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December 2012 |
GraceTouch
Facilitating global impact |
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Greetings!
Do you want to give gifts that will last all year? We want to share with you some of our favorites. May your Christmas be full of peace and joy, and may the new year be full of God's wonderful gifts. |
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Ornaments that give |
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by Janet Minnix
Decorating the Christmas tree is a family affair in our house. Our son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren help us set up the tree, string the lights and hang ornaments, accompanied by the Christmas music of Burl Ives, Grandpa's made-up lyrics, and lots of laughs. Before the popcorn and Dr. Pepper or hot chocolate, we troop outside to view the tree through the bay window and always pronounce it "the most beautiful tree we've ever had."
 This year I think I'll add another, smaller tree decorated with ornaments representing gifts I want to give in the coming year. A large red bow atop the tree will have the word GRACE printed in gold on its fabric because this is a Grace Tree. Among the ornaments will be one labeled Compassion for the person experiencing suffering, grief or pain. Another will be Patience for the one who inconveniences me (I'm sure I'll need to give this more than once). Kindness for someone who needs extra consideration will also be included. Other ornaments will be named Gentleness, Respect, Tolerance (bearing with the differences of others) and Mercy.
A large red ornament will be Forgiveness, for the person who offends or hurts me. This one might be harder to give away, but its red color reminds me to forgive others as Christ forgave me. Last in the collection, but certainly not least, will be Gratitude, a gift I can give every day - to others, but especially to God, for His abundant gifts to me. Red streamers cascade down all sides of the tree, each ribbon bearing the word LOVE, for each gift is to be covered with love.
You may wish to make your own Grace Tree, and you will probably think of other ornaments that could be added. But I can't think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than to give gifts of Grace with love throughout the year.
Janet Minnix, President of Women of Grace USA, lives with her husband in Roanoke, VA, where they attend the Ghent Grace Brethren Church. She plays keyboard with the worship team, coordinates the women's ministry, and enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Her granddaughter Ashmine snapped the photo above after the Christmas tree was decorated last week. |
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Are relationships worth the work?
 Your story of what you have learned can inspire and encourage someone else. We believe this so strongly that we provide a magazine every year where women can share what God is teaching them. Our topic for the coming issue is "Relationships: Worth the Work." We'd like to hear what you have learned about relationships. You're not a writer? No problem. We have a team of writers who would love to interview you and help you tell your story. Articles are due January 18, so don't delay. More information
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| PrayerWatch partnership |
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Magnificent gifts
Take some time this season to meditate on the magnificent gifts God has given. Everything, from the ribbons of love to the tiniest bulb, cost Jesus His life so that we might truly l-i-v-e. Give to God the gift of praise and heartfelt thanksgiving for being the Lifter of your head. Look into His face and thank His holy name for each gift that has been given so that you might be not only reconciled to God but enabled to be in intimate relationship with The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
And remember, if you want women to join with you in your intercession at any time you can send it by e-mail to our prayer coordinator. |
| Mark your calendar |
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Opportunities coming up:
How does grace respond in the heat of criticism? How does grace relate to conflict management? Those are just a few of the questions to be discussed at the Women's Leadership Summit in Frederick, Maryland, January 18-20. Details
What does the Bible teach about our value as women? Join us for the Women and Scripture class, March 22-23, in Orange, California. Details
If you know someone who would love to interact with other Spanish-speaking women, encourage her to come to the Hispanic Women of Grace Conference, April 12-14, in Syracuse, Indiana. The topic will be "Lasting Beauty." Details |
| Musings for moms |
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The most wonderful time of the year
 by Jennifer Fretz
When stress and obligation replace fun and sentiment, how do I keep in mind that the reason we give gifts to one another is to symbolize God's perfect gift to us?
Read the article |
| Ministering grace |
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How one woman in America can make a difference in Africa
by Christy Carmean
 I don't speak the language and I can't really understand much of the culture.I can't fix the corruption in the government, or feed all the hungry or offer medical treatment to the sick.It's easy to look at all the problems of the Central African Republic and become overwhelmed.What could I do?I discovered through Project Hope and Charite that I could smile, and hug, and pray.I could organize an assembly line to pack Christmas gifts for orphans.I could deliver mail sent from sponsors in the States.This was my third trip to the CAR, and my prayer is that through sardines, photographs, and thank you cards, we are able to offer a piece of hope. View Christy's blog
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| What really matters |
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Just for me! 
At a recent Summit, one of the attendees had traveled a long distance. While there, she met a younger woman who was experiencing a challenge very similar to one she had gone through and was able to encourage her with the truth God had taught her. Later, while chatting with a group over dinner, the older woman commented that she had debated about going because of the cost. The younger woman responded: "God sent you just for me!"
Your gift to Women of Grace enables us to invest in the lives of women who would not otherwise have the opportunity to be refreshed.
Give now |
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The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg |
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Review by Christy Carmean 
Am I becoming the version of me that God intended? Read more |
| What's going on? |
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with Women of Grace USA
Check our Facebook page to see some of what God's been doing among women through Women of Grace USA. |
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