A Season of Thanks

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

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

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

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...

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!