Hold Tight!

It was a beautiful fall day.  Leaves on the ground; semi-warm and the outdoors were calling my name!  So, we left to go hiking, looking for the local mineral spring we had heard about.  Let me just tell you, hiking with 4 young kids is a bit more difficult than I expected!  Imagine carrying the youngest because strollers don’t go hiking through the woods, a 2 year old that can’t barely pick her feet up high enough to step over the rocks and branches, an almost 4 year old who has uncontainable joy and runs all over the place (I truly thought she might take a nose dive over the edge of the hill we were climbing!  Prayers were going up in abundance that day, ha!) And a 5 year old boy who just wants to do all things his momma thinks are “unsafe”.

By the end of the trek, finding the spring, getting soaked, and muddy (of course), we were headed back down the mountain when my son realizes there is another path.  This path is one that is steep and just barely worn, into the hillside.  And of course, he wants to take that one instead of the main path we had been on.  So, I had already thrown all semblance of control of the trip out the window and decided I would go with him while my husband walked the girls the rest of the way down. 

We climbed, up hill, in the dirt and loose leaves, holding onto branches and each other for support!  That worked for a while, we had a great time… until the pathway came to an end and we realized we either had to head back (Heaven help me!) or forge a new path down a very steep grade of hillside back onto the main path.  Since I couldn’t get both of us turned around without a fear of falling, we decided to forge a new trail.  I decided to let my 5 year old go first, that way I could hold onto his arm if he slipped.  What was I thinking?!  Down we go rocks and dirt slipping under my tennis shoes and my behind, when at one point I had to turn on my belly to grab ahold of a small tree trunk.  This “trunk” was only a few inches thick and not as sturdy as I would’ve liked but, in that moment something hit me.

Was I holding onto a branch/trunk that was living or was dead?  Was it going to hold my weight and my son’s to get us down safely?  Sitting/laying there on that hill, it made me think.  In life, what am I holding on to?  Is what I’m clinging to going to keep me and my family safe?  Is it going to snap when weight is pulling on it?  When I’m in a really tough situation, will it hold me up and protect me?  Not only my life, but the lives of my kids depend on this answer.

As I sat there on that hillside, I was very thankful that the God I hold onto and put my trust in is VERY alive and active in my life.  He is my strength and my safe place.  He’s my comforter, my encourager, my deliverer, my protector and SO much more!  He will keep me through any tough circumstance, He will fight battles for me, He goes before me and stays with me…always.  He promises in Deut. 31:8  “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”   What an amazing, living God we serve!

One last thought, what do you hold onto?  Where do you place your trust?  Is it in a living God who has all power, all authority and created the entire universe?  If not, what’s keeping you tied to a dead tree?!  It’s not going to help you or hold you…but Christ will. 

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  
Isaiah 40: 28-31

p.s. We made it down the hill safe and sound, and I am now the proud momma of a memory I’ll never forget!

Jennifer & Micah

We are always here for you, please email women@westridge.cc with questions or prayers.  We love you!

Happy New Year!!!

Photo courtesy of Jill Spiker

Happy New Year ladies! 2014 has just begun and of course everyone is talking about their New Year’s resolutions.  Did you make any?  I prefer to call them “goals” myself that way I don’t feel like too much of a failure if I did not accomplish them.  I just classify it then as a “long-term” goal!

I have been reflecting back on 2013 and thinking about all the highs and lows, as I am sure most of all you have been as well.  That got me thinking about good choices and bad choices. Then I began recalling all the different choices I made not only in 2013 but 5, 10, and 20 years ago.

For example, I had a healthy salad with my soup at dinner, instead of grilled cheese like the rest of my family.  Good choice! However, later in the evening, I had a few too many scoops of hummus with my tortilla chips.  Bad choice.

How about getting married at 19 in Las Vegas to a man I hardly knew.  Very bad choice. Fast forward ten years.  After accepting Jesus as my Savior the year prior, I met and fell in love with a wonderful Christian man.  I had completely trusted God from the very beginning of the relationship. I married that man and I am happy to report that I have been married to my best friend, 9 years this coming April! Very, very good choice!

Each one of us has made poor decisions.  We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  But, I want to encourage you, as we start this brand new year by reminding you that you CAN make good choices!  Your past only defines you if you let it.  You DO have amazing potential.  We are continually God’s “work in progress”.  He rejoices in the good decisions that we make and forgives us of our bad.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV).  Remember that God can take any situation, any problem, any issue and turn it around. It might be scary or stressful.  It might break your heart and take way longer than you are comfortable with.   Hang in there!

Don’t be discouraged! The great news is you can take comfort in knowing that God is with you, He is for you, and He is in control.  God does not have bad plans for you.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT).  Bear in mind, that verse is true for ALL of us.  Not just the people who seem to do everything right. Not just those women who appear to have it all together.  That verse is God’s promise to you, me, your neighbor, and that lady in front of you at the store who has 20 items in the 15 or less lane.

All the while, God is covering you with His all encompassing, perfect love. Some of us forget when we get bogged down in dealing with the repercussions of our choices and some of us just don’t know, but God’s love for us is unlike any other!  “Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.  With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT).

Start this new year off strong!  Seek God’s will for your life (Proverbs 3:5-6), pray often (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and praise Him (Psalm 150:6).  2014 will surely bring ups and downs but never lose sight of who you are…  You are a daughter of the one true King!

West Ridge Women - Spotlight #2

I am Marcy Gates and for the past few months, I have been writing the articles you see on the West Ridge Women’s blog. I figured it was about time that you, dear reader, got to know me a bit better. So bear with me as I interview… myself.

As I said above, my name is Marcy. I live in Imperial with my husband, Donald and our three daughters: Amanda, Megan, and Peyton. We share our home with one ornery black lab named Ellie Mae. We have lived here since July of 2011. My family loves living in this area. It is like you are in the country (you can see cows from the dairy farm on Rt.22/30) but Target is only 10 minutes away!

I accepted Christ as my personal Savior in September of 2001. Growing up, I had always believed there was a God and that Jesus was his son. I just had never accepted that Jesus loved me or that he wanted a relationship with me. I wrote about how I came to know Christ for the blog in September and if you are interested in hearing more, please read, Thankful - How I Came to Christ.

I began attending West Ridge in 2003. When I first became saved, I had attended Northway Christian Community Church in the North Hills. However, after I moved to Walden Woods in 2003, they suggested I give West Ridge a try. It was the first church I visited since moving out to this area. The people were so friendly and welcoming that I kept coming back! Donald and I were married at West Ridge in 2005 by Pastor Tom. We moved in 2007 and left West Ridge but returned in 2011 after moving back to Imperial.

You will usually see me at the first service on Sunday mornings but I also serve in a few other ministries at West Ridge. My husband and I teach in the Children’s Ministry, North Country. We are teachers for kids in grades 4-6. Donald and I also hosted a Life Group back in October/November. In addition to that, I serve in the Ladies Ministry by assisting in the planning of different events for the ladies throughout the year as well as helping to create and maintain a social media presence.

A few months ago, the Women’s Ministry launched a Facebook page (“like” us here https://www.facebook.com/westridgewomen) and this blog site for communicating with the women of West Ridge. The goal of the Facebook page and blog is to keep all the ladies informed, connected, and inspired! We want the ladies to be kept abreast of upcoming events, get connected with other women at West Ridge, as well as inspire them in their daily walk with the Lord. I pray that the Facebook page and blog would always be pointing people directly to Christ.

The social media aspect of the Women’s Ministry has been so rewarding to me! I think I particularly enjoy letting the “writer” in me come out again. I wrote a lot in high school and my early twenties. About a year ago I felt like the Lord was speaking to my heart and telling me to start writing again. In response to that, I began keeping a prayer journal. The urge to share stories still was not completely quenched. I felt like God wanted me to share with all of you, the stories from my everyday life as a Christian woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, etc. Basically tell everyone how God has been moving and working in my life and the lives around me. There have been and are ups and downs that I simply cannot wait to share with you all!

Continuing what I started in my interview of Gloria Lattanzio, it is now time for the Super Six questions! Here we go…

1. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night owl for sure!
2. What was the last book you read? “Captivating” by John and Stasi Eldredge
3. What is your favorite way to relax? Does napping count? I really don’t get the opportunity to nap much but it does sound lovely! Seriously though, I enjoy sitting on my front porch either watching the girls play during the day or having some great conversations with my husband at night.
4. What would you have for the perfect meal? Oh my… That is hard because I loooove good food! Would Christmas dinner count? Every year we have ham, broccoli casserole, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw, and so much more. It is a feast!
5. What is your favorite Scripture to meditate on in times of stress? I have been really loving the Book of Isaiah right now. My favorite chapter is Chapter 41. Verse 10 is just so awesome: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
6. What is your favorite thing about West Ridge? It would be very hard to pick just one thing. West Ridge is such a great church! There is a wonderful mix of loving, positive people that attend. If you are feeling down before you walk in the door, you will be smiling on your way out. We are blessed with a remarkable leadership team. Pastor John and the elders are doing a fantastic job. There are so many different groups, classes, and activities going on that there is something for everyone. Plus, it is an excellent place to take your kids. Have you seen the new classrooms? My girls love going to their classes! See, I told you I could not narrow it down to one thing!

Q & A

Ellie Mae

I had just settled down into my seat with a hot cup of coffee and my Bible in front of me when the dog gave me “the look”.  I knew I better get up and let her out but I was irritated that it was just one more thing I had to do before I could sit down for my quiet time with the Lord.  We all have been there.  Your to-do list seems never ending.  If I could just complete this one thing then I can do this. You cross off one task only to add one, two, or three more!  As I stepped outside to let the dog out, a question popped into my head, “Jesus, why can’t I see you?”

The words had no sooner run through my mind when a slight breeze ran through my hair.  As I reached the end of the porch, I felt the warmth of sunshine on my cheek, despite it being December in Pittsburgh! I knew then that I had my answer.  I could see Jesus! He is all around me.  I just needed to use more than my eyes. 

In that minute spent outside, my stress drifted away.  The aggravation of having another task melted. I walked back in to the house with a smile on my face.  Now, I could finally delve into God’s Word!

I opened my devotional and began to read.  I paged through my Bible and looked up all the verses suggested in the devotional.  When I read the very last one, I knew it was Jesus answering my question yet again.  “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

Can I share with you that after reading that scripture, I smiled and cried at the same time?  It was the most perfect, most beautiful verse I could have read.  I knew it was a gift.  Something special from my Savior to me.

Life is full of ups and downs.  We all have busy seasons in life when we feel like our to-do list is long and just keeps getting longer.  Don’t let the tedium of your day stop you from connecting with the Lord.  Ask him questions.  Go to the Lord.  A prayer can be 60 seconds or 60 minutes.  You never know how he will answer!

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

Same Old Story

 

Do you have a favorite movie that you can quote all the best lines from? For me, that would be “Steel Magnolias”. It is one of those movies that I can pick up at any point and watch the rest of the way through. I’ve seen it a million times. If I catch it when Shelby discusses her upcoming wedding while getting her hair done at Truvy’s beauty shop, (“My colors are blush and bashful.”) then I know to settle in, because the movie has just started. But, if they are to the point when Miss Clairee declares to Ouiser, “I love ya more than my luggage.” then I know, don’t get too comfy, the movie is almost over. Why, I am pretty sure if you turn the tv on right now, “Steel Magnolias” is on. Go ahead, check! TNT, Lifetime, search for it, “Steel Magnolias” is out there!

I believe the same goes with the well-known stories from the Bible. There are some stories you love to hear over and over. On the other hand, there are some stories that you have heard so many times, they have become so familiar to you, that when you get to them, you gloss over them. Oh yes, Noah and the Ark. All those animals, the rain, the dove, yep, yep, I know! Or even the story of Adam and Eve. We have all heard those stories over and over. Occasionally, we visit them through the eyes of our children. Yet, we usually zip right on through the story, maybe not really gleaning all that we could. Perhaps we are missing an important lesson along the way. 

That very thing happened to me recently. The parable of the Prodigal Son is another one of those Bible stories that we all have heard a bunch of times. For the majority of us, you can pick up the story at any point and know how it ends. If you are unfamiliar with it though, read Luke 15:11-32.

Now, up until awhile ago, whenever I heard or read that story I always thought to myself, “Don’t be like the prodigal son! Be smart. Don’t go off and waste all your money. Don’t be foolish.” I often thought too, what a wonderful father, to welcome his long lost son back to the family and how it relates to God’s forgiving heart towards us. However, when I read it recently, I realized that every time I had heard that story before, I totally missed the point of the mention of the older brother and his reaction to his younger brother’s return at the end!

It was also around this time that my husband and I were dealing with some issues regarding an estranged member of our extended family. We missed this person dearly. We thought of him often. His absence was felt at family functions. For our family though, and the situations surrounding this missing family member, we simply could not reconnect with this person. For my husband and me, it was almost like this family member had died. We mourned the loss of our relationship with him.

So when my devotional had an extra article in the back concerning the parable of the Prodigal Son, I thought, oh great, I already know this story! I dutifully read through the Scripture. I read through the devotional text outlining a repentant heart in the prodigal son, a forgiving heart in the father, and then, suddenly, MY heart was convicted! My eyes gazed upon the text. The older son had an unforgiving heart! Why, I never paid much attention to the older brother at the end of the story! I forgot he was even mentioned!

All these years I have heard this story and I never thought of the older brother at all! I didn’t realize he was an important part of the parable. He reflected hardness, vengefulness, and arrogance. I began to see how the older brother was unwilling to look past the mistakes the younger brother had made and forgive him. I realized too, that this was how I was feeling towards the estranged family member.

I continued to read the remainder of the devotional and was absorbed by the message. I wanted to take in all I could. I read it, reread it and then started to cry. I underlined sentences and was so moved by a Bible verse, I had to write it down and tape it to the wall! I could not wait to share with my husband what I had studied that day.

As I took in all this information, I prayed for forgiveness from God for being unforgiving to others. I prayed for God to help me to forgive those who had hurt me and to not be like the older brother in the parable. In the days and weeks following, I prayed for restoration of the relationship that was broken. I prayed also for God to prepare me to have a forgiving heart and open my arms to this person that I had missed and cared about so much.

Time went by. Months and months passed. While the parable wasn’t as fresh in my mind as it once was, every now and then I would be reminded of how I wanted to be like the forgiving father and not like the unforgiving older brother. It seemed like I could just come to it at any point and know exactly what was going on.

Then one day, my husband got a call our “missing” family member. Circumstances in his life had changed. He was in a difficult situation. He needed family, support, and most importantly - love. My husband invited him to our house for dinner that evening. When our family member arrived, I welcomed him into our home. We all had a wonderful time getting to know each other again. We spent hours catching up on everything he had missed in the 4 years he had been absent. He was overwhelmed by the love and affection of our three little girls who were really just meeting him for the first time in their lives.

My husband and I explained why we had distanced ourselves from him and how he had hurt us. He explained his perspective as well. By the end of our night, we all came away with a better understanding of the past. We had clarity for the present and most importantly, forgiveness was abounding.

I can’t say that our relationship with our family member is perfect now. We still face challenges in getting our relationship back to where it once was. I can say confidently though, that I have forgiven him. I have let go of the past hurts and wrong doings. I will always welcome him into our home with love.

I am thankful for the lesson I learned from that “same old story”. I am thankful for the opportunity to extend forgiveness to someone else and receive forgiveness for my hardened heart. I am so grateful to the Lord for bringing about the restoration and rebuilding of what I had believed was a dead relationship. None of this would have been possible without God!

“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15:32 NIV

 

 

A List A Mile Long

I am a list maker.  Lists are awesome!  Yes, I am one of “those” people.  The organized, alphabetical order, “type A”, follow all the instructions kind of people. My food shopping list is highlighted with four different colors and has check boxes for items that have coupons.  Before folding it into my purse, I attach my coupons with a paper clip.  I have lists of to-do items before holidays, parties, etc.  I make a list of attractions I want to visit on vacations.  I am a list lovin’ girl!

Last fall my to-do list for September included attending the Fall Women’s Ministry Kick-Off with featured speaker, Adana Wilson.  If you attended that night, you might remember Adana mentioning prayer journals when she was discussing being in God’s presence.  She said that she had tried to journal many times but was never consistent in it. It just wasn’t what really what brought her life.  It didn’t help her feel closer to God.

I thought about what Adana had talked about that night long after I got home.  I had my daily quiet time with the Lord but was I really getting into His Presence?  I had a little devotional that I read and I had my prayer time but was I really being in being still and listening for God’s Voice?  I did not know much about prayer journaling but I thought, why not give it a try? If it didn’t work out, there was not much risk or loss involved.  I’d just throw a few pieces of paper in the trash.

I had no idea how to start.  Where there rules? Where there guidelines?  Should my entry be so many sentences long? My first morning, I felt a bit overwhelmed.  Would I do it right?  Could I do it wrong?  Did I need a fancy notebook? Was my pen special enough?

Suddenly inspired, I felt like the best way for me to begin, was to simply list a few things I was thankful for that day.  In the same little notebook I kept in my Bible carrying case, I wrote out the date and then a list.  The heading for my list: Things I am Thankful to God for Today.

For the next few weeks, I wrote a list each day of what I was thankful God had blessed me with.  Some days my list came quickly.  Some days my list took more thought and meditation.  Each day though, I had a list.  Sometimes my list was simple; thanking God for sunshine, good health, and protection.  Other days it was much more specific; thanking God for getting me through a certain situation or answered prayers for a loved one. 

Before I knew it, my list had changed into paragraphs. Those paragraphs revealed the longings in my heart, concerns on my mind, and what God was whispering to my heart.  Soon pages were filled from just one day’s worth of “quiet time”.  Quickly, the filled pages completed the notebook. As the weeks and months went by, I filled another notebook and then another.

When I missed an opportunity to write in my notebook, I noticed it.  My day seemed incomplete.  I was lacking something.  I was missing coming in to God’s presence.  I missed thanking Him, praising Him, worshipping Him, bringing my needs and concerns to Him, and absolutely missed asking for forgiveness from Him for my sins.  I missed hearing from God as well. When I had a day that I failed in making time to be in God’s Presence, I was not whole.

I love writing in my prayer journal these days.  I use a simple notebook and pen.  Nothing fancy but I so enjoy just sitting down and writing out my prayers.  I feel connected to God when I do it.  I feel like I am in His Presence.  It is like I am sitting here just talking with Him across the table from me.  I love taking a scripture and writing it big and bold in my notebook and then just meditating on it.  It is awesome too, when I get to the end of a notebook and look back on all I had written.  When I look back and realize all God has done, how He has moved in my life and in the lives of others, it amazes me.  My heart is filled with joy!

I urge you today, if you aren’t consistently taking the time to get into God’s Presence on your own, please do it.  Maybe a journal or list isn’t your thing.  Why not try just sitting with your Bible, a cup of coffee, and read where you feel God is leading you? Maybe the morning is not your best time to really get with God.  Perhaps in the evening after dinner, or in the afternoon on your lunch hour would be best.  Whatever feels the most natural to you, make the time to be still and quiet your mind.  Let His Presence envelop and overcome you.  It will make such a positive difference in your life.  You will never look back and think that it was a waste of time.  You may just end up with a list a mile long.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:18 NIV

Speak His Name

Have you ever had “one of those” days? A day when nothing went right, you couldn’t catch a break.  You were tired, frustrated, scared, or all the above at the same time? 

I am a mom of three daughters.  My first and second daughters, Amanda and Megan, are only 15 months apart.  Bringing home a new baby is always a stressful time but when you have a little one at home already, who still is somewhat a baby herself, it is really trying. 

My second daughter, Megan, was born in the middle of a frosty January.  My husband was super busy with work.   He could not possibly take any more time off other than the three days I was in the hospital.  In fact, the very day after we came home from the hospital with our new baby girl, he was back to work. My husband works hard for our family but that means for us, he works long, late hours. 

Both my mom and my mother-in-law came to help for a couple weeks as moms/grandmas like to do when new babies arrive.  After that though, it was just me, Amanda, Megan and the dog at home.  That winter was very cold and snowy. We never left the house.  I was exhausted, stressed and lonely.  To add to my situation, Megan had colic.

Colic is a scary term for parents of newborns.  Did you have a baby with colic? If not, pray you never do.  Pray no one you know ever does either!  It happens to babies around three weeks of age and can last through six months of age.  The babies can’t tolerate formula well so they cry. A LOT! Sometimes the babies need a special formula to help their stomachs feel better.  Of course that special formula is also the most expensive formula! That was the case with our little Megan.  Her special formula cost $50 for a small tub and while she was able to tolerate it better than the regular stuff, it did not eliminate the crying.

Megan cried constantly.  We rarely could put her down.  She hated the bouncy seat, crib, and pack n’ play.  I tried everything I could think of to get her to calm down and sleep without me holding her the entire time.  Nothing seemed to work though.  If I wanted this baby to sleep, I had to hold her.

One day was particularly rough.  I was super tired.  My husband was at work and wasn’t going to be home till late that evening.  Amanda was really cranky that day and giving me grief like only a toddler can.  Plus, poor Megan was fussing.  She would not let me put her down for more than 5 minutes at a time.  My day was going from bad to worse.

Dinner time was drawing near.  I had planned on making a meal that required a bit of cooking on my part.  I had not planned on doing it while holding my little baby and trying to keep her older sister happy all at the same time.  I was starting to panic.  What am I going to do? I can’t cook this meal! There was no extra money to just order a pizza.  Even if I had the money, I can’t drag everyone out in the middle of a cold, snowy evening to hit the drive-through. I was stuck.  Then the dog needed to go out.  Amanda was getting hungry and irritable.  Megan had moved from fussiness to a full on wail.  I was at my wit’s end.  I stood in my kitchen, pots waiting for ingredients on the stove, baby screaming, toddler tugging at me, and I cried.  I felt so alone. 

As the tears flowed from my eyes, I prayed.  “Dear Jesus, please help me.  I’m all alone.  I need you.” I closed my eyes and it was if everything around me had melted away.  I suddenly felt calm and at peace.  I felt like someone was giving me a hug.

I don’t really remember the rest of that evening.  Somehow, dinner made it to the table.  Amanda cheered up and Megan calmed down a bit.  I do know that I didn’t feel alone anymore.  I had a sense of peace and calm that I so desperately needed that day.

It is important to remember that Jesus is with us.  Talk to Jesus! Turn your focus from yourself and place it on Him.  When you don’t know what to do, ask for help from the One who knows everything!

When you are having a rough day, speak Jesus’s name.  When you are scared, speak Jesus’s name.  When you don’t know where to turn or how to proceed, speak Jesus’s name.  He wants to surround you with his presence.  He wants to calm you with his peace. He wants to fill your heart with his love.  Look to him.  Invite him in to the situation.  Let Him rule in your life.  You will never regret it.

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 NIV