Interview by Debbie Shank  

Jodi Detrick 

Speaker, 2014 WIM Retreat

The Jesus-Hearted Woman

Debbie:     What has God been speaking to your heart about the upcoming Potomac Ministry Network WIM Retreat?

Jodi:     First of all, I never take for granted those moments when women in ministry have the opportunity to gather in a retreat setting. God does some pretty amazing stuff when we get together to focus on Him and what He would say to us, so I have HUGE expectations for what He has up His big sleeve. God has been speaking to me about the incredible capacity of the human heart, both for good or for evil, and this verse really grabs me: (Proverbs 4:23) Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. So much of how we live and minister is determined by what is in our heart.

Debbie:     Our theme is The Jesus-Hearted Woman. How can the WIM from our District apply these words to our lives?

Jodi:     That is exactly what we'll be looking at when we gather--so there is much more to come on this subject. I would say that from my research, life experience, and (most importantly) God's Word, I found ten essential qualities which seem to most significantly impact how well, and how long, people lead. I love knowing these qualities (like confidence, authenticity, humility, stamina, resilience and courage-to name a few) can be developed in our lives; we don't have to be born with them, and most of us aren't. I truly believe, when it comes to leadership and ministry, if you have the heart, you can learn the skills. And it is from Jesus, that we learn to be leaders who have both enduring, and endearing, influence.

Debbie:     How do you think God wants to use the WIM in 2014?

Jodi:     I believe we are living in a season of unprecedented opportunity for women to minister and influence others for Jesus. As women, we really do breathe the freest air women have ever breathed in the history of this planet--despite the obstacles and challenges that still exist. So I think God wants women to use their leadership gifts as Jesus-hearted ministers with a gracious confidence in whatever realm of influence He's given them. I also think it's time to think outside the box when it comes to ministry. Ministry today can look so different than some of the traditional roles we are accustomed to, and it's time for women to have a pioneering spirit and to be willing to do ministry in non-traditional ways, if that is how the Spirit is leading.

Debbie:     What will the women gain from attending the retreat in 2014?

Jodi:

 

Jodi Detrick, D.Min is an author and religion columnist for The Seattle Times, one of America's leading newspapers. Her new book, The Jesus-Hearted Woman, was just released this summer. As an ordained AG minister, certified personal coach, and a speaker for many groups across America, Jodi loves to talk to people at heart-level about things that matter most.  She serves as national Chairperson for the Network for Women in Ministry and is an adjunct professor at Northwest University. Jodi lives with her husband, Don, in the rainy Pacific Northwest where lattes are always a good idea.  You can check out her new book at www.jesusheartedwoman.com or learn more about her at www.jodidetrick.com. 

Christmas is a happening. It happens every year. To the believer, the story of Christ's birth never gets old. Our joy builds as we anticipate the celebrations and the making of memories.

However, most of our traditions create happiness, not joy. These moments are temporary and not lasting, albeit joyful at the moment. Keep reading...

*

JESUS!

You were born

In  a stable,  poor

And unknown; in the

Fullness   of  time   you

Gave up  your own; glory

And honor, made earth your

Home;  rejected and spurned,

Except by a few,  the words that

You spoke   brought   many to you;

"Don't worry,  be happy,  one day at a

Time, repent from your sins, a freedom

You'll find.  Take up your cross,  come  fol-

 low me; share in the joy like blind men who

See."  Rejecting the praises that   men   could

Afford, You gave up your glory in Heaven,   dear

Lord;   You took on yourself man's limitation,  and

Died as a slave cursing temptation; giving to  man  in

  His limited scope, a reason to live and have a new hope.

I   was   a  slave,

Dead in my sins,

           Fighting      a    fight   that   nobody   wins;   busy  by  day

Haunted   by night,  darkness    surrounding, needing

   The  light.    One  day  my  heart  heard    your soft

                                         Voice;   to  listen  or  not,  I  knew  it   my choice

                                          "Don't worry,    be  happy, one day at a  time,

                                                  Repent from your sins, a freedom    you'll

                                                    Find;      take   up   your    cross,   come,

                                                      Follow me;     share   in the joy   like

                                                        Blind   men  who   see."     I chose

                                                          to repent     and      follow  your

                                                            Lead,   step    out    in     faith

                                                              I    knew     I'd      succeed. 

                                                                You    would    not  fail

                                                                  A sinner    set   free;

                                                                    Because  of   your

                                                                      Love  You were

                                                                        Born  in  me,

           JESUS!

                                                                                 *

                                                                                                                   -Laura Bilton Qualls

The Earth was quiet that night, as though holding its' collective breath.  No one had heard from God in hundreds of years and suddenly, in one night, all changed.  When the Christ-child was born, the first utterance from God was a breath inhaled, a wail, a sigh.  The silence was broken;God was with us.  Because that moment shattered the silence, nothing stands between us and Christ, our mediator - the one who stands before God to argue our case.  And whether we feel His presence or not, He is here, and there, before God.  Emanuel, God With Us.  He eagerly waits for us to tell Him of our love for Him, of our needs, so He can stand in our place before God and make our requests known.  Now it is up to us to break our silence.

1.            Silent night, holy night,

               all is calm, all is bright

               round yon virgin

               mother and child.

               Holy infant, so tender and mild,

               sleep in heavenly peace,

               sleep in heavenly peace.

2.            Silent night, holy night,

               shepherds quake at the sight;

               glories stream from heaven afar,

               heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

               Christ the Savior is born,

               Christ the Savior is born!

3.            Silent night, holy night,

               Son of God, love's pure light;

               radiant beams from thy holy face

               with the dawn of redeeming grace,

               Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,

               Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

4.            Silent night, holy night,

               wondrous star, lend thy light;

               with the angels let us sing,

               Alleluia to our King;

               Christ the Savior is born,

 

Heidi Houston and her husband, Jason serve Trinity Assembly of God in Lutherville, MD as part of the congregation. They spent three years pastoring in Alaska and returned to the Baltimore area because of health reasons. She is part of the choir ministry. Mother of three little girls, she enjoys writing short children's stories, songs and poetry. I love the Lord with all of my heart.

Psalm 89:15 says Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Yourcountenance. Usually we attribute sounds to HEARING, but KNOWING the JOYFUL SOUND, puts a different light on this. The knowing is far more powerful than the mere hearing.
Keep reading ....

Holding your own precious newborn for the first time - an experience beyond words. I have known that joy of three times. I am indescribably blessed. But, I have also known the pain of a staggering diagnoses. Encephalopathy with "no cure." I know the journey into The Valley of Grief, the longing for clarity and understanding, the search for a place of hope.
Keep reading ...

  Heather is an ordained minister with a master's degree in Biblical Literature and four other degrees including a bachelors in church ministries from SAGU.  She heads a non-profit, Intrinsic Beauty Ministries, to encourage women and teen ladies, has traveled and spoke in districts and churches,  holds certification in etiquette, and ran a School of Etiquette on Martha's Vineyard Island as an outreach to the community while pastoring.  She has over twenty years of ministry experience including teaching and pastoring.  Her greatest honor besides holding her children for the first time was praying with Mother Teresa in Calcutta in 1994.  She is open to the next season of ministry and resides in Arlington, VA.  www.LivingfullofGrace.com

She enjoys fresh, real food.  Crimson red and pure white.  Dark wood floors.  The beach.  Hugs from her children.  Coffee dates with her husband.  Sitting quietly in his Presence.  

When I hear the word Joy the first thing that jumps into my thoughts is the verse of an old song Joy unspeakable and full of glory... This was the song that got me to dance before the Lord for the first time.  

Denise, a licensed Assembly of God minister of the Assembly of God, is the Missions director of Lighthouse Worship Center in Gloucester, Virginia. With a degree in Accounting, she runs her own bookkeeping business. She serves on the Board of Directors of two non-profit mission organizations: 'Africa Harvest Mission' whose main emphasis is to evangelize Africa, and 'Friends of TOUCH' which provides funds to care for African children. She is married with five daughters and eight grandchildren. On the side she writes plays and skits most of which are produced at my church.

Aside from becoming the bride of Don Cox in August of 1967, the JOY of motherhood ranks high on my list of JOYS. Giving birth to our son after being in labor for twenty-four hours was the highlight of that day.  Philip Donald, weighing 8 lbs. 7 oz., adjusted quickly to life outside the womb. Now, at forty-two, Phil and his wife Lily have given us two wonderful grandsons, James and Micah.  Both were born in China where Phil met his wife seven years ago. Keep reading....

Married for forty-five years, Don and Rose Marie have two children, five grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren. She loves being a grandmother who spoils the grandchildren to Don's dismay!!

In the hushed and darkened room, I am alone with my thoughts. Just before dawn, all is silent, except for the sounds as the birds begin to arise, singing songs of joy. What lies ahead for them? They do not know. Dangers? Hunger? Perhaps, and yet they sing a song of hope for the dawn they feel certain is coming. Although they are blanketed in the unknown; their joy sings! Keep reading....

In the summer of 2013, I spent two glorious weeks resting and refreshing on the beaches of the South Carolina coast. On the last day, while sitting peacefully in my green lounger, umbrella overhead and intriguing book in hand, a little girl stole my attention. Her squeals of delight filled the ocean air, captivating my heart. She could not have been more than 5 years old. I watched as this blonde-haired girl attempted to tackle the waves licking the shore. Placing her fingers securely around her pint-size board, she ventured into the ocean, a few more feet each time, armed only with the hope of riding in on a wave. Keep reading...

 
Angela, ordained Assemblies of God minister, Mom to Gabrielle and Christian, has been the Worship Pastor at River of Life Worship Center in Fredericksburg, VA, where her husband Dale is Lead Pastor, for 19 years. In addition she now travels as a worship leader/artist, speaker, and advocate for missions projects in Africa. She has ministered in many churches and conferences across the US, Canada, Mexico and Africa. 

Angela loves speaking from the word and sharing her personal testimony of God's faithfulness through 2 life-threatening health conditions.  She has finished her first Bible study for women and is looking forward to publishing Living in Joy in 2014.

The reclusive Christian writer whose devotional books are narrated by Jesus

The only person who can outsell the rabidly popular 50 Shades of Grey series? Jesus, apparently.

The first quarter of 2014 celebrates Potomac Ministry Network WIM Connection's sixth year of publication. In our seventh year, we will visit some popular themes.

The theme for our first edition, Winter 2008 was Everything's a Love Story. The theme for 2014 Winter Quarter is The greatest of these is love. Love is the irrefutable proof of God's activity in our world. I'm sure you have a story about how love has been demonstrated in your life. Tell us a love story, yours or someone else's.

Please submit your 300-500 word articles by February 7, 2014.  We are also always looking for humor, poetry, book reviews, etc.

I look forward to sharing your love stories.