West Ridge Women Spotlight #5 - Bethany Caruso

For a lot of us, the beginning of the new year means changing our habits.  Finances usually tops the list of areas that people want to get in order.  Recently, West Ridge offered the Financial Peace University through the 2014 spring session of Life Groups.  The course was developed by Dave Ramsey, is Biblically based, and has been instrumental in leading many people to becoming debt-free.

I had the great pleasure of meeting with one of the course’s recent graduates, Bethany Caruso, to talk about the Financial Peace classes and to hear how the course has changed her life.  

Bethany is 25 and lives in Imperial.  Growing up, she was ministered to by her mom and grandma.  In 2008, Bethany accepted Christ into her heart and hasn’t looked back.  She’s been attending West Ridge for over two years now, ever since she was invited to a NEXT event.  

Bethany felt pulled to be healthy in every area of her life.  One of those areas was her finances.  So when the Financial Peace courses were being offered last spring, she signed up.  Seeing the mistakes that so many others had made with their finances while she was growing up and not wanting to repeat them herself, Bethany was motivated to take the classes seriously.  Bethany acknowledges, “My actions were going against what the Word says. But I did not know. It was truly an area of my life I had no knowledge besides that the love of money is the root of all evil.  I had a desire God placed in me to be of good stewardship. But I had to choose, key word, choose to claim what God had for me.”

Led by Mike Schuller and Phil Riggle, the group met for 9 weeks.  It was a diverse group of people, of varying ages, in different stages of life.  Bethany said the group setting for the class was great because it offered support and it was a “no judgment zone”.  Everyone bonded and it was easy to open up and talk about their finances.  Plus, they were able to learn from the mistakes that others had made.

Bethany shared that the very first thing the group learned was why Financial Peace is important.  She also learned how it is based on principles from the Bible and can work for anyone in any situation.  She was very excited to get started. She said that she went in to the group very open minded, “What I was doing wasn’t working, so why not try something that my church says works?”

When you learn about money and God’s view on it, your eyes are opened up to the fact that tithes and offerings are the most vital aspect of finances.  Giving your first fruits to God by tithing exhibits a grateful and loving heart.  It also signifies that you trust God and are putting Him first in your life.  Plus it positions you to be greatly blessed!  Bethany said, “I started looking at tithes differently not as money but as whatever God was trying to teach me that month. For me that was trust and that I clearly couldn't do it myself like I was trying. When I trusted God in one area of my life, I began to trust him in every area of my life. I was seeing my needs being met way beyond what I expected.” 

Areas like budgeting, blew Bethany away.  She never realized that the money she thought was “extra” really wasn’t and that she had been just wasting money.  “Zero Budgeting” has helped her to increase her savings and make sure that each dollar she earns has a place.  Bethany mentioned that when she looked back at what she had earned since she started working and then at what she had when she began the classes, it hurt! She said, “I would have had thousands in my savings and thousands in my emergency fund if I would have started this so much sooner!”

Bethany concedes that the hardest thing about going through Financial Peace was not being able to buy new clothes whenever she wanted.  But she admits, the easiest part has been saving, “Once you see your savings account balance increase, it’s worth it.” Bethany has learned that budgeting helps you to achieve your goals in the right timing.  

“My generation is the worst with money.” Bethany said.  She’s begun to plant the seed in her younger cousins about how important it is to save when you are young.  “We live in the NOW generation.  I was very selfish and wanted everything now.”  Bethany quotes Dave Ramsey, “Live like no one else now so you can live like no one else later.” She has been sharing all she’s learned from Financial Peace on Facebook, inspiring those who know her to begin being financially responsible as well.

Bethany graduated from the Financial Peace University and has set her sights on achieving her goals by using all the tools she learned.  Her goal for 2015 is to pay off all of her debt, including credit card debt.  Another goal she has is to help other people her age and younger to be more financially responsible.  Long term Bethany would like to be able to financially her help out her mom and eventually buy her own home.  Even longer term, she would like to be financially sound so that whenever God does bring the right person into her life and they are ready to start a family, she can be a stay at home mom. Bethany also wants to be able to follow whatever call God places on her heart for ministry and not have finances slow her down.

Bethany said that the most rewarding aspect of going through this journey has been gaining a greater understanding of who God is.  She’s also become more disciplined and she has more money in her pocket!  She wants to encourage anyone who is dealing with the stresses of finances that are out of control to take the course, “No matter what age you start, it’s better to start now than never!”


Now that we know about Bethany’s finances (LOL!) let’s get to know the rest of her! It’s time for the Super Six Questions!!

1. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl!

2. What was the last book you read? “Becoming Myself” by Stasi Eldredge

3. What is your favorite way to relax? I love hanging out with my friends, either going to Sunday brunch or out on a girls’ night or even just working out together.

4. What would you have for the perfect meal? Ohh! Steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, asparagus, and cornbread.

5. What is your favorite Scripture to meditate on in times of stress? “Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10  My mind can go in a thousand different ways. Sometimes I just need to be still. 

6. What is your favorite thing about West Ridge? It is a family.  It’s home.  It’s warm and welcoming.  


Post by: Marcy Gates

Resolutions

At the turn of the year people everywhere are reflecting on 2014 and dreaming and planning for 2015. It’s a beautiful thing to see everyone expectant for things to come. I love reading down my Facebook or Instagram feeds seeing the declarations and resolutions for the New Year. Everyone is trying to start out on the right foot, complaining less, thinking more positively, eating better, exercising, etc. My favorite part about seeing all the posts is that they are full of hope. They make my heart rejoice!

 

I think the reason we are so full of hope at the beginning of the New Year is that we can look at the year like it is a blank slate. It is true that God's mercies are new each morning and we can approach the New Year the same way, beginning with a fresh start. Whether your 2014 was amazing or the complete opposite and just down right tough, 2015 can be a fresh start! A blank slate ready to be chiseled, a white canvas ready to be painted, a new chapter ready to be written...

 

I'd like to be honest with you for a minute. I started out the year a little disappointed. I had a short break from work for the holidays (a total of 11 days off!). My plan was to clean and purge things during this time. I had this idea that I would have time to sit in coffee shops writing, dreaming and planning for the New Year. It seemed so glorious! But my 3 year old came down with a fever and a cold over Christmas. Then, I got the same thing as him shortly after we finished up the Christmas holiday. I was bummed. Not only were we both sick enough that we couldn't truly enjoy being home together but that also meant I didn't have the energy to do all of the dreaming and the planning and the cleaning out of old things!

 

I started feeling like a bit of a failure. I needed time to listen to God, hearing from him for the New Year! I needed to have my goals and such by the 1st of the year! Everyone has to have these things ready on January 1st you know?! Or it doesn't count, or something like that.

 

Being sick kept me at home with my thoughts and they just started getting plain old silly. I know what it’s like to stay stuck in a funk so I decided to start praying. You know God's not afraid of our silly thoughts! He's big enough for our irrational thinking, Amen? I decided I needed to give it all to Him. My physical sickness and my silly thinking; just lay it there, all of it, at His feet. And our God is so faithful. He continually meets us right where we are, to encourage and strengthen us. What I needed to do was transform or renew my thinking...

 

Many people start out the New Year with a resolution or maybe some goals. Some may choose one word for the year or maybe a scripture verse to focus on. I have never been a resolution type girl, but I loved the idea of choosing one word. (My 2014 word was REFINE.) And more recently I was introduced to the idea of having a scripture verse for the year. So when they were talking about 2014's most popular verse on the radio my ears perked up. The Bible App or YouVersion used their statistics to determine the most underlined and highlighted verse of 2014 (https://www.youversion.com)  and I was somewhat surprised to hear that Romans 12:2 was number one. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Rom.12:2 (NIV)

 

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are a new creation! Much like our approach to the New Year, we are potter's clay to be shaped and molded. We must turn from our old way of thinking and begin to put on a new way of thinking. We need to transform, renew our thoughts! Just like waking up to new mercies, we can renew our minds daily. I don't think it is coincidence that YouVersion's number two most popular verse (the most shares) for 2014 was Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

 

Transforming or renewing our thoughts starts with Truth. As women of God we need to be filling our mind with God's word, fixing our thoughts on whatever is true, noble, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy! His word does not turn void. And He will complete the work that he began in us!

 

Sisters, let us approach this New Year with a heart towards our King. Let us allow our relationship with Jesus to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. Let us put off the old and allow Jesus to make us new! Let us choose each day to fix our thoughts on His truth. Amen!

 

As we leave 2014 behind let us begin 2015 with renewed hearts and minds setting our thoughts on those things that are true, noble, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy! Listen to what God is speaking to you and see where He takes you in 2015!

 

Thank you for reading and I pray you have an awesome 2015 with Jesus by your side!

~Jimmie Lee

 

The West Ridge Women’s Ministry Team would love to hear what God is showing you or speaking to you! How do you approach the New Year? If you have resolutions, goals, one word or a scripture, we would love to read about them in the comments (either here on the blog page or on Facebook). Perhaps you have a different approach to the New Year? We’d love want to hear about that too!

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Chair

This past Thanksgiving I had the privilege to spend dinner with my family. I was all smiles and truly felt blessed. But like many of you, there were a few empty seats at the table. Some seats were empty due to the passing of precious loved ones.  But another seat was empty due to unforgiveness.

 

I could deal with looking at empty chairs my grandparents used to sit in. My grandparents are now with the Lord sitting in the best seats - in heaven! However, to see an empty chair all because of a disagreement hurt my heart. Certain family members had allowed this disagreement to grow hatred between them to the point that being at the same table, let alone the same room, was too much for them.

 

Sadness came over me while looking at the smiling faces of my cousins. I was sad because one of my cousins was being denied. Her chair was empty at the table. 

 

Oh the holidays. Like so many of you, it is the one time of year my family goes out of their way to see each other. But now somehow had it turned into, "So and so will not be placing one foot in my house." I’ve heard many reasons amongst my family as to why things were that way. Hurtful, hateful, even resentful reasons.  Knowing most of the details as to why a member of my family wasn’t present, I still couldn't justify it in my mind. My heart ached.

 

I knew right away, I would not pick sides but do what I do best. Stay silent. Actually, I'm kidding. What I do best is talk. A lot! This was a time to practice doing what I do worst! STAYING SILENT. Then I was lead to pray and pray boldly! 

 

Remembering all the times God had come through for me, I decided to begin praying boldly. My family and I have had our fair share of disagreements and God intervened. So why couldn't He do it again? I had to choose the right way to deal with this touchy situation. I wanted to use this as an opportunity to trust the Lord. I wanted to quiet my mind and pray what God wanted me to pray, NOT what I thought I needed to pray. After all, I didn't want booted from my chair next!  

 

The first thing laid on my heart to pray for was forgiveness.  It is the hardest thing to do sometimes.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” I used to just pray for family salvation. Now my eyes were opened to pray that they have forgiveness in their hearts for each other.

 

Next I was moved to pray for trust.  Remember the story of Joseph and his brothers?  I’m sure that was an awkward dinner table when his brothers returned home but Joseph was missing!  But when I read about Joseph, he trusted God. I love how at the end of the story (spoiler alert!) he loved his family and forgave the terrible wrongs they had done to him.

 

This leads me to the next thing put on my heart, knowing when to speak and when to pray.  James 1:19 says you must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  My heart was unsettled.  I wanted to stick up for what was right! But the Lord quickly spoke this verse to my heart. He pretty much held my lips together because He knows me well! From my past experience with my family, speaking too quickly actually caused more harm than healing.

 

Well, I’m thankful to report that God worked faster than I thought! My little cousin, whose seat was empty at Thanksgiving, joined us for Christmas Eve dinner! She told me she no longer felt hate but said she felt like she was “wanted” at dinner this year.  One less empty seat. I believe God softened hearts in my family. It’s an answer to prayer.

 

If you are facing this type of situation as we head into the New Year, lift it up to God in prayer.  I believe God will give you what you need so your celebrations and family gatherings will be complete with “filled” chairs in 2015! Place your trust in Him.  Be obedient and listen for His still, small voice. And do it all in love… #lovepeople

 

Post by: Bethany

Worn-Out Mary

 

 

I love Christmas lights. At this time of year, I enjoy driving through Christmas light displays with my family.  Hearing the ooohhs and ahhs of my little ones makes my heart glad.  I’m more traditional in my light loving tastes though. I’m not a fan of the blinky-blinky, coordinated to music, crazy stuff.  But I sure do love seeing the old-school, plastic Nativity sets in neighborhood yards.  They remind me of my childhood.

I always wanted my parents to get one of those plastic light up sets when I was growing up but we never had one.  So when my in-laws offered my husband and me their 40 year old set, I was overjoyed.  Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus made the two hour trip from Bedford, PA to Pittsburgh with my in-laws on the day after Thanksgiving.  They were displayed on my front porch a few days later.

My girls were so excited to have the Nativity scene set up.  They played around it, bringing Baby Jesus gifts.  It was so adorable.  But as I watched them play, I noticed how worn out the plastic Mary and Joseph looked.  Joseph and Mary’s paint had worn off in spots. Mary’s nose had gotten pushed in a bit.  And then I glanced at the manger.  It was falling apart.  I began to have my doubts about how this scene would look lit up once it got dark.

My husband pieced the wooden manger back together and filled it with hay.  Mary and Joseph were plugged in and in position.  We tested them out to make sure they worked but we had no idea how they would look once the sun went down.

 I really had no need to be concerned.  The Nativity scene looked beautiful!  Mary, Joseph, and Jesus shone brightly through darkness.  That’s when it hit me.  Despite being old, faded, and a bit weary looking, the light still shone through Mary.  In this Christmas season, was the light of Jesus shining through me?

Was I letting the high expectations and stress of the holidays turn me into a “worn-out Mary” or was I going to let the light of Christ shine from me out into the dark world?  I chose right then and there to let the light shine from me. Even if I am weary from waiting in a line a mile long at the store, I am going to let the light shine.  Even if I am feeling worn out from all the holiday hustle and bustle, I am going to let Jesus’ light shine! Even if things get broken down a bit, like the small wooden manger, I am still going to let the light of Christ shine through me.

So my question for you today, as we head into the homestretch towards Christmas, are you going to be a “worn-out Mary” or will you allow the light of Jesus to shine through you into the darkness?

“You are the 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.” Matthew 5:14-15 (NIV)



Posted by Marcy

A Christmas Prayer



A Christmas Prayer

by Jimmie Lee

When I want my words to mean something; often times they struggle to release from my heart. And so, when it came to writing this post I struggled with what to write. I went back and forth in my head so many times about what I should pen down on paper, worrying about having just the right thing to say. I do this too often as well... putting so much pressure on myself to get it right, to make it perfect. Like I am supposed to be the expert. And when I let that perfectionism creep in, my thoughts get all jumbled in my heart and scattered in my head and I can’t seem to get anything out that makes any sense. So this was me. Asking myself questions like “What should I write?” What should I tell the reader?” “What story should I tell?” And then when the deadline hit and I still had nothing, I said to God, “But, What do I have to give?” Really I have nothing without Him. He answered me softly, gently, as he normally does... ‘a prayer’. Simple. God likes simple. Oh He does GRAND things, but He likes simple. So, my sweet beautiful sisters, a Christmas Prayer for you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are a holy, righteous and merciful father who loves his daughters so fiercely that you sent your one and only son, your one and only son! To save us from ourselves, to restore us back to You. You love us so much that you would complete this perfect plan generation to generation and fulfill each promise and prophecy that brought forth, this Jesus! How can we show our gratitude and thankfulness for such a grand gesture?! Thank you! Thank you for your free gift of grace. Thank you for your perfect gift of love through Jesus, the King!

And Lord God, I pray that through this season when distractions are high, we can focus on you and your goodness all the time. I pray Lord God that we can see with your eyes. Help us to peel back each layer of earthly pleasure this season, the decorations, shopping, cooking, traveling, help us to stripe down each layer to find this fleshy babe, this Jesus. The one we call Savior, Redeemer, Friend! Help us Holy Spirit to keep our eyes fixed on, this Jesus.

I pray Lord God for each one of us to walk out this season for Your Glory. I pray that we would use this Christmas message to reach souls for your kingdom! I pray that each one of us would be a beacon of light, even through all the glitter, glitz and gold, that we would hold fast to your truths this season. Lord God I ask that you would help each one us to see the bigger picture, the grandest story. Teach us and bring to remembrance the beginning. Help us to acknowledge each character, each obedient one that lead to the birth of this Jesus who came to save us. As your daughters, teach us to be steadfast and faithful, like Ruth, Esther and Mary. Birth something in us this season, oh Lord. Give us a renewed sense of your love. Give us new life in you. Help us Father to stay plugged into You, our life source.

As we go about our days that lead up to Christmas, help us to remember to whom we belong. Help us to see that at the core, its all about You. Keep us free from busyness, shame and guilt! Draw us closer to You, closer to your heart as we teach and care for our families. Lead us where you want us to go.

Thank you!

Thank you!

You are Holy!

Full of Glory!

Righteous!

You are Awesome!  

I ask all of these things

In Jesus name

~Amen

 

 

 

 

The Ups and Downs of Life

As I type this blog post, there’s a 6x6 hole in my laundry room ceiling.  The last three months have been full of ups and downs.  There have been some awesome “ups” from my girls’ good report cards, a warm weathered soccer season (thank you Jesus!), to a positive outcome in a family situation.  We’ve enjoyed fun times with family and friends. My oldest daughter celebrated her 7^th birthday, Star Wars style nonetheless.

 

But then there seemed to be double the amount of “downs”.  Like I said, there’s a hole in my ceiling.  I went to do laundry one day and something odd about the ceiling caught my gaze.  It had a big bubble! After some investigation, we figured out it was coming from our bathtub/shower.  It took two weeks and a much LARGER hole in the ceiling to determine its exact cause.  Then there were the costly repairs to both of our household’s vehicles.  Then, all three kids got sick.  And then, my laptop decided it didn’t want to work anymore.  (Are you sensing a theme here?)  It is by the grace of God, I’m able to type this post!

 

One evening, I sat on my couch, ready to throw myself a pity party.  I was feeling down and alone.  I kept recounting all the things that had gone on in my head, focusing more on the bad than the good.  I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.  Then it hit me what was happening…

 

I was under attack!  While all of these ups and downs were occurring, I was being obedient to God, focusing in on Him.  I was preparing to emcee the Women’s Fall Kickoff event, organizing all the shoes donated from the shoe drive for the Extravagant Love Makeover, and most importantly, I was praying hard for the salvation of a family member. 

 

So what can you do? When you realize you are under attack, what should your next steps be?  You need an awesome outfit!  You need to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18).  No evil can penetrate it! Let’s go over the list.  Check through it as if you were pulling each item out of your closet, dressing for the day: the belt of truth (we have God’s truth which tramples on all the enemies lies), the breastplate of righteousness (it covers our heart, protecting it with God’s righteousness), feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace (a great pair of shoes motivating us to share the Good News ), shield of faith (to extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one, giving us protection), helmet of salvation (guarding our mind against doubting our salvation), sword of the Spirit (God’s Word!).  Last but certainly not least, is prayer, the finishing touches to your outfit (pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, when we pray we are depending on God).

 

One more thing about prayer, don’t hold back from enlisting the help of others!  There’s power in prayer and it is even greater when you have got a few prayer partners interceding for you.  That night as I was feeling down in the dumps, I knew I needed some prayer warriors to come alongside me.  I sent an email to the Women’s Prayer Team right then and there, pouring out my heart.  Can I tell you, the next morning, I felt so much better.  I felt like a weight had been lifted. 

 

The attacks from the enemy can be stressful and scary.  But remember that we have the armor of God to guard ourselves with.  We have the power of prayer to draw on.  Most importantly we know that the One who is in us IS greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:14)!

 

Ladies, the Women’s Prayer Team is here for you!  It is women praying for women and all prayer requests are confidential.  Your prayer requests or praise reports can be emailed to: womenpray@westridge.cc

 

 

 

Extravagant Love Makeover - 2014

We are still filled with excitement from Saturday’s Extravagant Love Makeover!  It was such a phenomenal day from start to finish!  This year’s event was even bigger than last year.  We want to say a special thank you to each lady who gave her time, gifts, and talents (and shoes!) to this great cause.  Thanks to those who worked behind the scenes with such tasks as steaming/ironing clothes and the shoe collection.  Thanks as well to the ladies who were able to attend the event and volunteer on one (or more) of the many teams: hair, make-up, manicures, pedicures, wardrobe, hospitality, and prayer.  Whether you realize it or not, your role in that day made a difference! 

 

The event pampered over thirty ladies from the Light of Life Mission.  It was a pleasure to see several ladies return to this year’s event who had also attended it last year.  Hugs and smiles were abounding as our hosts, Jennifer Goebbel and Nicole Yoder welcomed each lady when they came in the door.

 

Once the attendees were welcomed and checked in, they were sent to one of the various stations.  All the different stations were busy and bubbling with excitement.  Whether ladies were receiving a relaxing pedicure or getting a new hairstyle, everyone was smiling. Gift bags were passed out during the day as the ladies were getting their makeovers.  The fun and laughter throughout the rooms was contagious.  Nicole Yoder commented, “It was so nice to see some walls were down and some insecurities were overcome.  The ladies truly enjoyed it.”

 

In addition to the hair, nails, and make-up, the ladies were given an outfit and pair of shoes.  Time was taken with each woman to make sure each outfit truly fit and flattered them.  Whether they were aware of it or not, their outfits were specially chosen for them and prayed over. Occasionally an on the spot alteration was completed!  Delighted ladies were showing off their outfits and shoes to their friends and taking “selfies”!

 

After all the make-up, primping, and pampering was complete, it was time to head off to dinner.  Dressed in their new outfits and shoes, the ladies boarded PAT busses especially for them and drove off to the Pittsburgh Project where the dinner was taking place.  While on the busses, each attendee received a special note and some were extra blessed with gift cards.  As they exited the bus, the women were given a rose and walked the red carpet complete with “paparazzi”.  Inside, the women met up with ladies who received makeovers from another shelter, Bethlehem Haven.

 

Following the red carpet, the ladies went on to enjoy a lavish, sit down Thanksgiving meal.  Then it was time for fashion!  Some of the ladies participated in a fashion show, showing off their new looks.  Later, all of the women got their pictures taken and put into a frame with an individual prophetic message for each lady to take home. 

 

Once the fashion show wrapped up and a time of praise and worship ended, the creator and director of the Extravagant Love Makeover, Denise Graves delivered a message to the ladies.  She talked about the importance of making new choices and how that gets passed on to the future generations.

 

At the conclusion of the message, the ladies were invited to come forward for prayer.  This was one of the most powerful parts of the evening.  The Spirit of the Lord was moving about.  Tears were shed, hugs were generously given, and love was flowing freely, extravagantly.  It was an amazing end to an awesome day!

 

“The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

 

Below are some photos from the event.  We even have a few of the "after" pictures of the ladies once they were done with their makeovers!  So beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

The West Ridge Team of Volunteers