September 2007 E- Letter


	Mentoring Moments for Christian Women www.MentoringMoments.org

September 2007

     Change is constant. In the two years since MMCW began, we've had plenty of change. I've come to expect it monthly -- whether I like it or not. Take this month, for example. My computer monitor blew-up and three of the web site pages crashed, all while the newsletter was receiving a new format.
What I have learned is that when change occurs, God is there. It's exciting to see how God will show up to present new opportunities and bring order from chaos. Again, take this month for example. Praise the Lord for a 10- year- old monitor stored in the garage. Just today I discovered how to adjust the computer screen and finally see the type. Believe me when I say it was God who revealed the button!
It was during the delay in getting the newsletter out, caused by the crashed web pages, that I met author, Patti Hummel. Her article, The Greatest Lesson I Learned as a Single-Again Adult, is sure to be a blessing to those of you who are single again. The Single-again web page was one of the ones that crashed. It is now back up and running.
The newsletter format is another change you'll notice this month. Instead of three long articles you will find a variety of stories with links to the web site. This gives you a peek at what is available online at MentoringMoments.org.
Be sure to visit the web site this month! Anointed husband / wife singing duo Lester and Holly, have allowed us to highlight their new album Honestly. You can hear their radio single, "Praise You with My Life" at MentoringMoments.org. Visit LesterandHolly.com or Myspace.com/lesterandholly to hear various songs from their album and check out their concert dates.
    I like what Henry Blackaby says: "Believers are not where they are by accident. They gain more of God's perspective when they grasp a sense of divine appointment. When believers grasp that they have been created for a particular time and place, they must also realize that they will be faced with opportunities to trust and serve God." As the Lord tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..." Even when computer monitors blow up and web pages crash, God is in control. Rest assured that He knows where you are and the changes you face too. While in prayer this month, focus on the unchanging nature of God. Our lives may change; His promises do not.
     Let us know how you like the new set-up along with any suggestions. We would love to have your photo and writing submissions too. Send your submissions to mentoringmoments@aol.com.
    Kellie Renfroe, Editor-In-Chief

New Online at Mentoring Moments
New at the Gift Shop: Money Matters     Kitchen
Young Writers Back to School Sale
Bible Studies - New September Additions
Women in Leadership
Lester and Holly's new single "Praise You with My Life"

Mentoring

Sharing Your Testimony with Passion
Beba Schlottmann, Young Women Editor
   In Psalm 34:7-9, David said, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." I have tasted and know for myself that God is good, but there is a world out there that needs to taste and see. It is our responsiblity to tell our stories and be excited about Him.
   Sharing Your Testimony with Passion at Reaching Out.

7 Keys to Women's Ministry
Stephanie Little, Women's Ministry Editor
   My family and I were active in our church, participating in every way possible. In my heart I felt something was missing in my service to the church body. I began to pray and ask God for an opportunity to reach out to the women of our church. Within a week our pastor brought me an article about starting women's ministry in the local church. I'll never forget reading his note scrawled across the top that said something like: "Are you interested in this?" My heart soared! From that moment on, I was committed. How about you? Do you sense God calling you to a position of leadership? Are you already there and feeling a little overwhelmed? Either way, this article is for you!
   7 Keys to Women's Ministry at Women's Ministry.

How to Begin a Widow's Ministry
Jackie Henry, Single Again Editor
A ministry for widows is designed to give opportunity for fellowship and create a feeling of caring for one another. It's a ministry where one can be accepted and not judged, whether it has been five weeks, five months, or five years since the loss of a spouse. It is an environment where we can heal, laugh, cry, inspire, and rebuild. If you are considering starting an outreach to widows, I've compiled a list of recommendations on how to begin.
How to Begin a Widow's Ministry at Women's Ministry

Teen Author's Dreams Come True
How many talented and dedicated teenage authors do you know? Six authors ranging in age from 14 to 18 recently saw their dreams become reality with the publishing of their first novels. Their book topics range from fantasy to free verse to the fight for freedom. Their writings are clever, historically accurate and, often, just plain fun. To meet these new authors, whose work does not contain objectionable material, and the publishers who are looking for more young writers read the full story at Books & Media.
Teen Author's Dreams Come True at Books & Media

Online at Mentoring
Educating Our Children                  Soul Food
Women in Leadership                   Mentoring Library

Seasons of Life

My Greatest Lesson as a Single-again Adult
Patti M. Hummel
Being a single-again adult and raising three children alone brought with it many lessons. I would love to tell you I learned those lessons well the first time and always did my best before God and others. However, that would be a lie. Over the years, the Lord has taught me some lessons that were available years ago, but I was not in a place where I could receive them. I now find that God uses those missed opportunities to draw me closer to Him.
My Greatest Lesson as a Single-again Adult at Single Again

Aging Is Another Country
Vicki Huffman, Empty Nesters Editor
Aging may be considered like another country. When we travel into it, we find things we like and dislike. But if we'll accept it, God can impart more wisdom and teach us more grace than in our youth. Join Vicki as she takes a look at aging.
Aging Is Another Country at Empty Nesters

What's In Your Backpack?
Susan Zapf
As I stare at that old backpack sitting in my garage, I remember how a hiking trip taught me some very important lessons. Is your backpack of life getting heavy? Take a moment to look at what may be weighing you down and hindering balance in your life and marriage.
What's In Your Backpack? at Marriage

Do Your Children Think Prayer Applies to Them?
Rhonda Ellis
Do you have moments when you think, "Aaahh, all of my prayers and hard work are paying off?" Perhaps those moments are few and far between. Other days we think, "I've created a monster! Lord, I need your help! Give me wisdom in raising these children." If this describes you, don't miss this article with practical tips and encouragement for raising godly children.
Do Your Children Think Prayer Applies to Them? at Parenting

Online at Seasons of Life
Family Workplace Young Women

Art of Homemaking

Make-Ahead Meatballs Save Time & Money
Dianna Walker
My family loves this quick soup. I make the meatballs ahead and freeze them. When I make Meatball soup I take one to two bags of the meatballs from the freezer and let them thaw during the day in the fridge. It makes preparing the soup quick and easy at dinnertime.

Dianna's Meatball Soup
1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic, 1 can Healthy Request Cream of Chicken Soup, 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce, 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash, 2 cups Homemade Meatballs, 2 (10 oz.) fancy frozen mixed vegetables, 2 teaspoons beef bouillon, 1/2 cup raw long grain rice, 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.
Saute' onion and garlic until clear. Mix all other ingredients together. Make sure to keep stirring rice so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Heat all ingredients through about 10 to 15 minutes.

Homemade Meatballs
4 lbs. lean ground beef, 4 slightly beaten eggs, 2 cups dry breadcrumbs (I make my own by using the heel pieces from bread or leftover rolls), 1/2 cup finely chopped onions or 3 to 4 tablespoons minced (kids like the minced better), 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Blend well. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Place meatballs on ungreased baking sheets and bake 10 to 15 minutes until browned. Remove immediately and drain on paper towels. When cooled, put about 30 meatballs each into five (one quart) freezer containers or bags, leaving 1/2-inch space at top. Seal and label. Freeze. Use within three months. Makes 96 meatballs.

More Ideas for Meatballs
Now that you have a stash of meatballs in the fridge there are additional ways to serve them as appetizers and dinner. Dianna shares online her tips on turning her meatballs into even more tasty meals and appetizers.
More Ideas for Meatballs at In the Kitchen

Save Time and Accomplish More in a Car Line
Kellie Renfroe
Who knew sitting in a car line could save time and accomplish more? Be sure to check out the top ten tips on getting the most out of your car-line wait.
Save Time and Accomplish More in a Car Line at Abundant Living

Online at Art of Homemaking
Around the House Recipe Box Special Occasions

True Freedom

Repentance
Lessie Jacobs

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot our my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before Me." ~ Psalm 51:1-3

One of the hardest things to do is to repent of our sins. Repentance is a direct challenge to our will power. It demands that we humble ourselves before God and give up everything that is contrary to His will. Our Lord gave us an example of repentance, which we can all understand. He said, "A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, ' I will not: but afterward he repented, and went" (Matthew 21:28,29). This boy began to reflect on what he had done, and realized that he had disobeyed his father. He became conscious of the fact that he sinned against his father, who was responsible for his very existence. When he came to himself, he acknowledged that wrong, and then corrected it. He changed his mind (repented) and did what he said he would not do. Jesus said that was repentance.

Prayer: Father God, my Creator, I come before you asking for forgiveness; for against you only have I sinned. Oh God, have mercy on me. I acknowledge and repent of my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore me unto the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free Spirit. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and contrite heart. I seek your guidance and direction. Help me to be an overcomer--never again to follow the enticement of the devil.

Blessing: I pray that the abundant blessing of the Lord be with you always. May you have health, healing, restoration, wisdom, revelation, and knowledge of the Word of God. May you experience the joy and gladness that comes from receiving God's forgiveness. May constant fellowship with God be ever evident in all areas of your life.

About Us

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Mentoring Moments for Christian Women is a non-denominational e-newsletter and online web magazine to provide encouragement, mentoring, and practical tips for women in their everyday walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is our belief that God has a plan and a purpose for every woman. By dropping the masks, becoming real, tearing down the walls around our hearts, and allowing the Lord to refresh and renew us, we'll experience personal revival as we depend on Him and His Word. With tips to stay sane no matter what the season of life, Mentoring Moments for Christian Women purposes to be a breath of fresh air: bringing ideas on creating a peaceful home, transparent heartfelt testimonies, and Biblical insight for women.

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