd probably include: Our faith in God. Our appreciation of good stories. The joy of worshipping together. The love of a really good laugh. The power of friendship and connectedness with other women. Walking into the Men's Room – on purpose! (Only at Women of Faith events after they've been "converted" to Women's Rooms, though.) The amazing love of God.

We could go on and on but instead why don't you take over here? Think of your friends and family. What common bonds do you share? It might be memories, style, core values, hair color...list all you can think of, just for fun.

Is there a relationship in your life that's not so great? What do you have in common with that person? It may be hard to think of anything you share (any you want to admit to, at least), but if you can find common ground maybe—just maybe—it'll help you relate to them.

Finally, think about your relationship with God. What binds you to Him?

The Secrets of Friendship - By Luci Swindoll

Luci Swindoll I’m often asked if I have a formula for maintaining rich, meaningful relationships. Honestly, there’s no formula because every relationship is different. But for me there are two major qualifiers for having friends and being a good friend to somebody else.

First, hold people loosely in your heart. I used to be very hurt when people didn’t do things my way or when they chose to be with somebody else. I pouted. I was rude to the one who hurt me. But when I got sick enough of acting that way, I brought God into the problem and asked him to help me grow up. He taught me to release my will and my grip on those who really meant something to me. There’s nothing like being free, and that’s one of the main ingredients in a meaningful friendship—to be free and let the other person be free.

Second, a rich relationship has to have an investment from both persons. Friendships don’t grow rich unless you make deposits: you spend time together, you connect with each other, and you change things around to give balance where it’s needed. You constantly have to study the input of that account to see what it needs.

I promise you, if you take care of the relationship, it will grow.

When it comes to binding things together, it's hard to beat the simple staple. Imagine a world without staplers. No, really. Take a moment and think what that would be like…all those messy stacks of paper with nothing to hold them together. Staplers have been around (more or less) since the days of Louis XV of France. (That was the 1700's, by the way.) His stapler was rumored to be made of gold and encrusted with precious stones. Unfortunately, His Highness didn't feel the need to share this invention with commoners, so the rest of us didn't get to use one until the late 1800's. Staplers are humble but their job is important and they do it well. (Sounds like some people we know.) What simple convenience or humble person are you grateful for today?

As Luci says, friendships grow rich when you spend time together and connect with each other—and where better to do that than at a Women of Faith weekend?

If you round up 9 friends to go with you, you'll all get the group discount ($10 each!). If you expand your circle to 25—say, each friend brings another friend or two—you'll get the group discount plus one additional seat FREE. And with 25 you can reserve your seats now but wait to pay until 10 weeks before the event. See how easy that is? Learn more here

Are you planning to rent a car or van to go to A Grand New Day? (Or anywhere else, for that matter.) The rental agent will ask you if you want the collision loss/damage waiver – which can add as much as $15 per day to your bill. That can really add up by the end of a trip!

Before you say yes, check your credit card—if you charged the full amount to your Women of Faith Platinum Edition® Visa® you're automatically protected and don't need the waiver.

The custom of marking a cross on someone's forehead in ashes on Ash Wednesday is an ancient one, going back to at least the 10th century. Ash Wednesday, which takes its name from the practice, is the first day of Lent, 40 days before Easter (Sundays not included). In biblical times ashes were used to express sorrow and remorse for sins ("…repent in dust and ashes" Job 42:6). The ritual of marking the cross is known as the "imposition of ashes." In many churches, palm fronds from the previous Palm Sunday are burned to produce the ashes used. Lent itself is meant to be a time of prayer and fasting to prepare for the Easter celebration; it was set at 40 days to mirror Jesus' time in the wilderness. Sundays are not included because each Sunday (not just Easter) was considered a time to celebrate the Resurrection. This year Ash Wednesday is February 25; Easter is April 12.

An Easter-themed devotional emailed to you every week from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week, to help you prepare your heart for the celebration of the Resurrection. Our devotionals will come from Walk with Jesus: A Journey to the Cross and Beyond by Charles Swindoll. (He's Luci's brother, in case you didn't know.) Just sign up for our weekly inspiration to start receiving. Don't want to wait? Order a copy of Walk with Jesus here.

Speaking of Thelma Wells… By Mary Graham

Many of you have asked, "How's Thelma Wells these days?" She's doing great! In fact, I just enjoyed a very sweet visit with her a couple of weeks ago. She’s doing well, had a great family report and is excited about all the opportunity God has opened up for her. She’s a ‘dreamer’ and she’s dreaming some big dreams. (Go, Thelma!) She's also throwing a party—and you're invited: June 13 – 18 will be "party time, praying time, preaching time, and a peaceful time on the Ready to Win Cruise" with Thelma Wells and friends. Want to know more? Visit her Web site: thelmawells.com

Women of Faith - 820 W. Spring Creek Pkwy. Suite 400 - Plano, TX 75023