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December 2011 |
GraceTouch
Facilitating global impact |
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Greetings!
In this season of joy, we are thankful for you and the difference you make in the lives of others. May the joy of Christ fill your heart as you seek to honor him. |
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How Mary prepared for motherhood |
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by Teressa Pierce
There were so many thoughts and questions buzzing around in her sweet, young head! "I just need someone to confide in, someone who will listen and not judge me, someone who will truly care about all that's going on in my life right now." This recent news about having a baby - and not just any baby - had completely rocked her world! Mary longed to spend time with an older woman. She could not get to the hill country of Judah fast enough! And as God's design would have it--Elizabeth was ready to serve Mary out of a heart that had been faithfully living for her God.
The Christmas story is a picture of Mentoring in its finest hour. Mary's NEED for a mentor was real. Elizabeth's WILLINGNESS to enter into a mutually nurturing relationship would enrich BOTH their lives - a "match made in heaven" indeed! But what about Mary's biological mother - wouldn't she be the "best" mentor for her daughter?
Scripture is silent on Mary's mom. Consider these three possible reasons:
1) mom wasn't alive
2) mom didn't believe Mary's story
3) mom believed and supported Mary but encouraged her to visit Elizabeth and receive wisdom and support from someone other than just herself.
Possibility #3 is my pick, and I believe is as it should be. No matter how great our relationships are with our biological daughters, their lives will be richer if they are nurtured by other godly women also.
Through Elizabeth, God supplied a tremendous need in the life of Mary. Elizabeth, too, was blessed by her fellowship with Mary. Both women were mutually strengthened, both emotionally and spiritually, for the tasks that lay ahead of them. Prayerfully consider the Biblical command that God has given all of us - women mentor women.
Teressa Pierce has served with her pastor husband in a number of Grace Brethren churches, and are currently church planting in North Carolina. They have two sons and are expecting their fourth grandchild right before Christmas. |
| A class for those who care |
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"Soul Care" offered in Long Beach, California
Do you find yourself needing to come alongside hurting people? Whether it's a co-worker, family member, or someone sitting next to you in the pew, we all find ourselves in that situation from time to time. The class "Soul Care in Leadership" will be offered in Long Beach, California February 3-4, 2012. Click here for more information.
Join our Facebook discussion of this event. |
| A chance to share |
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Stories that inspire 
There's nothing like reading about someone else's struggles and breakthroughs to inspire me and remind me of God's power at work in our lives. The next issue of the Women's Spectrum magazine will focus on how God's power is released to work when we choose to respond graciously to difficult people and difficult situations. We'd love for you to share your stories of God's grace at work. Click here for more details. |
| Choosing wise gifts |
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by Janet Minnix
 Have you finished your Christmas shopping? I haven't. I'm looking for gifts that will be useful and meaningful. However, one gift has already been given - a contribution to Women of Grace USA. Why Women of Grace? Because I'm passionate about reaching women for Jesus, and I know that my donation to WGUSA will be used for that purpose.
As we each look around our own church, we see women who need Jesus as their Savior, healer, comforter and friend. We see women who need caring women around them to provide unconditional love, acceptance, spiritual nourishment and fellowship, a safe place where they will see Jesus.
Women of Grace USA offers resources and helps for developing the safe places, the communities of women who will be there for their sisters, who will come alongside the needy ones, invite them into the circle and nurture them. Your Christmas gift to WGUSA of $10, $25, or $50 will help to develop such resources and will be an investment with eternal returns. As our Thank You for your gift of $25 or more, you will receive a copy of the current (2011-2012) issue of Women's Spectrum magazine. But your greatest benefit will be the knowledge that you are making a difference in lives. May God bless you with a joyous Christmas and the abundance of His grace in the New Year.
For information on donating click here. |
| Ruby Slippers by Jonalyn Grace Fincher |
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Review by Christy Carmean 
This book addresses questions such as, Who are we as women? What are our roles? Are we equal to men? How does God see us? What does it mean to be feminine, and what is God's heart for your feminine soul? Read the review. |
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If you enjoy GraceTouch, why not share it with your friends? It's as easy as clicking Forward email at the bottom of this page, or forwarding it through your email program. And it's free! |
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