HillsideWomen BE.

Under Construction

2011-04-07T10:49:00.002-05:00

Like all good things, routine adjustments are needed. So our blogsite is currently undergoing some updates and we'll let you know when it's ready.

True Abundance

2010-12-22T12:06:00.004-06:00

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10(NAS)

My childhood Christmases were ones of material abundance. All the latest toys and games could be found under the ornately decorated tree. Our house was filled with Christmas music and the entire family was in the Christmas spirit. We had all our favorite cookies, snacks and candy that would keep us on a sugar high as we played with all our wonderful gifts late into the night. As a young married adult, I also experienced the material abundance of Christmas. We had parties in elegantly decorated homes with our friends and spent lavishly on gifts. Yes, many Christmases of my past were overflowing with material abundance.

One Christmas in particular, however, had no such worldly pleasures. Such extravagant Christmases of my past had no place inside the prison walls where I would spend that Christmas. In fact, it was easy to forget that it was Christmas. There was no tree, mistletoe or other festive decorations adorning the concrete walls inside the prison dorm. None of my fellow inmates were in the spirit of Christmas either. The day would come and go like any other day.

However, it was this Christmas in prison - spent without family, friends, gifts and delicious meals - where I discovered the real meaning of Christmas. I had already received the greatest gift ever given when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in a dark, lonely prison cell. I now understood that Christmas was not about all the extravagance we stress over every year. Christmas is about the ultimate gift delivered to each of us in the form of a helpless baby. That baby, God's only son, who would grow up and die for me so that I might have abundant life.

Funny word - abundant - it is not about all the things we can accumulate in this life. It is about the gift that has already been given to us and the relationships we build as we continually share that gift with others. How many people will we cross paths with this Christmas who do not know of the true abundance they have in Jesus Christ? How many people are seeking fulfillment in material things when all they need can be found in Christ? Let's all take time this season to share with another person the abundance we have in the greatest gift ever given.

Margaret Willis

A Season of Thanks

2010-11-24T13:46:00.004-06:00

Fall is my favorite season too! The orange and red leaves, the smell of all spice, nutmeg, pumpkin and even that distinctive smell from the first time the heater gets turned on - love 'em all. Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, of brilliant color, good smells and above all, thankfulness.....No longer do I search for words to describe my thankfulness because there are not enough words and the words I know are not adequate. It's not that I don't try to express my thanks, because I want the Lord to know my gratitude, but I've come to realize my gratitude (or lack thereof) is the loudest in my everyday life. Without saying a word, the way I arise in the morning, drive in traffic, treat my co-workers and share my "stuff" say enough.
May thankfulness exude my every word, thought and action not only in this season, but throughout the year. Hear my prayer, O Lord, my Righteous Redeemer!

Philemon 1:4-7

Blessings to you and yours!
Lisa B.

Changing of Seasons

2010-09-14T14:05:00.003-05:00

I love the changing of seasons. Fall is my favorite time of year so I am excited for the crisp air in the morning that turns into perfect park weather in the afternoon; all the beautiful colors that dust the leaves on trees; looking forward to the buffet at Thanksgiving, which of course means pumpkin pie, and football. We can't forget football! I love football. Mostly, I love the Aggies playing football---Whoop and Gig 'em! I love people getting together to root on other people and the camaraderie that goes into cheering for your team.

This thought leads me into how happy I am that all the Bible studies have started back up. Talk about rooting on others. If you need fans, get into a ladies' Bible study! In my adult life I have been surrounded by amazing women who love God, but none so like I have found in my Monday morning Bible study. Having only lived in Amarillo for 2.5 years, I have closer, deeper relationships than any in my 30 years previous to living here.

As Solomon says in Ecclesiastes there is a time, or season, for everything; a time to tear down and build up; a time to be silent and a time to speak. Maybe now is your season to tear down some walls around your heart and be silent no more.

Ayvrie Dixon

Kay Warren at Hillside Amarillo

2010-03-29T17:01:00.007-05:00

I like Kay Warren. I've yet to meet her personally, but was introduced to her heart through the book "Dangerous Surrender. What Happens When You Say Yes to God." As one might expect, her story is compelling. She and her husband, Rick Warren, started Saddleback Church in their living room about 30 years ago. She's a two time survivor of cancer. She's a mom & grandmother. She's an advocate for orphans, HIV/AIDS, and suffering throughout the world. Her story could stand alone as a good read.

But it's her heart's tenacious desire to yield fully to God that grabbed my attention. It stunned me.

In a world where so many messages are diluted of the real power of humility, her's is concentrated and potent. If you want to know more about the amazing movements that she is involved in leading to help change lives around the world, check out www.kaywarren.com.

And if you want a chance to hear this ruined, dynamic, passionate voice call us to the core of what it means to love God enough to say "yes" ... here's your invitation.

Kay will be speaking at Hillside Amarillo on Friday, April 16th at 7:00pm in the auditorium. It is free to the public. Childcare is available for 5th grade and younger, if you register. Contact Lisa Bradshaw at 806.457.4930 for more information. Although this evening is sponsored by HillsideWomen, it is not for women only. Invite anyone you know to attend!

If you've ever wondered "What could I possibly do to make a difference?" when overwhelmed at the world's suffering, injustices, or needs... I implore you to come hear Kay Warren. But WARNING: If you come hear her message of yielded surrender, you may be ruined as well.

FALL GetAway- November 6 & 7

2009-10-02T11:02:00.005-05:00

It's time to start making reservations to be a part of HillsideWomen's Fall GetAway! We'll have a registration table in the lobby at all services this weekend. Come by and see us and get the details. Online registration should be up by Oct. 6.

iConnect will once again be HillsideWomen's retreat theme, with many of our great slate of teachers returning from last year.

You can choose one of these tracks during the weekend:

iConnect with God

iConnect with Family

iConnect with Community

We're also very excited to announce that during our large group gatherings, we will have the pleasure of hearing Lisa Jernigan & Patty Wyatt speak about the importance of connection in friendship. These ladies are the founders of Girlfriends Unlimited. You do not want to miss hearing them!!

This year our Fall GetAway will be a staycation in Amarillo! All events will be held at Hillside Christian Church. With classes, materials, speakers and meals included, it is a REAL bargain for anyone. The cost is only $50!

As an extra option: If you are wanting to spend the night away from home with your friends, the Ambassador hotel is offering a special rate of $89 per room, up to 4 person occupancy. They will also offer breakfast in the Atrium on Saturday morning for $10. Again, staying at the hotel is optional.

We feel like this year's staycation approach will give even more women the option of attending and connecting with other women. And isn't that what it's all about? We exist to love God as we lead others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Come join us!

Room to grow...

2009-09-23T14:31:00.003-05:00

It was soo nice to feel the cold front "breeze through Amarillo on Monday. Having high temps in the 60's has been very pleasant with the sunshine. This, and the seasonal calendar, now mark that fall has officially begun.

So, what does fall mean for you? Is it a time to regroup or a time to retreat? Is it a time to connect or a time to pull away from people? We hope that it will be a time you can find women of every stage of life to connect with and grow with. Right now we have two MOMS groups meeting, a great senior adult women's Bible study, several Bible studies on mornings & evenings, a spectrum of support groups and lots of small groups gathering throughout homes to fellowship and grow together.

Don't let this fall pass you by without joining in somewhere and being a part of this amazing, loving community. Call Lisa 806.457.4930 if you just aren't sure where to start. We want to give you every opportunity to form lasting relationships with people you don't even know you love yet!

We Want to See You Here!

2009-08-10T09:30:00.003-05:00

Don't forget to come by your HillsideWomen's table in the lobby the entire month of August.

Why be there for an entire month? SO MUCH is going on in the next few weeks that we don't want you to miss.

1) Women's Fall Dinner: August 20th, 6:30pm in the Loop & Chapel at Hillside. This year's speaker is Margaret Willis. Margaret's story is INSPIRING!!! You may remember Margaret from Hillside's first Cardboard Testimonies. With God's transforming power and the love and support of some amazing people, Margaret went from being a convicted felon to one of HillsideWomen's beloved Bible Study teachers. Her humble nature and belief in God's grace and love will make her time with us unforgettable. Tickets are $15. Contact Lisa Bradshaw for more info at 457-4930.

2) Beth Moore Simulcast: Friday, Aug. 28 & Saturday, Aug. 29. Friday night's session is 7:00 - 9:30, and Saturday will last from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the HCC Auditorium. All tickets are general admission. This year Hillside is offering childcare for 5th grade and under. Tickets are $30 without childcare and $40 with childcare.

3) Fall Bible Studies: Drop by the table to see a complete list of classes offered this fall. Everything from short courses, to "Me, Myself & Lies", to a new Beth Moore class called "Inheritance." It's going to be fantastic!!!

HillsideWomen- You are Wonderful!

2009-07-24T09:45:00.005-05:00

Huge thanks to everyone who joined in our four week Bible study on Tuesday nights. There were between 250-400 women each night, digging into the Word and worshipping God together. (And eating a little ice cream afterward!) We absolutely LOVED it!! It is a thing of beauty to watch this community grow and connect together. Be watching for important information about our kick-off dinner August 20 and for the Beth Moore Simulcast Aug 28 & 29.

We continue to believe God's Word when it says to help others through our God given gifts and resources and to be representatives of God's grace and love to those in need. You have blessed us with your excitement and desire to serve people outside the walls of HCC.

WOW! You ladies collected a great wealth of books & Bibles for the Downtown Women's Center. We will give DWC these books to furnish their reading room and allow for God to use these tools to enrich the spiritual walks of the women entering Have House.

Also you stepped up in a BIG way to purchase beautiful bedding for Haven House. Watch for an opportunity to join us in giving this special gift to DWC. We LOVE you and are so proud to walk in ministry WITH you.

We exist to love God as we lead others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Midsummer Bible Study Continues- He IS!

2009-07-08T13:19:00.003-05:00

As you can see, there has been a GREAT turnout for the midsummer Bible study!! Here are our ladies watching Beth Moore teach on Hebrews 11:6. There are still two weeks left, if you would want to join us. We would LOVE to see you there.

(On Tuesdays- July 14th & July 21st at 6:30pm in the Chapel)

We worship together for a few minutes, study for the hour and then fellowship afterward. Each night the fellowship time has lasted well into the evening. Watching everyone connect during the summer has been fantastic!!! There's been a lot of laughter, connection, prayer for each other and community building. Remember to reach out and meet someone new each week!! :)

Coming this summer! Registration now open!

2009-05-21T17:00:00.006-05:00

http://www.hillsidewired.com/ministries/adults/for-women/

During the middle of summer, meet us in the Chapel on Tuesday nights for a great study together!! We are asking one and all to join us for the study "HE IS", June 30-July 21 from 6:30pm - 8:30 pm.

"HE IS" is a dvd collection of four one-hour messages by Beth Moore. Based on the scripture Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that HE IS and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." (This dvd series does not have a listening guide or indepth homework) We will begin each evening with a short worship time and end each night with fellowship & fun! Childcare is available with reservations. Call Lisa at 457-4930 if you have any questions.

BE. lifted high at GetAway

2009-05-05T23:31:00.007-05:00

Just got some images from HillsideWomen's GetAway. So many have asked if we have it on DVD for sale. We aren't quite to that point, so I hope some images will help you remember

and continue to BE. one who will life Him higher this week!

We love you wild, worshipping women!

HUGE thanks and gratitude for Lisa Bradshaw, Julie Mathis, Katie Edins, Aubrey Ferguson, Becca Attaway, Tiffany Vokes, Mary Margaret Girty... for your beautiful voices, pure attitudes and desire to worship with all of us. God sure did shine through you! Also a great big thanks to the guys in the band for making it possible and for Jeffrey Reed & the tech team! And a huge thanks to the Guest Services Menfolk who served and served and served!

We so appreciate ALL you guys!

BE.forehand

2009-04-28T11:19:00.004-05:00

I love fabric stores. Walking the aisles, I imagine what certain materials can look like sewn into a jacket or draped over a picture window or covering a chair. Fabric stores are a dreamer’s paradise. Full of potential!

When we were in India a few months ago, I was struck by the beautiful fabrics everywhere. It was a visual masterpiece!! My hostess took me to the market & on the streets were beautifully woven fabrics and rugs, hand crafted with care. Before that trip I hadn't thought much about where some fabrics come from or how thoughtfully they're made. I had envisioned machines doing the job, taking for granted the work that goes into the fabric… the design…the care.

The fabric maker isn’t thinking about keeping the material on the loom, but dreaming about what it can become when someone’s imagination takes it and runs. Beauty meets function. Fabric isn’t meant to stay on a bolt, but to be taken down, cut into pieces and sewn into something useful. Last time I checked, people don’t just display rolls of upholstery in the living rooms. They usually purchase a piece of furniture where the material has been stretched over a frame to give us a place to rest. Just as it was designed.

Ok, why the talk about fabric & furniture? I was reading Eph 2:10 this morning and rolling around the word “beforehand.” If I want to BE. who God has made me, then I probably should go back to the BE.forehand… pausing to remember it’s God who ordained my purpose before I even existed. He gave it thought and fashioned me to be to be fitted for something. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

That word workmanship means “a product, i.e. fabric: thing that is made.” It just made me smile to think of God putting me together, preparing me to be stretched out for something good.

We’re like bolts of extravagant fabric, woven together with care, prepared to be fitted into something gorgeous… not to stay safely on the rack so that people can talk about how pretty we are or what we could be. But to let ourselves be stretch into the thing God ordained BE.forehand.

Have you ever dreamed of what He planned for you... BE.fore you came to BE.?

HillsideWomen on Twitter

2009-04-25T14:23:00.004-05:00

If you twitter, come follow us! @hillsidewomen. If you would like to follow and get updates about sign-ups, summer events, maybe coffee and conversation, get in at http://twitter.com/home.

BE.

2009-04-24T01:28:00.002-05:00

The worship tonight was astounding... to see so many women taking time away from stuff to just BE with God produced a sincere joy in many of us. I WISH you could have heard your voices in unison from where we were standing!!

Several women tonight began to share their stories... what distorted reflections they are fighting and how they want God to be their identity maker. Be encouraged! Your identity, value and purpose come from a perfect source... not what people think about your title, your appearance, how well your children behave or your special talents. Kick down the circle of mirrors- put it BEhind you- and walk... no, RUN toward the one who knows you best.

And this week- BE compassion. BE love. BE yourself.

Wanna GetAway?

2009-04-11T18:56:00.012-05:00

What commercials are branded in your brain? Even though they are intentionally crafted by creative people to help us remember to purchase specific products, I often wonder if the ones I remember most have something to say about my twisted sense of humor... or maybe about things I wish to have. Hmmmm.

Don't you love those Southwest Airlines commercials? You know the ones I'm talking about? Where someone has done something completely boneheaded... usually left to hang in the awkward tension of everyone's stares. Then you hear the very recognizable SWA "ding!".. "Wanna get away?"

It usually makes me giggle and think... "uh... yeah."

Who doesn't want to get away from every day life sometimes? Stress... temptation... work... carpool... things I won't mention because it would offend my husband and sons (oops). But whenever we choose to get away from something, aren't we really choosing to GO TO something else? Where will you go to get away? And what will you find when you get there?

Christ pretty much summed it up. Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.

Rest. Ahhhh. Such a beautiful word... even to a driven girl like me.

Yet, we can't mistake rest for saying "someone else will take care of my stuff" or "I'm going to take a life-nap while God addresses all the junk flying around me." Rest is really more a state of the soul.

Worship, prayer, reflection, the Word, and listening are just a few of the ways we can approach God for rest in our souls... to simply cup our hands and say "God, I'd love to exchange my gritty attitude and exhaustion for some of Your peace and strength. (or maybe) Could you pour out some grace for a girl who doesn't have it all together?"

Well here's an opportunity, HillsideWomen! Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30pm we will have a 90 minute worship retreat and spend some time adoring God together. A time to GET AWAY. And a time to GO TO.

Childcare is available, but please make a reservation by April 19th. Drop by our GetAway table on April 12th & 19th, call Marie at 457-4918, or email Lisa Bradshaw at lisa.bradshaw@hillsidewired.com.

Make it a girlfriend night! Bring a friend! Come GetAway with our Lord for a couple of hours. Never know what you might walk away with... perhaps something you can GIVE AWAY to someone else!

Faces in the Book

2009-01-04T16:58:00.005-06:00

What's "Faces in the Book?"

We used to shake our heads at our sons when they initially spent so much time on Facebook, browsing through all the profiles, pictures, stories, comments and information... accumulating friends like football cards. But it was amazing to watch how many details they learned about their "friends" through this little social tool. Through people's bios and comments, they sometimes discovered more about their friend's character that was attractive.... and sometimes quite the opposite. Either way, they always seemed to be a little more in touch with some people than they ever had been before. (Hey, and they were reading more!)

Of course we couldn't let them have all the fun. (Funny how the things we initially mock, we end up appreciating) We joined the cult phenom and have reconnected with friends from high school & college and keep in touch with family and friends. It's also an easy way to pass info about upcoming events!

Many of you probably already have a Facebook. Most of you might already have a Bible, too.

Quite a tool... this amazing Book of profiles, pictures, stories, and lessons of life. This spring we are focusing all our Bible Studies on the lives of some of the Book's greatest characters. We want to seriously invite you to join us for the "Faces in the Book" studies. Invite your friends to join too! For several weeks we'll take a regular look at several people's profiles in the Bible and hopefully learn a thing or two about ourselves along the way. On the right side of this page you'll find a list of everyone we're going to get to know better.

Registration is on, friends! Take a chance and join us this Spring! http://www.hillsidewired.com/ministries/adults/for-women/faces-in-the-book

Lisa Shares: Remember When?

2008-12-20T09:00:00.002-06:00

Remember When?

Tommy recently asked us at Pageant if we remembered when we got that special present we asked for one Christmas. I do. It was Christmas of 19.., oh well, that doesn’t matter. Let me just say I had just turned 6 and wanted a "big girl bike." There it was on Christmas morning; a shiny, royal blue Schwinn. (That was top of the line in those days!)

I couldn’t wait to get outside to ride it, but my Mom said I had to wait. So my Grampa winked at me and told me to follow him. I went down the hall to my bedroom where he met me and said “Hop on!” “Really?” Yep, we were going to ride gently down the hall. Now mind you, the hall was probably 10 feet long.

Well, I hopped on, got a little push and down the hall I went. Bam!
I didn’t know how to stop it and I crashed into the wall by the kitchen. My Mom came flying out and stood in the hall with her hands on her hips and observed the GIANT black tire mark on the wall. That was the end of the bike for the day.

Have you ever worked really hard for something, or maybe even manipulated a situation, thinking the thing or result was going to make you the happiest person alive? Then, surprise, you realized that thing or person only caused you grief or heartache? Life is full of those lessons, like the bike. Got one to share?

How did u-connect?

2008-10-16T11:31:00.009-05:00

This past weekend over a hundred wild-for-God women spent time drawing closer to Him and each other. This was not just a "nice gettaway in the mountains"- it was purposeful time to break the magnetic draw of the everyday and purposefully connect with what the magnificent One has to offer in living through Him. There have been so many stories shared of how God changed some hearts and will change some lives. We wanted to give some space for you to share how God spoke to you.

What did this time change in me? The message on Friday night is still rolling around in my head. It has shifted my thinking about Christ's blood. It's always been hard to imagine God did all that for me. It sometimes felt like too much pressure, you know? But understanding the sacrifice process and that the blood wasn't "for me" but "for God" has liberated my mind!! Understanding that God is "satisfied", I can grasp the thought that there is no time I will ever be loved by Him more than right now. Most of us probably struggle with feeling unworthy of receiving the blood- but if it was for God's satisfaction and not mine- that flips a thinking pattern in my mind. And it strangely brings a fresh freedom perspective that I can't "unworth" my way out of.

At iConnect, I also received the blessing of new friendships and a tighter sense of community.

I love you, HillsideWomen!

What an experience!!

2008-10-13T14:34:00.002-05:00

Ok, we're going to be sharing more about iConnect and some great life stories later this week. But frankly, we're so spent from the experience that all we can really share on this misty, fall afternoon is "Thank You." Thanks to all the women that risked attending a retreat for the very first time! For the women who wondered if it was going to be worth the investment of their time. Thanks to those who came anticipating a weekend that would challenge their walk and inspire their spirit. Thanks to the teachers and leaders who sacrificed their time and served in every way- from carrying the women's luggage to teaching deep and wonderful classes. Thanks to Becca, Rob, the band and Tommy for worship experiences our women will not forget. And for a teaching time that really flipped our understanding of the blood of Christ!

This morning we began to read your stories. We are so touched by your transparency and by how God has moved you. Stay tuned to share in the blessings!

iConnect with God

2008-09-24T16:00:00.004-05:00

We are super excited for the kick off of iConnect, our HillsideWomen’s fall retreat, Oct. 10-12. The cost is $120. (Registration is still open through Sept. 30th. Late registration after 9/30 will cost you an extra $15) We are thrilled at the variety of ages and backgrounds already registered to attend this year!! There are three tracks to choose from:

iConnect with God

iConnect with Family

iConnect with Community.

Each track will present teaching that challenges us to draw near to God and to those around us. We believe that women who are more connected with God are more engaged as women with their family, friends and the world.

Here are some of the classes offered in the iConnect with God track.

iDentity: Who is God to Me… Who am I to God?
iExplore: What are My Spiritual Gifts?
iExam: Taking a Spiritual Check-up
i2i : The Power of Connecting Through Solitude
iTime: An Hour of Solitude with God

… as well as classes on how to begin journaling without being overwhelmed, on how we hear God speak, the spiritual disciplines and a panel discussion about how God speaks to women today.

There will also be open time to spend with God in the peaceful mountains of northern New Mexico. It’s going to be amazing!

This track’s class leaders are Dianna Melson, Kris Collins, Margaret Willis, Cara Hunt, De-Vonna Clark, Judy Lynch and Gayle Mustoe. They are terrific ladies who really, really love the Lord and really, really, love people.

Tommy Politz will be speaking to us during our large group times. Rob & Becca Attaway will be leading worship. Are you getting as excited as we are now??

Sponges: Amazing creatures... if they live in the ocean.

2008-09-15T21:21:00.008-05:00

This past Sunday, the Pest Control series put the squeeze on "The Sponge." (This kind of person might complain about a hangnail in the middle of an MD Anderson waiting room)

There is no shortage in this world of people who are IN NEED. But what about people who are just plain NEEDY. How do you help them walk into a healthy perspective of life, without having them suck the life out of you? Have any of you ever encountered someone with a terminal case of "sponginess"?

Do you ever fear you are becoming a sponge? How do you keep the fear in check with reality?

Just a note! Thanks for letting us know that our system wasn't allowing comments this past week!! We had some server issues that prevented emails from entering our system. We think it is all fixed and really look forward to hearing from you this week. You guys have had great wisdom to share! Keep it up! Thanks for your patience. :)

What's for dinner?

2008-09-07T18:42:00.004-05:00

Were you at Hillside today? Tommy (our senior pastor) unveiled The Critic in his series, "Pest Control: Dealing with Difficult People." Perhaps you saw the video where Tommy was “silenced” by an amazing heroine with a taser gun, after she grew weary of his critical tirade. He laid there on the floor, like a neuro-blasted bug, after having his longhorn rant about Texas A&M shut down. (Gig ‘em.)

Of course, the video was total comedy fiction. (Or an OU fan's fantasy) But have you ever felt like taking a critic down, too? Maybe not with a stun gun. But have you hoped the person rattling your cage would somehow be “silenced?” We’re not talking death or physical torture, but could they at least feel the fiery sting of remorse, for crying out loud? Or does their pesky buzzing not really bother you?

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold on settings of silver.” (Prov. 25:11) Oh, to serve that kind of dish to the people we love! (Better than the poison apple the wicked queen served Snow White.) Is it always this black and white? Can a golden apple ever be a word of correction? Angela Thomas asks this keen question. “Is it possible to give a word of discipline without condemning someone?”

So one last question, dear friends… how do you know whether your apple is golden or arsenic when you serve it?

taking great care

2008-09-04T08:55:00.014-05:00

(Today's post is by a friend of ours, Carolyn Nuthman. Carolyn is involved in ministry at Hillside Christian Church, where her husband, Mike, is on staff and in charge of congregational care. She's a great mom and grandmom... and a really sweet gal. Enjoy her perspective!)

Before I was married with children, Bob Stacy (founder of CIY), made an inspirational, yet sobering statement. He said, “What your children think about you is what they will ultimately think of God.”

As we began to bring children into this world, I tried very hard to put that into practice. This is difficult because, as Mary Engelbreit says, “Life is just so daily!” But, I believed it to be true and called on God often to rear our children as though He were raising them Himself.

I was able to put this into practice by looking both forward and backward in my own life… which explained my own view of God. “Was He really my friend? Did He listen? Did He care? Did He really love me, or was He just there to punish me?”

Looking forward from the birth of our children, this clarifying thought gave added dimension in their lives. As God adds length of days, my life as “Nana” has great import in this area, as well. Grandparents are often able to give great time and attention to grandchildren.

Take time to ask yourself some incisive and valuable questions: Am I emotionally available to my children? Am I approachable? Can they feel comfortable talking with me about anything at all? Do they know I will listen to their requests and help find answers? Do they know I’m the “boss” because God has given me the responsibility for them?

These and other questions can help answer the ultimate questions: “How does your relationship with each of your children help them interpret life? And how is your life interpreting God to them?”

Shhhhhhh...

2008-08-29T21:52:00.005-05:00

I love elephants! They're stately creatures. When I catch a glimpse of them on Nature or Nova, people better not switch the channel. Their sense of family and loyalty is beautiful. But there is one elephant I can't stand.

The one "in the room."

You've been there. I know it. There's a difficult situation or a behind-the-scenes tension and NO ONE wants to even acknowledge the two-ton pachyderm sitting on the coffee table. (or in the meeting room... or the dinner table) It can be awkward when it's people you don't know. It can be intensely painful when it's people you love.

It's risky to be the person who asks the question everyone's wondering... the elephant hunter. You risk someone telling you it's none of your business. (and it might not be) You risk people becoming angry. (justified or not) You risk being absolutely in left field. (What a relief!) But is it worth the risk when it's people your heart is really rooting for? When your intention is for them to win?

We can't undo every tense and awkward moment we encounter. It's not always our "job." But what about when you acutely sense that there's pain, or anger, or grief, or sin in a sister's life... but she won't talk about the enormous, grey, African field mouse tagging along with her everywhere she goes. What should you do? Pretend? Pray? Point and shoot? (at the elephant- not your friend!)

Do you have elephant hunters in your life? People who love you so much that they ask the difficult questions... hold you accountable... comfort your hidden anguish? The ones that help hunt down the issue crowding your space? Or do you even want an elephant hunter near you?

Cake Anyone?

2008-08-26T19:52:00.006-05:00

It's a real gift to be able to celebrate with others!

Yesterday some friends got together for a girlfriend's birthday. We ate lunch and laughed and talked through what's going on in life. But the highlight of the gathering wasn't the meal (though it was delicious! Cafe' Bella anyone?) It wasn't the carrot cake (though it disappeared fast). It wasn't the connection (though I don't want to go through life without it!) The absolute best part was watching this friend open her gift. Now, she's not a superficial person...at all. However, there's this collectable that she's super fond of. So we pooled our money together and found her something we knew she would love.

We were not disappointed.

I love it when people don't try to act too cool to celebrate!! You know the ones! They squeal with delight and laugh out loud. They're not worried about whether anyone will think they're going overboard. They are in the moment. They live out loud!! I'm not usually like that. A sincere smile and warm thanks is my usual response. You know the old legalistic school where receiving with too much enthusiasm somehow makes you selfish or materialistic? Graduated with honors. But I'm working on it.

The beauty of giving is watching joy wash across someone's face like lightning.

Don't you think that God gets giddy about giving to us? Making that sunset that's purple-ly orange. Dropping that especially funny phrase from our child's lips at just the right time? The love of family. The grace of Christ.

So... do you enjoy receiving gifts as much as giving? Do you hold back your enthusiasm and play it cool at Christmas? Do you get embarrassed? How do you express it to the One who gives so much?

Seasoned

2008-08-25T11:49:00.006-05:00

We're on our way to fall! Football weather... vibrant colors... you know all the descriptions. Isn't it great to live in a place where the seasons really do change? But have you ever noticed... the season never pleases everyone.

Being a woman past my 30's... I'm experiencing "changing seasons." Every joke I ever secretly laughed at about midlife is whizzing by me like bullets in a firefight. But, even with its challenges, being in my 40's has great benefits. Each season does. We're all in our own season. An interesting choice we get to make is whether we have grace for those in seasons different than our own.

Sometimes grace is letting people express the joy or frustration of their season without correcting their bearings with our "wisdom." Or listening to those who are years ahead of us and thinking "maybe I can watch, listen and learn from them."

Does the woman celebrating 35 years of marriage have grace for the newlywed? Or does she diminish the young woman's joy by saying "Oh honey, it's SO much better when you're older." Does the empty nester have grace for the young mom of 4 kids under age 6- or does she leak out her own sadness- sternly advising “You better appreciate all this (exhaustion) before your home is empty!” When she’s having a lonely moment, does the single woman have to hear "How awesome it must be to not have to clean up after anyone!" from the married woman with 2.5 children?

I’ll admit it. I’ve done a pitiful job at listening to people share their frustration without trying to forcibly redirect them toward being grateful or gleaning some unsolicited“nugget” from me. Not sure I’m much better now… but at least God’s making me more aware! Romans 12 says: “Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down.” (Or, as a group of amazing friends did recently… give flowers instead of advice!) What wise instruction for us to be gracious!

Is it frustrating to you when people don't hear what you're going through... only comparing it to where they currently are? HOW do we build a community full of grace for the different experiences we are living? What kind of grace does that take? Share your experience or what you do to keep the well intentioned thoughts in your head from discouraging others.

connect . the . dots

2008-08-20T16:14:00.009-05:00

It all starts with a single dot sitting next to a #1.

Can you reach back in your childhood and remember playing connect the dots? Pencil and paper and imagination. Ok, maybe they make a digital version now... but I sure hope not. Even if you knew what the picture was supposed to be, it was the process of drawing the lines from number to number that made the process so mysterious and exciting. It also kept you quiet in the back seat of the Buick on the way to Granny's house!

Sometimes they were complicated little portraits... like that halloween witch on a broomstick in front of the moon I remember so vividly from the 3rd grade. That broom was a KILLER to keep straight! Sometimes they were easy... like an outline of Snoopy on the doghouse. (See? You're remembering now!) But drawing that journey with a number 2 pencil from number to number... dot to dot.. revealed the bigger picture.

Well ladies... we are smack dab in the middle of a big ole dot to dot called life! The connections unveil your landscape. Connections with family. Connections with friends. Connections with women around us. Connections with God. Sometimes they are easy. Sometimes they are really random. Sometimes they stretch our patience and our character... make us want to cuss and scream- or laugh until we need help to the bathroom. But they always reveal the bigger picture of our lives.

We're surrounded by little dots of potential every day. Do we connect them into our life... maybe linger and contemplate what the picture is becoming? Or do we rush right through, trying to get to the next page as fast as possible. Do you look around and think they outnumber you!! How have you tried to connect yourself, or others, to form the picture of your own life?

Do you like what you see developing?

As you can read in our description here, we want to provide a place to make more solid connections in life together. Welcome to HillsideWomen. We're glad you've joined us. Pick up your pencil and jump in!