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Leaving the Light On

Posted by Debby on November 4, 2014

A famous hotel chain used the advertising slogan “We’ll leave the lights on for you,” meaning that they would be open for business, ready to serve their customers day and night.

That reminds me of one of the descriptions of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. Look at verse 18b: “Her lamp does not go out by night.” The Amplified Version says this: “Her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust]. I would paraphrase that verse to say that “her light is always on; she’s available 24/7.”

Hmm…I would like to say I’m available 8 to 5; don’t bother me in the evening–I need some “ME” time. God’s calling to women’s ministry is not an 8-to-5 calling.

I also love how this verse talks about “her lamp.” Does it possibly have a double meaning–physical availability, as well as the spiritual readiness to be a light in another’s darkness? Matt. 5:16 says “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your God in heaven.” Let’s shine 24/7!

Posted in: News & Information, Retreat and Event Planning

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The Importance of a Name

Posted by Debby on October 28, 2014

I was planning to write a blog concerning specific ways we can show our women that we care about them. I still may do that. But I heard this song (from a 1980’s sitcom) again this week, and I think the lyrics hit the nail on the head as far as “step one” in caring for our women.

You may recognize these familiar lyrics:

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name…

And they’re always glad you came…

You wanna be where you can see your troubles are all the same…

You wanna be where everybody knows your name.”

I think that song writer was onto something! Maybe the very first way that we can show our women that we care is by learning their name….and letting them know that we are glad they came…and being open and honest so they know that they are not alone in their struggles.

How can we create that caring atmosphere in our women’s ministries? I know we all want it–we want everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable in a safe environment that encourages open sharing. I think it has to start in our leadership and trickle down from there. We as leaders need to do what it takes to learn names and go out of our way to welcome people. We need to be open and honest about our daily walk and daily struggles and temptations so that we can all come to the foot of the cross together in weakness and humility.

Posted in: Developing Leadership, Inspirations, Little Things Make a Big Difference!, News & Information

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It’s a “Props” Time of Year

Posted by Debby on October 21, 2014

October is coming to a close. I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you that this is prime time for finding those skit props that you need. When it comes to skits for women’s retreats and events, I am a minimalist. I’m not big on elaborate costumes, sets and props. As I’ve said before, one of my favorite props is the simple hat, which can define your character without major make-up or costuming.

That said, with all the party stores stocked to the brim for Halloween, this could be a great time for you to grab a few hats or props that could be useful in the future. And don’t forget those after-holiday sales!

Remember, you want your props to be larger than life so that your audience can see them from a distance. Some examples of things to have on hand are:

Oversized money, glasses or sunglasses
Various hats (captain hat, safari hat, cowboy hat, straw hat, sailor hat, hard hat, etc.)
Simple props like a judge’s gavel, large magnifying glass, etc.

Our next skit has just been written for our upcoming retreat (theme: “Hidden Riches”). This skit will revolve around miners, and we just found plastic “hard hats” for our miners. We will be looking for large “gem stones” this week, too.

Posted in: News & Information, Skits

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First Responders

Posted by Debby on October 7, 2014

“First Responder” was a term that really became part of our vernacular in the last 15 years or less. The first rescue personnel to arrive at the scene of an emergency or disaster are commonly referred to as “first responders.” But “first responder” is also a general term for all emergency service personnel who are expected to respond to medical emergencies or large-scale disasters and the skilled support personnel who provide immediate support during recovery operations. These people are trained to move quickly to the scene of an accident or disaster. Often, they are “on call” and must be ready at a moment’s notice.

I wonder if God would consider us one of His “first responders?” Does He know that He can call on us at a moment’s notice, and we will be ready to obey? Are we a tool that He can use should the need arise? God promises to equip those He calls. I Thess. 5:24 says “He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.” In other words, if the Lord calls you to do something, He will also equip us and give us the wisdom, strength and power to do it.

But there is the little issue of our willingness and availability. Do we delay obedience by considering whether or not to obey? Let’s be known to God as one of His “first responders.”

Posted in: Developing Leadership, Inspirations, News & Information, Realities of Ministry

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What You Can Do with Cardboard

Posted by Debby on September 30, 2014

Cardboard can be an amazing resource for women’s ministry, and it is worth finding a few places where you can pick it up cheap, or even better, free. Cardboard is thrown away daily at big box stores like Costco. I worked in a showroom which regularly got rid of wonderful large pieces of cardboard. Cardboard is easy to work with, light-weight, and you don’t feel bad throwing it away when you have used it.

We have all used cardboard for signage. But consider cardboard for use as backdrops and props for skits. one of our talented prop designers taught me this trick: use duct tape to finish the edges your cardboard. Fold it over the edge, and it makes for a finished look and borders the sign, backdrop or prop. Note the edging on the sign below.

Posted in: Money-Saving Tips, News & Information, Resources, Retreat and Event Planning, Skits

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