West Ridge Women Spotlight #6 - Shelly Bennett

Hi everyone, Marcy here!  As I prepare for the upcoming Blossom Retreat, I thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce you to one of the "behind the scenes" members of the Social Media Ministry and a super, sweet lady, Shelly Bennett!  So let's get to know Shelly a little better in her own words...

Hello Ladies! My name is Shelly Bennett. I am a wife to my awesome husband, Paul, and a mom to 3 teenagers (Pray for me please – lol!). My family and I have been members of West Ridge for about 1 ½ years. We absolutely love it! We have been so welcomed and loved that it feels as if we have been here forever. My husband serves on the Parking Lot Team. I serve on the Greeting Team and I am involved with the Titus 2 Mentoring Program.  I also help out behind the scenes of the Women’s Social Media Ministry.

Serving in some capacity has been a part of my life since I was a little girl.  My mom and dad gave their lives to the Lord when I was about 4 years old. Prior to that, my dad was an alcoholic and my parents were on the verge of divorce. Everything changed when they joined a small group, which then led them to church. God had saved them, restored their marriage and they were so grateful. They never looked back. They wanted to serve the Lord with everything that was in them and along that road they instilled in their children that same desire!

That’s where my story begins. I gave my life to Jesus when I was 5 years old. Shortly after that I was baptized.  For my family, church was our life. My dad became an associate pastor and I think I was at the church almost every day! Over the years, I have served in many areas of ministry from bus ministry, hospitality, teaching Sunday school, teaching home Bible studies, singing in the choir and on the praise team.  I even taught preschool at the church daycare.  I have a lot of great memories that made such impact on my life because my parents chose to involve us in serving others.  

One year, I remember my parents were in charge of gift baskets for the needy at Christmas time. So on some really cold, wintery Saturdays, we went door to door collecting canned goods in 3 feet of snow! I’m not even exaggerating! I would even invite my friends to spend the night and then the next day inform them they were going with me to collect those canned goods. Despite the surprise, they were all pretty good sports. 

When I was saved, I became a part of the body of Christ. As a part of His body, I have a function or service that only I can do. Just like in our physical body, the hand cannot do what the brain does, or the heart cannot do what the kidney does but each of those body parts play a very important role. Mark 10:45 (ESV) says: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus lived His life on earth as a servant to others as an example for us to follow. I want to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren to know the importance and the joy they will feel in serving others for the cause of Christ!

If you have a desire to serve at West Ridge, I encourage you to pray and ask Jesus where you can plug in.  After all you are part of the body too! The church body that is!  And whether you realize it or not, we need you.  We need your talents, gifts, and especially your heart. Serving can be a life changing experience – not only for you but for those you will be helping too!  It could be your smile at the front door that makes a visitor feel welcome.  Or it could be your ability to comfort a little one so a stressed momma can sit in the sanctuary undistracted.  Every area of service is important.

I am so excited about what God is doing at West Ridge! I guarantee you will not regret getting involved in this growing community of believers whose desire is to reach the Ridge and beyond with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 

This wouldn’t be a West Ridge Women’s Spotlight without ending with the Super Six questions!  So here we go:

1.  Are you a morning person or night owl?  That’s a good question! The older I get the less of a night owl I am! However, I can still be a night owl especially if we are playing games with friends or just spending time with family. I love being with people!!!

2. What was the last book you read? The Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers. It is one of the best trilogies I have ever read!! 

3.  What is your favorite way to relax? Lounging at home with my hubby and kids!

4.  What would you have for the perfect meal? I love food!! So there are a lot of perfect meals. Since it is cold out, I will say broccoli and cheese soup, fresh baked bread, and something chocolate for dessert. 

5.  What is your favorite Scripture to meditate on in times of stress? My favorite verse is actually the whole chapter of Psalm 27. 

6.  What is your favorite thing about West Ridge? I would have to say the love of God that I feel here! I am so grateful God brought us to West Ridge!

Ladies, you can find more information about serving at West Ridge at www.westridge.cc or you can email us at women@westridge.cc

All The Single Ladies... (Part 1)

“All the single ladies (all the single ladies)... Now put your hands up!”

-Beyoncé, Singer/Songwriter 

_________________________________________

“I wasn’t looking for a promise or commitment, but it wasn’t just fun

and I thought you were different”

-Ed Sheeran, Singer/Songwriter

 “Everybody’s looking for love... Ain’t that the reason you’re at this club?”

Jason Derulo, Singer/Songwriter

“Cause I just wanna look good for you... Let me show you how proud I am to be yours.”

Selena Gomez, Actress/Singer

_____________________________________________

“35 Best Flirting Tips”, Seventeen Magazine

“Am I in Love?” Take This Quiz!, Seventeen Magazine

“17 Things That Instantly Make Girls a Million Times Hotter”, Seventeen Magazine

_______________________________________________

“Seven Crucial Rules for Dating Your Friends Ex”, Cosmopolitan Magazine

“Get What You Want”, Cosmopolitan Magazine

“Talking Tricks That Draw Him In” Cosmopolitan Magazine

And there is more where that came from...

As you can see the world has plenty to say about your love life, dating and relationships.  It is easy to get bombarded with opinions of how far is too far, what lines to cross or not cross, how to get this guy to notice you or how to break up with that guy. Frankly all the noise can make things confusing and fuzzy, conflicting with how to date well. Or better yet, how to do single life well. Because looky there, I just made the mistake of putting you in a box, assuming that as a single person you want to be dating. Luckily, I also just proved a point that everybody’s got some type of advice or viewpoint for all the single ladies.

I must confess, I haven’t been single for about 12 years now (7 of those years being marriage). In keeping the spirit of honesty, I don’t think I can say I did dating or single life well back in the day either. So I asked God about it. As I sat down to think about what I could write to the single crowd (because I feel for ya!) God laid this verse on my heart:

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

We are called to be the salt of the earth. What does salt do? Salt is a seasoning, it adds flavor to a bland meal. It is used as a preservative, to keep meat from spoiling. Salt is also used to purify contaminated water. But if the salt itself becomes contaminated then it can no longer be used as a seasoning, preservative or purifier. Its power and influence becomes as bland as the food it is trying to season.

As I sit with this verse, the word preserve is what I keep hearing over and over again. Preserve.

The world will tell you a lot about how to be single, how to date, who to love, how to love and on and on. It is no secret dear ones that the world gets it wrong. All of that worldly noise can contaminate your heart and mind. When you seek advice and knowledge from man and his ways, you can lose your saltiness. To retain that saltiness you must preserve God’s Word.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

Preserve God’s way of doing things. Filter every piece of advice through His Word. It is good to seek wise counsel but align everything with what God says about you. If you are seeking God, hiding His Word in your heart then He will direct your path. Maybe the “Am I in Love?” quiz is fun, but is it getting you to where you need to be?  The song with a good beat that makes you want to dance, are the lyrics filling your heart with God things? The way you are spending your time, either alone or with another, is it keeping you salty? And by salty, I mean pure and full of flavor, seasoning those you influence with the gospel.

It can be easy to fall into the pattern of the world and follow its lead but as daughters of God you are called to be salt and light. You are called to preserve God’s Word and season everything with the taste of the gospel. You are called to be a light shining bright on a hill. It can be hard to stand on a hill and shine your light but you are not alone in it.

“You are a light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni

Ladies, be sure to stay tuned for Part 2 of Jimmie Lee's series "All the Single Ladies", coming in early November!

Reflecting on Ruth

Am I the only one, who, when I read Ruth 1:16, immediately in my mind flashes to a scene from the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” when Mama Threadegood opens an envelope, unfolds a piece of paper  and says to Idgie, “This is from the Bible, it's from the Book of Ruth. And Ruth said: "Whither thou goest, I will go. Where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people."  Ladies, I think I have said this before but I suspect my knowledge of early ‘90’s chick flicks is the reason I cannot do algebra.  There just isn’t enough room in my brain.  But I digress…  I remember watching that part of the movie and wondering, just what in the world the book of Ruth in the Bible was all about?!  It wasn’t until years later that I actually read through it, studied it, and LOVED it!

Quite a few people tell me that they think the Bible is boring or that it intimidates them.  But you guys, there are some really riveting stories in the Bible! From Esther to Rahab, Abigail to Ruth (and so many more!) God used these women in impossible situations in awesome ways! So today, I want to tell you about one of my most favorite women of the Bible, Ruth.

The story of Ruth begins with Naomi actually.  Naomi is Ruth’s mother-in-law but we will get to that part in a second.  Naomi’s husband decides that since there is a famine going on, it would be best for them to pack up and move from Bethlehem to Moab.

So Naomi and her husband, Elimelech, move with their two sons to a new town.  A place that does not worship the one, true God.  But, tragedy strikes! Elimelech dies.  Not good.  However, Naomi’s two sons both married Moabite women.  Naomi had two new daughters-in-law, Orpah (which I always read as Oprah, lol!) and Ruth.   Sadly though, ten years later both of Naomi’s sons die as well, leaving their wives childless.

Ladies, this is really, really not good.  Not only are Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah grieving but they are in dire straits.  First of all, back then widows were usually ignored.  Second, they had no income.  Zip.  Nada. Zilch.  They were broker than broke.  There was too much month at the end of their money.  You get the picture ; )

Naomi heard that the famine was over in Bethlehem and decides to make the arduous task of traveling back to her homeland with her daughters-in-law.  Now, don’t even think this was some kind of fun road trip. This was a dangerous and difficult journey.  And I have a feeling, the gravity of the situation hits Naomi and her daughters-in-law as they start out on the road. 

Naomi decides to urge Ruth and Orpah to go back home to their families in Moab.  Both women protest.  But Naomi explains to both of them, while this situation is bad, they can go back home to their families and start over.  Naomi, though, has no one in Moab.  She must make the trip to Bethlehem to at least see if there is anyone remaining from her family who could possibly help her.

Both of Naomi’s daughters-in-law put up a fight.  Through her tears though, Orpah says goodbye to Naomi and Ruth and heads back to Moab.  But Ruth clings tightly to Naomi.  So let’s think about this picture for just a second.  It is a dire situation.  Naomi gives both ladies a “way out” and the opportunity to go home to their family.  Orpah tearfully exits.  Ruth tearfully remains.  Ladies, I love this about Ruth!  Despite all of the unknowns, she was willing to accompany Naomi and ultimately care for her. This is where the verse Ruth 1:16 comes up.  Ruth makes her decision fully known and she is not backing down a bit.  “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16 (NIV)

Wow.  I am guessing that Naomi was probably floored.  Ruth must have been absolutely stoic in her resolve because Naomi realizes how determined Ruth is to accompany her and agrees to let Ruth make the journey with her.  Thus, the road trip is back on and wouldn’t you know?! They arrive in Bethlehem right as the barley harvest is beginning.  Isn’t God’s timing amazing?!

Now, I just want to go back and touch on something.  Ruth was brave.  She was declaring that she was leaving her (godless) town, her family, all she had ever known, to go with Naomi. Essentially, she was trusting in a God she had only learned of by Naomi! First, I believe this speaks volumes about what Naomi must have told Ruth about God or displayed to her as Naomi lived out her faith each day.  Second, Ruth was making a deep commitment to her mother-in-law.  She was moving to a town that was probably not going to welcome her with open arms because she was a Moabitess.  I can just imagine the talk around the well now, “Oh girl, did you see Naomi’s daughter-in-law?! She is from MOAB!”

Ruth and Naomi have arrived in Bethlehem but they need to eat.  Ruth takes the initiative (which again, I love!) and asks Naomi for her permission to glean some barley from the fields.  Basically Ruth was going to pick up any grain that had been left behind from the harvesters.  Yet again, another quality I adore about Ruth, she is not afraid of hard work.  And you know what, when Ruth was out in the fields, God provided for her and Naomi in a big way.

While gleaning, Ruth just so happened to be in the right field at the right time.  Don’t you just love how God works all things out for good?! “And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.” Ruth 2:3 (NLT)

This was a big deal!  When Ruth met Boaz, he showed her respect and kindness that went far above the norm of that day.  And when Boaz realized that Ruth was the Moabite woman who was Naomi’s faithful daughter-in-law, he was exceedingly generous and protective of her.  An admirable quality of Ruth is that after a while in Bethlehem, she was known not as the outsider, but as a woman who was loyal to Naomi.  No matter what difficulties Ruth faced, her character never changed.

When Ruth goes home to Naomi, loaded down with grain and a doggy-bag from dinner, Naomi asks her just who was so generous to her.  Ruth tells Naomi of Boaz and all he did for her. Naomi is super excited to hear Ruth’s news and is even more excited to share with Ruth that Boaz is actually a kinsman-redeemer.  Long story short, Boaz was a relative that could take on the responsibility of marrying Ruth, since they were in the same family and according to the custom back then, would give her the opportunity to have a son and thus be able to carry on the name of her deceased husband.  So pretty much, the knight saving the damsel (and her MIL) in distress!

As the harvesting season comes to an end, Naomi instructs Ruth on what she needs to do to let Boaz know she’s interested in him taking on the role of kinsman-redeemer.  When I first read about what Ruth tells Naomi to do in the third chapter in the book of Ruth, I was dumbfounded.  Basically Naomi tells Ruth to get all gussied up and go to the threshing floor at night, where Boaz will be, and go lay at his feet.  Say what?! Back then though, it was the custom for servants to lay at the feet of their master, not something unvirtuous.  So really this was Ruth’s way of letting Boaz know if he was up for it, she wanted him to be her kinsman-redeemer. Ruth took the advice of Naomi (great trait alert – listening to the advice of an elder!) and follows her instructions to a “t”.  

So what happened next?!  Well, dear readers, I am leaving you with a CHALLENGE!  I challenge you to read the rest of the story : )  Don’t you just love cliffhangers?!  Seriously though, I want to encourage you to read the story of Ruth and glean for yourself (Ha! Glean! See what I did there?!) all you can from her amazing story. It is an awesome account of how God brings blessings out of tragedy!

Happy reading ladies!  

Post by: Marcy Gates

A Woman Like Esther...

Okay, I will admit, I am a woman who struggles with submission. There, I said it. Don’t get me wrong, I am no rebel but I do tend think that I “know best”.  I used to think that I didn’t struggle with control issues because I wasn’t what the world would call a Type ‘A’ personality. The longer I am on this journey though the more I see those moments when I really want to be in control! I often try to handle things on my own without giving it to God, because I am an independent woman and all.  Can you relate? 

So when I think about my struggle to submit, I look to Esther. Her story is one of my favorites because she is a marvel to me. Esther was a women who so completely trusted in God that she knew, and I mean really knew her purpose. She couldn’t see the outcome but her faith through wisdom, patience and submission proved she was confident in her purpose. The key here is, she knew God and she stood on His promises. I strive to be a woman like Esther. A woman of beauty, quiet confidence, and life changing submission. 

You see, it’s not like Esther “had the life”. Her parents died when she was young and she was raised by her uncle, Mordecai. When Esther was thrown into what most would think is “the life” she remained steadfast in her faith. She nearly had the kingdom at her finger tips and she didn’t take her position for granted. 

When Esther is preparing herself to be introduced to the King, she has the opportunity to adorn herself with all the jewelry she wanted. Instead Esther chooses wisdom and only takes what Hegai (the King’s eunuch in charge of the harem) had advised. This stands out to me as an act of obedience in fulfilling her purpose. How often do I clothe myself with all the things just to impress... who? In this instance and throughout Esther’s story I ask myself, “Would I have chosen the same? 

Separated from everything familiar and faced with a new culture Esther continues to rely on what she knows. She doesn’t change or waiver. This remains true even when it comes down to the nitty gritty. Esther keeps choosing obedience out of a steadfast faith. 

"For if you remain silent at his time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (ESV) 

God’s name is not mentioned in the book of Esther but in reality His name is written all over it. Another reason to marvel at Esther’s story. It is also how I can identify with her. I read her story and I see my own. I see God orchestrating and working in her life to bring freedom and redemption. Esther doesn’t see the end result, but God does and she continues to trust what she knows of Him. He does the same for me and for you. God is always working in our lives. He places us in our work environments, our homes, churches, schools, etc. to accomplish His purpose. I believe we must ask ourselves what Mordecai asks Esther, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 

And so I want to be a woman like Esther. A woman of steadfast faith, radical submission and quiet confidence. I want to be a woman who stands in the beauty that God has charged me with. A woman who hears His voice, knows His promises and trusts in His faithfulness. 

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni

Leaving a Legacy

She was 98.  A long lifetime, by any measure.  Unfortunately, it was no surprise to us when my husband’s grandmother passed away a few weeks ago.  We knew that she had not been doing well in recent weeks.  We got the news of her death as we were packing for our vacation.  Our vacation destination was to be the very place where she had made her home and raised a family, even helped to found a church.

I really hadn’t known Grandma Gates as well as I would have liked. I met her a few years before she left the Bedford area to live with my husband’s aunt and uncle in York, PA. But the times that I did get to spend with her, they always stick out in my memory.  I remember a joyful lady.  She made others laugh and smile.  She would always tell me that her name, Olga, meant “holy”.  Now who can forget a name like that?! And of course, I heard all of my husband’s wonderful memories of her!

My husband told me of what a great cook she was.  He reminisced about fun summers spent at her house and strawberry picking in the field behind her home.  He told me of her hard working nature, how she took on the tough job of waitressing at some of Breezewood’s most popular restaurants.  He shared with me how his Grandma and Grandpa Gates were founding members of the church my in-laws attend to this very day.

At her funeral, I was struck by how evident her love for Jesus was.  Her faith in God was the cornerstone of her legacy.  There was no doubt about where her heart stood.  I sat in the pew and listened to the lovely words each person had to say.  It dawned on me that each and every person mentioned her deep faith. She loved Jesus and everyone who ever came into contact with her knew it.

As we ended the day with a good, old fashioned meal in the church’s fellowship hall (Oh the ham, the side dishes, the DESSERTS!) all I could think was what a wonderful legacy Grandma Gates had left behind.  She lived out her faith each and every day.  Singing “Jesus Loves Me” until her last days.  And I thought to myself, “Lord, I want that to be me.  I want to be remembered for how much I loved Jesus.”

No matter what curveballs life threw her way, Grandma Gates remained steady in her faith.  She passed it down from generation to generation.  And that is my prayer today, “Lord, let that also be my legacy as well…”

“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so…” – Anna Bartlett Warner

Post by: Marcy Gates

The Gift of Encouragement

Did you know that you are an encouragement to someone? Did you know that your life… you, who you are, is an encouragement to someone else?

Yes, it is!  You may not even know the ways you have been an encouragement to someone, but you have. It could be something you said, a smile you gave, a piece of paper someone saw you throw away, it could have been the way you talked to your child, or how you kept calm during a time of chaos. We don’t always know the impact we have on others around us, a friend or even a stranger. But our lives are an encouragement to those who are watching!

I remember when I first realized this, that my life, my words could unknowingly have an impact on someone else. My husband and I have a friend who is a preacher. One Sunday, years back, we were seated in the congregation listening to his message. He is an intriguing teacher. His creative and on point analogies are what captivate my attention. However, on this occasion, something else entirely, caught my attention. He told a story about a time we were all together and mentioned that I had said something that made him rethink things for his life. My ears and my heart perked up! Little old me? Spoke words that made someone re-evaluate an area of their life? What? He didn’t use specifics and to this day I have no idea what I could have said that impacted him, but I do know that God used me to encourage this friend and possibly change the direction he was headed.

It hit me like a ton of bricks. My words had an impact on someone and I could have gone the rest of my life without knowing it. This got me thinking about how often I may have had an impact on someone, encouraging them and not even known it. I had also thought about all the times someone had done something that encouraged me that I didn’t make a point to share with them, friend or otherwise. How often had I observed someone and felt encouraged and inspired by who they are? How many times had I been inspired to be a better me through someone else’s actions, words or life?!

What a gift! What a gift to know that our life can be an encouragement to those around us. What a gift to know that God can use us to encourage and change others, even if we aren’t explicitly aware.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Cor. 1:3-4 (NIV)

Does knowing this change things? Does knowing that your life is an encouragement to those around you now suddenly seem daunting? I wanted to leave you with 3 practical ways to let God use you:

1. Be genuine and transparent. One of the reasons we go through trials and discomfort is so that God can use us to comfort others. Be honest about where you are and what God has done in you, focusing on giving Him glory. Speak truth in love and have compassion toward others. We must rely on the Holy Spirit when we share, so...

2. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Listen to and follow His prompts. He knows what you need and what the people around you need. You never know when He will use you. So, stayed plugged into God’s Spirit.

3. Pray for others. There are needs all around us. Pray for those who might be struggling. If you see that a co-worker might be having a difficult time but they don’t open up and you don’t want to pry, pray. God may be using you in that person’s life. 

Keep on encouraging others ladies!

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni

Embracing Your Story

This summer at West Ridge, the ladies have been meeting to study and discuss the book, “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp.  I’ve gotta say, I have really enjoyed reading this book! Ann takes us on a beautiful journey as she learns eucharisteo – to live fully – understanding and embracing grace, finding joy, and practicing thanksgiving in ALL things. 

First of all, I love to read! I thoroughly enjoy a great page turner and I can zip through books pretty quickly.  But this one, oh, have I slowed down!  I’m reading and rereading chapters. Highlighting sentences, paragraphs even!  Which is sooo not me.  Normally, I dare not to even smudge pages of books (respect for the printed page, lol!).  But with this book, I’m just trying to soak in all I can and letting my yellow highlighter run rampant!

There is a quote though, right from the very first chapter, that I simply haven’t been able to shake.  Now, I don’t want to ruin the book for anyone who has yet to read it, so I don’t want to share too much.  But after I read this quote, I haven’t been able to escape this thought…

“Maybe you don’t want to change the story, because you don’t know what a different ending holds.”

I’ve read that sentence over and over these last few weeks. Mulling it over in my head.  How many times have I ever thought to myself…

“If I only had made this decision instead of that one.”

“If only this had happened instead of that.

“If I would have only taken this path instead of that one.”

I could go on.  I’m sure you can relate.  Ever get caught traveling down memory lane, pondering how life would be different if you had made different choices or if situations had different outcomes?

This book has had me thinking about my life.  Wondering if I had done something differently, would my story have been different? Or, if a certain situation that I thought was bad at the time would have turned out differently, would my life be what it is today?  When I get stuck in those thoughts though, I go back to Scripture:

“For he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” Ephesians 1:11b (NLT)

And I can confidently say, no.  No, I would not want to change the story, because I don’t know what a different ending would hold. I would not want to change the story because it’s God’s story!  It is His story of love and redemption.  It is a story of how He can take what was meant for evil and use it for good.  It is a story of His grace and beauty.  All those heartbreaking and dark times, all the times of pain and desperation, all the times of bringing me down low, if they were erased, where would I be?! What would my future hold?

I would never have needed a Savior.  I would never have known real, true, extravagant love.  I would never have learned who I truly am and how God sees me.  I would not be the woman I am now, on this amazing journey with my Lord! 

I love how Ann goes on in Chapter One to come to this thought, “There’s a reason I am not writing the story and God is.  He knows how it all works out, where it all leads, what it all means.”

I want to encourage you today, to embrace your story. I’m not saying we should live in the past or repeat our past sins.  But to realize that your story – all the ups, downs, everything – is His story.  The pain you have experienced or the hurt you are going through, God knows.  He has a purpose for it and He knows what it all means for your life.  And we can trust Him in it.  He knows how it all works out and He’s got you in the palm of His hand. To quote Ann one last time, “God is always good and I am always loved.”

Ladies, take your story – His story – and give thanks for it! I dare you to see through all those things you wished would have turned out differently and realize God has or will redeem them.  Be thankful for them, even the ugly and painful parts.  Because God IS always good! And you, sweet friend, ARE always loved!

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

“Give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (emphasis mine)

Ladies, we love you and are always here for you! Please email us at: women@westridge.cc with questions or prayers...

Post by: Marcy Gates