For weeks you’ve heard me talking about “Today You Have Two Choices,” the one-day women’s ministry event scheduled in northwestern Pennsylvania. Last Saturday was the day! Like the glow from a fire after it dies down, the light from the day is still shining in my heart and warming my soul. Since many of you expressed an interest in the event, but were unable to attend, I thought I’d share some of what went on.
Stop first at the registration table, where the theme, “Today You Have Two Choices,” is everywhere. Choose from one of two name tags, and write your name with either pink or blue marker. Grab a journal (polka dotted or marbled), a goodie bag (do you prefer yellow or brown?) and a pen (black or blue?).
Only one worship leader ushered us into God’s presence, but Melissa Sylvis’ insightful and sensitive selections set the tone for a
In the first session, “Today You Have Two Choices – Grumbling or Gratitude,” I shared the hilarious story of my summertime encounter with an SUV, a Porta Potty truck, and a watermelon. We laughed together as the narrative went from bad, to worse, to . . . grateful.
Through the lens of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we saw how God can turn our upside down days right side up again.
Here are a few quotes from that session:
We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. ~ Chuck Swindoll
“God wasn’t calling me to be thankful for my difficulties. Instead, he was calling me to look for evidences of his love and care IN my difficulties.”
In Session 2, “Today You Have Two Choices – Bitterness or Forgiveness,” we talked about the power of deep hurt. Then we discovered that anger and bitterness aren’t our only choices. Through forgiveness, we can find freedom.
Here are a few quotes from that session:
“I can tell you from experience, bitterness is a jail, and we are the prisoners. Bitterness doesn’t hurt the person who has wronged us. Bitterness hurts us. It steals the life and joy from our days and the sleep from our nights.”
“Sin had broken my heart, but God hadn’t caused it. He had allowed it, because he’s given people free will, and free willed people choose to sin, but this pain had not come from God’s hand. He was not my enemy.”
In our final session, “Today You Have Two Choices – Fear or Faith,” I reminded the ladies that faith can shout louder than our circumstances and carry us through the most challenging times. But faith that can stand the test of hardship is faith grounded in the Word of God.
Here are a few quotes from the third session:
“Hebrews 11:6 says, ‘Without faith it’s impossible to please God,’ yet it’s often easier said than done. When the circumstances of life hit us hard, fear often becomes our default setting. How can we resist fear and choose faith instead?”
“No sensible person would think they could hide from God behind a tree. But we think we can hide from God, don’t we? We think he can’t see us, but he can see into our soul and see where we are in relationship to the pursuing love of God.”
Tears, laughter, hugs, and one more visit to the doughnut table concluded the day.
As we drove away, past fields fresh from haymaking and cows chewing their cuds, I was humbled and grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside these precious sisters in Christ. May God take the faith seeds he planted in our hearts and grow them into an abundant harvest for his glory. If you’d like to host a one-day women’s ministry event, weekend conference, or luncheon/evening event, I’d love to bring “Today You Have Two Choices” to your church or ladies group. Click HERE or on the Speaking Ministry tab at the top of the page for more information.
