Aroma Women's Ministry

Calling all MOMS and Daughters...

2010-06-17T17:07:00.003-04:00

If you have a daughter ages 6-12, you're invited to a great weekend in Clarkesville, Georgia,

Friday, Sept. 10 - Saturday, Sept. 11th for the

Join us from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. for this mother daughter event. Secret Keeper Girls' Event offers moms proven tools to coach their 6 - 12 year old girls into meaningful friendships, true beauty, biblical modesty, and vibrant purity!

Sorry, no childcare is available for this event.

Registration Fees:

Group Advance Registration (10 or more) - $8 per person

Individual Advance Registration - $10 per person

At the door - $12 per person

For more information on Secret Keeper Girl, visit their site

We would like to take a group. If you are interested, sign up at aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com. A sign up sheet will be provided at church in the cafe on Sunday. If you have any questions, contact Amy Hickman at 439-2577 or at aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com

Summer Fun

2010-06-04T09:15:00.005-04:00

Aroma women's ministry is heating up for summer! Here's a list of some fun stuff to look forward to this summer. We hope to see you there! Check back for updates activities that we have planned so you can hang out with other ladies, and form new relationships with new friends!

Friday, June 18th, 7pm-9pm - SPA Night - Look for sign up sheets on Sundays, and choose your favorite Spa treatment. Manicures, Pedicures, Facials and Massages will be offered. Once a slot fills up, you will need to make another choice. Treatments have been reduced for you to $15, and we greatly encourage you to bring money to tip those providing the services. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Dinner should be eaten before you come. Childcare is NOT provided.
Questions can be directed to aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com

Saturday, June 26, 10am=12pm - Coupon Class with Courtney Walters. This event is for MEN and WOMEN. Come find out how to save on your grocery bill so that you can free up resources to become debt free, take a vacation, buy a new pair of shoes, etc! ;) This is a FREE event and you are encouraged to sign up on Sundays so we know how much material to print for you.
Childcare is NOT provided. Snacks and Drinks will be offered. Questions can be directed to aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com

BOOK CLUB - Kim Adam is interested in starting a book club. She will be choosing date, location and book in the coming weeks. If you are interested in participating, shoot Kim an email at kimberlyadam@charter.net

Check back soon for some fun events we have for you this summer!

Retreat Letter

2010-02-17T08:50:00.006-05:00

Retreat attendees...You should have received the following letter by email yesterday, but we wanted to post it and link you to our new location for retreat!

Hello Ladies!
We are so excited that you have chosen to take part in our annual Ladies' Retreat in
April.  We are anticipating a LOT of fun, fellowship and a great time of teaching.

We wanted to take this time to update you on a change we had to make in our location.  We
will NO LONGER be traveling to Emerald Pointe Resort at Lake Lanier in Georgia.  Due to
some inconsistencies in price, we had to come to the decision that this was NOT our best
option.  We have moved our location to Atlanta, Georgia to the Hilton Garden Inn.
Absolutely NOTHING has changed in regard to the price you were given when you were asked
to do early registration.  The absolute ONLY thing that has changed is you will be
sleeping in a different place!  Our lodging, food, and meeting room will all be included
in the same $140 price.  The opportunities for your free time afternoon in Atlanta are
endless!  You will have a wide variety of restaurants, shopping centers (you will find me
at IKEA!), movie theaters, etc., to visit!  We apologize for the change, but it was very
important to us to offer you a place that could bring a quality and memorable experience.

We got off track a little due to weather w/ collecting your first deposit, so if you
have not paid that, please do so Sunday, and if at all possible, you can pay your second
deposit at the same time.  We break these up for you to take off any financial strain,
but feel free to pay the total amount at any time.  The last deposit will be collected
upon your arrival in Atlanta.  Barbie George has been doing a fantastic job keeping track
of your payments in a receipt book, so make sure you see her with your payment so that
she can issue you a receipt.  Your first deposit MUST be paid ASAP to hold your spot.  We
can only take 70 women with us (as of Saturday, we have 67 signed up), so if you are
unable to go, we ask that you come to one of us to remove your name from the list so that
others may sign up.  We will not be taking new registrations after mid-March.  In the
event that you have paid, and you can no longer attend, you are required to find your own
replacement. No money will be refunded

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com, or
find one of us on the Aroma Ministry team and we will do our best to answer any questions
that you have.  Very shortly, you will be receiving a brochure where we will ask you to
list your roommate choices and provide you with all additional info you will need before
traveling in April.

We look forward to a great time together and forming many, many new friendships with each
of you.
Much Love,
 The Aroma Team (Amy Hickman, Bonnie Moody, Barbie George, Allison Taylor, Ashley
Kay)

Girlfriends

2010-01-05T11:50:00.002-05:00

Ladies, in a New Year, there's new opportunity. Sometimes that would haunt me as a New Year would approach. For this "I'm a failure" mentality that I battle everyday, New Year translated, "Oh, great, another opportunity to not complete my goals." In all honesty, I don't look at it that way anymore. Part of the reason is choosing to surround myself with people, most of whom are women, that allow me to be me. We share the good, the bad, the joy, the junk of life and it's A-OK! There's more to life than being on the surface in all of your relationships. God's words shows us over and over to go deep and be REAL with people. There will be some that you come across in life that will put the STOP sign up to you being real and honest with them, but there are those rare finds that say, "Come on and tell me what's really in that heart and head of yours!" Many years ago...college, I think...we talked about the pat "Fine" answer to the "How are you?" You know, maybe that conversation was just a time passer, but for me, it rang true. Most people don't give a flip how you are. They ask, but please don't tell 'em how you really are because they are too busy, have problems of their own, think you are only supposed to put the happy face Christian on, and some can't take the burden of knowing how you really are. Today I read this devotional that I would love to see us ladies take to heart for the year 2010. You gotta start somewhere to show the world that we Christians can indeed be different...that if we are offering to get our hands dirty with the world's mess, we ought to be able to gets our hands dirty with our friend's mess. No one is asking you to go deep with every relationship you have, but be the friend to those in your life that doesn't attack their character when they are going through a rough time, or when they just need someone to listen to the junk they might face, or even to jump up and down in excitement and TRUE joy over someone's successes (rather than fume in jealousy). God has put you in the lives of people for a reason. Don't blow it. Now, read this and be the friend that you desire for others to be for you. What are you waiting for? Put yourself out there!

It's a New Year of opportunity!

2009-12-10T10:03:00.007-05:00

Hey ladies! We have some SIGNIFICANT things coming up for you this coming New Year! While we know you can't do it ALL, here's a few things that are coming up that we would love to see your sweet selves at. Don't ever feel pressured to participate in everything, but please prayerfully consider how God may be leading you to be involved. For ALL of it, though, invite, invite, invite! There's a community full of ladies that need encouragement, fellowship, and most of all...Jesus.

New Community Ladies' Bible Study!!

You may sign up here, through the blog comment section, or send an email to aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com and please include your name, address, phone, email, and if you need to utilize the FREE childcare, along with the ages of your children. You pay for your book upon the first day of class, but do not let any inability to purchase the book hinder you from attending! Breakfast will be provided for ladies each morning of Bible study!

"This Night....A Night of Redemption"
Monday, January 25th, 6:30pm
Speaker: Kristin Spehar
Cost: $10
Hostesses are needed NOW!
Email at aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com if you can hostess a table of eight, including yourself in that number.
Hostesses must provide a centerpiece - Themes: Winter, Fresh Start, Redemption, Friendship,
Lights, Twinkle, Blue, White, Snow, etc.
You must also provide a party favor for each attendee at your table.
Paper products will be provided, but you may use your own plates if you so choose...just let us know so we do not purchase plates for your table.
Please provide a TEA and WATER pitcher for your table, along with a coffee carafe.
Each hostess may choose to buy tickets for her entire table, or she must sell tickets and turn in unused tickets and all collected money on a designated date so that any unused tickets may be sold.
You are encouraged to invite guests that do NOT attend LifeSong, or guests you know that are looking for a home church. Most of all, invite guests that need to hear the life-changing message of God's REDEMPTION!
Contact us at aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com for any more info.

Ladies' Retreat 2010
Emerald Pointe Resort, Lake Lanier, GA

Friday, April 16-Sunday, April 18, 2010
Speakers/Worship Leaders: Elizabeth Johnson and Allison Singleton
Click here to view the resort!
Don't miss out on a wonderful time getting to know new friends, and making great memories with old friends! You'll experience a time of worship and teaching that you can take back home to continue you on your journey of being a "missionary where you live, work and play!"
Look for sign-up on Sunday, December 13
Deposits will begin the month of January
Cost:$100-$125 (this includes lodging, all meals except free time Saturday night, and curriculum)
Your free time Saturday will include options to sign up for massages, manis/pedis, trip to the Mall of Georgia, the movies, a huge selection of restaurants and much, much more!
You must work any work schedules out to arrive at the resort by 6pm dinner. The trip takes approximately 2hours and 45min.
Don't miss it!!
Here's what one lady had to say....

"I really stepped 'outside the box' when I signed up to attend my first Ladies' Retreat at LifeSong. To tell you the truth, I wanted in on all of the excitement I saw from the Aroma team and from some of the ladies that had attended before. I had no idea what to expect. I just knew that I wanted what they had. The retreat is a time for ladies of ALL ages to get together...to sing, to share in small groups, to know each other better, and a time for Bible study. If you have any doubts about attending...don't. It will change your life. You will never want to miss another one...I won't!" J. Blackwell

September Announcements

2009-09-14T15:57:00.005-04:00

Dinner Mix for Six at Six

It’s Back…

Presented by: Aroma

What is a dinner mix?

This unique twist on dinner allows you a chance to meet and converse with ladies you may or may not know over a wonderful meal.

How does it work?

You register to attend, you meet at the chosen restaurant at 6pm, you draw a card, & that places you with the group you will be dining with. So you never know whom you’ll get a chance to meet. Food, Fun, & Friends!

How do you sign up?

Contact Bonnie Moody by email: bonniebmoody@bellsouth.net

or phone: 864-486-0167. You can also contact any member of the Aroma team.

Just be sure to sign up so arrangements can be made with the restaurant.

The Olive Garden

1498 WO Ezell Blvd
Spartanburg, SC 29301

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

6:00pm

Me, Myself and Lies

by Jennifer Rothschild

A new Bible study begins Monday, October 5! We will meet from 9am-11am for 7 weeks (until November 16th). FREE childcare provided. If you are a LifeSong Partner, you may sign up on our website using the CCB option, OR you may email us at aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com to sign up. If you email, include your name, address, phone number and email address. Also, with both options, please include whether or not you will utilize the childcare available, and if you do, include the names and ages of your children. Cost of the book is $11.95 (checks made payable to LifeSong Church).

This is a community wide Bible study, so invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers, Mom's group buddies...Any lady you can think of!

This Night Recap

2009-08-25T07:23:00.002-04:00

I find that I write a lot of things by describing them as, "Words cannot describe...," but really, words cannot describe how amazing last night's This Night was. For me I can only say that I'm not really surprised. God kind of gave me a "head's up" on last night. He kept nudging me to pray, and kept reminding me He was going to do something big. I'm just super glad that it had nothing to do with us. I mean, if you only knew what was going on behind the scenes. We had a food crisis! Everything...OK, almost everything...that could go wrong with our meal just about went wrong. The caterers promised to bring ice, and there was no ice. They forgot the plates. They didn't put cheese on some sandwiches, but gave it to us to do. They didn't put the cheese on salads, gave it to us to do. Lemons had to be put in dishes! Ugh! The "us" was only two of us, and there was NO way we could get everything done in the amount of time we had. Thankfully, several sweet ladies showed up early with eager servant's hearts, or else...well, I just don't want to think about it. I get way frazzled over stuff like that, and quite honestly I had already been getting in a frenzy all day about the little things. Like I said, though, God always works it out. He reminds us - He reminds ME - a lot just who we are serving when we put together something like This Night. We do it for an audience of ONE. Whew! That takes a load off!

I kind of like to replay events over and over in my head after an event and hit the pause button. It is ALWAYS a good thing for me to do because I see just where things make a turn around from no longer being about me/us to being solely about HIM. It's like life. I mean, don't we always have to muddle through the trials (you know...no ice, no plates, no cheese on sandwiches) to realizing that this stuff has absolutely NOTHING to do with what was really about to come!

OK! Hit the pause button. Hit it about 7:20 pm. The meal is over (and let me just say, it was totally great! It all worked out). Turn your chair around and face the front. The music starts. Your heart settles and focuses. Right there you begin to see someone else has taken center stage. No, it's not the worship leader. It's not even the music. It's the Holy Spirit. He comes swooping in and meets with us. Hearts have come into the room that need to just "be still and know that He is God." Lots of ladies have had a really, really bad day. Some don't even know why they are there. God does. He knew it before they were even born. He knew He would draw them to a little something at LifeSong Church called This Night. Little did they, or anyone else know, why they were really there.

Fast forward a little to a woman taking the stage. She's soft spoken...humble...at peace...has a story to tell. She is completely REAL. As she begins to share her life with us - the good and the bad parts - there are ladies in the audience that suddenly see why they are there. "Here's someone that I relate to. She is telling my story." It's as though there are only three people in the room - the speaker, herself, and the Holy Spirit (although she may not realize that part just yet). Here's a lady standing in front telling about a time in her life where there seemed to be zero hope for having a life of joy. She had no hope of having a marriage that would last. Her dream was shattered by divorce. She sank to the depths where she could sink no further. She could only hope to find peace by beginning to go to church with a friend. She fought finding the peace. She REALLY fought finding the peace, but she FOUND the peace! She found the ONE who could give her the only true peace her heart longed for. Little did she know that the spouse from her broken marriage was on his on road to finding peace, but he eventually found it. Here's where the awesome part comes in - the reason for THIS NIGHT to begin with! They both found restoration. It couldn't happen until they both found restoration with God, the Father. Once that happened, they found restoration with each other. They were remarried! How often do you hear that? Try like NEVER! That's not something man-made. That is something God-made. It's the dream come true....the joy she had been searching for, but this time God is in the driver's seat.

We might not have that exact story. We may have had completely different circumstances cause us to lose joy, or to realize that we never had it to begin with! We all have something in our life that needs to be restored. Last night, we were reminded, or maybe even told for the first time, just WHO it is that can restore.

God brought healing last night. We saw a young woman meet Jesus for the first time. We saw another woman very new in her faith realize, once again, how much she needed Jesus. We saw women who walked in the door hurting and without hope realize they truly do have hope. We saw the only ONE who can bring that hope deliver it, yet, once again!

So, you see "words cannot describe" just what This Night was. You almost had to be there. I hope that my attempt to record it (TiVo it, if you will!) adequately portrays that when it is done for an audience of ONE - and mind you, it was tough starting off believing we were doing it for an audience of ONE with all of the distractions - but, when you finally hit that pause button you see that, indeed, God was there all along. You see that lives were changed, challenged and repaired. You see that yes, This Night was truly a night of RESTORATION.

"Me With You" Booksigning by author Kristy Dempsey

2009-08-06T15:45:00.002-04:00

"Me With You" author Kristy Dempsey will be at LifeSong on Tuesday, August 11th at 11am. Kristy is a missionary from Brazil who will not only be signing copies of her new book (which will be available for purchase), but will also be sharing a special craft with us. Nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers (if needed), but all children ages 2 yrs - 6th grade are welcome to participate in the craft. Parents who are willing to assist younger children are welcome to bring anyone under 2 yrs.

Don't miss this time where Kristy will be reading her book, "Me With You", as well as signing copies to you personally. If you would like to purchase a copy before coming, you can find the book at Fiction Addiction on Woodruff Rd., area Barnes and Noble, Borders, and you can quick ship from Amazon.com. Cost of book varies from $11-$17.

Please invite your friends from the community, but please let Amy Hickman know if anyone will need to put their younger children in the nursery. This is a community wide event, and a great way to start the Back to School season off by giving your child a timeless book to read.

Contact Amy Hickman at aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com if you have any questions.

This Night...A Night of Restoration

2009-07-15T09:38:00.003-04:00

It's time for our next "This Night." If you are interested in being a hostess, please contact Amy Hickman at jeffamy111@netzero.net and sign up. If you are new to LifeSong and want to know more about what exactly "This Night" means, well, let me tell you...

You, as a hostess, will put your creative juices to good use and come up with a table setting for eight persons to enjoy a catered meal. For our August "This Night" all hostesses get to choose their own color scheme, theme, centerpieces, etc. You may want to do a "Back to School" theme, "End of Summer," "Garden Theme," or you may just want to stick to a color theme. You be the designer! You must provide a centerpiece, place cards with your guests names on them, and party favors for eight guests.

That's just the exterior stuff regarding "This Night." Our heartbeat is to use this time as an outreach, so as a hostess we encourage you to purchase the ticket for your guests as a way to minister to them. You are NOT required to do this, but it's a great way to be able to say, "Your ticket is paid for, just come!" Your other option is to sell your tickets to your guests, collecting the money in a provided envelope. REMEMBER to leave a ticket out for yourself, and yes, you are responsible to buy a ticket if you are a hostess. All proceeds go to cover meal costs, honorarium for our speaker and worship leaders, as well as toward a specific ministry, albeit in our community or beyond. We try to give to ministries that reflect the heartbeat of our speaker for the evening.

NOW...here's our info for our August "This Night" :
Theme: "This Night...A Night of Restoration"
When: Monday, August 24th, 6:30pm
Where: LifeSong Church Worship Center
Speaker: Kristie Bentley - Kristie's testimony includes a marriage broken, but restored through her own salvation, as well as that of her husband.
Ticket price: TBA

If you are interested in taking part in a life-changing night, we are asking for 15 hostesses. You may host by yourself, or with a co-host. Just please remember to include yourself in the total number tickets for your table!

If you have any questions, contact Amy Hickman at jeffamy111@netzero, or at 439-2577, or even at aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com. The deadline for hostess sign up is August 2nd, and the deadline for ticket sales is August 16th.

Dinner Mix for Six at Six

2009-07-10T10:55:00.005-04:00

DINNER MIX FOR SIX

Presented by: Aroma Women's Ministry

What is a dinner mix?

This unique twist on dinner allows you a chance to meet and converse with ladies you may or may not know over a wonderful meal.

How does it work?

You register to attend, you meet at the chosen restaurant at 6pm, you draw a card & that place you with the group you will be dining with. So you never know whom you'll get a chance to meet!

How do you sign up?

Contact Bonnie Moody by email: bonniebmoody@bellsouth.net or by phone: 864-486-0167. You can also contact any member of the Aroma Team. (Amy Hickman, Barbie George, Ashley Kay, Allison Taylor) Just be sure to sign up so arrangements can be made with the restaurant.

The Great Bay Oyster House

109 E. Poinsett Street

Greer, SC 29651

MONDAY, July 20th @ 6pm

Feel Like Royalty This Summer!

2009-05-12T13:06:00.007-04:00

“If you've ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this is the study for you. Just as it was tough being a woman in Esther's day, it's tough today. This portion of God's Word contains treasures to aid us in our hurried, harried, and pressured lives.” (pause music before watching trailer)

Hey Ladies! Here's your opportunity to be a part of one of the most exciting, challenging and wonderful Bible studies I've been a part of lately! Here's your opportunity to get to know Queen Esther! This summer, beginning Sunday, June 7 and ending Sunday, August 2, we will be offering Esther by Beth Moore. We have had such a positive response from our Community Bible study, and seen so many lives impacted by this study, it is being made available to those of you that were not able to attend during the day. Even if you have taken it these last six weeks, and you want to take it again, keep your book in tow and come join us!

FREE Childcare will be provided, but you must sign up for it so we know how many kids to expect from week to week. Even if you think that your child/children may only need the childcare once in the duration of the study, we still need to know.

So, here's the details....

What? Esther by Beth Moore
When? Sunday, June 7th-August 2nd
Time? 5:30pm-7:30pm
Cost? $14.95/book
Who? ANY LADIES...invite your friends, family, co-workers (just make sure you sign them up)
Where? LifeSong Worship Center

Sign up Sunday, May 17-Sunday, May 30

Guest Blogger for a Day

2009-04-28T08:50:00.001-04:00

Jeff had Aroma visit over at his blog today. Check it out....

Time is Tickin' Away

2009-04-14T07:53:00.003-04:00

Well, before you know it, retreat will be here and 41 of us will be headed to Pigeon Forge, TN for some girl time together. The Aroma Team is so ready to host you for a great weekend of worship and time in the Word!

Please remember that your balance for the trip MUST BE paid off this Sunday, April 19th. All of you should have received a reminder notice by email, facebook, or word of mouth in regards to how much you have left to pay. Please make every effort to get this turned into Barbie George on Sunday. She has done a fabulous job making sure we have our payments turned in so we'll have all of this squared away before we go!

If you did not get your retreat letter by hand from Amy, please let her know. This letter contains all the info you need before you pack and you don't want to miss it. You need to already have arranged with your jobs to be able to be off, or leave early, Friday, the 24th because cars and the church van will pull out promptly at 2pm that day to head up to Tennessee.

If you are not attending retreat with us, please make sure you see this opportunity to get together with other women at LifeSong this Sunday, the 19th. We want you to come and be a part of our Tea Party, but you need to sign up so that we know how many to tell the Tea Parlor will be coming.

If you have any questions about retreat, or our day at The Broken Teapot, comment to this post, or ask any Aroma Team member.

It's Tough Being a Woman!

2009-04-07T10:07:00.002-04:00

Can I hear an "Amen" to this post's title? I mean, really! Have you ever had a day go by that you haven't thought, "Why can't my life just be easy?" I think that all the time. Why can't the clothes wash themselves? Why can't my husband read my mind? Why, oh why, must I have cramps? Why can't I balance everything? Why does it seem like everyday is like the day before it? Does ANYONE see all that I'm doing? Hey, we could really write a book here, but every situation would lead us back to point "A". It is TOUGH being a woman! And if we're being really honest, it's one of those things that we don't even like to voice that we're feeling because, after all, aren't we supposed to have it all together? There's often a lot of shame that goes along with saying we don't have it all together - that we can't get it all done. Well, we can't get it all done and have make-up and a great outfit on, too. There's not enough time to look good, smell good, eat "good" (pardon my grammar) and do good! So, once again, we're back where we started - feeling like it's tough being a woman. Guess what, though! There's a wonderful thing called HOPE! I find great promise in that, don't you. It's kind of like that really bad day with the kids and your husband comes in and saves the day just by coming home and giving you a break, adult conversation and may even give the kids a bath

...well, unless your husband just doesn't have a clue how hard you have it all day and comes in and props his feet up and watches you manage it all without really paying any attention at all! :)

Scratch that last part of that sentence and hold on to the visual of your husband coming in to save the day. I don't know about you, but I have HOPE for tomorrow when I find relief at the end of a long day. I actually find myself thinking, "Hey, I can do this thing! I can wake up again tomorrow." Don't you love moments like that? Don't you love the hope that getting away for a Girls Night Out gives you? The hope that locking yourself in the bathroom and counting to "10" brings? The cuddle time with your toddler over a really great read? It's in the story of our lives that we live the.... story of our lives. It's the searching for hope that we find it...right in the person of Christ! Let me tell you what I heard in my Bible study yesterday, said by Beth Moore. She pointed out that "God will not fulfill our destiny without us!" That causes me to want to soar, people! What about you? There's no room for giving up here. No room for pulling the "failure card." There's plain, simple, yet gloriously wonderful - HOPE!

Yesterday was the start of a great journey with about 40 ladies from all over our community as we began to dig into the book of Esther. It's a call for hope. It's a call for fulfilling our destinies with Christ. It's a call for allowing Him the honor of writing our life's story.

I know that many of you would like to participate in this Bible study. Well, you can! You can pray for each lady in the morning study. You can pray intentionally that she will find hope in her Maker. You, by doing that, will make a huge investment in her life! You'll give her hope!

My prayer is that this study will be available to you that cannot attend right now, and my hope is that it will be sooner, rather than later. It is already one of those, "you just can't miss this" moments. So, pray with me that we will all be on this journey together - whether it be through actually attending now, or praying for those who are attending now. Either way, you are sure to receive a blessing.
Go live today like you've never lived before! Live like you have HOPE!

Spring Tea at The Broken Teapot

2009-04-02T10:00:00.001-04:00

Please mark your calendars for a special Sunday afternoon out with Aroma. Please look for sign up sheet in foyer at LifeSong, or you may sign up here in the comment section of this post. Feel free to invite a friend from the community to come and enjoy some time out with other ladies.

Ladies Spring Tea

Sunday, April 19, 2009

2:30pm

Cost: $10 (Tea & Dessert)

A Little bit of This and A Lot of That...

2009-03-25T07:38:00.003-04:00

It is such an exciting time to be in Aroma Women's Ministry. Sometimes I struggle with deciding whether or not enough stuff is going on, but then I look around and see relationships that are being formed and transformed at Aroma events, and I have to stop and say, "Thank you, Lord." In the midst of busy woman lives, He is still blessing us with a foundation of relationships. If you have not been able to be a part of Aroma up to this point, let me assure you, Aroma is in no way intended to be perceived as exclusive. You are wanted and you are needed! Take some time out to spend with us and get to know other women at LifeSong. We want to know YOU!

Take a look at some upcoming reminders and events we have planned for you. If you see anything you are interested in being a part of, or helping with, let us know. Also, we are always open to new ideas, so if you have been a part of something that you would like to see happening in Aroma, we want to know that, too!

Ladies' Retreat 2009 - The Chocolate Boutique
- If you have not paid the last deposit of $15 that was due on March 22, please give that to Barbie George this Sunday before we go out to invest in our community.
-Also, ANYONE attending needs to meet in the front of the worship center on Sunday prior to 10:27 am to receive a very important letter, detailing what to bring, directions for traveling, and other very important info regarding retreat. If you cannot be there early, make sure you see Amy Hickman before we go out into the community on Sunday and get your letter.

This Sunday is last Sunday to sign up for Esther Bible study by Beth Moore. This is a COMMUNITY focused, Ladies ONLY study, so please invite your neighbors, friends and family in the area to attend. We need your name on a sign up sheet in order to know how many books to buy. You may register by writing to aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com and include your name, address (email and snail mail), phone numbers, and PLEASE indicate whether or not you will need childcare. We will collect money for books at our first meeting on April 6th. For additional info, please read post prior to this one.
If anyone you know, or you yourself, is interested in serving those women in the study by helping provide childcare, please see Amy Hickman immediately! We need about three people to help us with that service. You must have gone through our required background check before keeping any children

Volunteers needed to stuff Easter Eggs for April 4th Easter Egg Hunt! All ladies are asked to meet at church at 5:30pm on Sunday, March 29th, to help get this done. See an Aroma Team member for additional info.

Coming soon in Aroma:
This Night...A Night of Worship in the Summer - coming in July! If you are interested in being a hostess, contact Amy Hickman, or any member of Aroma team.

"Me With You" author, Kristy Dempsey, will be at LifeSong for a Moms/Kids Morning Out on Tuesday, August 11th. Kristy is the cousin of Amy Hickman and serves as a missionary in Brazil. Kristy will spend the morning with us doing a book signing, special craft, as well as share about her life as a missionary in Brazil. Copies of her book, "Me With You" will be available at that time. Check out her book on Amazon.com.
All parents will be touched by this heartwarming story. Make plans to attend this special day before your children return to school after summer break! Ages infant - 6th grade are invited to attend!

New Community Wide Ladies Only Bible Study!

2009-03-03T12:17:00.003-05:00

Come join us for a Community-wide Ladies’ Only Bible study, sponsored by
Aroma Women’s Ministry at LifeSong Church
12481 Greenville Hwy
Lyman, SC 29365

Monday, April 6th – Monday, June 8th

^{9Am – 11Am}

(Childcare is provided for children infant-5 years old; will be provided for older children for June 8^th since school will be out) Please note on your registration if you will need childcare

Cost of book - $14.95 (to be paid at first class)

To register, call LifeSong Church at 439-2602, or email your information to aroma@lifesongchurchonline.com

Invite your friends, family, co-workers!

Scripture Memory

2009-03-01T15:41:00.002-05:00

If you are not already doing this, read this and join now. We are on our fifth verse and it is never too late to join in. God has personally led me to study verses on spiritual warfare and overcoming the enemy. Ask Him to personally challenge you and begin now to learn the Word like you never have before! Let us know if you join. Aroma is not doing this as a part of LifeSong Church, but it is done through Living Proof Ministries, also known as a ministry of Beth Moore, so you need to sign up on her blog to participate. Let us know, though, here at Aroma if you take on this scripture memory challenge so we can encourage one another!

24:7 Moms OUT AND ABOUT ACTIVITY

2009-02-26T13:56:00.002-05:00

Please come and join us on Wednesday, March 11th from 10am-12pm at Monkey Joe's in Spartanburg (Beside Barnes and Noble on W.O. Ezell Blvd) for our
Out and About Activity for Moms and Children.

Please sign up on the sign-up sheet located on the Aroma table in the foyer of the Worship Center, or contact Ashley Kay. You may also comment here in the comments section of our Aroma blog to sign up. We MUST have a number of those planning to attend.
Prices: Group of 10 or more price will decrease from $8.99 to $6.99 for children over 2.
For children 2 and under, jump price will be $5.50

Don't miss this opportunity to come and meet moms just like you, as well as give your child an opportunity for a fun-filled morning! Invite your friends, too (make sure you include their names on the sign-up sheet).
Hope to see you there!

On My Mind...

2009-02-23T09:50:00.001-05:00

So yesterday I woke up and was like, "Life sure has been smooth lately." Oh my word, mistake number one! I should have known better than to think such a thing, because, most certainly, what happens? We usually eat those words with a big, fat spoon! I wouldn't necessarily say that I had to eat them in the worst of ways, but God sure did deal with my heart. I was feeling pretty prideful, I have to admit. I have kind of had the mindset that I am finally at a place that I want to be. I really don't care what anyone else does anymore. I feel pretty much at ease with all I have on my plate right now - no more of that feeling that I should be doing more because that is what everyone expects of me. I don't care about not being included on everything, which if you've read my blog long enough, I really struggle with feeling left out. I also have felt like I've finally been the wife and mom I had lost a while back. I was just feeling all nice and proud of myself. Well, that was until yesterday...

Jeff has been preaching messages the past few weeks on our Passions. The series has been great, and really, if I had to pick, last week's message was my favorite, but it was this week's message that got me shaking...well, jumping....out of my comfort zone. It was one of those times that before I went in the doors of our church yesterday that I was already feeling that God was trying to get my attention. He was calmly whispering to me, "Don't get comfortable." I didn't realize the full impact of the words until Jeff's message yesterday. He preached on the Passions of the Church. In a nutshell, it dealt with our expectations. For those of you who read this that may not know me personally, I am generally a person with high expectations. I can't stand being around people, even, that can't dream big, or see past their nice little boxes to live in comfortably. I am a dreamer. My dreams rarely disappoint either. I dreamed of a godly man to marry. God answered. I dreamed of being a mother. God SURE did answer (four girls!!). I dreamed of leading women to love their husbands, families, themselves, etc. God has answered time and time again. And THAT, right there, is where I feel him tugging to answer me again. It's time to up the ante. It's time to kick it up a notch. I have not lowered my expectations for this area of ministry, but they have just remained like this --------------------------- consistent. I do NOT want to be consistent here. I want to see women's lives changed and marriages/homes walk in victory. God has called me to do that. To talk about it here seems so serious, but really the journey is loaded with fun and fellowship. It is true, though, it is loaded with a lot of deep stuff, too. That is where the last part of Jeff's message comes in. We, the Church, should be a place of Healing. We need to be restoring lives, looking past the junk itself, to the possibility of deliverance. We need to stop talking about what people are doing, or NOT doing, and begin to wrap a arm around them and hold them up. I have these expectations, people, but I, like you, am content to remain stagnant and unmoving. Well, not today. Today I choose to live in the possibilities that this day, and the days after, will be mindblowing...lifechanging! I don't even like to be all serious here on my blog, but I will not remain shallow here, either. God deals with me all the time and I don't tell a soul, thus leaving God and me the only ones in the know. Well, now you know. Know you can extend a hand of accountability to me. Know you can pray for BIG things to happen in my life, as I pray happen in yours. God doesn't want us walking to the same Ho-hum drum. He wants us "jumping, leaping and praising Him." He wants us dancing the dance of our lives today! Which music are you going to choose?

Butterfly Treehouse

2009-02-17T11:51:00.003-05:00

When it came time to make lists for Christmas presents this past year, my daughter, Avery, wasted no time. She knew exactly what she wanted. Her list was very specific. This is not the norm for my third child. She takes 15 minutes to decide which candy she would like from the check-out line at the grocery store (much to the dismay of those waiting in line behind us), so having her return her list to me so fast made me know she had already been doing some serious thinking. At the top of her list I read "Butterfly Treehouse." What? I had never heard of it. I was impressed that she could write Butterfly Treehouse.

Allow me to digress... this is also my child that would practice writing random words when she was learning to first write, using anything from copying books to magazines. One day she brought me a piece of paper saying "Bud Light." Needless to say, I was a little taken off guard...shocked, nonetheless. Where in the world would she learn to write something like that? I walked in the kitchen to find a grocery store flier open to, you guessed it, an advertisement for Bud Light! From that point on, I was a little more observant of how Avery was practicing her writing.

Ok, back to the Treehouse...It was really all I heard about for weeks, but Santa didn't know where to get one, and happened to mention the dilemma to Aunt Missy, who promptly replied, "Let me take care of that for you." Santa, not thinking clearly - not thinking about the brownie points that would be won for her favor from Avery - replied, "OK, great! That would be special for you to give her."

So, for the last few weeks, we've been growing butterflies at our house. We had to order caterpillars to come in the mail. Really! I ordered caterpillars in the mail...paid $3 for 'em even! They arrived in a cup that looked suspiciously like a "sample" cup at the Dr.'s office, if you catch my drift, so fittingly enough, we put them in the bathroom because they have to grow in the dark, cool room. Anyone that came to our house was pretty much grossed out - Aunt Missy included. She had issues going in there with caterpillars looking at her. Whatever!
It became a daily ritual for Avery to come home and check on them, watching the different stages of growth.
One day she proudly proclaimed, "Mom, Dad, they have grown their crystals!" That'd be chrysalis for all you science fans! They were really very neat to watch.

Well, a couple of days ago, guess what happened? We had transferred the caterpillars in their chrysalis to the actual Butterfly Treehouse, and low and behold, we had real butterflies people! It was amazing! To be brutally honest, though, it was also...well, also...ummm....GROSS! Things are shed, gross colors come off. It was really disgusting. Something so beautiful and ladylike could be so yucky to watch become that way. Thus, the point of this story. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." It is just like us. We go through a lot of "yuck" in becoming like Christ. He takes us, gross and all, and makes something lovely and wonderful out of us. I am rejoicing in that today. I have been purging some old stuff out of my house, reorganizing, getting rid of a lot of stuff that is holding me back from living in freedom. It is amazing how crowded our lives get, but thankfully there's hope to see a new day, a new start.

Don't know what it will take for you today. Maybe you need a good dose of cleaning out...please, don't let your mind wander here. Get rid of some stuff that is hindering you. Make a decision today to do whatever it takes to walk the path God has for you.

Loving Well

2009-02-12T10:57:00.002-05:00

Ummm...sound familiar? If you went on Aroma's Ladies' retreat last year, this will be very familiar to you. Has it stuck with you? Have you been reminded of it from time to time? I love the message of the title because it is timeless. There are some things that just don't get old. For me, it's the laughter of my children, the smell of honeysuckle, certain songs or holding hands with my husband when we go out on a date. It's the Word and the "never gets old message" it shares each time I open it, hear it preached or incorporated into song. The message of the Gospel is Love. It's because of that love that God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us through His very own death. The day it gets old is the day I need a good old slap in the face! It is through God's love that we learn to love well. I have firsthand witnessed this message penetrate some of your hearts. I have seen this love change you and motivate you to love more and love more better (I would correct my kids for saying it that way, but hey...it fits here!). I am convinced that we have complicated the message of love to others. We have taken away the beauty of its simplicity and even cheapened it with strings attached and conditions. We have forgotten the little things that caused us to love in the first place and become too busy, too self involved and too serious! Today, I encourage you to take time to realize the little things, those special little somethings, that mean love to you. I have a feeling that you will find that when we return to that first Love (our Father), you'll see the little things that show love much clearer. It's then we'll love well, love hard and love strong. And, the great news is, it doesn't stop there, because when we do those things, we'll see prayers answered, hearts mended, marriages rebuilt, new relationships established, churches grow, families stronger, and the list goes on and on. Determine today to allow God to teach you to love well. Ask Him to remind you of commitments you made - maybe at retreat last year - to love well, and if you are falling somewhat short, don't give up...dig your heels in the ground and get to it!
I pray as you ladies prepare to go on retreat this year that you are already allowing God to soften your hearts for what He has to show you. You are going for a reason. You may not know it yet, but this time can be the start of something really big in your life. Write down what you think He's laying on your heart so you can write down when He answers your prayer for those things whether it be on retreat, or after we return. God will answer your prayers. We are excited to take this journey with you. If you need us to pray for you, please let us know!

Retreat Money Due Sunday!

2009-01-15T14:47:00.004-05:00

Update...If you did not pay your retreat deposit of $35 on Sunday, you may either drop it by the office between the hours of 9:30-1:30, or you may give to Barbie George next Sunday, 25th. Thanks for your cooperation!

If you have signed up for Ladies' Retreat in April, your first deposit of $35 is due on Sunday, the 18th. Please make sure that you give your money to Barbie George by this date. We have broken down payments for you so you can have your $100 paid the day we leave for retreat. Here is your payment schedule:
January 18 - $35
February 22 - $25
March 22 - $25
April 19th - $15
**You must have your balanced paid before traveling to the cabin on April 24th.

***In the event you have to cancel, your balance must be paid off OR you must find your own replacement.
****You are, of course, welcome to pay entire balance off at any time, but please give it to Barbie George as she will be in charge of collecting all monies.

Thanks so much for your cooperation in making our retreat a fun and smooth one! Can't wait to go!

Thankfulness

2009-01-13T08:36:00.002-05:00

Just a quick THANK YOU to everyone that helped make This Night such an impactful night. From hostesses to servers, from speakers/singers to those who attended, last night was hopefully "a Night of New Beginnings" for many of you. I truly believe that God is challenging us all to look more intently for Him in each and every detail of our days. There are opportunities and circumstances each and every day that stare us right in the face and we just walk on by. Hopefully, last night was a renewal for you...a recommitment to decisions made, and most of all a "step on your toes" challenge to maybe get rid of whatever it is that is tying you down and keeping you from wholeheartedly and unabashedly serving God to the fullest!
Thanks so much to Heather Cassidy for her willingness to share something - for the first time in public- with us that would challenge us, but would also be a time in her own life to take what circumstance God allowed to occur in her life and use it for good in your life. You may not fully grasp the depth of how incredible it was that she was even standing up there before us at ALL! She was a miracle standing before us, and yet God puts them before us each day and we don't even see it. So, I challenge you today to go beyond what YOU see, and see what GOD sees.
Let's hear your comments and testimonies about THIS NIGHT. What did God speak to your heart about?

This Night

2009-01-04T16:47:00.003-05:00

"This Night....A Night of New Beginnings"
Monday, January 12 - 6:30pm
Speaker: Heather Cassidy, teacher from Lyman Elementary
Music: Shannon Foster
Menu:
Chicken and Bacon Alfredo
Italian Salad
Broccoli
Bread
Cheesecake in Raspberry Sauce
Tickets: $10

If you haven't gotten your ticket yet, you may contact one of these hostesses, or you may buy on Sunday, January 11 at LifeSong before and after the 10:27 service:
Amy Hickman/Bonnie Moody
Barbie George/ Beva Bailey
Eulala Pace
Allison Taylor
Brenda George
Kim Hall/Jennifer Stephens
Kim Adam/Missi May
Donna Black
Misty Fogel/Jackie McAbee
Sheldon Pettigrew
Brandi Cole
Jane Blackwell
Lynn Lyda
Amanda Patton
Laura Miller

New Year's Challenge

2008-12-29T08:08:00.003-05:00

Hey Ladies...I would like to present you with a challenge, but you have to be completely serious about it if you decide to take it on. Take time to read the LPM blog (Beth Moore's blog) to read all about the challenge that I'd like to pass on to you. I have prayed for years and years for God to send me an accountability partner, and last night I received an email from a very dear friend of mine in another state. She had decided she wanted to participate in this challenge and wanted to know if I would be her accountability partner. I still long for someone that I live nearby to be accountable with in life, but I cannot tell you how excited I am to begin this journey with my dear friend - a journey that will take us on a ride together for an entire year! I had read the challenge posted on Beth's blog, but just hadn't taken the time to give it much thought, so I am so thankful that God sent my friend to tell me about it and used her to encourage me to do it.

If you decide to sign up on Beth's blog, I would love to know about it so that I can be praying for you this year. Just post a comment here and let me know if you are participating.

May your New Year be one that you stick to the new commitments you make. Most of all, may you see God take you places you have only ever dreamed of going with Him.

Take Note

2008-12-18T09:58:00.002-05:00

Well, sometimes little snafus happen, but I can now report that after I tell you about this newest change, no more snafus! Please, if you have already signed up for retreat in April, take note that we have our final date change. The new dates for retreat are April 24-26. If you are no longer able to attend on those dates, please remove your name from the sign-up sheet. If you still haven't signed up, please do so very soon. Spaces are limited and your first deposit of $25 will be due mid-January. The total cost for the trip is $100, so we have adjusted it so you can have a payment plan of $25 a month and make your final payment in April before we go.
If you have any questions, please feel free to grab one of us and we will answer your questions as best we can....Barbie George, Amy Hickman, Ashley Kay, Bonnie Moody or Allison Taylor.

ATTENTION THIS NIGHT HOSTESSES!!!!!!!! Please meet up front in the Worship Center this Sunday, December 21st, to receive your ticket packets for This Night. If you are unable to be there, please let me know by email jeffamy111@netzero.net or just post a comment to this blog, and we will get your packet to you before Christmas so you can sell or distribute tickets to those attending your table.

Updates Volume II

2008-12-10T16:11:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all of you wonderful ladies that signed up to hostess a table for This Night. We now have all the hostesses we needed. For those of you who signed up to be hostesses, please meet with the Aroma team after church on Sunday, December 21st to pick up the tickets for your table. You will need to have these tickets sold and money collected for them by Sunday, January 4th. Begin now to invite your friends. Our menu for the night is:
Italian Salad
Bacon and Chicken Fettucine Alfredo
Broccoli
Bread
Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce

If you have anymore questions, let us know!

Updates

2008-12-08T10:19:00.002-05:00

Just a quick minute to update you on some things going on.....

We still need about 5 more hostesses for This Night. If your name is not on the sign up sheet, but you want to host a table, please sign your name there so that we can keep a record of who will be hosting. You may have told me, but please don't count on me remembering. I NEED it in writing! ;)

Note: There's been a change in retreat dates for this year. Many of you heard the original dates in March, but due to a decrease in price for our cabin if we switch to April, the new dates are now Friday, April 17th-Sunday, April 19th. We have limited availability, so as soon as you see a sign up sheet and you know for sure, for sure that you can go, please sign up. If, for some reason, you have to back out, you are responsible for filling your slot or paying your fee.
Our theme for this year's retreat is The Chocolate Boutique. 'Nuff said, right? :) Come and take this weekend out of your crazy lives and soak in what God's word has for you to take back to your family, friends and community. A very special friend of mine, Elizabeth Johnson, has written and taught this study that deals with Aroma's very mission statement of being "an aroma leading to life" in a world that, well, stinks! Begin to pray now that you come back from this time changed!

As always, if you have any questions, contact one of the Aroma team members. We're here to serve you. We love you!

December 1st - Ornament Exchange

2008-11-25T07:30:00.003-05:00

Hey Ladies...Hope all of you are gearing up for a wonderful Thanksgiving, and looking ahead to time with friends and family during this holiday season.

Don't forget our Ornament Exchange on Monday, December 1st from 6:30 pm - 8pm! Here's what you need to know. We would like for each of you to bring your favorite appetizer. If you don't cook, cheat and buy something that looks like you made it! We are counting on you to help us out, so bring something yummy. Secondly, you must bring a wrapped ornament (spend no more than $5) to swap. We also have childcare available, but would love an idea of how many of you will need it, just in case we need to provide more workers. You can just comment in the Post a Comment section of this blog and we'll get the word to Bonnie Moody who is heading up this night of fun.

AND, just a reminder! We still need more hostesses for This Night. Since I was unable to be in services on Sunday, I did not get to bring the sign up sheet for those of you interested, but please sign up here on the blog if you would like to host. All info is in the post after this one. Don't make me come hunt you down. I know where you live and I know you've got talent, so I will seek you out with pen and paper in hand and sign you up! :)

Take time to spend with your friends this season, and come to our Ornament Exchange to meet some new faces and kick your feet up and relax before it gets BUSY!!

This Night...A Night of New Beginnings

2008-11-17T14:13:00.008-05:00

****Update**** (As of 11/18 - 9:15 am) We have 10 spots left!

Hey Ladies...As many of you have seen firsthand our This Night outreach event has reached more and more women each time we have had one. We have seen more women from our community to come to LifeSong and be confronted with the Gospel, all the while enjoying a great meal and fellowship. Due to the busyness of the Christmas season, we have chosen to focus on the New Year for our next This Night. We are all usually looking for a fresh word - some new motivation - after Christmas, which is why we have entitled our This Night..."A Night of New Beginnings." The night promises to be filled with fun, and we will have the opportunity to hear a good word from a great speaker, too!

We are looking for any of you ladies that would be willing to be a hostess for a table. Remember, you will decorate your table, provide a party favor, be responsible for set up and clean up of your table, and sell tickets for your table...or you may choose to buy tickets for your whole table and give a ticket to someone you have been wanting to visit LifeSong. We will be providing all plates, napkins, cups and utensils. Our color scheme for January is WHITE! We're thinking snow, new, twinkling lights...you get creative, and you just need to stick with White as your predominant color. Fun, huh? So, I know some of you Martha Stewart wannabes are chomping at the bit to sign up for a table. We will be holding a sign up beginning this Sunday, November 23-December 7. This will give you plenty of time to get your plan together and you can keep a look out for some decor while shopping during the holidays. Act fast, though! We only have room for 15 tables, so we just need - you got it- 15 hostesses! You may partner up with someone, though, if you so choose. So, all of you blog readers have a jump start. You can respond to this blog and sign up now if you would like, or you can wait until Sunday. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Hickman, Bonnie Moody, Barbie George or Allison Taylor. We'll be happy to help you out.

Praise

2008-11-13T08:05:00.003-05:00

I have been sitting here this morning with tears streaming down my face. I have taken some time to sit back and let God's presence wash over me. It's true...I don't always do that like I should. I fail at it A LOT! Truth be known, we all do. But switch gears to the times that God's presence falls on you and shakes you to the core. To me, when I am dealing with a lot of LIFE, like I am right now, His power and the praising of His name has an affect on me like I cannot describe. It is coming face to face with my Maker, the one who knows my name. I love Him. I cannot go through my day without acknowledging His presence in my life. He alone is worthy. Ladies, let me tell ya, the power of silence in our lives can be overwhelming. The silence of God not speaking to us at all is the kind of silence that can make us cringe. But, it's the silence where we take some time out to sit back and let Him speak is what brings us to a point of asking ourselves, "What am I going to do with this today? Am I going to let it change me, or am I going to remain the same?" Today, I choose change. I choose to be clay in the Potter's hands and praise Him because He is NOT finished with me yet. I encourage you to take some time to praise Him right NOW - not later! I have provided some songs on the right sidebar that allow you to worship alone with God, or how about just sitting still and let Him speak to you. When you spend this time with Him, I'd love to hear how He touched your life. Comment on this blog and let me know.
Ladies, you are beautiful! You mean more to God than anything. You are His precious creation. Praise Him today. Worthy is the Lamb!

Connecting

2008-11-06T08:28:00.003-05:00

Just a reminder that you have another great opportunity to connect with other women from LifeSong and around the community next Saturday, November 15th, as we load up and go shopping in Gaffney. Each opportunity we have to get together fosters new relationships and enhances ones that already exist. The "getting Christmas shopping" done part is an added bonus!

We hope that you are looking forward to the coming holiday season. What a great time to impact lives. Everyday I look around me and see a need. Take time to invest in someone's life this season. The gift you give them of being the Gospel in real life may very well be the best gift they receive all year long. We, in Aroma, desire to continue to give you those opportunities to meet people right where they live, work and play. Coming up, we will begin "O Taste and See" dinner club ministry. We will basically be taking the mold of what small groups already do, but we'll be providing monthly opportunities for you to meet with other women in homes across our area and you will be cooking and spending time together. The bonus is you are preparing a meal(s) to freeze for your family and provide that same opportunity to fellowship around the table with them just like you'll be doing with other women. We hope that you'll use the opportunity to pay it forward. We want to see this mindset occurring in all that we do together as women...just arming you with the ideas, passion and "go to it-ness" for how you can be in your day to day lives.

Just this week, while voting, I met a very special lady who packed her whole life up and moved to South Carolina after living out west in Nevada and Arizona for the past 15 years. She told me she just wanted a change of pace, a change of scenery. She came here not knowing a soul! She began to share with me a time where, recently, she took a bad fall and injured herself. She began to make calls to local churches seeking assistance from them in the way of providing transportation to her doctor, as well as help with preparing her meals. She was told from one church that "we don't do that." My mouth dropped to the floor. My question was and is, "Why not?" Why are people not doing that. This lady was not asking for a random handout. She had very specific needs that she desired to be met. She shared with me her hunger for relationships with other women her age, which is 70, by the way. She has a zeal for life and a desire to share it with other women. She began to ask me questions about how my church is different. I am so glad to be able to share with her that we are a people that don't care about our building, but we desire to be the Church where we "live, work and play." She listened intently as I told her of other women just like her at LifeSong that I would love for her to meet. She told me before I even asked her to come visit, "You know what? I think I really want to come and check you guys out at LifeSong." I pray that she does. I want to use that opportunity God gave me to meet her and encourage her, and take it further. This is who I am talking about when I encourage you to look around you for opportunities to invest this holiday season. The possibilities are endless. I just went to vote on Tuesday, and God provided an opportunity. It may not be a time that is all lit up in neon lights, but it may be His quiet whisper saying, "reach out to her." I hope you will share the times that God gives you over these next few weeks with us. We want to rejoice with you.
It is our pleasure to serve you, Ladies. We look forward to the days ahead with you. Check back frequently for updates and new opportunities.

"Fitting In"

2008-10-13T08:23:00.003-04:00

We've all heard the term "fitting in." What kind of emotions does that phrase evoke in you? For me, I personally do not like it when people say, "oh, you fit in just perfectly," or "you'll fit in fine." I'm a person that feels most of the time I do not fit in anywhere, or when I'm told I CAN fit in, it makes me wonder "what do I have to do" in order to have someone tell me I fit in. Hey, it could just be me that feels this way, but I wonder who else may feel like I do.
I thought a lot about this during our Bible study "No Other Gods." We talked about how sometimes phrases like "fitting in," "accepted," "part of the group," etc., can become like an idol to us. We may dwell so much on these things that we become obsessed with just fitting in and being accepted and lose sight of the fact we already very much matter to our Father God. People may make us feel like we'll only fit in if we are beautiful, talented, are witty, stylish, but God says to us, "you matter to me because you are YOU." I don't know about you, but I am thankful for a God who sees past all my "stuff" and says, "just be you."

As I seek what God would want for us during the next few months in Aroma, oddly enough "fitting in" comes to mind. We want to foster opportunities for you to be a part of what is going on in the lives of women at LifeSong and in our community, but what we don't want to do is ever make you feel like if you can't or don't come that you don't "fit in." We want you to know that you already "fit in" just because you are YOU! That is what I love about LifeSong. It's a place that says, "we all have a lot of life going on...sometimes it's ugly...sometimes it's full of joy, but it's your life, and you matter." We can all walk through the doors of LifeSong and know that we fit because we all have the same God. Thank goodness we won't hear from God in heaven, "you sure do fit in because you do such and such so well, so I'll let you stay in the group." Rather, He says, "you fit in simply because you are my child and I love you." I pray that you know that for your life today. He sent His Son so that we would fit, but not for some exclusive group, but that we would fit in the palm of His hand for eternity because we named the Name above all Names, Jesus! Ladies, I pray that you know Him. Aroma exists for two reasons, the way I see it. We drive toward the cross in all we do in order that you may know Him, and secondly, we provide an outlet for relationships with one another, in order to spur one another on. I pray that you go today knowing that you matter. Go today knowing that you fit in because you are you, and you don't have to jump through any hoops. Most of all, thank you for just being YOU. You know, I hear the word is out...God says you are BEAUTIFUL!

Coffee Connection

2008-10-11T15:42:00.002-04:00

Join us Monday, October 13 for a Coffee Connection. Great time to hang out with your girlfriends over a nice hot cup of coffee. Childcare is provided. Contact Barbie George for more info. See you there!

Outdoor Movie Night

2008-09-29T07:42:00.006-04:00

All ladies are invited to join Aroma Women's Ministry for an Outdoor Movie Night on Sunday, October 12 from 7pm - 9pm. We will be watching the Hallmark movie, "Magic of Ordinary Days" on the outdoor stage. We'll enjoy popcorn, hot chocolate, s'mores over the fire and great, great fellowship.Bring your favorite two liter drink to share, and make sure you bring a blanket and lawn chair. Bring a friend and come out and get to know other ladies from LifeSong and the community. Contact Bonnie Moody for additional information (by commenting to this blog post). Childcare is available on a sign up basis ONLY.

Family Day at Niven's

2008-09-25T15:59:00.007-04:00

24:7 Moms is sponsoring a Family Fun Day at Niven's Apple Farm on Saturday, October 4th from 10 am until 12pm. Come out and bring your entire family. This is NOT just for moms...we want the dads to come, too! You choose your activities. You can pick pumpkins, take a hayride, go through the corn maze, shop in the gift shop, or just come and hang out in the fresh, fall air. There's no set price, only what you decide to do with your family. At 11am, everyone will meet at a designated location for a picnic lunch. You will need to provide your lunch, but Aroma will provide soft drinks and juice. Please see Jennifer Greene for more information, or for directions.

A Word for Thursday!

2008-09-25T08:08:00.005-04:00

Apologies, again, for big chunks of time between posts. Today, be encouraged by the Word! Hope what the scripture says today fills your heart, moves you to action and reminds you of a Father who loves you wholeheartedly!
Stay tuned for many exciting announcements for Aroma Women's Ministry! If you are new to Aroma, hope you'll join us soon and allow us to introduce ourselves and get to know you more!

May God's Word penetrate your heart today, on this crisp Fall day.
Psalm 136:1-8; 23-26

136:1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.

136:2 O give thanks unto the God of gods, for His mercy endureth for ever.

136:3 O give thanks unto the Lord of lords, for His mercy endureth for ever.

136:4 To Him who alone doeth great wonders, for His mercy endureth for ever.

136:5 To Him that by understanding made the heavens, for His mercy endureth for ever.

136:6 To Him that spread forth the earth above the waters, for His mercy endureth for ever.

136:7 To Him that made great lights, for His mercy endureth for ever;

136:8 The sun to rule by day, for His mercy endureth for ever;

136:23 Who remembered us in our low estate, for His mercy endureth for ever;

136:24 And hath delivered us from our adversaries, for His mercy endureth for ever.

136:25 Who giveth food to all flesh, for His mercy endureth for ever.

136:26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven, for His mercy endureth for ever.

Mouths Open....Or Shut!

2008-08-26T08:11:00.007-04:00

I realize it has been a long time since I posted on here, but thankfully that doesn't mean a pause in life, because I've been living it and I know you have, too, because I've been living it with YOU! We sure have had a busy summer and while busy sometimes isn't a good thing, I am so thankful that is not the case for what has been going on at LifeSong. I am so thankful that God has been right here with us, guiding us and building us.

I've thought and prayed long and hard about what I would post today. Would it be something witty? Something inspirational? Something deep? Something informational? I just couldn't decide, and well...I didn't have to. God always leads me in a variety of ways and most of what I write...EVER...is from living life with Him. Sometimes life is hard and confusing, and that is pretty much where I find myself these days. With all that is within me, I desire to be what God wants me to be and let me say, on the flip side of that is a desire to NOT be what people think I should be. The two worlds often collide for me...do they for you? Sometimes God has us do, say or be the hard thing, all for a purpose in the end - His Glory! How does this play out in your life?
I often find that just because I'm a woman that I must try to fix it all because that is how God wired me. I want to nurture, protect, take care of... It gets hard doing it all by ourselves, doesn't it? I don't want to do it anymore, though. I want Him to do it for me, don't you? One thing I have felt a great burden about lately is "unwholesome talk." How almost funny it is for a women's ministry blog to "talk" about unwholesome talk. I mean, come on, we're women for Pete's sake! Women, whether you want to hear it or not, talk...and I do mean talk! We can, in name of "I'll take care of it", fixer mode open our mouths to fix it, take care of it, make it all better, etc., just because we think we are supposed to. Pause button! We're NOT supposed to let "any unwholesome talk proceed from our mouth." I have a real hard time with this. I am a "if you think it, you say it" kind of person and sometimes that means I just need a Holy Shut up and let God handle it, right?
Let's not confuse the notion of unwholesome talk with the other side of things...saying that which builds another up, and edifies. That sometimes is really not pretty to hear either, is it? Have you ever made the comment after you hear a sermon, "Wow, sure did get my toes stepped on today"? I have! Sometimes what we need to hear hurts, doesn't it? Sometimes being the one to have to say the tough stuff hurts, but I just want to say today...say it! When it is for the purpose of building and protecting the Kingdom...say it!
Read this... In Jeremiah 15:19, we're told...."...if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesperson." This verse puts so much in perspective on how we use our tongue. I don't know about you, but to be found worthy to be God's spokesperson is much more appealing and purposeful when I stop and think about how I want my life to influence. You know the great thing, too? The truth is that we all fail when it comes to how we use our words. If you don't fail, then you must not speak at all. Our words get the best of us by swallowing us up sometimes. The great thing is that we don't have to remain that way. We CAN make a turnaround. Our talk can become that, which we've designed our mission for Aroma to be..."life leading to life." Let me encourage you today. If you find yourself in a place where you feel bound to unwholesome talk, make that turnaround today and allow God to show you the way to those "worthy" words.

The Boogey Man

2008-07-16T09:08:00.002-04:00

Growing up, my dad pastored Washington Baptist Church in Greer. We lived in the parsonage there, which just happened to be right beside the cemetery (Sidenote...the house is not there anymore...they actually picked it up and moved it years ago). My sister's and my bedroom was located across the hall from the guest room, and the guest room overlooked the cemetery. Many a night, I had trouble going to bed because I could "just swear" I saw ghosts rising from the cemetery and looking in the guest room window. My parent's never really bought into the whole "I see dead people" theory, so you can imagine their "understandingness" (yes, I made up a word!) when I was still crying and hysterical at 10pm at night, and they couldn't get me to go to sleep. Let's just say I got many "a Holy talking to" and we'll leave it at that! Irregardless, in my young mind, I still felt as though I saw the spirits of church members past rising up to greet me each night, only to cause me great angst and a mounting fear of the unknown. I wouldn't exactly say that this is the root cause of my fear today, but it certainly isn't unlike me to fear the unknown...whatever the situation. Until this Bible study on "No Other Gods," I hadn't really realized what a grip fear has on me. I am terrified of my children being hit by a car (really, I am!), which is in part because I was hit by a car when I was five. I am somewhat scared of the dark, due in part to my nightly visits from the ghosts in the graveyard and in part to too many Dracula movies watched as a child. I fear "not measuring up." I obsess, all too frequently, over not being what others think I should be, or even fear who God sees me as. I fear losing friendships. I am not too sure why I fear this because I really have only had to part ways with one friend my whole entire life, yet I still fear it. I fear what God may ask me to do, and yet I thrill in what God could ask me to do. You see, fear is such a strange thing for me. Half the time I am fearing, I don't know that I'm doing it at all. The part of fear that scares me, however, is how much I take it for granted. I know that we are told all through God's word to fear Him. This isn't something that means what I just previously described as situations of being scared or afraid of Him. This is a good kind of fear. It's an awe of a Holy God that has my very best interests in mind. A God that desires to see me soar and not remain stagnant. A God who will love me no matter what my past is, or how I screw up my present, and quite possibly try to control my future. He is a God that just sees me for me, and that's that! Typing those words overwhelm me because I see in them such hope and promise. I know that if it were just me on this earth, He would still love me just the same - wholly, completely, utterly!
Sunday night something happened to me that I don't have happen much. In the midst of our class in "No Other Gods" having a time of prayer God spoke to me so clearly, that while it wasn't His audible voice, it might as well have been. I heard God so loudly in the midst of ladies in the room praying to lay certain idols at His feet, that I almost had to look up to see if the Father Himself wasn't really standing right beside me. God clearly spoke to me, "pray for the one who needs to lay fear and worry down." Again, "pray for the one who needs to lay fear and worry down." As I began to pray a loud, again, "pray for the one who needs to lay fear and worry down."
I prayed it, ladies. I prayed it as best I knew how, as God told me to. The result of this has been just like God is and always wants to be in our lives. Specific lives needed to hear it. Two ladies in particular have shared how the thought of laying fear and worry down shook them to the core. At first I was surprised, but hey...God was trying to tell me something, wasn't He? He wanted them to know just how much He wants to take this fear, which had become an idol in their life, and wanted to remove it from their life. What a promise He has given us to "never leave us or forsake us." Today, I just want to grasp this...to wrap my little mind around it and just BELIEVE it!
All those years ago, I believed the Boogey Man was out to get me every night. As ridiculous as it sounds to be so scared of ghosts today, the reality of fear is still there. The other reality is that there is the same notion of the Boogey Man being out to get us. Lives were shaken Sunday night because the Boogey Man, or Satan, if you will just indulge me for the purpose of this illustration, is out to get us. He is prowling around, looking for those who desire to name the name of Christ...just so He can destroy us. Giving fear a foothold is just what he wants. Let's make way for the greater fear, though. Today, let's just see how a Holy fear of God will take us straight to the door of freedom, because it's there we find a Savior waiting to take it all on our behalf!

A Good Thing

2008-07-07T12:31:00.003-04:00

This Night was such a good thing, and the effects of it are still being talked about and felt, so I thought you might like to read about what Susan had to say after she came to speak! Thanks, ladies, for all you did to make it successful and to remind us that God truly does and is "immeasureably more"!
Susan's blog (click on link)

Thanks to all the ladies who attended Coffee Connection today. It was such a fun, relaxing time. Thank you to Barbie for doing a great job putting it together. Can't wait until the next one!

Reminder to join us next Wednesday, July 15th for 24:7 Moms morning at the park. See details on sidebar, or contact Jennifer Greene for more information or directions. We will be handing out invites to the upcoming concert with DecembeRadio. Hope to see you there!

Aaaaah!!!

2008-07-01T09:11:00.004-04:00

Don't you just love those times in life where you feel filled up? Lots of things bring that about into our lives...like a really good meal that satisfies, or how about a night out with friends to watch a movie or just hang out? Last night at our "This Night...A Night to Reach Our Community" we felt that same filling up! I thank Susan High for coming last night to not only bless us through her words and encouragement, but she also challenged us. Don't we have an inclination to always categorize our sin, and also to stay stuck in our past? The truth of it is, however, is that we just all sin! Not one is worse than another, but they all break God's heart, and please...the effect that it has on us is suffocating, isn't it? I feel like we are being challenged on every front lately to "rise above" this. God is wanting us to live victoriously, to grasp hold of the promises that He has given us (and believing that He is truly going to give them to us!). I don't know a whole lot, really. I know this, though. Something has got to shift in our thinking. Why are we staying rooted and stuck in believing that once we mess up that God wants nothing else to do with us. I think our response to people when they have messed up has certainly messed up the way we view God. This one thing I know is that people are going to fail me. They just are. God, however, is not ever going to fail me. We have got to start loving the sinner. I sin everyday and I need you to love me. Let's start showing the sinner that God loves them, and stop just saying it. That is when we are going to start seeing victory in their life, and even in ours. When you keep hearing this over and over, don't you just wonder why it's the train of thought lately, or the subject of many a sermon, or a Bible study? Hellllloooooooo???? God is wanting us to pay attention to this. So, my prayer is that we will grasp hold of it and believe it. Let's start making some changes ladies, and realize that you can praise Jesus in it all! I'm posting the song that we praised Jesus to last night. Take some time to praise Him freely....go grab a flag if you have to!!! :)
Revelation Song (Just click on the link)

Lies

2008-06-24T14:33:00.006-04:00

What a dart right between the eyes our new Bible study on Sunday nights has been. "No Other Gods" has been exposing some things to us - no, let me correct that - God's word has been exposing some stuff to us that I personally know has been stepping on my toes. Without fail, when we start a new Bible study I will get up and say something like this, "Beware...Satan doesn't want you to grow closer to God, and now that you are committing to Bible study, he wants to have a field day with you." When will I learn to wear that big, padded suit to protect me from the fiery darts he is throwing my way?! I am not so sure this time, though, is completely just Satan's attacks on me. He is definitely attacking from every angle, but the more I dig into God's word and see what it says for me about idols in my life, the more my layers are being peeled off to reveal some things I don't like about myself.
We discussed on Sunday night how the very idols we have in our life that we want to rid ourselves of are also the things that are our protection - our identity, if you will. For me... get ready, I'm about to be a little vulnerable (I don't like to be!) ... I struggle with a lot of fears in my relationships with others. There is a point in my life that I can go back to that I didn't have those fears, so I can go back those "safe" relationships today and feel perfectly ME, myself and I. There is a definite shift, however, without going into the sordid details, that all of that changed for me. What I despise is that it has taken much longer to weed myself out of the fears that negative relationships have played in my life. I've been hurt. My family has been hurt. The result, for me, has been a lack of trust even in this most blessed time in our lives. The season of hurt in my life started off like the very best times of my life - happy, joyful, "go get 'em," and safe! It turned to hurt and pain, and quite frankly made me negative and cynical. That is just not who I am, but it's a season I find myself getting stuck in a lot, unable to break the cycle. What do I do? We talked about it on Sunday night. We believe God! So, how do we do that? I am finding it is allowing Him to peel back those layers and say it's OK to be vulnerable, to be exposed. Satan feeds me lies all the time that those I think I feel safe with now will, too, hurt me, so don't give too much to them. I can say I have learned some lessons along the way, though. Sometimes you have to go through a season of hurt to learn who to trust and who to give yourself to. I know that for me, I try to surround myself with people that exude the love of God, and that is what drives them. I know that I've found myself in relationships of just wanting people to like me, so I would talk about others with them (gossip), group myself off with certain people while excluding others, and really just trust anyone that came along. Some time and being burned have shown me that you can't always be what everyone wants you to be, and yet it is the very fear associated with this that holds me at bay from completely believing God. In essence, I am believing Satan's lies instead! I just don't like that I do that, do you? For me, I have a hard time knowing that I teach my children to ask for forgiveness - not just saying sorry because there's a wide chasm between saying sorry and asking someone to forgive you - and yet those that hurt us, and even those that loved us and allowed others to hurt us, have never asked for forgiveness. It has made me a cynical person in many regards. I have had many that loved me through this, but I think sometimes even the ones that love you, just don't know what to do with you when you get all desperate and at your breaking point. Thankfully (I'm saying that as loudly as I can) we have our Father God to be the One who fills us. It is, once again, believing Him to do it and that is simply enough for us.
What lies are you believing, or better (worse) yet, what lies are you holding onto? Lies are destructive. It is not just the ones we tell, but lies can be secrets we keep for fear that our lives will change if it is exposed. It can tear us apart, a family apart, and most of all, our relationship with God can be fractured. I am holding onto some lies! I said it! I can't look past the lies to see that there are people who love me for me, that I won't be hurt, or that people will just stop going through "it" with me. Our lies become our idols, too. I feel sick writing this. I'm supposed to have it all together, right? The same could be said of you, too. So, let's make a deal. I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me! Pastor Jeff talked about walking through "it" with people, but as we do, we are pointing them the right direction, and that is UP! I was reminded today of this passage, "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if somebody overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

The deeper we dig into this study, the more uncomfortable we might be. I am feeling a new resolve coming on to just GO WITH IT! I need to see my Jesus without this clutter in my way, don't you? Press on, today, ladies. I may not always get to verbally tell you face to face, but know I love you dearly. I may have fear, but there's a truth I cannot waiver on, and it is the love that I have for you. Live in victory today.

Got Idols?

2008-06-09T12:01:00.002-04:00

Last night we began our study "No Other Gods" for our next Women's Bible Study. A flood of emotions came over me as I watched 33 women enter the cafe to participate in this journey over the next three weeks. As they entered the room, I heard most all introduce themselves to one another, everyone enjoying fellowship over food, and many were anxious to look through their new book. There seemed to be an excitement in the air as we got together for the first time. I believe that God ordains each day with a purpose, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God ordained yesterday be a day that we gather together to begin this new journey together. I want to encourage you, ladies, to stand firm and stay committed. I want the very best for you, and deeply desire to see you soar over these next 8 weeks, so that you can soar for a lifetime! Know you are being prayed for and prayed over. We are seeking God's favor on your behalf, and we pray with great anticipation that God is, and will, do something extraordinary in your life! Seek God today with renewed purpose and vigor. We found out last night that we all have some sort of idol in our lives, but we were challenged to make God the one and only object of our affection. Memorize the verse that the study is based on, "They worshiped God, yet they served their own idols." (2 Kings 17:33) Seek today to change that in our lives, that we might say "We worship and serve our God." I love you deeply. Have a wonderful day!!!

Good Books?

2008-06-05T10:54:00.003-04:00

I posted this question on my facebook, and I thought I would post it on here, too, and hopefully get some responses. What is everyone reading this summer? I'm curious. I love to read and summer is a time for getting myself lost in a good book. I have some here at my house courtesy of a good friend, but I am still curious to know what you are reading that you would recommend to anyone that reads this blog. You can just mark this under "random thoughts" for today. Can't wait to read your responses!

This Night...A Night to Reach Our Community

2008-06-02T16:00:00.003-04:00

As most of you remember, our first This Night sought to steer our focus to the world. This coming June 30th, we will seek to focus on our community, knowing that our God is bigger and better and He can use that same focus to impact our country.
I am so grateful to many of you for volunteering to be a hostess. Know that your willingness is crucial in seeing many come that night. I still want, and need more hostesses. Many have opted to partner up and they have committed to bring others from the community that night as their guests. Let me just take this opportunity to say...This Night is NOT about entertaining ourselves and dressing up pretty tables and hearing a speaker just to say we went out and had a good Monday night. This Night is what the extension of the title says. We are seeking to reach our community for Christ. We want you bringing your lost friends, your friends that are looking for a church to serve in, or friends that need to hear a Word from the Father. We can get together any 'ole night and have a good time, eat, and fellowship. What we have set This Night aside to do is to be intentional in reaching those around us. Let me just say it in some good southern twang..."We ain't messin' around, ladies." This is another stepping stone to building up the kingdom. So, bring your friends. That place should be so packed out that we'll have to find somewhere else to go the next time we do this.
I want to enlist more hostesses, so please email me at jeffamy111@netzero.net if you are willing.
Information can be found in recent blog posts, as well as on the Aroma page on our website .
I am also linking you to the Wellspring Living Gift registry We are asking each person attending to choose an item from this registry to donate to the new Wellspring Home in SC. Please, please, please drop by Target and pick out something special. If you have any questions, you can email me
Thank you, ladies. I love you to the depths. Looking forward to an awesome summer with you.

Reminder

2008-05-28T12:49:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder, Ladies...time is ticking away as we prepare to launch our two new Bible studies.
Look for sign up sheets on the Aroma table on Sunday, or you may contact me by email at
jeffamy111@netzero.net to sign up. Don't miss this opportunity to dig into God's word together on Sunday nights or Tues. nights. I promise you, this time will be the highlight of your summer and you will build some long lasting relationships. Look at the post below for information on both Bible studies. Childcare will be provided for both, but you must make a note that you need childcare when signing up.
Looking forward to walking through God's word with you this summer. Serving you...Amy

Summer Opportunities for You

2008-05-20T08:42:00.008-04:00

I apologize for the lack of blogging about upcoming events lately. As you can imagine from (most of you) being moms yourself, our Aroma team has very busy everyday lives and sometimes we get out of sync in our planning. Do not take that as our hearts not looking out for you, though. We very much want to provide opportunities for you every week, every month, or every time we can, but sometimes we just need to take a break and let God show us which way to go.
In the coming days, Aroma will be meeting and planning things for you to participate in this summer. More than that, however, we would love to just give you some ideas that you can even implement in your day to day life as you "pay it forward" in your investment in others. I want to make you aware of some things we have planned thus far so that you can be making plans to attend yourself, or invite someone you know to attend. A couple of things require your participation.
As Pastor Jeff encouraged us on Sunday... we are to make everything we do point to the Cross. That is our goal as we invest in your life. You, or even Aroma, may not be able to attend everything we have planned, but we desire to provide as many opportunities for you so that you have some options. I ask that you bear with us as, once again Pastor Jeff said, we are in a process of growth. God is molding us and shaping us as we go, so that one day we will truly do everything we put our hands to with excellency. So, that being said, mark these things on your calendar. Also, any interests you have for Aroma to promote, please give us your ideas...or better yet, let God use you to lead whatever it is you have in mind!

June Bible Studies:
"Surrendering the Secret" - by Pat Layton...This study will be led by Amy Hickman, and is for anyone that has suffered an abortion and desires God to heal their past. We will meet on Tuesday nights, beginning June 10th at LifeSong Church at 7pm. Your anonymity will be protected. You may contact Amy at jeffamy111@netzero.net to sign up or ask any questions. Please read the following description of this Bible study, and share it with any friends you know that may be interested...
Many women hide the secret of abortion deep in their hearts, and they are suffering severe consequences. They carry a great burden of shame and failure afraid to reveal their hidden pain, and by doing so are forced to endure the long-lasting effects in isolation. Surrendering the Secret will allow women to release this burden and find freedom through 'redemptive community' while experiencing hope and joy as shame and failure are replaced with beauty.

"No Other Gods" - by Kelly Minter...This study will be led by Amy Hickman on Sunday nights, beginning on June 8th and is open to women only. This is an 8 session study that will lead you to placing God right in the center of your day to day life, amidst the busyness and chaos. We will enjoy a warm atmosphere together of sharing in the recipes the author offers (sharing a meal), as well as a living room atmosphere. This book is the first of Minter's "Living Room Series." Cost of book is $10. Please bring any friends interested. Look for sign-ups at the Aroma table, or you may contact Amy at jeffamy111@netzero.net

This Night...Our second This Night will be on Monday, June 30th. Our theme is "This Night...a night to reach our community". Our guest speaker will be Susan High, who is bringing Wellspring Living SC to Lyman. We will be participating in providing a registry item for the new Wellspring House in Lyman. Here's a little info from Wellspring's site, www.wellspringlivingsc.org
Wellspring Living connects a caring community with women seeking a way out of unhealthy behaviors, promoting healing, wholeness, independence and family restoration through Biblical principals.

At Wellspring, our desire is to expand our vision of God's transformational power, unify cultures and denominations, provide connection between issues and solutions, restore women, protect children and challenge people to live dangerously for God.

Susan is an awesome speaker because she is a woman with a heart of passion and compassion. You don't want to miss all she has to share, and how we, too, can touch the lives of these women she desires to reach.
We are now taking names of anyone that would like to hostess a table of eight. For our summer This Night, you will only be asked to provide a summertime centerpiece and party favors for each of your guests. We will give you your color scheme when you sign up. You will need to set up your table the night before after Sunday evening worship. Tickets are $10/person. Proceeds will also go to help give a love gift to Wellspring. For more info about Wellspring, check out their website and read Susan's blog! Link to www.wellspringlivingsc.org
Please contact Amy Hickman at jeffamy111@netzero.net if you would like to be a hostess. You may ask a friend to help you. Deadline for hostess sign up is June 15th.

Just Be Still

2008-05-07T17:11:00.003-04:00

How many times have you heard yourself saying to your child, "Would you just be still?" I know that this mom here says it every, single morning as I am putting hair in ponytails. "Don't squirm." "Just be still." When things get uncomfortable or chaotic, we just want to move around a little and squirm, don't we? Truth is, life is just plain, ole uncomfortable all the time, isn't it? If it's not busyness, it's sickness. If it's not rushing, it's confusion. It's really always something.

This has been on my mind alot today. As we were sitting at lunch today, we were discussing the good, ole days when our Mamas made Sunday lunch. This is a tradition that I still very much like to hold on to. Grant it, there are times when we like to go out after church with friends, but usually you will find me getting up on Sunday mornings and putting something in the Crock Pot, or defrosting some meat to prepare when I get home. I truly enjoy the feel of Sunday lunch with your family. Here lately, I haven't had the opportunity to prepare Sunday lunch for my family due to various meetings or birthday celebrations that we've had, and chances are, I won't be fixin' lunch this Sunday because I am pretty sure there is some Scripture in the Bible that says, "Mama ought not cook on Mother's Day," so ok...I won't, then! Anyhow, where have those days of just being still gone to? I, for one, am getting almost perturbed at the number of people I talk to that just can't seem to catch up with themselves. I might be one of those. No matter when you see them, they are busy...their lives are chaos...they are always negative about the "next thing" they have to do. Well, I'm here to proclaim, "Chill out!" It's time for us to be doin' some be stillin' and knowin'. This might hurt a little, but no matter what you have on your agenda, take some time to just "Be still and know that He is God." He, ladies, is the knower of all things...the peacespeaker....the calm in our raging sea. I know that my soul craves this peace. I crave it for you. Gone are the days of our parents. We can learn from them on this. There is nothing more important....NOTHING...that should come in the way of being still and knowing that He is God...of being still and knowing that our family, our KIDS are right here in front of us just wanting a little piece of us....of listening to that friend that is hurting...of chucking that chore you said you were going to do today, and just having a little quiet instead with some hot tea. Do you see my point? I feel burdened for those of you who are just getting caught up in the chaos and you're missing the blessings staring you right in the face. Take a little encouragement from me and from the One who loves you most. Stop what you are doing right now, take a deep breath and just BE STILL!

Thank You Jesus Responses

2008-04-25T08:58:00.002-04:00

Thanks to some of you for responding to our Back Door Guests blog, in conjunction with our Thank You Jesus Party. You will find a couple of responses to the Back Door Guests in the comment section under the blog. A few of you wrote to show specific ways you show hospitality to others. Many said you go to lunch with others, write notes, pray for, invite over to your home, etc. Some made plans to specifically carry out an "extend your hand" to others act this week.
The overarching message I hope you take from this is that no matter what you do, or for whom you do it....I'll pause to borrow a popular slogan....Just Do It! We could get caught up in feeling left out or that no one includes us in their group, but the point is when everyone is extending a hand all around them, people don't get left out. The only warning would be in the process of all of this that you not put yourself in a clique, but rather you are always looking for opportunities to extend yourself to others that may not be a part of who you normally associate. If you think about it, it's easy to have people over to your home that you find it easy to connect to, but how about try inviting someone that's recently visited LifeSong. That may just be what they need.
It's in those times that I, personally, have really gotten to know someone a little better. The truth is, we need to work at this like busy little bees....everyone together. One person can't do this all by themselves. This is why I like to hear your testimonies...to see how we are succeeding at reaching out to others. It's easy to get caught up in thinking you are all alone sometimes, but when you hear the opportunities that God gives us individually, it's cause for a....help me out here....THANK YOU JESUS PARTY! So, press on, my friends. Let God continue to use you to build relationships that last.
Finally, I want to post a very profound response to our Thank You Jesus Party post. It specifically outlines just how great of a God we serve. It encouraged me and let in encourage you, too. This, my friends, is the real deal. Jane writes the following.....

"Since your Thank You Jesus Party blog I have been thinking about what I could write. I feel unqualified to even start, but here goes, I’ll step outside my very quiet, secure box …

Since the death of my husband in 1999, I have been feeling a little lost (really very lost). We had a lot going for us. He was in a managerial position that he worked very hard for, I was in my 26th year at my job, one child living on his own and one child graduating from high school. We had talked about retiring, playing golf, traveling to play golf and spending quality time together. He lived two years, 3 months after his diagnosis. I often wondered why him? Why not me? He was a good husband, father, manager and just a good person. He was always working, providing, making our life and the life of our community better. After his death, I knew I was missing something else, but didn’t know what. I grew up in the church so I thought I knew what church was about. In 2003 my grandson was born, my daughter divorced several years later, my mother had a stay in the hospital with several critical issues and then finally my son got married at 37! I dealt with each issue with prayer and God answered. I was invited to Life Song Church in the spring of 2007. I had tried several churches that had a different style of worship (not traditional as I had grown up in) but they just didn’t fit. I said OK, I’ll bring my grandson. He will love being there learning about God, Jesus, the Bible, etc. And, the rest is history. Thank you Jesus for showing me what church is really about…not just attending church, but how to show your love to everyone I come in contact with, even those who have hurt me.

I learned more in 2 months at Life Song than I learned in my 60 years of being. Thank you Jesus for Life Song, my pastors and my new friends."

Have a great weekend, Ladies. I love you wholeheartedly!

Back Door Guests are the Best

2008-04-22T09:14:00.004-04:00

I'm sure you have all seen or heard the phrase, "Back door guests are the best." I personally like it's meaning a lot. I love for people to come to my home and feel comfortable enough to go to the back door, come inside and make themselves right at home. I have been thinking alot about "being hospitable" to others lately. I can remember a day (don't I sound old saying that!) when families were at their gathering places - grandparents' homes, aunt's/uncle's homes, church social halls - just enjoying being together. Today, however, things seem constantly in fast-forward and no one is bothering at all to push PAUSE. I am guilty of it, too. I get so preoccupied with myself and my life that forsake doing what I love the most - just hanging out with people. I have a theory that all too often we don't see people returning to church or to Aroma women's ministry because we choose not to let them into our personal lives. We keep them at arm's length. All too often I hear excuses people make like, "my house isn't clean or good enough"; "my cooking skills are not up to par to have anyone over"; "I'm just too busy to take time to have lunch with anyone"; "I have to work too much"; "I don't have anything to say when I spend time with people." The list could go on and on. I don't think any of us, however, think of so many excuses when others do extend a hand to us and desire to spend time together. Of course, sometimes schedules conflict and we can't make plans, but doesn't it light up your day for someone to be hospitable to you? 1 Peter 4:9 says, "Be hospitable to one another with out grumbling." Hey, there's nothing that says "I love you" more than someone saying, "I can't have you over to my house right now, but one day I will...when it's clean, or when I live somewhere else." (That was a hint of sarcasm...sorry). By then, you may have lost your opportunity to extend the hand of fellowship. Let me tell ya....I have never been to someone's home, or gone out to fellowship with others and thought of the trivial. I find myself thinking of how much that person must love me - that they would want to spend time with me...no matter what. However, I've been to plenty of homes and done plenty of activities with a grumbler (I'm sure I've been the grumbling host a time or two, too.) where I left feeling like my cup had not been filled. On the flip side, too, I've seen a lot of people take, take, take...never to give, give, give. That might bother me a little because I see the purpose of giving to others is to also instill in them the notion of "paying it forward." Hebrews 13:2 says, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly, entertained angels." Wow! I don't know about you, but I don't want to miss an opportunity like that! You may be reading this with the argument, "I just don't have the gift of hospitality." Well, maybe not in the physical, visual ways we think of it sometimes, but Ladies, if you know Jesus as your Savior, you have something so very precious to offer another!
You've got LOVE. That is all I want people to say when they leave our home, or leave from spending time together doing whatever! I just hope and pray they felt loved and wanted.
There are still several days left in our 30 Day Give. Maybe someone needs you to pick up the phone and show hospitality to them. Maybe it's telling them you love them....write them a note...take them out to lunch....invite them over for burgers on the grill...go for a pedicure together. Get creative! So, I'm asking you again to post. I can tell ya, you didn't respond a lick on our Thank You Jesus Party, so I'm showing some mercy and giving you a second chance to give God some praise. Share with us how you show hospitality, and that, my friends is part of our Thank You Jesus Party. He deserves praise for bringing people in our lives that we can show a little hospitality to. If you need an idea of who needs some encouragement right now, write me. I happen to know someone that needs a little pick-me-up. Once again, you can write me at jeffamy111@netzero.net

Renewed Perspective

2008-04-10T09:27:00.003-04:00

Today, I'm asking for your involvement. As I told you Sunday, one cannot go on a mission trip and not be changed, but one also cannot hold back praise when God works in one's life. To keep it to ourselves would be "beside the point." God has really impressed several things on me lately. Number one...His Word is alive and active among us. He is up to something! Number two...He is looking for us to be real. I may be blunt in saying this, but I'm a little tired of people coming to church just for what it can do for them. I hear, and yes...even at LifeSong...some say how they won't come to such and such event if it doesn't meet their needs or if it isn't in their realm of interests. As the old 80s saying goes, "well, gag a maggot!" Let's be challenged to live beyond that, ladies. How about let's get out of the mindset of what the church can do for us, and let's just start being the church. In the end, the result will be more abundant than if you are depending on your activities at church to make you feel good. The end result will be lives changed for the glory of Christ. I have talked about it before, but people are just looking for what is true and genuine if you call yourself a Christ-follower.

This morning, on the Today Show, a man spoke of his personal journey to find out why religion is so divisive, when it is supposed to be the chord that binds us together. He was challenged by a trip to Africa where he saw people giving their whole lives up just to see that one person might have a chance at life...a better quality of life. He said, in the end, he discovered that we here in America care more about being right than being genuine in our love. He, at the end of the interview, summed it up in a nutshell.
He reminded us that Jesus told His disciples that the greatest commandment is to "LOVE one another." (Does this sound familiar to you, LifeSong?) His challenge was to have us as a nation return to that. You know what the ironic thing is? This man was not saved. He is just a man searching for truth as to why Christians aren't real in what they say they believe. Ummm! That ought to shoot you square between the eyes. He really spoke words of truth, except for this. He did not talk of relationship with Jesus as being the difference. It's no wonder why. If Christians are showing no more than religion, then we are failing. We must be showing relationship, because certainly if we do, we would be showing love, right? Chew on that a little while will you?
I said chew on that! Don't read any further until you ask God if that was a word for you.

Number three...I believe that God is calling us to be change agents. We can't do that unless we have been changed by the One who gave His everything for us. He "loves us with an everlasting love," ladies. Doesn't that just wash over you like a refreshing spring? I can love ANYONE because of that great love.
I tell you...Being on mission in Las Vegas changed me. Maybe you don't care to hear about it. That's ok. I am always amused by the fact that if someone doesn't share your experience, then they really don't care much about what happened to you or what you learned. Not a problem. We share it anyway because we brag on the One that did a work in our lives. I want to celebrate with you when God changes you. That is what life is all about. We must share Christ's victories. We must thank Him for His great mercy and grace. What is Christ doing in your life right now that you want to thank Him for? Maybe He's given you victory in a particular area and you want to share it. Now's your chance. Write us here at AROMA and tell us how God is using you or working in you right now. We'll post these testimonies and have us one big "Thank You Jesus" party! Come on now. Write us and let us rejoice with you. Please specify if you would like to remain anonymous, and when describing your situation God is working in, use discretion in sharing names or places. We will proofread these for content before posting, so email me at jeffamy111@netzero.net We are so excited to hear what God is doing in your life!

Nanoo

2008-03-28T16:00:00.002-04:00

I posted a personal blog on our family blog today and I think it really speaks my heart, so check it out and I hope it speaks to you. www.hickmanhappenings.blogspot.com

2008-03-26T16:28:00.003-04:00

Aroma Monday Mingle Presents…

“Guesstures” Game Night

A game of split-second charades! Act up! Act out! Just act fast to get your teammates to guess words - without talking!

Monday, April 14th 2008
6:30pm-8:00pm

623 Brushwood Road
Woodruff SC 29388
Bonnie Moody: 864-486-0167
Bonniebmoody@bellsouth.net

An Adopted Family

2008-03-25T11:22:00.002-04:00

Almost 19 years ago, my family, while living in Venezuela, was approached by a pastor who knew of a 15 year old girl that was due to have a baby "any day." Knowing that we had expressed an interest in adopting a child, he contacted us. Already having two girls in our family - myself and my sister, Missy - we were kind of thinking of adding a boy to the mix. The baby due to be born, however, was thought to be a girl, but we didn't care. We wanted to proceed on.
From the time we were approached, to the time this baby girl was born, we had about a week and a half to prepare for her arrival. My parents were 40 at the time, and in the event they are reading this...they are STILL 40...not a day over it! :) You can imagine that we didn't have the first thing for a baby in our home. I was 15 1/2 and Missy was 13. Our baby stroller, crib, and diaper days were over! We called on our missionary family to help us out and everyone rallied together to provide what they could so that we could welcome a new bundle of joy into our home.
The day came to welcome this new little girl, named Esther, because that was her biological mother's and grandmother's name...and also the name these two women studied about in the Bible when they prayed to receive Christ and desired to see this baby put in a Christian home. Baby Esther was born right at 5 lbs., and quite literally was the smallest baby I had ever seen. Being a family of giants, you can imagine how small she looked in our arms. I remember my parents bringing her home and I was overtaken by love that I didn't think I possessed for one that was not blood related to me, yet penetrated the very core of my heart with a love that only sisters can know. I was, without a doubt, smitten with this baby! I thought I would be afraid to have her come into my life, but all of that was swept away when she was placed in my arms and I gazed on her jet black hair, dark eyes, and olive skin. She was MY baby sister and I, at that moment, would have done anything in the world for her. We named her Kathryn Elizabeth Ann Cashion. She became "one of us." She did not, for one second, ever NOT belong to our family. God made her just for us to love and cherish all the days of her life.
Remembering this time gives me great joy because God, too, made us His own. He created us in our "mother's wombs" and "knew all the days ordained for us before one of them ever came to be." He becomes our ABBA, Father...our Daddy...when we allow Him to take up residence in our home. Just like Katie became a resident of our home, God has done the same for us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take up residence in our hearts (our home)...to become love to us in a way like none other could give it. You know, we had not even seen, heard or held Katie and yet we loved her. In the physical sense, we have not seen, heard or held Jesus, yet we, too, can love Him. With faith and trust in the One who gives us life, we have One that wants to know us and love us unconditionally. Are you feeling without a home today? Do you feel like your dwelling place is not a dwelling place at all? Are you characterizing your day, or your life by lonliness? Grab hold of the One who loves you most. Call, cry out, bawl like a baby for your Lord today. He is there to fill you up, to make you whole.
Katie continues to be a blessing to our family today. The love just keeps growing and growing for her. God does the same. He never stops being the ultimate love giver. Take some time today to let Him wrap His arms around you and just be His child. He wants to be your Daddy.

He's Alive

2008-03-21T10:27:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to take some time to encourage you to relect on what this weekend really means to you. I tell ya, being a part of The Witness last weekend was just what I needed to help me focus on what my Jesus did for me. I have found myself dwelling on it ever since. At the same time, why did it take that experience for me to dwell on it all? Oh, that I would remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for me each and everyday. It truly overwhelms me. I don't know of another time that makes such a mark on my life as Easter. I love Christmas and remembering the gift of God's son for all mankind, but it is Easter that brings me to my knees in such great humility for my Savior. He died for me! And I know that even if it was just me that was put on this earth, He still would've died for me! You know, it's hard to wrap your mind around that sometimes. If you are reading this today and you have never truly grasped just what Jesus did for you, take some time to ponder these things today. Not only did God send His one and only Son to die for us, but Praise the Lord, he rose again, too! We weren't left to be alone, but He gave us His Holy Spirit, "a counselor, to be with us forever...the Spirit of Truth." Ladies, we have been given it ALL. We have been offered love's perfect gift. It is always there for the taking. Choose it today. Maybe you are reading this and you needed to know today that someone was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for you and you want to know more. Well, it's your day because I want to tell you more! Inviting Jesus into your life to reign and rule is simple. The Bible says it just takes a "childlike faith." Don't go another day thinking you have to live this life on your own. He is waiting and ready for you today. It was 27 years ago this coming summer that I exerted that "childlike faith" and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. What does a seven year old really know other than what is simple enough for them to understand? All I knew was that I felt alone and that something in my life was missing. Yes, my Daddy was (and is) a pastor. I was raised in a loving Christian home. I grew up in Church. All those things, of course, contributed to me wanting to know more about this Savior who had come to save me. It was, however, the steadfastness of a Sunday School teacher, who willingly, lovingly, and simply shared that "Jesus Loves Me" that ultimately made me realize that this was the gift. This was what was missing.
So, I dropped the guard of fear I possessed as a little seven year old girl and I went forward to tell anyone that would listen that I was accepting that gift. I wanted Jesus in my life. The road since has been full of bumps and it was a curvy road, but ultimately, ladies...I didn't do it alone. My Father, God, has always been there to guide me, to fill me up, to show me the way! I could've stopped right then when I invited Jesus into my life, but let me say...NO WAY, NO HOW! I don't want to stop. I want to live for Him, just like He lives for me! I want to KNOW Him. I want to SERVE Him. I want to TELL everyone about Him. Hey, He saved me! He wants everyone to know it! So, let Jesus be Lord of your life today. If you need someone that can help you, write me. It would be my honor today to introduce you to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Email me at jeffamy111@netzero.net

Allison

2008-03-18T08:51:00.003-04:00

Today, I conclude introducing you to the Aroma Team by having you get to know Allison Taylor.
Allison is someone I have known for around 2 years or so, but someone I really feel I have gotten to know more over the past year. Allison's husband, Junior, has been someone especially dear to my husband, Jeff. Without a doubt, it has been Junior whom God has used to encourage Jeff when he needed it the most. Most times that encouragement came because God told him to do it, and that is what made it all the more special - just knowing that God inspired it.
When we met Allison, it was because Junior told us that he had found someone special and had begun dating. Being the private guy he is, when he actually wanted us to meet this special someone, we figured it had to be a big deal. We went on a double date with Junior and Allison to PF Changs, which I can now thank them for putting that restaurant up at the top of my favorites list. We had a wonderful time getting to know Allison more and seeing firsthand why Junior thought so much of her. Jeff and I had the honor of later attending their wedding ceremony and sharing in that special day with them. It has been a joy to watch these two families come together and put God first, then each other, and then the children. They truly love one another, and out of that pours a love for those God puts in their lives.
Over this past year, I have watched Allison pour herself into others. You may not always know exactly what Allison is up to, but many times it's because of Allison that special things may randomly come into your life. Oftentimes, it is Allison that initiates a special surprise for someone, just because she has seen that person needs a special touch in their life. Anytime you need to bless someone with a meal, Allison is always more than willing to help. And more times than not, it is Allison who brings that one in need that we might not notice, to our attention. She has an unbelievable gift of mercy.
It's been a joy to have Allison on the Aroma Team. She is our newest member, and she has come in full steam ahead. Her hands were all over Ladies' Retreat, but my guess is that many of you never knew just what exactly is was she organized, because she is just one of those people that is behind the scenes, handing out the special touches, making things shine. Right now, Allison is in prayer about an exciting new ministry, and I can't wait for the day that we can share that with you. For now, though, look for Allison to be a busy bee. She will be the one that goes that extra mile to serve you.
Allison is the wife of Junior, mother of Adam and Jackson and special Allison to Jared, Nathan, and Summer. She is a good friend, faithful servant and lover of her Lord!

Jennifer

2008-03-17T08:34:00.002-04:00

Today, we continue getting to know the rest of the Aroma Team. Join me today and meet Jennifer Greene. I met Jennifer about 2 years ago, I think it was. My husband, Jeff, had visited her husband, Jeff, and became fast friends with him. They began attending the church where my husband was pastoring. It really wasn't until we began LifeSong, however, that I got to know Jennifer more. All of us in the core group of LifeSong were a part of watching Jennifer's tummy expand with who we now know as Brady! Each week we bombarded her with questions of "how much longer until he comes?" "Will your shoes fit you much longer?" "What are you craving this week?" And so on and so forth. We surprised her with a diaper shower and one of her favorite meals one night at housechurch, all of us very excited to watch Jen become a first time Mommy!
It has been a journey we've taken with Jen, and one that has led her personally to see a calling God has put on her life to invest in the lives of other moms. In her own personal journey to discovering it is that God wants her to be as a Mom, she takes other moms along for the ride and spices things up for us a little. Thanks to Jen, we have 24:7 Moms, where we can get together for a little Mom time, go to the park, enjoy parties together with our kids, or share ideas we implement for raising Godly kids. Jen is not afraid to extend herself outside the walls of the church and invite unchurched moms to come and hang out with us, and she is always willing to make sure that when a mom in our church has a need, that the need is filled. When we have a new addition arrive within our church family, you can be sure that you will receive a call from Jen scheduling meals to be delivered to your home so you can enjoy time with your newborn. She heads up that ministry for us and does an exceptional job.
Jen has been a good friend to me. My favorite thing to talk about with Jen is COUPONS! She and I share a love for saving a penny. Right now, I have her beat because I saved so much one day at the grocery store that I crashed their system and Jen all but gave me a trophy! Her day is coming, though, when she'll probably pay $5 for a whole cart of groceries. Hey, it's like a sport to us! For me, it's nice to have another woman, mom, friend that takes pleasure in the simple things, like clipping a really great coupon.
I hope you take time to get to know Jen. She really does care about you and wants to see you Moms take a little time for YOU, so join her for the next 24:7 Moms event she plans. You are sure to walk away with a little more peace than you started the day with.
Jen is wife to Jeff, mom to Brady, and one of the best cupcake bakers ever. She desires to follow Jesus and without a doubt, she will beat herself up if she doesn't do her very best at anything she puts her hands to. Thanks, Jen, for giving everything your all!

Barbie

2008-03-13T12:49:00.002-04:00

I promised that over these next few days I would introduce you to the Aroma team members, so if you are reading this as your first post, scroll down a little and get caught up on our testimony of God putting together this team of five ladies.

Today is a very special day for me because I have the honor of writing about my best friend. God has afforded me the blessing of having best friends at every important juncture in my life, and knowing Barbie George is no exception. I always look at Barbie and think, "that is me back when my mom was talking for me and I didn't speak a word." Barbie need not say a word to be heard, because it is the heart she has as a listener that speaks the loudest. She lets me talk and talk without saying a word, lets me get done and then just encourages me. I think that God put Barbie in my life to remind me to slow down and let it all sink in. She is one of these friends to me that can read my mind. Seriously, we can be in the same room, look at each other and know what the other is thinking. I like that about a person.
Not only that, but she makes me laugh. There's just some people who's humor you get. That's Barbie. Sometimes we just get in a "you got to bend over and laugh" kind of laugh. We always have a good time, and I think anyone that is around her will agree with me.
These last few months have been awesome to watch God work in Barbie's life. We've had many a conversation where we talk about where it is God wants to use us. Back in the day that I wrote about a couple of days ago where God profoundly showed me what my role as pastor's wife was while in Dillon, God showed me some very specific things and since then, He's just grown those in my life. Watching Barbie these last few months I have been reminded of that time when God takes a heart that is willing and He gives them life-changing things to do. No longer does Barbie have to wonder "where do I fit in?" She isn't waiting around for some lightning bolt moment, but she is digging in and loving on people in a way only Barbie can. And you know what I love the most about her? Never will you hear, "look what I did for so and so" or "that's not my job description" or "I'm too scared to try". Nope, never. Barbie serves out of the overflow of her heart. Hey, I am one life that God sent her to restore. Barbie, you will never know what your friendship means to me - to have taken this heart of mine and just loved on me when I needed it the most - well, that takes us deep, girl. I love you like my sister.
Barbie has a heart for all people. I really think she would serve just about anywhere and do a job "well done." In Aroma, Barbie has a job that is pretty much behind the scenes because she does a lot of publicity related stuff for us, but Barbie also has a ministry in Ladies' Coffee Connection. After seeing that women just need to get together and talk sometimes and let the kids run around, Barbie has organized this time just for you! She wants you to come and feel like you can kick up your feet and talk about whatever. And you know what? After spending an hour or so with other ladies, you begin to see how to pray, who has a need, and who just might need a break. Barbie does an exceptional job and organizing this. I hope that next time she does one that you will come and be a part of that time You are bound to form a relationship that you might not have expected.
Yesterday, I asked Jeff if he'd been reading these blog entries and he said he had. When I asked him what he thought about how I was introducing my team, he answered, "well, you are writing about your relationship and experiences with them...from your perspective." Thinking he must have thought that was a bad thing, I got a little defensive. He said, "no you are writing like you know them." Well, I hope this is helping you ladies reading this know them, and that something you read may take you deeper in a relationship with them. Sometimes it's just hard to trust that someone wants to serve you until you know them firsthand. We desire for you to know the Father firsthand, and I assure you that knowing one of these ladies, you will also feel as though you know the Father, too. They model Him to me each and every day.
So, get to know Barbie George. Her birthday is March 14 - that's tomorrow for all you busy people that don't know what day it is. Wish her a big 'ole Happy Birthday and give her a hug!
Barbie is married to Brian, Pastor of Missons/Administration at LifeSong. She is the awesome mom to Addie, Aiden and Austin, with whom she loves on at home each at everyday. She is my dear, dear friend - a true kindred spirit!

Bonnie "Guesstures" Moody

2008-03-11T10:08:00.002-04:00

(Read the post below before reading this)

There is a reason for calling Bonnie "Guesstures." Just recently, on retreat, Bonnie surprised us all for her keen "Guesstures" playing skills. Her skill at the game truly points to how I feel about Bonnie. She always keeps me guessing! She is full of surprises in the way that her talents are endless, and her giftedness always apt to grow stronger and be added to. She is a woman's woman. Women just want to be like her!
Bonnie holds a very dear place in my heart. I can almost remember the day that I met her. I actually met her at our former church, but I didn't really "know" her then. When God began to do a work in our hearts to begin LifeSong, we met in our home with about 26 other people, two of which were Bonnie and her husband, Eric. I always admired Bonnie, but first I have to admit it was all vanity. I just love the way that Bonnie dresses! She has got some style going on! I just couldn't wait to see what she came to Housechurch wearing next! My other impression of Bonnie is that she was a fellow coffee queen. I love me some people that appreciate a good cup of Joe. Bonnie shared with me several months ago that our coffee at Housechurch always kept her coming back. I shared my Venezuelan stash with everyone, and apparently that was God's will because it kept Bonnie coming back.
My heart has always been bent toward Bonnie. Immediately, when we wanted someone to lead ladies in a fellowship ministry, Bonnie popped in my mind. She loves to serve others, hang out with people, and has a tremendous gift for hospitality! Thus, we began our Sweet Monday ministry, which is now known as Monday Mingle. Every first Monday of the month, we meet at Bonnie's home for pure fellowship. No one has ever walked away unhappy. She always does a super job.
However much of a fan of Bonnie I am, no one recently has impacted my life as much as she! She is a pure example of how our God takes a person and puts them right where He wants them to be, right at the right time! God used Bonnie's heart for Sweet Monday to get her listening to His voice. When it came time to meet for a new Bible study about this time last year, Bonnie ended up in my small group discussion. No sooner had we sat down did she look at me and say, "I need to be led to the Lord!" What? I never imagined such a sweeter moment in all my life. God had brought Bonnie to LifeSong, put her in an actual place of service, only to lead her to her Maker.
Never in all my life have I been so blessed to pray someone to the feet of Jesus, that He would walk straight into her heart. As Sarah Davenport and I began to pray and talk with Bonnie, it was abundantly clear that she did not feel she had truly accepted Christ years and years ago, and that that very day we were in Bible study would be her day of salvation...the difference maker in her life! So, in that very moment, she bowed her head, and in her very own words begged for Jesus to come inhabit her heart. Since then, Bonnie has been even more "full steam ahead." She loves to do whatever it takes to see women, and all people, changed for His glory. She never whines, complains, wishes she were somewhere different. She always goes the extra mile, without ever being asked. Aside from leading Monday Mingle, she always has a hand in organizing any details to make things beautiful for our gatherings, she manages our money and whatever else is asked of her.
Bonnie is married to Eric. They live in Reidville and have two very spunky dogs. She crochets, gardens, quilts, shops like a superstar, and is a true friend. I am honored to have Bonnie on the Aroma Team, but especially my dear friend.

Shout out!

2008-03-11T09:52:00.002-04:00

I am a big believer in encouragement. I truly love to praise others and share that enthusiasm with everyone else. I am madly in love with the Aroma Team! They are like sisters to me. Over the next couple of days, I would like to introduce you to them and share with you just why they mean so much to me. Years ago (10 years, to be exact!), when Jeff became a Pastor, I didn't know quite where to put myself in the realm of his ministry, much less believing that I could have one of my own. God allowed me to fall flat on my face, so I would finally stop being stubborn and finally turn to Him for guidance. What He revealed to me was shocking and scared me out of my mind. He very clearly, in the living room of my home in Dillon, told me to begin teaching Bible studies! Ugh!! I must've been hearing things, because at the time, I never opened my mouth to speak to anyone because I was so scared. Ok, now... pick yourself up off the floor from shock. Yes, it's true. There actually used to be a time in my life that I did not talk. Up until I went away to college, my Mama pretty much spoke for me always. I was an extreme introvert! Ok, again! Pick yourselves up...that's just not nice...you are hurting my feelings! I know that I talk ALOT now, but look at it this way. God alone has done this in me. I just can't shut up when it comes to teaching women about Jesus and when it comes to building them up!
I take it so very seriously! Can't you tell? I don't like it one iota when I perceive someone doesn't want to be a part of allowing God to make them the woman He wants them to be, so they hide from any situations that might bring that about. I want women hanging out together, building one another up, and growing closer to Jesus together. God has shared so many female relationships in His word that show us our need for sisterhood. It makes us better women, wives, moms and friends. Women just identify with each other, don't they? So, you must understand my heart for seeing women grow in their walk with God and how long ago God gave me the honor and awesome responsibility to put my heart in seeing this come to be. Up until now, I have pretty much gone at it alone, all the while praying that God would bring other ladies to my attention that had a similar mindset as me. Well, folks, it's been a long road, but I believe with all my heart that He has answered the desires of my heart in forming this Aroma Team. Our team is not intended to be a clique, nor exclusive. It is to be a knitting together of many gifts and throwing them in the pot and getting the job done! Git 'er done, I said! Each lady carries a different heart for different ministries, and how I've loved watching them come into their own. I am so excited to have you know this team more. Some of you got to know them through the retreat and you saw firsthand the love they desire to pour into you. Allow me the honor of introducing to the rest of you...The AROMA TEAM!

Lacking Sleep, Yet Full of Love

2008-03-10T10:13:00.002-04:00

My heart is full to overflowing as I thank my God for what He did in the lives of the women that went on retreat this past weekend. One person said to me this weekend, "Planning retreat has to be like planning a wedding. You plan so long, only to have your wedding over in 30 minutes!" Those are my exact sentiments in regards to retreat. All the planning that went into it, and it was over in what seemed like no time! And, just like a wedding, there was such a joy and happiness in the end even though I was so sad to see the occasion over. I know that God dealt with my heart on some things, as I hope He did in your heart. As you well know by now, or at least you should know, we were challenged to focus on these four areas of loving others. We are to love those that are JOY, TESTY, FOE and FAR. After getting past the fact that I might be the TESTY one that others have to love, I was able to focus on who God is challenging me to love more. Most of you know that my family has experienced a lot of hurt at the hand of church people. There has been a lot of hurt incurred at the hand of those that proclaim to love the Lord. You would think that therein lie my challenge, but that was not the case. I am here to tell you that God is my Defender and the protector of my heart and He has delivered me from my ill feelings and hurt. That doesn't mean that I still don't hurt when I see those that hurt me, or that I don't still deal with wanting to dislike them, but God, in His great mercy, has taught me to love and pray for them, even in spite of not liking what they have done. God could only do that because if you know me well enough, I can hold a grudge all day. I usually won't be the first to break, but God has taken all that on Him for me. So, all of that to say, it was NOT the Foe that I felt as challenged to love this weekend, and I really thought that this would have been the case for me. Praise God for giving me this time to see just how far He - and only HE - has brought me.
The challenge for me this weekend is what it's always been from the moment I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. It is taking up His commandment to go and love the FAR. Remember? The one that we may just happen on while we are out shopping, at the park, across the country.
It's the stranger that God has commanded us to love. The heart of a missionary I have is truly born out of what has been ingrained in me all my life growing up as an MK. In some ways, that life makes all of this the esssence of who I am as a person. However, it is truly the essence of just being a Child of the King that will always be the prompt to GO and just BE love to those around me. I will never probably know the impact my life has had and will have on all, but that shouldn't keep me from taking every opportunity to go and love the FAR! I am so thankful that God gave me this weekend to love on you, who by the way are JOY if you didn't already know. Yeah, we may all borderline on TESTY...especially when you get 30 women together in one room, but know this! God has given me no greater honor than to love you ladies! I can truly say I have returned home and I didn't gain a FOE at all. Let's go, though and love those who are FARs, ok? We have a community all around us that needs us to show them love. Maybe it's opening the door for a stranger. You wouldn't believe how many will respond to even that. Just the other day I was in the grocery store and as I was leaving I saw a man in the entryway at
Bi-Lo trying to back up a motorized wheelchair and he couldn't do it because someone piled a bunch of buggies around him. I asked him if I could help him and he said he would be grateful, so I moved the buggies and allowed him to pass through. His words to me were, "Young lady, may the blessings of Jesus go with you. You have blessed me today. Today you have all my love. I love, love, love you!" Well, that was certainly more thanks than I expected or even desired, but God put a man in my path, much like Beth told us about this weekend in regards to the man's whose hair she brushed, and he just needed someone to love him. God is good like that. To this stay-at-home mom who often gets frustrated because she doesn't have a lot of "contacts" to reach out to, God ALWAYS provides a way for me to love on others.
My challenge to you today is obviously go and LOVE WELL. Remember to do as Beth said this weekend..."Continue to reach down into the LOVING WELL in order to love well always."
Thanks to all who helped this weekend. I love the Aroma team. God has knit us together and we do work well together. I want to thank Beva Bailey and Debbie Smith for offering to come and help us prepare food. They did a wonderful job. They give my favorite cooks, Rachael Ray and Paula Deen a run for their money. Yes, even you Debbie! One day you may be a great chef as a result of all of this! Thanks to all of you ladies for coming, being flexible, being fun, being friends and most of all...being teachable. May God use you greatly today!

A Time to Love Well

2008-03-05T08:07:00.002-05:00

The time has finally come for 30 of us, and irregardless of whether you are one of the 30 or not, the time has come for you, too. This weekend 30 ladies from LifeSong and other areas are trekking up the mountain to Pigeon Forge for a weekend retreat entitled "Loving Well". Just reading the title challenges me. Who doesn't want to love well? I think most of us do, as do I believe most of us think it's simple to just say, "I love you" and that should mean we are loving well. Oh, how I wish it were that simple! Loving well is a complicated thing to do, and I think we oftentimes complicate it by simplifying it! Whew! That might have just confused me! In essence, what I am saying is that it's never just enough to say, "I love you". There are actions involved and choices to be made. There are some unlovely people out there and yet God has commanded us to love even them!
This weekend, we will be challenged. If you are going on this trip thinking it will be smooth sailing, then go back, do a re-check and make sure that you brought your thickest pair of shoes. Our toes are going to be stepped on. Just thinking about it makes my heart race. I feel as though, for me, I am personally in great need of a good toe stomping. I want to meet face to face with my Lord this weekend and have His Holy Spirit fill me up and challenge me. I encourage you to prepare your hearts. Satan wants to get all over us this weekend, but let's not give him the upperhand. Spend time now with Jesus, so that when we gather to worship Him this weekend, our worship will be an overflow of some time well spent with Him. It doesn't matter how much preparation has been done to choose the right location, the right topic, the right songs to sing, the right food to eat, or clothes to bring. None of that matters if we come loaded up with unconfessed sin. Clean up now, so that your worship this weekend will be like no other time in your life!
For those reading this not going with us, please pray for us. Pray for safety in traveling, for health of those attending, and for every aspect of the weekend to go smoothly. We need you interceding on our behalf. Most importantly, pray for those that going on this weekend could be the difference maker in their lives...whether it be the difference in spending eternity in heaven or hell, the difference in their marriages, their friendships or just even continuing on this journey for another day. Each person coming brings something different and needs the Lord to meet them there in a different way. We truly covet your prayers.
We desire to glorify our Lord Jesus this weekend. Father, may it be all about YOU and nothing to do with ME!

Something to Chew On

2008-02-27T05:49:00.003-05:00

I am up at 5:30 this morning and posting a blog. Some may call that an addiction, while others call that stupid. I, however, want to call it divinely inspired. While the words I am about to share with you are not my own, they do challenge and pierce the heart. I pray that today these words will meet you right where you on. Maybe you need to pass them on to be an encouragement to someone else. However you choose to receive them, please do just that... RECEIVE them! I believe that within its lines, there is something to be learned for all of us.
As you know, Beth Moore is a huge influence to me. I love her Bible studies. Not just because they are so well-written, but because they challenge me. They make me super uncomfortable. Why, you ask? Well, it's in that challenge that I feel propelled out of my comfort zone and realize that there is a whole lot of learning to be done for the rest of my life. I just want to be teachable. I don't always do things right. I will always screw up, but thanks be to our Father He won't leave me the way I am. Through the words of Beth Moore I am challenged today...not because they are her own words, but because she cites the only Word that really matters - our very own love letter from our Father, God's word! Read this today and know that you are own my mind, ladies. I am cheering you on in your pursuit to be more like our Daddy, Abba Father. Go today and run this race for Him and to Him! I love you!
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/

Difference Maker

2008-02-25T08:37:00.002-05:00

God has really been challenging me lately, and the road has been a little bumpy, you could say. My soul desire is to make a difference, but that doesn't always come easy. It really requires a lot of endurance, patience, focus and attitude. I'll be honest...I don't really know how to do it just right. One thing I know about myself is I don't like to fail, but many times I feel as though I do. Sometimes you don't know all of the lives you may impact, but you just have to be faithful to continue to do what God has called you to do. Other times, God allows us glimpses of lives we have impacted, and I thank Him that He does that from time to time because it spurs me on to keep going. The truth of the matter is that God doesn't need us at all, but yet He entrusts to us different ministries, lives to influence and seeds to sow. It really overwhelms me that He would use us. You know...just USE us for His glory. We certainly don't deserve it.
Lately, I have been feeling like giving up. Probably those closest to me don't even know that I feel this way because I have gotten pretty good at masking it, or I can just move on and push it to the side in order to make it through. The truth of the matter, however, is that I feel my heart hurts alot. It hurts to see people saved. It hurts due to a lack of trust I have in people. It hurts when I feel like someone intentionally sets out to hurt me. It hurts to just follow God in obedience to all He's called me to do. Really, in a nutshell, life just hurts sometimes. I know that Satan is the chief author of lies, and lately, he's done a number on me. Ever heard things like, "You are good for nothing" or "You will never amount to anything" or "They will never accept you"? I hear this stuff and fall short when I believe it. God does not intend for a life with Him to harm us beyond what we can endure. What a promise that is! Maybe you needed to hear it today.
Back in the day when I was a Senior in High School we had to choose our Senior quote for the yearbook. I really struggled over what I wanted to leave as my "mark" for those following behind me. Apparently, at the time, this same thinking of feeling like a failure was surrounding me, and God led me to Psalm 73:26, which says, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (NIV)
Wow! Even today, those words ring out such promise and hope for me. I believe they are words that meet me in any season I may face. In this season I feel like I am in now, it really feels like it's lasted a while. I have tried too hard to mask the pain I feel over those that have hurt me in my life, and all the while I am hurting. I just don't feel good. "Why, God, does the pain continue to pierce?" I really don't understand it, but I do know this...when you try to be what people want you to be, it will never be enough. I know today, I can no longer try to be that people pleaser, but when you try to be what God want you to be, it will always be enough because, Ladies, He is enough! He is the "strength of my heart and my portion forever"!
Yesterday, in the depths of my despair, God sent an angel to encourage me. I want to thank Connie C. for her kind and encouraging words. You didn't know you were probably even encouraging me, but you did. Connie said that reading this blog was the highlight of her day! You may not think that means much, but to this heart that felt like anything my heart and flesh was a part of was failing, it meant everything to me. Thank you for your teachable heart, Connie - a heart that just wanted to soak up something for yourself, and yet you gave back in your encouragement to me. I hope as you read this that it is, once again, the highlight of your day, because today YOU can be encouraged to know God used you in my life!
For the rest of you reading this, be encouraged and lift one another up. One thing I know to be true...we just don't have a clue what is really going on in the lives of people closest to us, so lift up your Sisters in Christ today. Your prayer may be the Difference Maker in their day!

24:7 Moms Event

2008-02-20T08:17:00.004-05:00

Hop on over!
Join us as we celebrate Leap Day!
Moms, bring your little ones for this very special playdate!
Friday, February 29th 10am
LifeSong Gym
**For more info contact Jennifer Greene.
24:7 Moms

Great job, Barbie!

2008-02-19T14:18:00.005-05:00

A very big Thank You to Barbie George for doing an awesome job coordinating our Ladies' Coffee Connection yesterday! Although I was unable to be there due to a sick baby at home, all I have spoken with have been singing Barbie's praises. I am so very proud of Barbie and how she has taken her role of coordinator of this time very seriously. She truly cares about the lives of women and desires that we all foster relationships with one another. Some would like to argue that we do not have a need for a women's ministry, but I beg to differ. The responses of the women that attended yesterday are proof positive that women need relationships with other women. Titus 2 speaks very specifically to our need of having older women mentoring younger women. Have you ever taken a good look around? All of us are older than somebody! :) There is a whole world of women out there that is waiting for even one friend that will show them the love of Christ. I have loved sharing my heart this past week on my love and respect for my husband. He is my very best friend in this world, but I am also thankful for the female friendships that God has given me. Friends spur us on to be a better us, and it's times like Ladies' Coffee Connection that helps further build this atmosphere of love and trust for the sisters in Christ God has given us. If you are reading this today and you need to know that you are loved, let us show you that at LifeSong Church and in Aroma Women's Ministry. We simply want to show you the love of Christ and serve you in any way we can. We have another opportunity very soon for all of you moms of young children to get together and foster some relationships with each other, as well as for our children. Look for that information to come soon. Once again, Thank You Barbie for being obedient to all God is showing you. I look forward in the coming weeks, Ladies, of introducing you even further to the ladies I have the privilege to serve alongside in Aroma. I am going to give you a glimpse into who they really are, and you can see for yourself why I am so very proud of each of them!

Ladies' Coffee Connection

2008-02-14T09:23:00.006-05:00

Ladies' Coffee Connection

Join us for a time to chat and hang out with your girlfriends...all while enjoying some hot coffee!

When: Monday, February 18th - 9:00am

Where: LifeSong Church
Toddler nursery area
Can I bring my kids?: Yes! Bring them...they'll play while we chat
Contact Barbie George for more information

Check it out!

2008-02-07T16:19:00.002-05:00

We have a family blog. We'd love for you to check it out.
http://www.hickmanhappenings.blogspot.com/
Amy

Got Music?

2008-02-05T16:45:00.000-05:00

One of the things I would like to do with our blog is to pass on some useful info, so write us and let us know the answer to this question...

"What is currently on your iPod?"

We would love to know what you work out to, worship to, or just chill out to, so post some comments ladies. I will compile a list of all of your recommendations. It's always good to hear some new ideas.

Way to Go Bonnie!

2008-02-05T10:34:00.001-05:00

A very special "thank you" to Bonnie Moody for making last night's Monday Mingle so successful. If my count was right, we had 17 ladies in attendance! That is incredible because that was 17 ladies that were blessed by participating in making Valentine cards and bags for the children at Southeastern Children's home. Not only were we blessed by being there, but we also got to enjoy some yummy fondue. As I looked around the room all I saw were smiles on faces. To me, that means some joy was going on in the place! I had a wonderful time with my girlfriends, and even made some new friends. If you are aren't coming to Monday Mingle, make plans to attend our next meeting in April. We will take March off to participate in "The Witness," our church's Easter outreach production, but we will resume in April with some more girl fun! Don't miss out. We are building relationships and we want to build one with you!
We have lots coming up in Aroma women's ministry, so stay tuned to our blog and webpage for further details.
Thanks again, Bonnie, for your servant's heart. You did a great job!

Love is in the Air

2008-02-04T08:55:00.000-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again...Valentine's Day is upon us. I am not much for the day, really. I mean, do we need a special day set aside to show the one's we love that we love them? Maybe some do, I don't know. Do I steer clear of the day altogether? Of course not! I am all about the conversation hearts and the box of chocolates. Before you go rushing off to buy me some chocolate, though...DON'T! I don't want them from anyone but my "Honey". He always chooses the best, but hey...I didn't say don't rush off and buy a bag or two of conversation hearts, though. I need them! They get me through the wait in the car line (notice...one day the "wait in the car line" phrase may turn into the "weight" in the car line if I don't lay off the hearts...irregardless, I love them!). Ok...focus! I don't want to bash Valentine's though, because it does conjur up good thoughts for me, too. I think of things as returning to my first love...that would be the Lord Jesus for those of you who suddenly had a worry that I would go back to my first boyfriend, and NO...Jeff was not my only boyfriend, but I wish he was, and he's my only one now. I like it that way! Other thoughts that come to me is how I can be a better love for my "Honey." I want to love him with my whole heart. I strive each day to do that, only hoping that I can love him half as much as I know he loves me. I also think of my sweet girls. They challenge me, don't get me wrong, but they are the best parts of Jeff and me. I am amazed that God loved us so much that He entrusted their little lives to us. If only I can do them justice as a mom. They are truly my life's work. I also can't help but think of you, too. I love you! Did you get that? I LOVE YOU! I am in awe as I look around and see the volume of friends the Lord has blessed me with. Growing up, I had friends, but not so many. The ones I had, though, were deep friends, and they still are to this day. Growing up with a family in the ministry made it lonely at times, especially growing up so far away from my family here in the States, but God gave me an adopted family in my missionary "aunts" and "uncles", and for that I am truly grateful. As I have gotten older, I realize that all of the relationships I have now are just as deep as those few I had growing up. Each one contributes to making me a better me. I don't take friendship lightly. If you are my friend, you are my friend for life! I was just telling Jeff last night that it is remarkable to me that I have never had to tell a friend "adios" (that's 'goodbye' for you language challenged), except once in my life. A good while back I had to part ways with a friend I considered dear to me because the relationship no longer was edifying to be in, but that is always a sacrifice I am willing to make if it doesn't reflect Christ to me. I am, otherwise, so very blessed that the friends I make are the friends I keep for life. Am I just lucky? Nope, don't believe in it! Am I blessed? Yes, of course. Did it all come easy? Nope! Friendship takes work, effort and time. It is sharing life together through the thick and the thin, the good and the bad, the sad and the happy. It is spending time together...having fun, being serious, or just being! We need each other! If you are reading this and saying, "I am just fine without spending time with friends", please, stop kidding yourself. When you are with your friends you come back a better YOU - a better wife, a better mom, a better FRIEND! Don't forsake the relationships that God has entrusted to you. That includes your marriage, your relationship with your children, and the relationships with your friends. They are what shape us and grow us. They challenge us and mold us. Today, take a little time to let your friends know that you care. Tell them that you love them. For some of you, it may be a long overdue statement to make. Most of all, if you are feeling like no one loves you today...well, I DO and our Father does, too. That love is greatest of all!

This Night Slideshow

2008-01-31T11:32:00.001-05:00

Monday Mingle Celebrate LOVE

2008-01-28T16:36:00.000-05:00

If you haven't been a part of Monday Mingle so far, now is the time to start. We want you to come and be a part of all the fun! Monday Mingle is all about sharing life with our girlfriends. Throw in some good food, good conversation and alot of laughter, and you have a great mix for a night to kick back and relax with the girls. This month's theme will be no exception, plus we get to share the love of Christ with those God has placed in our lives. God has commanded us to care for the widows and orphans, so come and take part in a time to do just that, plus have a little chocolate at our next Monday Mingle on February 4th at Bonnie Moody's home! Monday Mingle is an outreach for any lady 18+.
No RSVP is required and you are encouraged to bring your friends. Please see Bonnie Moody if you need directions

You Are Invited!!!
Monday, February 4th - 6:30pm
at Bonnie Moody's home

Join us for a Chocolate Fondue Party
We will be making Valentine bags for Southeastern Children's Home in Duncan, SC. 12 Girl Bags (ages range from 13-17) 8 Boy Bags (ages range from 13-17) The bags will include handmade Valentine cards, candy, and other goodies.
Bags and material for Valentine cards will be provided by AROMA Women's Ministry. We would like to ask that each attendee bring a bag of Valentine candy or other goodie to distribute between the bags. If you cannot attend and would like to provide items for the Valentine Bags, please see Bonnie Moody.

REMINDER

2008-01-27T16:12:00.000-05:00

JUST A REMINDER...IF YOU ARE GOING ON THE RETREAT IN MARCH, YOUR FIRST DEPOSIT OF $40 IS DUE BY JANUARY 31ST. YOU MUST HAND THIS DIRECTLY TO AMY HICKMAN. The remainder of the trip cost will be $50 due on FEBRUARY 29TH. IF YOU HAVEN'T YET FILLED OUT YOUR REGISTRATION FORM, PLEASE DO SO IMMEDIATELY! WE NEED YOUR T-SHIRT SIZE SO WE CAN PLACE OUR ORDER. THANKS!

Sometimes Life Hurts

2008-01-24T16:31:00.000-05:00

Well, ladies...today's been one of those days. I started my day on the "right foot," if you know what I mean. I got up, took my kids to school, came home and got to work. I am doing a Bible study with my husband for the next seven weeks, so I studied that so that he and I could talk about it later, and something in it today motivated me to show my man how much I love him, so off I went to clean the car out. You do know that this is a spiritual gift, right? When you clean the car out for your man, trust me...he likes that. I am pretty sure it ranks right up there with making him a steak dinner. Men just respond to the weirdest things! OK, anyway, where was I going with this? Oh yea, my day was going really well. I was getting some things accomplished. After I cleaned the car, I finally hung some curtains in my house. If you have ever been to our house, we've lived here almost three years and never hung a single curtain. It was kind of on purpose because I like the sunlight streaming in, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to spruce up the place some, so I hung curtains. I tell ya...I was having a great day. I had music blaring and I was singing, and maybe a little dancing, too. Boy, was I having a ball! But, just like life can be sometimes, things come to a screeching halt!!!!! Bam! That good day can turn to bad...that smile turns upside down to a frown and someone has to go and ruin your day. Well, that happened to me today. I went to the grocery store and got what I needed to get fairly quickly and just like that, someone comes by and doesn't have a nice thing to say. No details here, but it hurt me...it hurt me "real bad," as my Bailey likes to say.
Now, I don't know why people can be mean, but I do know it happens. What do we do when life comes crashing down with a big dose of reality? As the somewhat "fad" of years ago would say, we ask ourselves WWJD, or "what would Jesus do?" I know you are sitting there thinking, "now I know Amy, and she is not one to get her opinion or her mind to herself, so I bet she got whoever that was that hurt her." Well, guess what? I DID!!! :) Yep, I got 'em alright...got with........(drumroll please).........KINDNESS! Did I want to? No! I wanted to rip them apart, but there it was...that gentle, small voice of God telling me to represent Him.
So, I kindly smiled and went my way and thanked God for being my Guide. I don't know about you, ladies, but that's hard sometimes to live life, huh? Today, I am thankful, though, for a God who knows me and loves me, that He seeks to keep me on a right path, if only I let Him.
How about you? How's life going for you? Maybe it's time to let God steer awhile. We wear a lot of hats as ladies and we get very tired, don't we? Let Him guide you today, and tomorrow and the next day, too. I can tell you, as I write this, my heart still hurts, but I am not sitting here all in a tizzy because I lashed out, but rather, in a somewhat "perfect peace" because I chose today to let God be my guide. Hey, let Him be yours, too. Whatever it is you face, He is enough.

Aroma

2008-01-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

Well, ladies...this is the official launch of, what I hope to be, a fruitful addition to our Aroma Women's Ministry. One of my passions is writing, but my greater passion is seeing women come to Christ and to grow in the glory and knowledge of Him. God has been doing some amazing things in my life, personally, making me realize that I, too, can do amazing things through Him. Sometimes we just need a good shake back into reality. I took a little sidetrip recently where I made everything "all about ME!" I am sure that none of you have walked that road, but let me tell you, I don't like being there. Sometimes I get in a rut where I am ME-driven and make myself and everyone around me crazy. I won't say that I might not venture that way again, but that's the beauty of Christ in my life...He doesn't slap me over the hand and then move me back ten spaces, as if I were a board game, but He gently, and yet sometimes, sternly, sets me on the right path again. I know I have been called to impact people's lives - specifically the lives of women, but haven't we all been called to impact someone? I believe when we make it about us then we fail. Recently, I had a conversation with my husband, Jeff about where we, personally, find our identity. For years, I have found my identity in several things -in being a wife, a mother, a pastor's wife, or the friend of "so and so," or a missionary kid. It's so easy to get caught up in labels and wanting others to know that we are special because we have a title. I am not saying that each of those titles does not hold a special meaning, but it's easy to get caught up in it and forget our identity in Christ. Since Jeff has been a pastor, it's been kind of a joke at our house that we are not too fond of the title "Rev" or the term "preacher." It's as though you would go up to someone and say, "well, hello Electrician Joe when you approach Jeff as Preacher Jeff." That is just something that he does, but is certainly not the core of who he is, and yet we have met people and know people that are so intent that others notice them that they lift their head proudly and poke out their chest and announce their title to the whole world. Don't get me wrong...I need an identifier when I meet new people sometimes, so often I ask, "so you are the one married to the teacher? or your brother is the CEO of that company?" What I am talking about is losing our identity in that title. Boy have I done that! Of course I am so honored to be the wife of the most wonderful pastor on the planet, but that is only a small part of who God created me to be. So, recently, God set me straight and reminded me of where I find my joy, and guess what? It's not in a title, a position, or how much money I have! It's in the person of Christ! And that, ladies, frees me! I needed that good word. I try to operate by the thought that "I am not yet where I need to be" as I go about my life, but the part that got lost, and gets lost sometimes, is that I need to be focusing on where I need to be.
So, how does all of this relate to AROMA? I desire the same for you, too. As I felt the hand of God calling me to respond to Him on Sunday, I also heard Him saying, "to be an effective leader, friend, counsel, etc., you must have JOY...lead by example." I want to do that for you, ladies. As I write this first of, what I hope to be many, blogs, let's start afresh with some JOY! It's what we are commanded to have, afterall..."The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, JOY, peace patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control." We, as an AROMA team, desire to lead you in this, and we want to be held accountable when we are NOT this! We need accountability.

We are so excited about all God has for us as women. Remember, the time we have together is making us better at those titles God has given us. Don't feel guilty for having a little time to hang out with your girlfriends. Trust me, I know my husband appreciates it when I break away for a little renewed perspective with the GIRLS (No...I am not talking about my four girls :) ). So, we are inviting you if you are not already involved in AROMA...come join us! If you are coming, keep it up. We have some spectacular plans for you! Until we meet again, know we love you here at AROMA. Your team here to serve you is Barbie George, Jen Greene, Bonnie Moody, Allison Taylor, me..Amy Hickman. We love you dearly. If you need anything, let us know!