which binds them all together in perfect unity. -Col. 3:14
July 2008 Information and inspiration for the women of Spring Lake Church
Summer is Here! Womens Connection Events
Information and inspiration for the women of Spring Lake Church
Our Mission Loving God -Maturing in His Character - Reaching the World. As you grow in love for God, you mature and reach out to the world. As you mature, you grow in love for God and reach out to the world. As you reach out to the world, you grow in love for God and you mature in Christ. A Second Cup Summer 2014 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. -Col. 3:14
I NSI DE THE I SSUE: Page 1 From the Editors Cup 2 Events 3 The Link 4 Profile: Jennifer Lane 5 Plants, Flow- ers, People by Jeanne Bader 6- 7 Who Goes First by Les- ley Swanson 8 Profile: Renee Lubinski 10 - 11 Profile: Darla Turk 12 Mothering Moments by Tina Hollen- 13 Recipe & The Role of Rest in Calling 14 - 15 Walk in Your New Life by Janice Ray 16 Recipe 17 Do you ever feel like just another face in the crowd? The Women's Ministry Team cares about you personally and has been prayerfully seeking the Lord on how He would have us create opportunities for community among the women of SLC and those not yet part of Spring Lake. Community is often the vehicle God uses to change us and if we are not making connections here, we may be missing out on the very thing He wants to use.
We have been blessed to host over 100 women during the two "Connection Nights" held in April and June. Each night has offered an opportunity to catch your breath, have a treat, catch up with old friends and make new ones. Most importantly it has provided a time to be encouraged and challenged by the Word of God.
Our next Connection Night is August 19th at 6:30 in the main lobby. Lesley Swanson will be continuing with how the Gospel changes us, this time diving into how God uses community. These events are designed with you in mind. It does not matter if you have been at Spring Lake for years or if last Sunday was your first time here. All women, college age and up, are welcome! There is a place at the table for you!
Page 2 From the Editors Cup Its a processslow down and enjoy the journey
Ill begin by stating the obvious -- spring has finally sprung after a long, brutal winter. Now its June and all around, people are working like crazy to whip their yards and gardens into shape so they can enjoy the next few months of nice weather. Joe and I are no exception. We have hundreds of perennials and dozens of flower beds that have been somewhat neglected for a while. I decided sometime in mid-February that 2014 would be the year wed carve out some time and diligently work on things outside. And although my body and soul have re- belled against these efforts after 6 sedentary months, Im choosing to focus not on the pain, but instead on perseverance and discipline. Avoiding the quick fix. Determination. Grit. Fortitude. Resolve. Now to be clear, Im not a person who necessarily enjoys the journey. In fact, I am quite the opposite. When I go on vacation, I dont like the traveling part-- I want to be at our destination and just have fun. When we redecorate a room in our house, I dont like planning, clearing furniture, hauling, cleaning, painting, etc., I just want everything finished so I can sit and enjoy it. I dont read books---I dont have the patience-- instead I wait for the movie. And in my yard and garden, I want everything green, lush and beautiful, yet I dont want to do all the hard work of digging, fertilizing, weeding, trimming, watering, etc. I just want to walk outside and soak it all in. So, for me, the journey is defi- nitely NOT the reward.
Which brings me to my gardening and perseverance analogy. I knew that in order to make the changes needed after letting things in my garden go for so long, I would need a plan and I could not do it alone. I recognized that I would need to be patient and to persevere. I also felt that I wanted to use this opportunity to bond a bit with my husband and maybe even improve relationships with my neighbors. So we began a few weeks ago, one hour at a timeflower bed by flower bed. Digging, raking, trimming and watering. Fastidiously, slowly and gently we began carefully digging and separating the plantsrecognizing that this might take some time. We set small goals that allowed us to feel some satisfaction each time we completed an area. It is a grueling process and it is tedious. We have sometimes felt overwhelmed as we realize just how much work there is to do. Yet we continue on. Weve tried to encourage one another and to help each other. And we are not done--not even close. It may take weeks. There are setbacksbad weather, busy schedules and laziness. But that is how life is. It all got me thinking about pacing ourselves, running the good race and keeping our eye on the prize. In this case, I am talking about something as simple as a garden. But what a paral- lel to our lives. I am ever-so-slowly learning such simple things. Two scriptures come to mind:
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) says Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Also, Philippians 3:14 (ERV) tells us I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.
Lorrie Blaylock is a member of the Womens Ministry team and serves as editor of A Second Cup. She works in human resources, is very active in the community and loves God, animals, her friends and her family! She and her husband Joe are long-time members of Spring Lake. Lorrie Blaylock LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. -Psalms 16:5
Page 3 Commit your works to the Lord and He will establish your plans. Prov. 16:3
Save the Date: Womens Fall Retreat November 7 November 9, 2014
Landmark Resort, Door County, WI
Speaker: Tammy Muller The Pursuit of Peace Transformed vs. Conformed
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom 12:1-2 (NASB).
Womens Connection Event August 19, 2014 6:30 PM SLC Main Lobby
A S E C O N D C U P
The LINK SLCs Virtual Womens Bulletin Board
Spring Lake Church has a weekly virtual womens bulletin board that keeps women connected with each. If you arent receiving it, sign up today. Below are the guidelines:
A pre-link reminder is sent out by Monday of each week. Email Lisa LeSage at denmarkfive@yahoo.com with any announcements you wish to post to the group. From these, a bulk email will be compiled consisting of the information from all the emails received. By Wednesday noon of each week, the information will be sent from whatever emails were received to that point. This email chain is for edification and sharing of personal and/or original information, encouragement and resources within the group. It is not the place to forward those entertaining emails you have received from others, no matter how fabulous they are. Also include NO photos, graphics, or attachments. Please avoid the posting of home shopping parties or school fundraisers. Please limit announcement of garage sales and items for share, sale, or trade to one or two post occurrences for any given announcement. Comments or questions about good local businesses (including your own), walking partners, parenting advice, extracurricular options for kids etc., etc. are welcome. When you run across an announcement that you want to respond to, please do so directly to her with the contact email or phone number provided in her announcement. Do not reply to the group. For items for sale or give-away, it's best to assume that unless you hear back from the one who posted, someone else responded to them before you did. IMPORTANT NOTE: Send your emails in the following format:
From: NAME EMAIL ADDRESS
TEXT OF MESSAGE type it exactly as you want itthere will be no ed- iting done.
Everything will be simply cut and pasted into one document without having to do any additional editing.
If you no longer wish to subscribe to the LINK, please reply to this email and write "Unsubscribe" in the subject line. Allow two weeks for processing.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to lis- ten, slow to speak and slow to be- come angry, for mans anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20 Coffee Fact: Cappuccino is basically the blend of steamed milk and espresso along with its trademark foamy or frothy features. There are cappuccino machines and recipes to create the best blends for enthusiasts. Page 4
My name is Jennifer Lane.
My family consists of my husband, Erik, and our two kids; Hayden (2 years old) and Josephine (5 months).
I have attended Spring Lake since March 2006.
I spend most (all) of my days at home with our kids. We're blessed to be in a position where I can be a stay-at-home mom. I'm certainly learning as we go and soaking in the excitement/joy/chaos/temper-tantrums/fleeting baby mo- ments/etc... each and every day.
For enjoyment I like to go for walks with the kids (now that warmer weather has finally shown up!) and spend time with Erik when the moments present themselves. I also indulge my DIY-creative side once a week and let my mind veg for 30 minutes by watching Knock-It Off on LWN.
I am passionate about natural family-related things: natural child birth, cloth diapering, being informed about the chemicals that are present in so many household things, etc. I'm slowly weeding out commercially-prepared items in our kitchen, cleaning cabinet, and personal care products and making them myself instead.
In my spare time I like to sew. Erik bought me a sewing machine 2 years ago and I finally took a class to learn how to use it prior to Josie's arrival. I'm cur- rently working on more diapers for our little miss and bedding for Hayden's new big-boy bed.
The last book I read was... I started reading Boys Should Be Boys by Meg Meeker over a year ago. I think I'll have to start over when I have time to pick up a book again!
My biggest challenge as a woman, wife, mother, etc. is not comparing myself to other women/ wives/ mothers who seem to have it all together. I'm learning to prioritize the things that are most important to my family and my- self, rather than trying to fit someone else's mold.
I like my coffee with Italian Sweet Cream. I have 1 mug every morning... sometimes I finish it while it's still hot.
My favorite scripture verse is Proverbs 3:5-8. It's a great daily reminder for me to trust the Lord with all the big AND little things. He won't lead me astray.
A Second Cup Profile This is the day the LORD has made; let us re- joice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 Jennifer Lane Page 5
A S E C O N D C U P Plants. Flowers. People. By Jeanne Bader
Have you ever thought about the similarities between plants/flowers and people? Dont laugh; after all, both often begin life in nurseries! Both flowers and people are highly indi- vidualistic. There are flowers, ferns, cycads, cacti, mosses, ivies, hedges, bushes and grasses. Are you an ornamental? Are you showy? wild? or exotic?
Annuals vs. Perennials: Flowers can be classed as either annuals or perennials. Per- ennials are planted once but usually last for several growing seasons. The goal is to keep them growing indefinitely. Generally, annuals last for only one season. God designed peo- ple for eternity so in that sense we are all perennials. We are made to last forevernot for just a few seasons. We can compare the lasting quality of the perennial to the more ephemeral quality of the annual, asking if we have the stick-to-itiveness to stay with some- thing season after season or if we are more the annual type: here for a pleasant sunny season but gone once the chill of coming winter threatens.
Zonal Sensitivities: All flowers have sensitivities. Lets consider some of the factors that influence the growth of living things in the garden. First, theres climate. The US Dept of Agriculture has divided North America into eleven hardiness zones. Ours is zone 4 -5 which means that some plants/flowers will survive and even thrive here while others are too delicate or demanding to make it. How do you like your personal zone? Do you think youd thrive if only you were planted in a different area? And while were thinking about geography, did you know that flowers can be natives or transplants? We speak of people in the same way.
The Dirt: Soil is an important factor in a flowers life and can be generally classed as sandy, silt, clay, loam or combination. There are 26 major soil areas and 500 classifica- tions in Wisconsin. Soil can be described as compacted, loose or depleted. No elaboration here! Soil also has phthe measurement of acidity of alkalinity. The key to growth is the right balance. Hows your balance?
Eating Right: Nutrients are essential to growth. What are you feeding yourself? A diet of negative thoughts, a sour attitude and junk entertainment will not produce inner beauty. Have you been mulched lately? Mulch for the garden is something like a warm blanket of protection. Are you shivering, roots exposed, neglectedor have you been well-tended? Have you been watered lately? We know that water is essential to life. What is essential in your life? If you have identified something as a life-giving essential, are you making time for it?
Composting: Last, soil benefits from composting. You know compost: kitchen garbage, scraps, manure. The bacterial action produces the best soil for growth. So, have you been dumped on lately? We usually object and complain when that happens, forgetting that a wise and good gardener is working to produce growth. So are you cooperating or just wal- lowing?
Keeping Healthy: Any number of diseases can affect flowers and plants. These include fungi, bacteria and viruses. Sounds familiar, doesnt it? We are subject to everything from athletes foot to colds to cancer. Are you facing something annoying, difficult or even deadly? Are you taking care of yourself? Have you consulted the plant doctor?
Guarding Against The Enemy: Flowers and plants have many natural enemies. Okay, maybe we cant relate to deer and squirrels the way plants do, but we probably dont have any trouble identifying things that annoy, irritate, eat at us or hurt us. Sometimes we cant move away from unpleasant circumstances or difficult people. Do you see people as enemies attacking you or as fellow plants and potentially beautiful flowers in a shared space? For this is the will of God, your sanctification. 1 Thes. 4:3a Page 6
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all un- righteousness. 1 John 1:9 Page 7 (Plants. Flowers. People. continued) Necessary Pruning: Pruning is a process which often involves cutting away un- healthy or dead plant material in order to sustain health. Old, spent blooms are picked or snipped off. With flowers, its called dead-heading and it produces a lively, healthy plant instead of a tired, dull one. If plants arent pinched back, they become awkward, weak and prone to disease or insect problems. Off with your head! sounds a bit drastic but ridding ourselves of unhealthy thinking sounds smart. Pruning is not pleasant but is necessary for growth, beauty and fruitfulness.
Warm Sunshine: Plants naturally turn toward to sun. Second grade science, right? Its easy to make the correlation between sun (solar light and heat) to Son (Jesus, the Son of God). Are you turning toward the light or are you living in the darkness of sin and unhealthy life choices?
Issues of Style: What kind of garden were you made for? Courtyard, formal, informal, shade, sun, autumn, winter, rough-cut bank, herbal, stylized, edge of the pond, raised bed, cutting (ouch!), edge of the meadow, patio, pond, vertical, orna- mental, dry stream, alpine, Japanese, English, disturbed area (!), wetland, prairie, grassland, woodland, marsh or meadow? Again, God originally designed us for a wonderful garden, and those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are assured of an ideal future location. But right now none of us is in an ideal placenot geographically, emotionally, physically or spiritually. So how are you doing in your present location? Should you move? Can you flourish?
Whats In a Name? The last similarity is in name. Each flower has a Latin, bo- tanical name and can be identified by genus, species, variety or cultivar. Neat, isnt it? We can trace the roots of a flower just like the genealogy of a person. A true gardener can identify a plant in a very specific way. I say, the yellow flower on the airy green plant and she says, Coreopsis, verticillata, Moonbeam. Coreopsis is the genus and verticillata the specific epithet. Why so much trouble? The common name of a plant or flower may be shared by numerous plants and flowers; one plant may have more than one common name. How many people have you met who share your first, middle or last name? But each Latin name is unique. In ad- dition, a flower may have a variety or trade name. In the same way, you are known to God as an individual, by name and by history. Your past is not lost or forgotten. Keeping track of your history or blended family is not a problem for God.
Weve had a light and humorous comparison of flowers to people but remember that you are of greater value than anything in a flower garden. You are known to God by type and by design. You are highly valued as a unique individualnot as a garden specimenby a personal God.
Read the words of Jesus from the New Testament book of Matthew: Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solo- mon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, o you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or what shall we wear? For your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Jeanne Bader manages the Spring Lake Church Library and serves on the Womens Ministry leader- ship team, among other things. She recently spoke at the May 2014 womens connection event and shared about flowers and their many parallels to our lives.
into this kind of question, Who goes first? Trust me, I have been asking myself this question when I slip into this mind-set. How should the Gos- pel ~ Jesus life, death and resurrec- tion ~ affect this question?
We could turn to many different pas- sages in Gods Word that speaks to this, but my heart has been nudged to go to Pauls letter to the Philippi- ans. He opens the letter with a de- scription of himself that should be the description we use of ourselves as Christ followers; he calls himself a bond-servant.
A bond-servant denoted a willing slave who was happily and loyally linked to his master. And who is our Master? Christ. And what kind of Master is He? One who had an atti- tude that Paul says we are to have: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own per- sonal interests, but also for the inter- ests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves that was also in Christ Je- sus . . . (Phil. 2.3-5a)
In those words that were breathed into Paul from God Himself, are the words selfishness and empty con- ceit. Here selfishness speaks of the pride that prompts people to push for their own way. OUCH! And empty conceit, which literally is empty glory, which speaks of the pursuit of personal glory, which is the root heart issue for selfish ambition. Again . . .OUCH!
God tells us we are to do NO-thing out of heart that has as its goal my way and my glory. We are to do EVERY-thing with humility that says everyone else is more important than me or my way and my glory. BE- CAUSE . . this was Christs attitude.
Ladies . . . CHRIST WENT FIRST. And if we are to be like Him . . . we go first!
As that portion of Scripture goes on Not long after the wedding bells quit chiming, and Dave and I began our married life together, this ques- tion arose ~ So, whos gonna go first? See the premise behind that question is really this kind of thought process: Im pretty sure that I did this . . . and this . . . and this FOR YOU . . . so now, what are you going to do for me?
WOW! Just typing that out sounds so selfish! Didnt seem selfish when I was feeling it and thinking it . . and of course, saying it. I was pretty focused on me.
But how many of us are truly will- ing to admit, and be transparent, that we have thought or said those things? Dave is not a big fan of me asking that question. And, actually, come to think of it, Im pretty sure Ive asked it and he really hasnt . . . well, not so much with his words but he does by his actions some- times.
Can you relate to what Im saying here? Whos going to be the first to serve the other one?
This is not just true of a marriage relationship, it can also be true of a work relationship (boss/employee, employee/employee) or a friend relationship, a sibling relationship, or a . . . you-name-it-relationship! It can creep into any of us when we relate on a continual basis with another image-bearer of God.
I am going to be bold and say, that it happens most often in a marriage relationship because spouses are the closest neighbor one could possibly have. Im pretty sure when Dave and I got married we were each thinking, I found and married someone whose going to love (aka, serve) me . . .forever!
So, where does the Gospel fit to say (my paraphrase) ~ He gave up ALL His rights . . . although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied (Christ renounced, set aside, gave up His privileges) Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant (v.6-7a)
Wives, friends, daughters, sisters, employees ~ we go first! We hum- bly serve FIRST; give up our rights FIRST; look out for the other per- sons interests FIRST; we meet oth- ers needs FIRST. And we do it willingly, happily and loyally be- cause that is what Jesus did for us when He came to dwell among us and to die for us!
There is an area of my married life to Dave that I still struggle with. A few months back, things got a little intense in that area and there was conflict between us. The Holy Spirit reminded me, that I had bought a book that addressed spe- cifically this struggle of mine. So, I picked it up and began reading . . . and also began arguing with God over it. Basically I kept saying, But I dont want to do that! Its not fair that I have to do that! . . and on and on I went with the Lord. I finally broke and said, Yes, Lord, I will go FIRST!
Let me just say, especially to you who are married, it is amazing what being obedient to the Lord will do for your marriage!! I know that the same would be true in any other relationship where you went FIRST!
Lesley Swanson has been the local Heal- ing Hearts Core Group Leader since 2003 and feels privileged to see God do amazing things in the lives of hurting women. Interested women can contact her at 920-360-2876. She and her husband Dave have 3 children. Who Goes First? A Lesson in Serving and Sacrifice By Lesley Swanson Lesley Swanson Page 8
Page 9 Church Info You Can Use:
Small Groups: At SLC, the primary way we believe people grow more into Christlikeness is in the context of small groups. Are you a part of one? If not, visit www.springlakechurch.org or call the church office at 983- 9090 for more information.
Get involved: Looking to get more plugged in at SLC, the SLC Viewbook offers an overview of Spring Lake Churchs ministries. Pick one up in the lobby and see how easily you can get involved.
House of Prayer: Throughout Scripture, we are encouraged to pray on our own, pray for one another, and pray without ceasing. If you, or a loved one, would like prayer, we have a team ready to intercede on your behalf. Email prayer-request@springlakechurch.org with your praise report or prayer request today. Panera Bread: Panera Bread: Spring Lake Church is a recipient of Panera Bread's weekly leftover bak- ery. Every Monday we will have bread, bagels, pastries, etc. whatever was baked, but not sold on Sunday. If you or someone you know is in need and could be blessed by some Panera Bread bakery, please send an email with the Family Name, # of people in the family, contact information and a brief description of their need to kristin@springlakechurch.org or call (920) 983-9090 for more info. Did you know we have a Women of Spring Lake Church Facebook page to keep you up to date on everything relating to the women of SLC? Like us today! www.facebook.com/womenofspringlake Calling All Decorators! Do you have an eye for decorating? Have you ever wished that you could make an impact on kids through VBS but your schedule does not allow for it or you do not feel gifted in children's ministry? Well, we have the per- fect job for you! Come let your skills shine through by helping prepare the SLC campus for VBS this summer. Children's Ministry will be hosting SHINE, a VBS dedicated to teaching kids the beauty of giving glory to God. We are in need of someone to champion a team of decorators and workers to help implement the vision. Decorating will take place on July 20th. Anyone interested in helping SLC SHINE for Jesus should contact Cheryl Wolf in the church office Cheryl@springlakechurch.org
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My name is Rene Lubinski.
My family consists of my loving, sup- portive spouse, Bart, of 34 years and our three adult children: Jacob (32 y/o bio medical engineer in Boston) and his wife, Caitlin (new mommy), Tarah (30 y/o living in Bangkok Thailand, teaching biology at an English speaking university while working on her MBA. Nathanael (28 y/o, just bought a home - a fixer-upper, works and lives in GB after having lived in Alaska, Colorado and Thailand. Our newest addition, Forrest (first grandson, born 10/2013) is a delight! Oh, and our affectionate dog, Zoe, a 5 y/o Cava- lier (spaniel family).
I have attended Spring Lake for one year. Bart and I have been an active part of the faith community since 1979 (we met at a Nicky Cruz crusade where each of us served as counselors!). We find ourselves utterly grateful for all the evangelistic opportunities within SLC; a church that lives out its values and reaches the GB community as a bright light for Jesus Christ.
I spend most of my days in ministry as a Healthcare Chaplain, helping pa- tients and their families navigate through what they often describe as turbulent waters of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, providing spiritual care and resources to assist in the healing process. Under this same ministry I oversee the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Aurora hospital, training and men- toring student Chaplains (ministry leaders, pastors, seminary students).
For enjoyment spending time with family and friends, gardening, biking, cross country skiing, reading/researching information helpful to my patients and students. I enjoy study of the Greek translation of the Word; its like min- ing for precious gems!
I am passionate about reaching the lost with and for Jesus Christ. Dr. Jo- seph Parker told his theology students, Preach to the suffering and you will never lack a congregation. For some reason Im attracted to the broken hearted, the lonely, the lost, and the despondent. Ive been that way since I was a kid. A friend of mine once said that Christians are like manure: spread them out and they help everything grow better, but keep them in one big pile and they stink horribly. As much as I love the church and am mindful of taking every opportunity to extend good to all, especially those who are of the household of faith (Gal 6:10), I seek God to spread me out into His world! Its pretty big out there and the harvest, pretty plentiful which leads to a related passion - teaching and mentoring chaplain students - in this the laborers are multiplied. I love how God creatively supplies!
In my spare time I enjoy reading or listening, while walking or driving, to several different God-fearing, humble-minded teachers, preachers or evangel- ists.
The last book I read was Ships of Mercy by Don Stephens. Serving aboard a Mercy Ship (a big, white hospital ship that serves the extreme poor in Africa and around the world) is something I dream of doing once I retire (Lord will- ing). Should our Lord tarry, I envision this sometime in my late 70s. (continued on p.11)
Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous? Do not be terrified; do not be dis- couraged for your Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Rene Lubinski A Second Cup Profile An Extended Visit
(Renee Lubinski Profile continued) My biggest challenge as a woman, wife, mother, etc. Something I confront, as a female minister, is that some automatically stereotype women in general as soft. With being called to crisis and journeying with patients, their families and the medical staff, I feel Gods presence as He assists me in meeting the needs of others in their darkest hour. I consider it an honor to reach out with the compassion of Christ to a lost and dying world. Though its a challenge at times with those that dont yet know me, yet judge before a word or an action comes forth, I dont feel as though I need to prove myself. Thats too much work. Rather, Ive learned to invite the Holy Spirit do the work. I simply walk out the call with gladness, grateful that God chooses and uses the weak and foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise and the things which are mighty (1 Cor 1:27).
Being called to evangelism, though God supplies surprising, unprecedented favor within the medical facility I work at, its not without regular spiritual warfare. At times its so thick, I feel it could be cut with a knife! Though a challenge, and rather painful at times, Ive learned, by Gods grace to embrace it and face these challenges with deep dependence upon God. He always comes out strong, avenging and protecting on my behalf. Reading the Word and books on spiritual war- fare assists greatly. Too, I humbly welcome prayer.
Finally, not being able to see and hold my new grandson as often as I would love, due to my son and his wife living/working in Boston (though Ive flown there thrice since his birth). My hearts desire is to be part of, and speak into, my grandchildrens lives which brings about this crazy urge to move the east coast however, I fully realize and often self-talk how thats just not realis- tic!
I like my coffee actually I enjoy tea above coffee. Im a green tea drinker, which I enjoy with coconut milk and stevia. Unusual perhaps but yummy nonetheless.
My favorite scripture verse For me, this is like being asked which of my two eyes is most valuable! I feel I need and value them both. The best way I can respond is by way of what I hear God speaking to me this week or today which is Psalm 91: 1,2: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; m God in Him I will trust.
Anything else youd like others to know about you? I hunt and can shoot a bow (shot a deer, from 21 feet up in a tree stand) or hook a worm without a glitch (caught a large salmon out on the Bay:). Though Ive not had time to hunt in several years, I do enjoy any opportunity to spend time with my husband, Bart, who loves hunting and from whom I learned to hunt. Finally, I love laughter and because my work can be heavy at times, I enjoy the company of friends who know how to laugh and enjoy the life Gods given.
Page 11
My name is Darla Turk.
My family consists of my husband of 24 years, Scott, our daughter Haley (22), and our son Logan (19).
I have attended Spring Lake for about 6 years.
I spend most of my days caring for my family and keeping our household what I think is running smoothly. I have been blessed to be a stay at home mom for the past 22 years. We did enter the empty nest chap- ter of life this past fall so I look forward to summer when the kids will return home for a few months.
For enjoyment I love to spend time with my family, reading, camping (especially spending time in the pool), and traveling.
I am passionate about the residents at Freedom House. Every Monday for the past 4 years people from SLC have provided the evening meal for the residents. For about the past 3 years I have helped serve and cleaned-up these meals on most Monday nights. I have had the privilege of getting to know the families, and ministering both physically and spiritually to them. I have been able to keep in touch with several of the moms after they have moved into their own homes. I enjoy trying to help them see Jesuss love for them. I have also had the opportunity to participate in the bible studies we have done 3 to 4 times a year at Freedom House. I love to see the smiles on their faces. One great joy is getting to hold the babies!
In my spare time I love to get together with friends for coffee or dinner.
The last book I read was I love almost any Christian fiction. The last book I read was Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury.
My biggest challenge as a woman, wife, mother, etc. is using my time wisely and reminding myself it isnt all about me. Being part of a family is just that, you are only one part. I try to be the best loving and supportive wife and mother I can be.
I like my coffee: I love an extra hot vanilla latte from Starbucks. Ive never declined an invitation to a stop at Starbucks. Most often though, I enjoy a cup at home with flavored creamer.
My favorite scripture verse is Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Anything else youd like others to know about you? I love watching football and basketball. I played basketball in high school, but my height was not to my advantage. Yes, I am one of those crazy people that will sit outside in the bitter cold at a Packer game.
A Second Cup Profile The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalms 126:3 Darla Turk Page 12
ple, Bay Beach offers rides for about fifty cents a pop. We also have a handful of water parks that cost just a few dollars per visit and dozens of free wading pools where even tweens can enjoy splashing around on a hot day. In addition, more than one local bowling alley offers an amazing deal, no strings attached: free bowling all summer long for school- aged kids. Of course, we have innumerable parks loaded with playground equipment and a beautiful arboretum on the grounds of UWGB. And with a bit of sleuthing, you can cer- tainly unearth other opportu- nities. Second, brainstorm ac- tivities your child can do at home when boredom strikes: bead projects, cheap wooden models, reading, sidewalk chalk, and biking come imme- diately to my mind, to name just a few. Then post the list in a handy spot and pull it out when whining starts. Be clear that you expect your child to try something on the list and, before too long, something will pique the interest of most kids. Theyll get going on the project and may even branch off to something from their own imaginations. Which brings up my third suggestion: Dont always come to the rescue. In our instant-gratification-entertain- me culture, kids might expect us to spoon-feed them their fun. But they need opportuni- ties to discover for themselves how to occupy their time in meaningful ways a skill theyll never develop if we pro- gram their entire lives for them. So do what our own par- ents did: send them outside or upstairs with an assignment to simply find something to do something that does not in- volve electronic media of any kind since kids already get far Every year at this time, I see at least one version of a per- ennial newspaper cartoon. Details and drawing styles differ, but the theme is the same. In the first frame, chil- dren burst forth from school doors, grinning and shout- ing, Its summer! Now what? In the second, a mom hunches over, lamenting, Its summer! Now what? Each time I see this, I cringe because I resent the message it conveys that moms should or actually do dislike being with their chil- dren. And taken a step fur- ther it insinuates theres something wrong with us if we enjoy our kids because, according to these cartoons, normal women just want to escape. This twist on reality isnt accurate. Sure, we get tired, but most moms love their children deeply. We became moms because we were called to do so for myriad reasons, and we cherish family time. That side of mothering is rarely portrayed in pop cul- ture, and that irks me. On the other hand, I un- derstand the one level of truth illustrated in the car- toons: We moms sometimes do tire of the continual de- mands placed upon us. So summer days can sometimes seem very long indeed. We wonder what to do all day, especially when our kids complain of boredomand all the more when we find ourselves in seasons of life during which we cannot af- ford expensive diversions. To deal with those realities, I have three suggestions. First, investigate cheap local venues and schedule one outing a week. For exam- too much screen time in school and out. Theyll grumble at first, but dont give in. Stand your ground, and then take a peek 20 minutes later; youll soon see Legos or paper dolls pulled from the back of the closetor spy them studying the habits of an ant colony or simply lying on their backs gazing at passing clouds. With those strategies under your belt, I predict you wont very often find yourself in the company of the sad cartoon mom. Rather, youll enjoy some sweet quality time with your kids this summer just as you desire tobecause you love them to pieces. And when theyre off discovering their own pleasures, youll even find bits of time to enjoy a few of your own pursuits.
Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3
Tina Hollenbeck and her hus- band Jeff have been at SLC since 1999, and are raising and home-educating two daughters, Rachel and Abigail. She also currently operates a small, in- home daycare business, through which she has provided care to more than a dozen young children since 2003. And, prior to becoming a mom, Tina served as a missionary to the public schools for nine years, teaching English to immigrant teenagers. On any given Sun- day at SLC, you might find Tina on stage or in the video booth, serving on the worship team. Mothering Moments By Tina Hollenbeck Tina Hollenbeck & family Page 13
Page 14 The Library Lady
While the library lady is on vacation, she reminds everyone that lists for summer reading will be available in the Library as well as the Book Nook. Selections range from fiction, bios, Christian life, missions and the Church. Look for books on leadership, social justice, commu- nity, life issues, and discipleship.
Read to relax, to learn and to flourish!
SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME TO CATCH UP ON SOME READING
The library at Spring Lake Church is open every Sunday between services. Stop by to check out these books or any other titles.
Cucumber, Tomato and Feta Salad
Classic cucumber salad goes Greek with Feta cheese, Kalamata olives and organic oregano.
INGREDIENTS 2 cucumbers, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced -inch thick pint grape tomatoes, halved cup crumbled Feta cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1 clove fresh minced garlic teaspoon oregano teaspoon sea salt teaspoon black pepper cup of fresh lemon juice cup olive oil
DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, combine the garlic, oregano, sea salt, black pepper and lemon juice. While whisking, slowly pour the olive oil in a steady stream. Cover and store in the fridge until ready to use.
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomato halves, Feta and olives. Toss a few times and drizzle with the dressing when ready to serve.
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The Role of Rest in Calling (A Benediction) Way back in the 90s, I had what I contend might still be my favorite job of all time. I, was an aero- bics instructor. This was in the days of step aero- bics, and choreography was king. I loved this job, probably because it played into my dream to be on Broadway, which, if were being literal, I am right now. In my aerobics classes, wed do all sorts of crazy choreography and then, before the reward of stretching, and relaxing and ending the hard work of the day, we all walked around with our fingers on our pulses and we counted each beat for 15 sec- onds because we wanted to be sure our heart rate, which had been elevated during all of that chal- lenging choreography that we either conquered or tripped over or celebrated together, after all of that, we needed our heart to return to rest.
The more quickly our hearts returned to rest, the more efficient, the healthier, the more whole were our hearts, and the less time it took to recover from all that work.
Rest, for our hearts, is home. And the same is true for our souls, as we navigate the world of calling as women in all of the places God sets us in the classroom, the board room, the pulpit, the carpool lane, the 3 AM feedings, the basketball court, the 100K word novel, the dinner table, the garden, the non-profit organization, the place God has called us in all of these places, rest is home for the soul. And we all know in the world, rest is not king.
I write on a blog, and in the world of blogging, some people embark on a challenge for 31 days in October, where we write, each day, on one topic, for the entire 31 days. The challenge does many things. It helps a writer hone her skills by writing every day. It focuses a writer by writing on the same topic, 31 days in a row. Some of the bloggers have gone on to publish books, based entirely on what they wrote during those 31 days in October. It is a writers dream, and nightmare all at the same time.
If were honest, bloggers will admit there is bit of platform-building in these 31 days. Having your words out in front of so many people for so many days often results in more readers, more subscrib- ers, more FB likes, more re-tweets, more pins on Pinterest, more clout. The 31 Day Challenge, when executed well, can be like gold for a blogger. There is conventional wisdom in the world of blogging. It says you should write like this, but dont write like that, and never write about things like this, that, or the other. You should write this many times each week at this time of day and you should com- ment and share and Tweet and Instagram with wild abandon; but not too much.
It can be like a treadmill with no off switch, and we dont even realize our heartbeat is over the top, and it has no idea how to find the road back to rest.
I took the 31 Day Challenge two years in a row, but this year, I wasnt getting the go-ahead from God. And one day, after my little group of bible study friends walked down my driveway, I traced my finger over the keys of my computer, in search of the off button, and I clearly felt God telling me my challenge this year would be 31 days off. No blogging. Not one word. For 31 days.
For a moment, I thought I should panic. No blog- ging for 31 days? While everyone else was building her platform, I should just go quietly into the night?
31 days off in the world of blogging is practically unheard ofwhat if no one missed me? What if I became invisible? What if my blog died?
Arent these the questions we ask ourselves when contemplating whether or not to give in to a sea- son, or a week, or a day, or fifteen minutes of rest? But this is my calling! I wanted to say
And there, as I turned my laptop off, I knew 31 Days Off was right. Risky, but right. And it was
I didnt spend my days thinking up something to write. I lived life, and there was inspiration every- where and, every now and then, Id wonder if any- one would notice that I was gone, but those thoughts came less and less. The heartbeat of my soul was slowing down, finding its way home, and, one day, in the evening, when I had hours of free- dom ahead of me, I said to my husband, Taking 31 days off from blogging is one of the best things God ever told me to do! Less that one minute later, I noticed a message in my inbox: Hello friend, the message began, and then, I am fasci- nated by your 31 Days OFF, and I wonder if youd be interested in talking to our women about REST
Submitted by a regular reader of A Second Cup and excerpted from a Nov. 19, 2013 blog post by Deidre Riggs.
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Walk in your new life Janice Ray reflects on her recent trip to Malawi, Africa
Walk in your new life These words, spoken by Pastor Muisisi at the church service we attended, were directed toward his congregation. His message taken from Luke 3 spoke of bearing good fruits. This provided a time for Dave Ames to speak up front communicating our desire to partner with believers to help them be witnesses and disciple others to new life in Christ.
Come and see what the Lord has done. One of the songs sung by the Funsani children as they waved tree branches and walked to two newly constructed homes for widows in the village of Funsani. These homes were funded by Spring Lake under the direction of the Aquaid foundation. We watched two widows perform a ribbon cutting ceremony on their front porch and raise arms and voices in praise as they walked into their new homes. What a privilege to pray a blessing for them in Gods provision for their shelter. Also, what a great visual leading up to Palm Sunday! Chief Funsani spoke at this time and commented that he only thought we came for the children, but is realizing that God has sent us to help the village as a whole. We saw him accept one of the Bibles we had obtained to donate to the local church. Please pray that Chief Funsani would follow the Lord. His leadership greatly influences the direction of those in the village.
These are just a few examples of answered prayers and praises from my recent trip to Malawi. We saw Gods provision for our travel, health, and protection. We had opportunity to pray over the staff at Funsani and the villagers who came seeking treatment. Discussions were held about future plans to build additional classrooms at Funsani. We saw 187 children--62 had HIV test- ing performed. Keep the children in prayer as some have left the program due to pregnancy or marriage at an early age. Two preschool age children also tested HIV positive. Pray for them to receive needed treatment and to come to faith in Christ. I am very grateful for the prayer cover- ing and had a very palpable sense of your prayers this trip.
One of our devotionals centered on the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed (Matthew 13). One of the smallest seeds becomes one of the largest plants in a garden and provides branches for birds to find shelter. One of the facts I learned about mustard seeds was that they tend to grow best in the most contaminated and dirtiest places. Not only will they grow, but thrive. Please pray that believers in Funsani would be like seed in Gods kingdom work in their village through modeling Christs love for them. What a great reminder to trust through faith that He can work in the darkest places!
The main thing I desired to convey is that covering a trip or anything in prayer prepares the way, prepares hearts, and opens doors to serve others and share Christ with them. Prayer is vital to everything done in our day to day life or by serving on a trip like this. So thankful for those who labor in prayer!
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Strawberry Chantilly INGREDIENTS 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 2 egg whites 1 cup white sugar 2 cups fresh strawberries 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon lemon juice DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees 2. Mix flour, sugar and butter until crumbly. Stir in chopped walnuts. 3. Press two-thirds of the mixture in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish; the remaining crumble will be used for the topping. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Cool crust com- pletely. 4. In large deep bowl, stir together egg whites, sugar, strawberries, and lemon juice. Whip with electric mixer at high speed for 10 minutes. In another mixing bowl, whip whipping cream until stiff and fold into strawberry mixture. Spread over cooled crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight before serving. Coffee Fact: Coffee is how more than 100 million people make a living. Any questions, comments, or suggestions can be sent to:
Spring Lake Churchs Womens Ministry 2240 Klondike Road Green Bay, WI, 54311 www.springlakechurch.org
Womens Ministry Team:
Jeanne Bader Lorrie Blaylock Neoma Cooper Tugger Henri Cheri Louwagie Becca Nicholas Lesley Swanson Jeanne Wolf
Newsletter Contact:
Lorrie Blaylock, Editor lorrie@rusticelegance.biz A Second Cup Submission Guidelines (revised 03/16/2013)
A Second Cup is published four times per year by Spring Lake Churchs Womens Ministry team. Articles should be submitted as attachments to Lorrie Blaylock at lorrie@rusticelegance.biz by the deadline each quar- ter. Photos should be submitted digitally with a minimum pixel size of 1024x768, and should be submitted by email. A Second Cup will not publish articles that would be deemed as advertisements or business-promotions. The newsletter will be disseminated by email to an e-distribution list and will posted on the church website. As a result, information in the newsletter may appear on the Internet.
As a general rule, articles should be 400 words or less and must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document (Georgia, 11 pt. font). Contributors must be regular attenders of Spring Lake Church. The editor reserves the right to edit ar- ticles prior to publication in the newsletter for any reason; including space limitations, content, or any other rea- son. The editor also has the right to reject anything that she feels is not beneficial to the newsletter or does not fall within these guidelines or the newsletters purpose. She will con- sult with editorial and pastoral staff if questionable requests arise. A S E C O N D C U P