Plastic Charades or Kingdom Intimacy

We are women who seek passionate intimacy with God and each other. We desire authenticity in relationships.  We embrace PWOCI’s vision, to “be women who foster an atmosphere of intimacy, simplicity and legacy. "

We seek REAL ministry in PWOC; we hate playing games. I’ve celebrated the Trophies of God’s Grace in Asia! Unfortunately, I’ve also seen some embrace plastic charades rather than reality.   

 “If you knew who I was, you wouldn’t want me in PWOC?”

 “Oh, you’re a sinner too!”    

Many have told me, “You’re the only one I’ve told this to.” 

 Why do we feel we must be perfect to be accepted? Why do we reject a sister based on pre- cross mistakes or her current struggles?

Sadly, some are uncomfortable with the reality of the woman sitting next to them.  Women carry needless shame, feeling they must hide who they were pre-cross.  Some are devastated by rejection as they attempt to find intimacy with “good” Christian women.  Many slowly wither praying for someone who will truly know them and still care enough to be a mentor.  This is NOT the gospel.

Do we BELIEVE the gospel?  Are we merely paying lip service to the gospel?  ALL have sinned (Rm 3:23). The wages of that sin is death…BUT the FREE gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus (Rm 6:23). There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rm 8:23).

Mentoring begins as new Christians find mature Christians to assist them on the journey from muck to life. Consider the possibilities in the following examples. You were a drug dealer 10 years ago; I’m recently saved and struggle with cravings for drugs.  You struggled with infidelity- your marriage is now vital; I just heard of my husband’s infidelity. You walked the pain of infertility; I was just told I’d never have a child. You survived child abuse and are victorious and whole; I need to know HOW you got to that point. You struggled with sexuality pre-cross; I believe God (and Christians) could never accept me because of my past sexuality.  Legacy comes as we courageously cast off the plastic charade and share our lives openly and honestly with one another. 

 Is it uncomfortable when women are authentic? It CAN be. Is it risky for all? YES. 

I beg God to make us women who truly BELIEVE and embrace the gospel, rather than perfecting plastic charades. Are we serious about His kingdom coming in our midst?

We must be prepared to accept broken and wounded women as Jesus did, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.” (Jn 8:11).

* First shared at pwoc.org on Asia Region's page

Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Words to Live By...I think

Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Akita Curry?

Akita flavor curry? Curry that Akitas love?  Not sure but it's fun to speculate.....I'm sure it means something very rational....

Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Another Fun Sign

I'm really smiling when I think of all the "Spanish" signs in America and wonder how many smiles they bring. LOL 

Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

It's a Wrap

A recap of this week would be PWOC WEEK! 


Monday was  our Planning Meeting Part 2. It was the first time we were able to get the whole exec board together at the same time, as we've had Tsunami Voluntary Departures, Vacations and such.  I'm excited about the team God has put together and the plans He has birthed in the hearts of the team.  Monday is also Human Video and Youth group.

This week Michael has been busy getting a taste of the boss's job. I've not asked what he thinks about it - but I can guess. ::snort::

Arielle has been on a mission trip the bulk of this week. I'll write a separate post about that.

Jared continues to house sit on North Base.....

Tuesday is PWOC Bible Study. This week I handled the school aged kids as Arielle was on the mission trip.

Wednesday was a meeting of the Chapel's Financial Working Group. I was invited to attend.  I spent a considerable amount of time firming up the PWOC ministry year calendar, working on Fall Rally details, working on regional PWOC details, creating a slide show on how to work well with a Chapel, Chaplain, Staff for our board meeting.

Thursday was our PWOC joint board meeting...... We joked that we were offering ipad incentives for joining the board. ::snort:: God has graciously gifted us with 13 women this year on the joint board. Wow. I have NEVER even had a full exec board (5 positions).  I found it hilarious when we sat down to see all the matching ipads and PWOC turquoise covers. Mine is the red one. There is another one I had to crop out.  Below you see our PCOC (Prot Children of the Chapel) Cooridnator and our Retreat Coordinator.

From 2011-08-05

After the board meeting two stayed and helped organize the PWOC "closet" - which is really 1/2 a closet and 3 cabinets. I had purchased some plastic bins and a shelf and it is NICE to open the closet without a box or two falling out. We'd been busy this summer and just been throwing things in the closet.

You won't be surprised to know I color-code my outlook calendar. Green for Asia Region, bluish purple for Misawa PWOC, Red for Chapel activities, Yellow for MOPS and PURPLE for personal. I have learned part of investing in my top 5% is making sure there is a purple slot at least once a week or once every other week. This week my purple slot on Friday a.m. led me to tea and scones with a friend. It was a nice way to end a busy three weeks.

I then stopped and visited a couple of ladies on base. Tried to catch another friend at home and came home to spend the afternoon with the kids celebrating our 2 year in Japan anniversary. We went to one of their favorite places.... The Misawa Aviation Museum and Sky Park.... Scary shot, isn't it?

The moment Zander realized HE controlled the directions

Michael had an event. I wasn't sure what sort of event....one that Ch. S usually goes to. ::snort:: But then I began to think....I no longer have a nursing baby at home, or young kids who need a sitter...there really isn't a reason I don't go with him to the formal events...other than my jeans and t-shirts are a bit too ALASKA FORMAL. I didn't have this epiphany until we were at the mall trying out a new restaurant...MOS Burgers.

Rack upon rack of black female business attire

Arielle had the yakiniku burger - beef in rice "patties"

This taco was GOOD - but sort of a cross between curry and a taco....yum. 

And...that's a wrap! We are up to today.....though I need to copy and print entries since May to send to Mom G and my sis in law. 

Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Adventures of the Bug Kind

 Sometime during VBS week, Arielle got 10 bites on her ankle.....she itched, hurt and swelled. She began limping. She needed Benadryl...but we had NONE on base...unless I took her to the ER (as there were no appointments left at the clinic). I refused to go to the ER for a prescription  for Benadryl.

The Japanese clerk at the BX suggested I take Arielle to Happy Drug and let them see her leg....which I did. We've been told not to go to Happy Drug...but I figured they would know what to do with her leg better than I. They did. They gave us some cortisone....which I'm not sure helped....but it was rather fun for Arielle and I to watch the response at the pharmacy.

Akikosan helped us read the directions......and the next a.m. a friend who is a nurse and had 3 Benadryl tables left gave them to us at VBS. Can you think of a sweeter gesture....I can. She showed up at the PWOC board meeting this week with a whole bottle. We're  set for any more buggy adventures. Yes, I will try to buy an extra bottle or two when I'm in the states next. 


Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

VBS Week

I knew VBS week would be busy. I wasn't prepared for the week before and after to be busier than VBS week. I am finally coming up for air and will attempt to update.

Last week was VBS in Misawa. God was GRACIOUS and the rain fell in the afternoon - didn't interfere with our VBS plans. The weather was so much cooler than last year - and this is GREAT for those of us in a school with no AC.  We had 260 kids and many, many volunteers. A great week!

Arielle was the crew leader for 3rd grade boys. Nolan and I were crew leaders for preschool groups. Stacia and Zander loved participating.

Here are some shots from the week, I have many more, but I think group shots and shots of my own kids are the best bet here.

Stacia

At the closing session a fire alarm was pulled and we got to evac

For one of the crafts we made hacky sacks for our youth missions trip - the green shirts are mostly the youth who were going on the trip....they delivered them this week - but that may be a different blog post....when I catch you up on THIS week. 

Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...