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Upcoming Events
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NEXTto - hosted by Lisa Potter. For ministry wives under 40.
November 8 - email Lisa for more information |
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2015 Potomac Days of Prayer - January 6 & 8
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With each issue, I find myself thinking, these articles are the best yet. I am encouraged and challenged by your stories. Many thanks to all of you who share your lives with PMN Women in Ministry Connection.
In November a WIM Work Group will meet to discuss the future of PMN Women in Ministry. We invite your input of ideas for the future of the WIM fellowship. Send me your ideas. How can we serve you?
Help wanted. Looking for:
- editorial/compilation assistance for WIM Connection e-newsletter
- assistance with VirtualPrayerCircle
Contact me if you would be interested in helping with the Connection or VirtualPrayerCircle. jburtram@potomacag.org
I trust you will enjoy this Fall issue of PMN WIM Connection.
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Living by Faith
Johnese Burtram
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Our examination of living by faith, takes us to Hebrews 11, The Hall of Faith.
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.
Captured by their great exploits, we jump to our feet, cheering for those brave heroes from whom we draw inspiration. Continue Reading
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Guest Contributor - Kerry Clarensau
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 Our Guest Contributor for Fall 2014 is Kerry Clarensau. Her article, Prayer Guide for Your Husband, appears under Connecting with Your Marriage. Kerry is a speaker, mentor, author and inspiring leader for women. She has served in ministry with her husband, Mike, for over 25 years. They previously served as pastors of a culturally diverse church in Wichita, Kansas. She has served in local, state and national ministry positions. Currently, she leads the National Women's Ministries Department for the Assemblies of God and serves on the Her Green Room leadership team.
She is the author of A Beautiful Life: Discovering the Freedom of Selfless Love, Redeemed! Embracing a Transformed Life, Love Revealed, The Love Revealed Challenge and Secrets: Transforming Your Life and Marriage. Kerry and Mike have two sons, Blake and Tyler, a daughter-in-law, Katie, and two granddaughters, Molly and Lennon. |
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Connecting with the Sistahs
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Where you share your stories
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A Simple Resignation
Pam Frey
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I have always found it hard to understand how to pray or even why we pray when God already knows what will happen. How does He hear the petitions of our hearts, the cries of our soul, and still carry out His sovereign plan? Professionally and socially, I had to face these questions head-on as my husband and I began to work in a more involved and intense way with people in crisis or facing difficult circumstances. Sitting face to face with others in their struggles made me realize I had to have a workable and personal theology of pain and suffering. I needed more than a theology of presence, although being there for hurting people is one of the most powerful and helpful things we can do for each other. ... Continue Reading
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Pam Frey and her husband, Butch, serve as Global Member Care Coordinators for Assemblies of God World Missions. They work in crisis intervention, preventative care, training and resourcing. They have served as missionaries since 1986 in Latin America/Caribbean, most recently serving as Area Directors in Mexico. Pam has an MA in counseling from AGTS and is a licensed therapist.
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When I came to Christ at twenty three, I had a lot of baggage. Introverted and unsure, I had done the things the world would expect of a young woman my age. Then, slowly, God got a hold of my heart and I began living for Him.
Some people come to Christ with a lightning bolt - Shazam - it hits and they are changed from that day forward. Not me. God plodded me backwards through my life and we worked together to free me from all that entangled me. ... Continue Reading
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Carrie received her BA in Theology from Life Christian University in Raleigh, NC in 2004 and became a licensed minister with the Assembly of God in 2010. She and her family moved to Elk Garden, WV in April 2012 where her husband pastors and she assists him. They have five children and two grandchildren. She has homeschooled for 15 years.
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Inasmuchas - My Faith in Jesus Helps Today
Judy Rachels
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I have a best friend, a widow, lying on her bed wasting away with an incurable disease. I don't like it.
How does my faith in Jesus help me today? My faith in Jesus shows me how to live when my strength is low, finances meager, relationships frayed, when faced with issues that seem irrational. ... Continue Reading
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Judy says about herself: Luke 6 says, "Your task is to be true not popular." Wow, that's exactly why I read the Bible. I need to face this truth every day. Life is exacting, hilarious, tragic, exciting, and trying all in the same day. I KNOW Jesus loves me, though, so on I go.
I've loved Ray for a lifetime, raised three fabulous kids who've now turned our family into a total of 15. I have outlived acne, tight skin and perfect eyesight. I've learned that most things work out eventually...if I can just hold steady to "eventually." I have more stories than most people want to hear. I love telling them more than ever.
She currently serves as National Chair for the Women in Ministry Network. She has served in church staff positions, taught public school, led the Assemblies of God Women in Southern California Network, is a speaker at a variety of venues, and has published many articles. Judy holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Evangel University and a master's degree in Leadership from Vanguard University.
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A Walk of Faith
Maria Donnelly
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A beautiful aspect of our faith is the reliance on the Holy Spirit of God. We believe the Lord guides us by His Spirit; the Holy Spirit guides our steps and stops. We believe the Holy Spirit guides us through the circumstances of our lives and provides for all our needs. The complete trusting of the Holy Spirit of God is the key to a vibrant, confident walk of faith. ... Continue Reading
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With a Masters in Instruction, Maria is an educator with over twenty years' experience teaching both Science and Bible. She is a Licensed Minister and has served as Bible Teacher, Christian Education Superintendent, Women's Ministries Leader and Children's Pastor. Raised in the inner city of Philadelphia, Maria understands the unique struggles the impoverished face and believes that the Spirit-filled teaching of God's Word will transform communities, towns and eventually the country. Maria enjoys life to the fullest with her husband, Tom, and their three active teenaged sons. They serve together at Five Rivers Assembly of God in Elkton, Maryland.
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Faith for a Prodigal
Laura Qualls
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My heart was cold and aching with sorrow. Our nineteen-year-old daughter was leaving. Not for college or nuptial separation where the future is familiar. Our child was running away from family and God, into the unknown darkness of unbelief and rebellion. I turned from those large, pleading eyes and rushed upstairs, unable to say "good-by." The door closed softly and Karen, our first-born, was gone. It would be eight years before the journey ended and the prodigal returned. ... Continue Reading
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Laura shares in ministry with her husband, Jerry, retired Lead Pastor of Glad Tidings, Norfolk, VA. Jerry and Laura co-host a weekly radio program, Heart to Heart, as well as present marriage seminars. Laura is experienced in church leadership, inspirational speaking, and teaching the Word of God. She has been a public school teacher, holding a B.S degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.A. degree from Regent University.
Jerry and Laura have been married for 50 years. They have three grown children (one of them in heaven) and five grandchildren.
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Faith in Uncharted Waters
Ruth Pabon
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I got lost in the rain one evening driving in a part of town unfamiliar to me. With a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning the power went off. I started praying aloud for something familiar so I could find my way to my destination or at least a familiar highway that would led me home. Thank God, I finally found my way. I can still feel those few moments of fear when I was lost in the dark. ... Continue Reading
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Ruth Pabon, an ordained minister, works full time with the elderly. She is on the ethics, pastoral, and diversity committees with the health system she works with. She is also an instructor with the Potomac School of Ministry. She is also an inspirational speaker to youth and the church sharing on relationships, love, and life. Her husband is pastor to the Spanish congregation at Williamsburg Assembly of God and works part-time. They have one adult son who plays piano at a local church.
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Walking by Faith: Lessons from Children's Toys
Ariel Rainey
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Boys play with little cars and trucks that rev up backwards. Drag the wheels backward along the floor, then as soon as you let them go, they take off, straight and powerful until they run down. You just rev them backwards again and watch them take off. At times my faith walk was as easy, running in a straight line. No obstacles and an easy pace are encouraging, as long as I get a regular top-off revving from the Spirit's power, I can keep going indefinitely. ... Continue Reading
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Ariel Rainey is one of our Potomac missionaries working in Spain with the immigrant community. She loves Jesus, coffee, and having hilarious adventures.
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Articles, scripture, quotes that challenge you in your walk of faith.
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4 Keys to Accepting Compliments Well
Dave Jenkins
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A surprisingly difficult aspect of the Christian life is accepting and receiving compliments. It's not that we don't appreciate compliments or find them encouraging. But there is a danger of basing our identity upon them, or simply receiving them in the wrong way. As I've gotten older, I've learned how to receive compliments better. Here are 4 keys I've discovered: http://www.christianity.com/church/church-life/4-keys-to-accepting-compliments-well.html
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The Idolatry of Youth
In God's Economy, Age is an Honor
Kelli B. Trujillo
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In a culture that worships 17-year-old celebrities and upholds teenage bodies as the epitome of womanhood, it's easy to feel old. By these standards, we're "old" when we hit 26! We live in a world with multimillion dollar industries built around erasing wrinkles, covering gray, and squeezing in sagging body parts. Age is treated like a disease to be cured, an embarrassing symptom to be suppressed.
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Four Ways to Let Go of Regret
Pam Kanaly
Co-founder, Arise Ministries
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Have you ever done something that looking back you think: How could I have done that? Or how could I have said that? Or how could I NOT have weighed the options and made a better decision? Surely if you're human you've lived long enough to have at least ONE regret! ...
- How could I have lowered myself to that standard?
- How could I have acted that way?
- How could I not have seen the long range result of my actions?
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A God-Paced Life
Author and speaker Cynthia Heald defines the word "simplicity."
Interview by Amy Simpson
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I am woman, I am invincible, I am tired. These words from a T-shirt echo the sentiments of many women. And it was an apt description of the hectic life Cynthia Heald lived as a younger woman, when she says the highlight of her day was often going to bed at night. When she realized she wasn't living as God intended, she began to pursue a life of simple devotion to Christ, a "God-paced life."
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Have a Little Faith
Mitch Albom
Review: Joan Rhoden
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What could happen in God's kingdom if we put our petty differences aside and saw people through the eyes of God? Mitch Albom, in this true story catches a mere glimpse of the possibilities. From an eighty-two year old rabbi to a reformed drug dealer convict and now inner-city pastor, the author rediscovers the world of faith he abandoned years ago.
He finds himself juggling life between the venues of Christians and Jews, African Americans and Whites, rich and poor. As he witnesses how very different people ply faith in their struggle to survive, Mitch not only learns about other creeds and values, he returns to a personal faith.
The author, rabbi, pastor and reader discover the meaning of community and how it weaves into the fabric of our relationship with God.
This is an earthly true story with a profound heavenly message. In other words, it reads like a parable of Jesus.
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The Voice Bible
published by Harper Collins
Review: Johnese Burtram
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At the 2014 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference I was given a copy of The Voice. This translation was new to me. Written in conversational style, liberally sprinkled with commentator and explanatory notes, this translation is a delightful read. I have enjoyed the formatted dialogue and modern language usage. I recommend this translation as a change from the traditional study translations.
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THINK ABOUT IT
Material designed to challenge your thinking. May cause a riot or a revival, but at least it will get you thinking.
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Any time we open ourselves up to fear, we fall prey to his deceptions and intimidations. Yet, if we submit our hearts to God and stand in faith, we can resist those first fearful thoughts. As we yield to God we can master our reactions to fear and the enemy will soon flee.
Francis Frangipan
Posted 10/22/2014
October 23, 2014
Faith, walking in the dark with God, only prays Him to clasp its hand more closely.
Phillips Brooks
Posted 10/23/2014
All the paths of the Lord are loving and faithful" Psalm 25:10 I have pondered this verse lately, and have found that it feeds my spirit. All does not mean "all - except the paths I am walking in now," or "nearly all - except this especially difficult and painful path." All must mean all. So, your path with its unexplained sorrow or turmoil, and mine with its sharp flints and briers - and both our paths, with their unexplained perplexity, their sheer mystery - they are His paths, on which he will show himself loving and faithful. Nothing else; nothing less.
Amy Carmichael
Posted 5/12/2009
From Daily Christian Quotes: http://dailychristianquote.com
Galatians 3:11
Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith." NIV
Now, it is clear that no one is put right with God by means of the Law, because the scripture says, "Only the person who is put right with God through faith shall live."
Good News Translation
The obvious impossibility of carrying out such a moral program should make it plain that no one can sustain a relationship with God that way. The person who lives in right relationship with God does it by embracing what God arranges for him. Doing things for God is the opposite of entering into what God does for you. Habakkuk had it right: "The person who believes God, is set right by God - and that's the real life."
The Message
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Connecting with Your Family
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Encouragement for your closest relationships
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Missional Living Doesn't Wait for Marriage
As for me and my house, we'll serve in our single years.
Lore Ferguson
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Where I live in Texas, there are two dominant decorating motifs: every house either has a wall covered with ornamental crosses or a wall with large words spelling out some sort of creed for their home. Perhaps you've seen some of these, ranging from heartwarming to cheesy, on display as a celebration of marriage, kids, or family.
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A few years ago, single and in my late 20s, I became convicted of the potential and value of my current living situation-
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GUEST EDITORIAL
Philippians 4:5-7 says, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
A few years ago, I wrote a book called Secrets: Transforming Your Life and Marriage. I simply took what Scripture taught and applied it to my role as a wife. Today, I'd like to share with you a prayer guide based on Scripture that I include in the book. Continue Reading
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Five Ways to Support Your Husband
Cara Joyner
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If you had asked me to write this list in my first year of marriage, it probably would have looked like the following: (1) keep a date night, (2) write notes to tell him you love him, (3) surprise him often, (4) don't go to bed angry, (5) never be afraid to wear something fun that only he will see. While I would still recommend each of these, I have learned that often, supporting and loving each other well involves more complex depths of sacrifice.
http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/5-ways-to-support-your-husband.html
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Five Ways to Encourage Your Kids When Grandpa has Alzheimer's
Sarah Hamaker, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
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When your father doesn't remember who exactly you are, it can be hard to stay connected-and to keep your children attached to their grandparent. My father has Alzheimer's, and I've moved from being a daughter named Sarah to "that girl with the kids."
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When Your Child Doesn't Like Church
A guide to countercultural parenting in the church
Kim Harms
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My 10-year-old son does not like church. While my worship leader husband stands before the congregation singing and drawing hearts into focus, I stand by a boy who doesn't even move his
lips.
http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2014/march/when-your-child-doesnt-like-church.html
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Connecting with Your Funny Bone
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The Anne of Green Gables book series,by L. M. Montgomery, though listed in the youth genre, remains my all-time favorite set of books. I'm secretly the most Anne-ish person I know. Always getting in and out of scrapes, Anne, sometimes, just gets herself in deeper.
Let me share with you one of my favorite Anne-isms. And by the way, this really happened to me! Continue Reading
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Heidi Houston is married to Jason, ordained with the Assemblies of God. For three years, we pastored in Alaska where I enjoyed helping him with the ministry and raising our first two girls. Due to health concerns, we had to move back home. We returned last year and now attend Trinity Assembly of God Church in Lutherville, MD. I am part of my choir's awesome ministry. I am the mother of three little girls who enjoys writing short children's stories, songs and poetry. I love the Lord with all of my heart. - Heidi Houston
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The bonds of matrimony are a good investment, only when the interest is kept up.
Many girls like to marry a military man - he can cook, sew, and make beds, and is in good health, and he's already used to taking orders.
I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
Above from Crosswalk: Humor 2005
A very gracious lady who was mailing an old family bible to her brother in another part of the country.
"Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.
"Only the Ten Commandments," answered the lady.
A pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation:
"I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."
People want the front of the bus, the back of the church and the center of attention.
Above from http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/fun/laughs1.htm
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I hope you have enjoyed this edition of PMN WIM Connection. Be encouraged that your walk of faith is not in vain. All of these people we have mentioned - those who walked by faith - received God's approval because of their faith. (Heb. 11:39)
Let me know if you want to help out with The Connection or VirtualPrayerCircle, jburtram@potomacag.org.
"Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." (Matt 1:20 - 23 NIV)
Our theme for the 2014 Christmas edition of WIM Connection is Immanuel, God with Us. Share your story of this personal promise of the Savior.
Articles 300 - 500 words, poems, photos, art are due Friday, December 5, 2014. We are also looking for humor and book reviews.
You are loved,
Johnese
Shine the light; defeat the dark
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Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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