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You may have enjoyed some special moments this summer on a long walk or a rigorous hike. I love the way nature presents itself close up. We see things around us that are otherwise a blur on a busy day. We live in a world of trains, planes and automobiles. We want speed, imidiacy. We rush thru demanding days.
Nothing is more healing than a long, ponderous walk. Despite the lack of aerodynamic engines, the slow, pensive walk actually takes us a further distance. Solitude creates a long space in our dense world of demands. The quiet sounds of nature drown out the noise of life.
The walk is cathartic, steady and ponderous. It's beautiful, yet sometimes difficult. Our minds wrestle with thoughts and prayers, our hearts worry. The walk puts a distance between the world we have created for ourselves and we see close up the world The Creator has designed for us, instead.
What a contrast.
On the path of life, alone, we see ourselves for who we really are. Without achievements, titles, commitments, computers, shopping lists, to-dos, appointments and another phone call.... we stand in the midst of a world created by God for us... and God calls us to walk along, with Him.
We all walk this journey of life, but we walk it in different ways. We can ignore God's call and press on in self confrol, or we can release ourselves and surrender to the strength and power of our Creator and God. The terrain is not smooth and the surrender seems like falling off a cliff. But the journey is worth the hard effort, the sweat of the climb, and the exhaustion of our muscles as we tug and pull away from ourselves and toward God.
Come and join us, as we walk. Join us as we push through to hear God's voice, to follow His call, and to walk in wisdom.
Let's challenge each other on the walk to seek this wisdom in God's Word. Let's gain insight and encouragement from one another for daily living, and let's grow in our personal relationship with God. Let's have assurance in our destination.
It doesn't matter what shoes you are wearing... as long as you are walking in Truth. Come along, and walk with us!  Louann Rodgers
Women's Ministry, Christ Community Church
610.431.0300 x109 ~ www.RootedToGrow.com
 The Garden Post is designed to share news
and information specifically for women, offer spiritual encouragement and
insight, and provide resources and connections for wise
living. I welcome the opportunity to
connect with you and want to hear from you. Email me or give me a call any time -- I'd love to chat!
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Along The Path... priceless!
The heavens declare
the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after
day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the earth" (Psalm 19:1-4).
Nothing restores my soul more than spending time in nature.  I'm always amazed by God's creativity. His
creation teaches me so much about Him-His sovereignty, beauty, order,
and power. What is more, life's challenges seem to fade amidst the
glory of God's handiwork. Humility and praise are my immediate
responses.
Consider
planning some extended time...an afternoon, early morning ...perhaps
even a day with God in nature.
Take advantage of a beautiful place
close to where you live: a creek, nature center, river walk, beach,
park, garden, zoo, cabin, campground, etc. Your outting could be as
simple as walking, reflecting, and taking time to pray; or you could
reserve a space of time and plan an extended time of reading in
Scripture, or even ask a friend to join you and share in the commitment
of time together.
Enjoy God's creation and contemplate His power and beauty!
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Centering on The Path
What was true back then is still true today: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is
fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" (Proverbs
31:30). The woman who "fears the LORD" knows a beauty far more
lasting than mere physical charm, a powerful beauty that emanates from a humble
heart, from a spirit bowed in reverence before Almighty God. She longs to live
her life in his presence, guided by his hand, as she loves and serves others in
his name.
The ideal woman's life-a real life with all its joy and
sorrow-is a God-centered life. Then and now, God's ideal woman lives life well,
in the center of his grace.
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School Days
How to achieve
101%
From a strictly mathematical viewpoint: What Equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who
say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where
someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 101%? What equals
100% in life?Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you
answer these questions: If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z Is represented as: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26. Then: H-A-R-D-W-O-R-
K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 =
98% and K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 =
96%
But, A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5
= 100% AND, look how far the love of God will take
you. L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D 12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 =
101% One can conclude with mathematical certainty
that: While hard work and knowledge will get you close, and attitude will
get you there, it's the Love of God that will put you over the
top!
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Work - Work - Work
As fall schedules kick into gear, it's not only the school students who face new schedules, new workloads, new endeavors. We all face a new season and it's new opportunities. Work is a part of our entire lives. We are designed to be productive and to develop our efforts thru our work -- God made us in His image, and gave us many gifts that we can put to great use. What does the Bible say about work? Scripture points to God's purpose to work in many ways [read more...]
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"...walk in a manner worthy of The Lord,
fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." - Colossians 1:10 Women's Bible Study beginsSeptember 22nd-23rd-24thMeeting weekly, Tuesday evenings, 7-9pm Wednesday mornings, 9-11:15am [kids club available] Thursday mornings, 9-11:15am [kids club available] Four different study tracks to choose from... download details HEREREGISTER NOW
help us plan for you.
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A glance at your schedule
Without GOD,
our week would be:
Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday & Shatterday.
Seven days WITHOUT GOD
makes one WEAK!
Make an appointment with God every day... EVERY day.
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Circle of Friends 
Looking for a small group?
Do you want personal friendships of insight and encouragements?
We have several types of small groups you can choose from...
BIBLE STUDY
small groups still enjoy what makes them meaningful... a diverse and
unique blend of women of all ages and stages in life, sharing together
the desire to grow in wisdom through the study of God's Word. Study
groups are led by a leader(s) to help facilitate group discussion.
LOOPING
(optional second year) with your small group will allow you to deepen
the roots of friendship and depth of sharing that you began last year, when practical for schedule and choice of study.
SOUL PURPOSE
(shared leadership and accountability) groups are now available for any
study session and study choice. In this small group format
if you want to be actively commited to accountability and discipline with your small group. Soul Purpose groups are typically smaller, about 6-8 women, and aim for a two year commitment to develop the bonds of friendship and accountabiliy in God's Word.
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Trees, Colors & Leaves
This time of year the trees start to show their hidden colors. The change in landscape is dramatic and awesome to ponder. What about your spiritual tree? CLICK HERE for insight that will make your tree grow and explode with colors of spiritual depth!
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Spirit to Spirit
What word are you
hearing today?
encouragement by Linda Slavin
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and
marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing
in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid
bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:12-13
If you are hearing frustration...
the Word is sharper
If you are hearing fear....
the Word is sharper
If you are hearing limitation...
the Word is sharper
The word of God has power to penetrate any other word you are hearing. It has the power to cut through to
pierce its power in your life. The word of God is absolute and unlimited in its
power.
So how does it work? How do we experience Bible truths that
set us free? By reading
and experiencing personal knowledge of the truth.
Exposing ourselves to the Word of God will penetrate our
life and cut through all the limitations that have been hindering us from
accomplishing His purpose in our lives. Once the Word gets in our hearts it has
the capacity to bring us to truth by illuminating our minds, releasing the
power of Christ and bringing every situation and every circumstance into
the light of His glorious power.
"And the
Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of
the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
- John 1:14
Your Word
I have treasured in my heart
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Women's Ministry
Christ Community Church
1190 Phoenixville Pike
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380
610.431.0300 x109 women@visitchristcommunity.com
www.RootedToGrow.com
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Fall
Garden
Check
List
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- Set down roots. It's a great time to plant, while
the soil is still warm and moist and the air is starting to cool. Be
sure to thoroughly water your new plant pals.
- Leave the leaves where they fall. Mulch leaves into the grass to give your lawn some added nutrients. Or start a compost pile.
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Mulch a bunch. Cover plants with mulch - compost,
partially decomposed leaves, woodchips and bark can all be used to give
plants an extra blanket of protection for winter.
- Split 'em up. Most perennials need to be divided
at least every three years to stay healthy and productive, and fall is
the best time to transplant, divide or plant them.
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Fill in the blanks. Before the real rains dump on us, fill in any erosion in your yard, fertilize and reseed.
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Trees company. Give your big trees a checkup:
Look for dead or detached branches, cavities or rotten wood along
trunks or branches, mushrooms at the base, cracks or splits in trunks
and trees that have been topped or heavily pruned. If you see any signs
of hazards, call a professional tree service. Also trim any tree limbs
that are dangerously close to power lines or your roof.
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Healthy hacking.Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy spring growth.
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Bring 'em in. Clean and store tools, toys and
outdoor furniture. Dip garden shears, weeders, pruners, spades and
other hand tools in sand mixed with motor oil to clean and lubricate
them before storing. (Keep propane tanks outside, though, covered with
a plastic bag or tarp.)
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Pull-ups. Uproot dead potted annuals; throw out the soil; and store the pots in a shed, garage or basement.
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Focus on flowers. Deadhead perennials (leaving
some seeds on flowers for the birds). You can plant fall pansies and
kale in September and crocus, daffodils and tulips in late October.
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Pre-rain drainage check.Make sure any and all surface water drains away from your house.
- Thank God for the beauty of creation -- and the joy and expression of each new season!
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'Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.' -- Jeremiah 5:24
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