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Lee Park Ladies Expo

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Save the Date!!

Where are you going in 2013?

   While recently reading in Genesis 16, I was surprised at the words that seemed to leap right off the page into my mind and heart.  Actually, it hadn't been long since I had completed an in-depth study in this "Book of Beginnings."  I didn't really expect to "find" anything "new" as I read on this particular day (I can hear God laughing).

     Still there it was echoing with freshness, God's question to Hagar that found a new landing place right inside my heart:  "Hagar, Sarai's maid, 'Where have you come from and where are you going?' "  (Genesis 16:8)

      Somehow, I knew that the Holy Spirit was posing that same question to me.  With a brand new year beginning what an opportune time to reply by, glancing back in consideration, while looking forward with anticipation to where I wanted to be headed in 2013.

     Various thoughts and ideas came to mind as I personally pondered these two queries.  One thing is for certain:  I knew if I wanted to keep on keeping on in my walk with God, I needed to continually be "coming from something" while going "toward something else."  

      I also knew, without a doubt, part of that "something else" would be seeking to spend daily time in God's Word.  For that is, hands down, the paramount way God uses to bring about change in my life.   If you are like me, you probably see areas in your life that need transforming by a Savior that loves us too much to leave us the way we are. 

     Not only does the study of His Word bring about needed change in my life, but it grows me intimately more acquainted with the One who loves me beyond compare.  I have wrestled with many doubts in my spiritual life which were never totally settled until I got into a Ladies Bible study.  There, alongside other women that shared the same struggles as myself, I began to grow in my relationship with God.  I've found we all need each other and we all definitely need God's Word!

     So what a great time to invite you to join us for our Lee Park Ladies Bible Study. If you want to grow closer to Jesus in this upcoming year, I can promise you, your time will not be wasted. 

     You may even find yourself in the place all of us have been at one time or another.  Perhaps you are not sure if you are coming, going or even have a personal relationship with Jesus.  If so, I have some great news for you!  One of the many incredible things about God is that He meets you where you are.  In fact, when God posed His inquiry to Hagar, you might say she was in a "state of limbo."  Yet, God met her right in that very place.  He will meet you wherever you happen to be too.  So please think about coming to join us as we begin our new semester of studies....there will definitely be one that is just right for you.

     I know that as the year progresses, in order for me to remain focused, I will have to continue to ask myself, "Where am I going?"  But one answer I can give to God right now is, "Lord, I am going to Ladies Bible Study."  How about you? All our upcoming Ladies Bible Studies and descriptions are posted on our previous blog.  Please join us this coming Tuesday, January 15, for our Community Day Bible Study Kick-off. We begin at 7 p.m. with heavy appetizers and will have more information about all our studies offered!  See you there!

  --Mary Armstrong

Ladies Ministry Spring Bible Studies

Here is a list of our upcoming Spring Ladies Ministry Bible Studies!  We wanted to put this list out now so that you can be praying about which one to take.  Sign-ups will be at our Spring Community Day Kick-Off, on Tuesday,  January 15, 2013 at 7 p.m-8 p.m.  Mark your calendars now and if you have any questions, please call our church office at 704-289-4674.

A Woman’s Heart God’s Dwelling Place (A great follow-up to the Patriarchs) A Woman’s Heart explores the building of the Old Testament tabernacle. It looks at the significance of its intricate design, its pivotal role in God's eternal plan, the grand fulfillment of its purpose by Jesus Christ, and its variety of meanings for your walk with God today. This is a video driven study. (Offered in both the AM and PM)

Brave by Angela Thomas is a study that speaks to us about deep feelings that all women have at one time or another. Angela looks boldly at some of the fears and struggles of being a woman and she helps us see how we can be brave in the face of those challenges. It takes a brave woman to ask these questions and dig into these topics alongside other believers. We've all got insecurities, flaws and struggles that we're afraid to address but if we can be brave enough to raise the questions, God will answer us. You've got questions. God's got answers. Be brave.  This is a video driven study. (Offered in the AM)

Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow If you are tired of worrying about all the what ifs in your life and want to experience the calm and contentment promised in Scripture, Calm My Anxious Heart is what you have been looking for.  This book is filled with encouragement and practical help.  Linda Dillow will help you discover what the Bible says about contentment and ways to apply it to your daily life.  This is a book study. (Offered in both the AM and PM)

Cookies on the Lower Shelf Part 2 by Pam Gillaspie endorsed by Kay Arthur (Flexible levels, great for anyone!)  A Precept Inductive Bible Study Series that covers the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation in three, 10-week segments. This series is designed to help you see the Big Picture and give you the context needed to get the most understanding from future studies!  This particular study will be I Samuel through Malachi and then in the fall with the New Testament.  You can join in Part 2 without having done Part 1.  This is book study. (Offered in both the AM and PM)

Covenant: God's Enduring Promises by Kay Arthur   Everything God does is based on covenant.  Covenant shows that the idea of covenant — God's enduring promise — is key to understanding our relationship to God.  Kay will guide us through her Precept Inductive Study approach as we explore the benefits and responsibilities of covenant as well as the character of the Covenant Initiator. This is a video driven study.  (Offered in both the AM and PM)

Deuteronomy: The Law of Love by Beth Moore Some of you may immediately think "Boring" . Please don't.  Beth's daughter says it best..."Deuteronomy has not only shaped the way I read the entire Bible but it has moved me spiritually in a way I could never have anticipated".  Here's another quote from  one who loved the study of Deuteronomy .."It has been aptly named the heartbeat of the Old Testament".  An action packed book full of great speeches from Moses.    This is a video driven study. (Offered in both the AM and PM)

Hannah's One Wish, by Kelly Minter is an Bible study for High School girls that focuses on the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. Girls will meet Hannah - a devout woman of God who wrestled with her share of problems. She, too, faced enemies who taunted her, questioned God's sovereignty, wondered why the wicked were allowed to prosper, and did her best to be honest before God. This is a book study. (Offered in the PM for High Schoolers)

Here and Now...There and Then by Beth Moore is a lecture series on the book of Revelation. Beth presents many points of view, allowing women to decide for themselves when the interpretation varies among scholars. She teaches that God is as specific about what He does reveal as He is about what He does not reveal This is a video driven study.  (Offered in the PM only)

Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer  What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city. This is a video driven study. (Offered in both the AM and PM)

Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of The Spirit by Beth Moore Bible study of the fruit of the Holy Spirit as presented in the book of Galatians. Beth walks participants through each trait listed in the fruit and encourages women to know the freedom of a Spirit-filled life. Through this study, participants will look at the supernatural aspects of the fruit and that you cannot grow, learn, or produce the fruit on your own. Beth challenges you to develop the fruit by maintaining an intimate relationship with the Spirit of God. A Spirit-filled life truly results in living beyond yourself. This is a video driven study. (Offered in AM for adults and PM for College)

Living Free: Learning to Pray God’s Word by Beth Moore

Beth explores the somewhat-radical idea that we cannot please God by being perfect. The study begins by defining false strongholds, then focuses on five key benefits for every believer, including how to find satisfaction in God and experience God's peace. Participants can learn how to develop a Godward focus in life, while beginning to incorporate the key benefits in their lives through practices of prayer and Bible study. This is a book study.  (Offered in both the AM and PM)

Lord, Give Me a Heart for You by Kay Arthur  Kay Arthur knows there are times when you can identify with Paul's experience. You feel overwhelmed by conflicts without and fears within. You yearn to experience the God of wisdom and power. You, like Paul, want deeply to be a person whose sole passion is to please God. In this study based on 2 Corinthians, Kay examines the anatomy of a heart for God. What it looks like. What it feels like. And how you can strengthen your own relationship with God. This is a book study. (Offered in the PM only)

Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore An in-depth women's Bible study of Psalms 120-134. Traveling pilgrims sang these psalms both on the way to the great festivals of the LORD and as key elements of the worship at those festivals. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt, hope, and joy, these 15 psalms model how we can voice our own petitions and praises to our God, who is always available and ready to hear us. Themes of unity, joy, gratitude, redemption, repentance, the power of blessings, facing ridicule, and more are explored in detail. Modern-day believers in Jesus Christ can learn much from these treasured Psalms in their journey toward greater intimacy with God. This is a video driven study. (Offered in the AM only)

The Inheritance by Beth Moore is video series.  This is a topical study of Inheritance throughout God's Word. Key verse: Psalm 16:5-6 "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.  This is a video driven study, no homework. (Offered in both the AM and PM)

When Godly People Do Ungodly Things: Arming Yourself in the Age of Seduction  by Beth Moore In this biblical guide to authentic repentance and restoration Beth examines why devoted followers of Jesus Christ can fall into the traps of Satan.  Believers are still subject to Satan's attacks. He is determined to disrupt the lives of Christians, destroy their ministry, and steal their joy. Sadly, those who have "fallen" may not recognize the devil's schemes until they have already been caught in a snare of defeat.  This is a video driven study. (Offered in both the AM and PM)

New Years Resolution

I heard someone recently on the radio who asked, “What is a New Years Resolution?” Their answer, “It's a to-do list for the first week of January.” How true, unfortunately, I am just as guilty in my quest to eat healthier, be more organized, and exercise--Ugh!  It all seems great for the first month, but something happens about 6 weeks in--that sense of determination becomes virtually non-existent as the winter months slowly creep by and I find myself hibernating along with all of nature. 

I wanted to share with you a resolution I made last year. I committed to reading through my Bible. Nothing has ever made such a difference in my life as spending time each day in God's Word. I was inspired and challenged by a precious friend and for that I am grateful. She not only encouraged me, but she graciously handed out Daily Reading Bibles. I was not the only one inspired, others took the challenge as well. We became accountable to one another, often discussing our daily readings and encouraging each other weekly. It was a time of learning and growing in our relationship with God. 

I completed my New Years Resolution on December 21, 2012. It was an amazing feeling.  I was overcome with emotions as I closed my Bible and bowed in prayer. I am in awe of God's Love for me.

I am on a quest this year to encourage and inspire other women. Do you want to know your Creator in an intimate way? Do you want to grow in your relationship with Jesus? Would you like for 2013 to be different? Take the challenge and step out in faith. I promise this will be the best resolution you have ever made and your best year ever. 

I'm praying for you and I love you sweet friends.

Psalm 25:5,  "Lead me in Your Truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation."

   Sharon York

A Year of Growth

Hey Everybody!

Long time no blog. :) We are at the halfway point of all our "Community Day" Bible Studies at Lee Park.  The Lord has blessed and we are all growing in the knowledge of His Word.  Tuesday's are so fun.  Please consider joining us for one in the Spring. We start back the third Tuesday in January.

I'm thankful for Kris Singleton.  She teaches one of our Nehemiah studies.  She and her husband Tim lead our First 5 Years Marriage LINK class.
Thanks to her for her blog and honesty.  She honors the Lord.

Love you all! 
Becky:) 

November 5, 2011 was a day I prepared 6 months for. It was a day I planned to check something off of my bucket list...and that thing was a body building competition. Crazy, I know...that's why I have only done one. :) I remember writing a blog this time last year about how the Lord is with us--even in the small things. I remember being extremely emotional about the strict diet I was on and giving Him the glory in my blog for calming my anxieties on the day of competition. It all seemed like such a big deal then.

November 5, 2012 is the due date my husband Tim and I were given at the doctors office in March when we got to see our cute little peanut on the ultrasound screen and hear the oh so sweet heartbeat. I remember thinking...oh how different I will look in one short year. :)

Well, just a few weeks later, the unthinkable happened. Our precious little baby went home to be Jesus. I remember crying in my husband's arms and wondering why this happened to us. As Tim prayed, I knew the same arms that were holding our baby, were also wrapped around us. God is so faithful and was so present in this time. Of course we were incredibly sad, but I had an unexplainable peace. That peace was Jesus. Honestly, it was so strong that I actually felt bad about it. I didn't know why I wasn't crying more and when people asked how I was getting through it, my only answer was GOD.

As I write this, on the evening on November 4th, with tears in my eyes, I am grateful how the Lord has grown my faith this past year. Knowing that just one short year ago, a body building competition was what I was praying for God's strength in. Maybe that's all I could handle last year. I am thankful for a church and a ladies ministry under the direction of Becky Justice, that encouraged me to get into my Bible and grow in a deeper walk with God. I didn't know what He was preparing me for, but I am so glad that He strengthens me and grows my faith daily.

So many women approached me after our miscarriage and shared that they had been through the same and offered such encouragement.  Recently, I actually had the opportunity to encourage some friends who were now dealing with miscarriage of their own. I am grateful the Lord has entrusted me with the tender hearts of these women and pray that my testimony will help them get through their difficult loss.

I pray that YOU know this God I'm talking about. I pray that you don't just know Him, but have a personal relationship with Him. I encourage you to grow in a deeper walk with Him and get to know His word because you never know when you will need that peace assurance that only He can provide.

I've Got Your Back

"I've got your back!"

That is the way I read one of my favorite verses in red, the words that Jesus spoke. I am convinced that were the Bible written in the 21st century, that is exactly what John 14:25-27 would say.....at least the SRV, the Susan Revised Version.

Jesus promised a Helper when He left this earth, and He always keeps His promises. Our Helper, the Holy Spirit, is always there to remind us of Jesus' words and how to apply them to our lives.

We all have moments when we forget that we have that Helper, but thankfully He does not forget us. Let me let you in on how this has worked for me recently.

For this school teacher, the year started with a bang! There was loads of paperwork and added responsibilities, and that was before the year even started!

Planning for a substitute teacher is one of my least favorite things I have to do, but I have to do it. It adds three hours to the lesson planning process. This year, I was required to get a sub for two days within the first three weeks of school.....so I could go to training classes. Wait, I am not done. On top of that, the first day of the training class was the biggest day of the Democratic National Convention. Would you like to guess where the class was? Of course, the class was in downtown Charlotte right in the middle of the convention. Stress, not peace, was the feeling that I had most.

That day away from school on Thursday could not have come at a better time. The traffic that I was fearful of, was nothing that day going into town. And the required training class, that I did not really want to go to, has made the planning process easier for me.

That's when I remembered.

"These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:25-27

Helped, even before I knew I needed it,

Susan Seward

She's a writer now...

Representing the Ladies Ministry, Mary Armstrong, will be teaching a study that she wrote on her own beginning this Wednesday, September 5.  Come join us!

GOD EMBRACE: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK

          My family and I have been blessed to be members at Lee Park for almost four years.  During this time we have been encouraged in our walk with Jesus and our faith has grown.  One of the many areas that God has used to serve this purpose in my life is through participating in and teaching ladies Bible studies.  It has been instrumental in growing me closer to my Lord and developing godly relationships with other ladies.  

     I am thankful for our church leaders that not only provide opportunities for us to grow personally, but also exhort us to share in ministry as we serve others.

     Grateful and humbled is how I feel about an upcoming opportunity to teach a Wednesday night ladies study centered in the book of Habakkuk.  I appreciate the willingness and support that Pastor Chris and Becky have offered by allowing me to write and teach this study.

     Habakkuk is probably not your most familiar Bible read.  This fact was brought home to me a few years ago when Pastor Chris stated that he had told someone he would be preaching from the book of Habakkuk only to have them reply, "I thought he was someone on Star Wars."  Case in point!  

      It may be tempting for you to shy away from the smaller and less familiar books of the Old Testament.  Such was the case for me, until several years ago, when I read a book that had a chapter in it dedicated to the book of Habakkuk.  Within those pages I "fell in love" with this minor prophet that I had previously known nothing about.  I was surprised to find that as I read his story I had more in common with him than I could have ever imagined.  

     Habakkuk was a man that God used to serve Him and the nation of Israel.   Yet, he wrestled with the same hard questions of the faith that can plague you and me......."Where is God when bad things are happening all around me?"  "How long am I going to have to endure this hardship?"  "Why does God allow pain and suffering in the lives of His children?"  Maybe, like me, you have asked a few of these questions yourself.   If so, we are not alone.  As we study together this book of the Bible that bears his name, we will feel Habakkuk's despair, see his wrestlings and watch him pour his heart out to God.   We will also get to see God do what only He can do...turn a worrier into a worshiper and transform a fearful man into a man of faith.

       In fact, Habakkuk's name means "embrace" and that is exactly what this man of God learned to do--embrace his God in the midst of painful and difficult circumstances.  As we delve into this study in God's Word, we too, will learn how we can more fully "embrace" our God and grow in our walk of faith.  I hope that you will join me as we move together toward a "God Embrace."