By Captain Amber Ohl Bozeman, MT Corps – Intermountain Division
For me Smash Books are just a more beautiful journal. I think of it as a doodle pad, journal, maybe even a scrapbook; but it doesn’t have a set plan. It can be messy, it could be overstuffed, and most of all, it doesn’t have to be perfect.
When it comes to Sabbath, we might be stuck in the idea that it is a rigid day of rest with all these rules and such. But Sabbath is a day to focus on who God is and to be able to be refreshed. That is my hope for this smash book, that we are able to compile all these different amazing ways to be able to focus on God, but also to refresh ourselves. One of my favorite examples is found under the “T” section and that is take a nap, listen. Sometimes we just need a nap.
1. Gather some supplies. I recommend that the journals would be an 8 1/2 by 11 size. Michaels is a great place to get them as they are either on sale or you can find a coupon through their rewards app. Other supplies include the printable pages attached, scissors, mod podge, brushes, scrapbooking paper, stickers colorful pens, wasabi tape, and anything else that your women might light. This might be a good time to clean out some drawers or leftover art supplies.
2.With this activity, they can work at their own pace. It’s easy as explaining what to do and let them have at it. They can cut out the letters to the word “SABBATH,” some of the ladies just did a rough cut, while others cut on the lines; both works. I would encourage that the letters are placed about 10 to 15 pages apart. This will allow for when they do engage in their Sabbath activity provides that extra space.
S – Sing/Songs. Write lyrics that help you connect you to God
A – Attributes. What are the attributes of God? OR A – Actively Rest. How can you actively rest?
B – Bible – Book by Book
B – Be in Nature
A – Art. Doodle in these pages while spending time with God, search online for Bible art that can be pasted in these pages to color, or pick up a craft that you have not done in a while.
T – Take a nap. Talk with a friend.
H – Hobby. Whether it is a hobby that you have not done in a while or it’s something you wan to try.
3.One thing we did was add an envelopes so that we could use that to tuck away some small notes or cards.
4. I added extra pages that are some examples of a word to associate to each letter of “SABBATH.” I would encourage your ladies to add in their own that would help them on their Sabbath.
5. Also, Pinterest is a great resource if you ladies would like some extra pages. Maybe they want to add in some coloring pages or look up verses to color.
6. Remember it does not have to be perfect; that is what’s fun about smash books!
Prayer for you: For this moment of Sabbath may God help you engage in true Sabbath rest. May you unattach from the daily burdens and the concerns that are yours. May you pause long enough to pray, be present enough to enjoy, and slow down enough to rest. But most of all, I pray that you may worship the One who gives us Sabbath.
Download a printable version of these directions. It has also has extra printable pages and quotes to include in your Sabbath Smash Book.
By Major Karen Schmig St. George, UT Outpost – Intermountain Division
Introduction
I’m not sure if you have trouble observing Sabbath in you daily lives? According to research based on Lifeway Research, seven in 10 churchgoers take their Sabbath on Sunday. Few take it on Saturday (5 percent), Friday (1 percent) or Monday (1 percent). For 23 percent, they don’t take a day of rest. I can testify that I am one of the 23% that typically do not take the time to have a sabbath day of rest. If I do take a day off from the business of the Corps, I will find something else that needs to be done. Anything from housework to shopping. I am good at finding something to do to keep me busy. In this Bible study we are going to explore what “Sabbath” really means and by reading scripture we will find out why God says it is so important to practice it in our daily weekly routine.
Read Hebrews 4:1, 9-11.
1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
According to Britannica.com the Sabbath is defined as: “The Sabbath. The Jewish Sabbath (from Hebrew shavat, “to rest”) is observed throughout the year on the seventh day of the week—Saturday. According to biblical tradition, it commemorates the original seventh day on which God rested after completing the creation.”
Sabbath was introduced to us from the very beginning when God created the Earth. We read in the book of Genesis that God created the heavens and the earth in six periods of time, which He called days: “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it” (Genesis 2:2–3).
The factor, or the thing that the Sabbath was pointing to, is Jesus Christ. He is our rest. It doesn’t matter whether you go to corporate worship on Saturday or on Sunday, or your choice of a day during the week, because that’s not what really matters. What really matters is that you find your rest in Christ!
We take sabbath to acknowledge that we need God, we need time dedicated to him. A time to rest. This doesn’t mean that all we are to do on a sabbath are pray and sleep, though prayer and rest are central and needed. It can also be time with family or hobbies. So many times, we’re burning the candle at both ends. So busy with work that we don’t stop to really appreciate God’s presence in our lives.
Let’s Read Luke 10:28-42 NIV
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
In these we read that account of Mary and Martha. Martha just going and going on her own trying to make things just right to the point frustration. For most of that have a servant heart that is very easy to get caught up in. Keeping ourselves bust serving others and making sure everything is done in all our power to help and please others. Jesus reminds Martha that Mary had chosen what was right, to rest at Jesus’ feet, to bask in his presence and his love.
Sabbath is an act of humility before the Lord.
Matthew 5:3 (NIV) says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Being poor in spirit”, we are like paupers, relying on God and only God to fill us. It is a sin to think we can just keep going and going without acknowledging God and our need for his help. It’s silly for us to think that we are too busy for God, the one who gives us all of our provisions in the first place. Sabbath goes beyond just one day as well. We need dedicated time daily to rest in Him.
Even Jesus needed time with his father, who are we to act as though we don’t. Make a plan today, put it on your calendar, in your day timer. Schedule time for God, be intentional about it. Start learning also to say no to others if that is your crutch to not taking time to rest in God. This is of central importance to our spiritual health. Make a date with God, pray to Him, take in his word and grow in him daily. May God bless you as we all go through this great adventure, we call life with a great Savior who never fails us.
Questions to Reflect On:
Are you taking a weekly Sabbath?
Are you taking time daily for the Lord?
What can you do differently in your daily/weekly schedule that will allow you to take a Sabbath?
What does God have for me in my day of Sabbath, through this day of rest?
What do I have for Him in my Sabbath day, through this day of rest?
How will this be lived out with others in gratitude, joy and celebration?
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/marissa-grootes-flRm0z3MEoA-unsplash-scaled.jpg25601920Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-06 13:58:072023-10-06 13:58:12October 2023 Bible Study: God's Given Gift of Rest
Welcome to the second year of the Flourish Newsletter. Last program year, we focused on flourishing in and through different seasons that we all go through. This year we want to flourish by being “Deeply Rooted in the Spiritual Disciplines.” Each month we will focus on one spiritual practice that will help us to establish deep roots, grow and flourish in our walk with Jesus.
For October we are focusing on the practice of Sabbath Rest. Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, in her book Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, defines Sabbath as “God’s gift of repetitive and regular rest. It is given for our delight and communion with God. Time for being in the midst of a life of doing particularly characterizes the sabbath.” The desire of observing sabbath is “to set apart one day a week for rest and worship of God.”
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” Genesis 2:2
Inside you’ll find a devotional, conversation starters, a prayer idea, a monthly Bible reading plan, and some other resources to help you incorporate a weekly Sabbath into your spiritual walk with Jesus.
In The Salvation Army USA Western Territory, we want ministry to women to flourish, grow, and thrive. Below are easy links to information on our website, that should answer questions you have about ministry to women and also offer other insights and helps to make sure ministry to women is flourishing in your local corps.
Ministry to Women Guidelines and Ideas
Our Fundamental Purpose explains the aim, purpose and expectations of ministry to women in your local corps.
If our ministry to women is to grow and flourish, we need our roots to go deep in Christ. Our purpose in programming, while it includes fun and fellowship, is ultimately to lead women into a deeper relationship with Christ. A program with deep roots is one with a rich spiritual focus. Your Roots, Your Strength
There are endless possibilities of what ministry to women can look like in your local corps. Below are guidelines for several programs.
Home League Guidelines will explain the aim, purpose, and all the details about Home League.
Junior Home League Guidelines will explain all the details of having a Junior Home League program, for girls ages 11-15.
Baby Song is an exciting Salvation Army outreach program for babies, toddlers and their parents.
Women’s Ministries Special Events highlights some extra possibilities for ministries to women: holding a Women’s Sunday, as well as Divisional Events and Leadership Institutes.
Leadership Development
As women of The Salvation Army, it is vital that we take the opportunity to assess our own emotional, physical, and spiritual health on a regular basis. Flourishing in life starts with caring for ourselves well so that we can care for others well. It is vital to assess where we are in these areas and make a reasonable plan for how to be a loving, wise, and mindful steward of ourselves and others. Healthy Work/Life Balance for Soul Care
Qualities of a Leader helps identify the qualities you should be looking for in women to develop them local leaders.
Revamping or Refreshing Ministry to Women
Is ministry to women feeling a little stale? Answer the questions on A Fresh Assessment to help you see new possibilities for ministry to women in your community. Defining What We Value will help you with a list of possibilities for new ministry to women opportunities.
All About the Numbers – Statistical Information and Financial Guidelines
If you ever have questions about how to report ministry to women on your monthly statistics be sure to check out the Statistical Quick Reference.
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Flourish-Logo-Full-Color.png11821390Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-06 10:55:092023-10-06 13:53:45A Guide for Ministry to Women
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory BABY SONG STATISTICAL REPORTING
Baby Song is an exciting Salvation Army outreach program for babies, toddlers and their parents. Baby Song provides an opportunity for: parents to assist their babies in language development and interaction through music; babies to experience developmentally appropriate songs, activities and games; parents to build relationships with other parents; parents to gain parenting tips and information; and to reach out into the community.
As Baby Song crosses over boundaries, not just applying to one age group, but to the whole family, it has been decided to record Baby Song attendance as stated below. It is important that there is consistency around the territory in recording the program, so please contact the Territorial Youth Department or Women’s Ministries Department, should you have any questions regarding this.
As a Baby Song session consists of two separate sections, it can be recorded as two meetings in the following way:
The Baby Song/Music Section
Count attendance in Cradle Roll line 3310. Include everybody – children, parents, leaders, helpers.
The Fellowship Section
Count parents (if majority are women) in Women’s Ministries line 3001–option code 33:
Any activity during the Baby Song/Music Section should be recorded under the Cradle Roll (line 3310). If the parents and children are together during the fellowship section, you will only count the parents in Women’s Ministries line 3001–option code 33, not the children.
It is important to note that there needs to be some spiritual aspect to record Baby Song as Women’s Outreach. It can be in the form of a prayer, a ‘thought for the day’, or a Scripture verse.
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory STATISTICAL QUICK REFERENCE
Women’s Ministries is the umbrella term that covers all ministries offered to women in The Salvation Army, which includes Home League and Women’s Ministries Groups. Where Home League falls under WM group, International Headquarters requires special reporting as it is an international program. Statistics should be reported on NSS Corps form as follows:
Line 3001 Women’s Ministries Line 3001-31 Home League (meetings, attendance, volunteers, volunteer hours) Line 3001-33 Women’s Ministries Groups Participants (meetings, attendance, volunteers, volunteer hours) There is no membership for WM group. Please add non-Home League members, first-time participants, per program year. Line 3001-34 Women’s Ministries Corps Special Event (meeting, attendance, volunteers, volunteer hours)
Line 3003 Junior Home League Junior Home League – Junior Home League is a self-esteem development program for girls, ages 11-15 years old. It provides insight to personal improvement and skill building, and serves as a mode to encourage the four elements – Worship, Education, Service and Fellowship. The Junior HL will also provide a link to full acceptance as a Home League Member. A Junior Home League member may become a Home League Member when she reaches the age of 14 years, if desired, and membership may automatically be transferred. Meetings can be held weekly, bi-monthly or monthly according to need and local circumstances.
Record membership of Jr. Home League. Record meetings, attendance, volunteer, and volunteer hours. ** NOTE: Do NOT record girls attending HL meetings here. This line is for established Jr. HL groups **
A record must be kept of each group, with names, address and attendance. This register will be examined by the reviewing officer at the time of the Women’s Ministries Review and Revision, and a report will be sent to the Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. Home League meetings, attendance and volunteer hours may be counted and reported on the NSS form, line 3001—option code 31. Women’s Ministries Group meetings, attendance and volunteer hours may be counted and reported on NSS form, line 3001—option code 33.
DIVISIONAL SPONSORED EVENT
When special events are hosted by the Divisional Women’s Ministries Department such as: one day institutes, rallies, leadership training, divisional event planning, multiple day events including camps, retreats, conferences or similar events, the statistics are to be counted as follows:
Line 3002 Women’s Ministries Events. Record attendance, volunteers and hours. ** NOTE: No corps units should be using these lines.
Line 3002-601 Women’s Ministries Events – Camps. Record the number of meetings/sessions in Women’s Ministries camps for fellowship held, and the combined total attendance. Line 3002-602 Women’s Ministries Events – Rallies. Record the number of meetings/sessions in Women’s Ministries rallies held, and the combined total attendance. Rallies are gathering for Women’s Ministries; may include prayer meetings for a purpose. Line 3002-603 Women’s Ministries Events – Conventions. Record the number of meetings/sessions in Women’s Ministries conferences and gatherings for networking, and the combined total attendance. Line 3002-604 Women’s Ministries Events – Institutes. Record the number of meetings/sessions in Women’s Ministries and the combined total attendance. Institutes are gatherings for learning experience.
⦁ Divisional Headquarters Reporting. Every individual meeting/session is to be counted by the Division on a divisional line 3002.
Example: for a one-day event that includes three sessions with planned programming, the total number of meetings/sessions is to be (3). For a multiple day event every meeting/ session with planned programming is counted. For example, if there are two united sessions on Friday, four united sessions on Saturday, two united sessions on Sunday, the count for the event is 2+4+2=8. A meal with no program is not considered a session. If the meal is a banquet with programming, then it may be counted as a session. If the meal has only a prayer and song, it is not counted as a session. If a workshop time is scheduled with 6 individual workshops, the workshop period is counted as 1.
Every session/meeting will have an attendance recorded. Divisions are not to simply multiply their total registration by the number of sessions. A recorded individual attendance is combined for all sessions/meetings and then recorded on the attendance line. In the event of a workshop period, the combined total attendance of all the workshops is recorded. Divisions are asked not to submit the total registration for workshop periods with the assumption that every registered participant attends a workshop.
⦁ Corps Reporting. Number of days of event times number of delegates equals meetings/attendance recorded on line 3001-34. (3 days = 3 meetings)
COMBINED MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE
Several Corps may join together for a one-time area meeting for fellowship, leadership training, or special interests, etc. Every Women’s Ministries group from various corps will report its own figures on the corps NSS. The sponsoring Women’s Ministries group must not report the total figure. Each corps will count one meeting and the attendance of their corps ladies only.
If it is a combined Women’s Ministries meeting, each local corps will record their attendees on the NSS report line 300I–option code 31 for regular meetings. If it is a combined Women’s Ministries program, each local corps will record their attendees on the NSS report line 3001—option code 33.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES CORPS SPECIAL EVENT
A Women’s Ministries Group Event is a program for women only with the purpose of evangelism and outreach, such as: a corps women’s retreat, a mother daughter banquet, a community hosted Women’s Ministry meal (breakfast), Local Leadership training, Bike-A-Thon, Walk-A-Thon, Prayer Walk. There is no membership for a Women’s Ministries Group Event. This is not a family event, please see Other adult groups/family activities. Attendance for a Women’s Ministries Group Event is recorded on the NSS form line 3001-34 titled Women’s Ministries Corps Special Events.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES FUND-RAISING EVENT
When a Women’s Ministry fund-raising event is held on a day other than the regular meeting, it would be counted and recorded on line 3220 — Other Adult Group/Family Activities, and the total attendance recorded.
When the fund-raising event is on a regular Women’s Ministries meeting day, the pre-event time (time needed to set up, give instruction, etc.) should be counted as the regular meeting. The Women’s Ministries members there and others attending would be recorded under Other Adult Group/Family Activities — line 3220. These will be recorded in NSS as follows:
Home League Regular (line 3001-31) or Women’s Ministries Group Participants (line 3001-33) 1 Attendance of the group (in pre-event time) 20 Other Adult Group/Family Activities (line 3220) 1 Attendance (during the fund-raising event) 35
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Women’s Ministries Local Officers are considered to be volunteers, and their time at Women’s meetings should be counted as volunteer service.
If a Women’s Ministries Group is purely spiritual in nature (for example, a weekly Bible study or Home League worship service) no volunteer hours may be counted.
When Women’s Ministries Group participants are involved in community or corps projects, their hours may be counted as volunteer hours as a WM Group/HL.
The Corps Officers are never considered volunteers in any WM activities.
SOLDIERS & ADHERENTS MADE THROUGH PROGRAMS
Line 1510 Soldiers Made Through Programs. Record the number of soldiers added to the roll as a direct result of Women’s Ministries.
Line 1515 Adherents Made Through Programs. Record the number of adherents added to the roll as a direct result of Women’s Ministries.
SEEKERS
The statistical count of seekers or converts in Women’s Ministries should represent the number of women indicating a definite decision or response for conversion, holiness or consecration. This decision could be demonstrated by kneeling at the altar but could also include other expressions of intent such as raising of hands, standing at one’s seat, decisions in home, office, or elsewhere should be counted as seekers.
Line 2405 Adults Seekers Section 1. Record the number of seekers 14 years of age and over, not entered in the Seekers’ Register, and not listed on the Recruits’ or Soldiers’ Roll of any Salvation Army Corps. (First time seeker in TSA)
Line 2410 Adult Seekers Section 2. Adult Seekers Section 2 – Record the number of seekers 14 years of age and over, previously entered in the Seekers’ Register, or listed on the Recruits’ or Soldiers’ Roll.
FAMILIES LINKED TO CORPS THROUGH WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
Line 3005 Record the number of new families linked to the corps as a direct result of a women’s ministry program.
BABY SONG Baby Song is an exciting Salvation Army outreach program for babies, toddlers and their parents. Baby Song provides an opportunity for: parents to assist their babies in language development and interaction through music; babies to experience developmentally appropriate songs, activities and games; parents to build relationships with other parents; parents to gain parenting tips and information; and to reach out into the community.
As Baby Song crosses over boundaries, not just applying to one age group, but to the whole family, it has been decided to record Baby Song attendance as stated below. It is important that there is consistency around the territory in recording the program, so please contact the Territorial Youth Department or Women’s Ministries Department, should you have any questions regarding this.
As a Baby Song session consists of two separate sections, it can be recorded as two meetings in the following way:
The Baby Song/Music Section
Count attendance in Cradle Roll line 3310. Include everybody – children, parents, leaders, helpers.
The Fellowship Section
Count parents (if majority are women) in Women’s Ministries line 3001–option code 33:
Any activity during the Baby Song/Music Section should be recorded under the Cradle Roll (line 3310). If the parents and children are together during the fellowship section, you will only count the parents in Women’s Ministries line 3001–option code 33, not the children.
It is important to note that there needs to be some spiritual aspect to record Baby Song as Women’s Outreach. It can be in the form of a prayer, a ‘thought for the day’, or a Scripture verse.
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory JUNIOR HOME LEAGUE PROGRAM
Junior Home League is a self-esteem development program for girls, ages 11-15 years old. It provides insight to personal improvement and skill building.
WHERE DID JUNIOR HOME LEAGUE BEGIN?
It all commenced in 1967 when a concerned Officer’s wife had the interests and needs of young girls in her Corps at heart. Would a Junior Home League be the answer? This exciting idea was presented to the Territorial President of Women’s Organizations in Canada (at that time Mrs. Commissioner C. Wiseman), who readily accepted the suggestion – and thus the Junior Home League was born in the Canadian Territory and it spread like a flame throughout the Territory.
MEMBERSHIP
When a prospective member is ready for entry into full membership a special ceremony should be held when the Member receives her Pledge Card and makes her promise. The whole aim and purpose of the group is to provide a link to full acceptance as a Home League Member. The Junior Home League member can, if desired, become a Home League Member when she reaches the age of 14 years. If so, then Membership can automatically be transferred. The Junior Home League member can, however, defer her transfer until a later date if desired.
ROLLS
A separate Register should be secured for the Junior Home League group. Cash records should be kept separate, but, with agreement of the Corps Officer, the Home League Treasurer could be responsible for making bank deposits or withdrawals.
LOCAL OFFICERS
Local Officers for Junior Home League, such as a Junior Home League Secretary and Junior Home League Secretary is encouraged. Other positions can be commissioned/warranted as necessary.
MEETINGS These can be held weekly, bi-weekly or monthly according to need and local circumstances. The day and time should be planned to suit the majority of prospective members.
Meetings ought to provide FAITH … FUN … FELLOWSHIP … FOOD. In addition, there should be an opportunity for growing – some learning experience, personal improvement, self-development, that challenge as well as stimulate interest.
ENROLLMENT
A special ceremony is suggested for the enrollment of Junior Home League Members. The Junior Home League members have their own Pledge Card – and it brings its own peculiar thrill to stand before an earnest group of young girls, some of who have never had any connection with a church before, look into their fresh, sincere faces reflecting the glow of the candles nervously in their hands and hear them repeat their pledge and then pray … “God … give me strength and guidance that I may carry out this pledge.”
JUNIOR HOME LEAGUE ENROLLMENT SERVICE
A table is set up with a beautiful cloth, an open Bible (modern translation) a Home League flag and a Salvation Army flag, and a large white candle. Sufficient candles for the new members are supplied. The large candle is lit at the commencement of the enrollment.
(Supply young people with details of portions to be read in unison)
As the names of the young people are read, they take their places at the front, standing in a semi- circle around the table. Their leader and the Officer stand at the opposite ends of the semi-circle.
(The Officer conducts the enrollment. This enrollment may also be conducted in a Senior Home League Meeting).
OFFICER: The Salvation Army Home League is one of the largest women’s organizations in the entire world, and it is a privilege to welcome girls into this fellowship. They are the Home-makers of the future and we believe they appreciate the Christian emphasis in the home and will endeavor to practice Christian precepts in their daily living.
The Jr. Home League Motto is “With goodwill, doing service.”
The Home League Program is four-fold and these young people before us will tell us what this program means to them. –
(Young people read in unison) WORSHIP: In Worship we will seek the guidance of God, our Heavenly Father, in all the decisions we shall have to make in the days that lie ahead, and we will attend a place of worship whenever it is possible.
FELLOWSHIP: We believe in Fellowship well planned; in social life, good entertainment and an out-stretched hand to all, no matter what their race, color or creed.
EDUCATION:Education is wide in its scope and involves not only the gathering of facts in order to pass an examination, not only acquiring skills and crafts but should direct our whole attitude to life and people.
SERVICE:We are called upon to serve wherever there is a need; in our home, in our Church, in our community and faraway places of the world. We give practical aid to the poor, the lonely and the discouraged, and we engage in Missionary and local projects for the good of others.
CHARGE: As Jr. Home League members I charge you to uphold the ideals of the Four-fold program of the Home League and support the Seniors and share fellowship with them.
YOUNG PEOPLE: We light a candle signifying that we believe in Jesus the Light of the world who gave Himself to disperse the darkness of sin and bring peace to every heart.
(The girls light candles and then repeat the Pledge from their cards) (Leader hands out Pledge Cards)
JUNIOR HOME LEAGUE PLEDGE
As a member of the Jr. Home League, I promise to the best of my ability to promote its four-fold purpose.
WORSHIP: I will seek to honor God daily
FRIENDSHIP: I will seek to be kind and understanding at all times
EDUCATON: I will seek to “think” beyond the confines of my own life and circumstances
SERVICE: I will endeavor, in some small way, to be of service to others
I now ask God to give me strength and guidance that I may carry out this pledge.
Suitable Song and prayer by Corps Officer or Home League Secretary
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/evgeniy-alyoshin-YF80qEzcEW8-unsplash-scaled.jpg17072560Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-05 14:08:202023-10-06 09:03:38Junior Home League Guidelines
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory MINISTRIES TO WOMEN SPECIAL EVENTS
WOMEN’S SUNDAY It is encouraged that every corps feature Women’s Ministries Sunday within a program year (October-September). The purpose of the day is to inspire and celebrate the women of your women’s ministries groups and recognize the various women’s ministries groups.
a. This annual event may be extended to include:
a rally to which representatives of other women’s groups (Army and non-Army) may be invited
other special programs, such as music, drama, film
a celebration of family
b. Women’s Sunday also provides an opportunity for women who belong to Women Ministries groups but who do not normally attend Sunday worship to hear and respond to the message of salvation.
Plans for the observance should be made at the planning meeting. Home League members and Women’s Ministries group participants should be used in the meeting(s).
A narrative report of special activities is included in the Quarterly Narrative Report. In recording statistics, it is to be noted that Women’s Sunday attendance should be recorded as senior corps activities and are not to be entered as Women’s Ministries statistics.
DIVISIONAL EVENTS All divisions must hold at least one camp, conference, retreat, or rally per year focused on the specific needs of women. Home League local officers and members and Women’s Ministries Group participants should be encouraged to attend these events. The programs are designed to be beneficial spiritually, mentally, and socially.
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTES Leadership institutes sponsored by the division will be planned by the Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary annually or bi-annually or according to the needs of the division. Corps-sponsored leadership training sessions are also encouraged. It is expected that all local officers, leaders and potential local officers and leaders be encouraged to attend to take advantage of these opportunities.
Each member should be encouraged to contribute financially to Women’s Ministries.
Any WM group may establish a custodial account where money is directly deposited into the corps financial books.
All money received must be counted and checked by two unrelated, responsible persons, then handled according to territorial policy.
Any financial grant made to the corps funds from any WM group fund must be done in full consultation with the local officers/lay leaders of the WM group. Any transaction must be done with the consent of the officer/corps administrator and with the endorsement of the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries.
A brief financial report should be given monthly or quarterly to each group that has an account.
An up-to-date inventory of equipment should be kept. These items are WM property and may not be borrowed without permission.
Every WM group is to participate in two annual projects: Territorial and Divisional.
The corps officer/officer-in-charge/corps administrator and leaders of the Women’s Ministries Groups(s) are together responsible to ensure that accounting for group finances is carried out in accordance with Salvation Army policy.
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory HOME LEAGUE
While Home League is a Women’s Ministries program, it is an international fellowship with specific required guidelines.
MOTTO “I will live a pure life in my house…” (Psalm 101:2b, Good News Bible).
FOUR-FOLD AIM
The four-fold aim is central to the Home League. In order to reach the objectives of the Home League program successfully, the programs must be varied and interesting, thus maintaining the attention of the members and attracting new women. To ensure balance, variety and interest, the program must include these four elements:
Worship – to encourage spiritual growth and give opportunity to receive Christ (that we might know more of God and His will concerning us)
Education – to enhance personal and family life skills, and inform of social and moral issues affecting the community, the nation, and the world (that we might improve our skills and develop our powers of thought)
Fellowship – to nurture wholesome relationships and foster meaningful fellowship (that we might share in happy Christian comradeship)
Service – to produce active participation in giving and doing for others in the corps, community, nation and the world (that we might learn to know the joy of giving and doing for others)
PURPOSE
The fundamental purpose of the Home League is:
To win women for Christ, encourage spiritual growth, and provide Christian fellowship
To promote a purposeful life
To work toward the betterment of the home, the community, the nation, and the world
To recruit soldiers and link families to the fellowship of believers
HOME LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP
Person Eligible
After attending Home League meetings for a minimum of four weeks, not necessarily consecutively, women fourteen years of age and over, whether married or single, saved or unsaved, are eligible for membership in the Home League.
Recruitment of new members should be ongoing by all members of the Home League.
Membership Card & Pin
Upon enrollment each member receives a membership card and is eligible to wear either the Home League or Women’s Ministries pin, not both at the same time. Either pin should be presented to each member at the time of her enrollment. The membership card, duly signed and supplied by the Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary, should also be given at this time. Membership cards and pins may be available from the Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary office or through Tradewest.
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
Members are encouraged to attend Home League meetings and activities regularly.
A woman who attends Home League meetings in two corps should be recorded as a member of one Home league and a visitor of the other.
Men who attend Home League meetings should not be recorded on the Home League roll but their attendance may be counted.
WEEKLY DUES
Each member and prospective member is encouraged to pay weekly dues determined by the Corps Home League. This is a contribution only. When any member is unable to make the usual contribution, this must not prevent her from being welcomed at and participating in the meetings.
ROLLS
An official Home League members’ roll should be kept by the Home League Recorder, always available to the Home League Secretary and Corps Officer or other authorized person and brought up-to-date annually at a meeting of the Women’s Ministries review and revision team. Upon enrollment the names, addresses and enrollment dates of the women must be entered into the database.
It is important to have a record of the address and phone numbers of every member. Birthdates and other important data are helpful so that cards may be sent and special days acknowledged. When working with groups, it is important to have emergency contact names and numbers. Some HL groups have their members and regular attendees fill out forms requesting this information. The forms are kept in a binder and available whenever the group meets. It is updated on a yearly basis or as changes occur.
REVISIONS OF CORPS HOME LEAGUE ROLLS
The Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary, or her representative, will review the records of every Home League annually, in the presence of the corps officer/officer-in-charge/corps administrator, the Home League Secretary and other local officers as available. The Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries will ensure that this review takes place in accordance with territorial policy. (See Procedures for Removal of Home League Members under this section).
Home League Records
The official membership and visitors record book is kept by the Record Sergeant (Home League Recorder if warranted). This should include those members who are interested in the Home League but unable to attend meetings because of ill health, infirmity or personal reasons.
Home League funds are kept in the corps custodial account, in accordance with Salvation Army policy.
A minute book should be kept by the Record Sergeant.
Where necessary, a history book should be kept by the Record Sergeant.
Membership cards are issued by Divisional Headquarters.
An up-to-date inventory of Home League equipment should be kept.
Procedures of Removal of Home League Members
According to USA National and Territorial guidelines for the Home League, names may be removed from the Home League rolls of members who have:
Passed away
Moved away
Transferred to another League
Requested removal
Been absent for at least twelve (12) months, provided the member has been visited and every effort has been made for her return
In cases other than death or transfer, every effort must be made to contact the member being proposed for removal through one of the following ways:
Telephone call
Letter
Personal visit
HOME LEAGUE MEETINGS
Meeting Content
The Home League Secretary is responsible for meetings as planned by the Quarterly Planning Council. Meetings will include worship, education, service and fellowship, in accordance with the fundamental purpose and national objectives of Women’s Ministries. Regular meetings should include:
A devotional period
Announcements of the corps
Invitation to members and their families to attend corps activities Meetings may include:
Enrollment service
Worship programs that encourage spiritual growth and give opportunity for the women to receive Christ
Educational programs dealing with such concerns as social, moral or ethical issues; information on practical matters, such as health and family issues; crafts and home management
Fellowship programs that include informal celebrations of birthdays, holiday observances, etc.
Service programs that give members opportunity for active participation in helpful projects for the corps, community, nation and the world
Suggested meeting procedure (the format is flexible; variety is the key)
A warm welcome
Introduction of visitors
Devotions
Business
Recording of attendance and dues – weekly
Finance report – monthly or quarterly
Committee reports as necessary
Announcements
Program feature
Courtesies
Refreshments
Benediction
The format used for meetings in many leagues is to rotate the four program emphases (worship, education, fellowship, service) on a weekly basis. In other leagues the four elements are carried out in each meeting. There is no set pattern. It is important to remember that the four elements should be implemented in program planning.
DISCONTINUING A HOME LEAGUE
Discontinuation of an established Home League will need approval from THQ. Corps Officers contact the DWMS for the proper guidelines.
Rest? Who has time for rest? It seems like we have a go go go world, with a do-do-do mentality and are labeled lazy if we take any time for rest each week. Or maybe that is all in our minds. God specifically tells us to take a sabbath day and rest. And who is the best example of that, God himself. On the seventh day, he rested. Not only did he rest, but he also blessed that day and made it holy.
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works just as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:9-10.
I remember as a young girl that Sundays, Sabbath Days, were truly Sabbath days. While Mom and Dad had a lot to do at the corps, the in between was rest. We didn’t go to a restaurant. We didn’t shop at the stores, and outside of the ministry at church, we came away from things that could distract us from being focused on God. We came home, had a meal together and found time to connect as a family, share and yes, take an afternoon nap.
If this is not something that we practice regularly, what does Sabbath rest even look like? There are many ways we can observe Sabbath. For the Christian, we gather for worship with fellow believers and praise the Lord through songs, scripture and teaching. There are other ways such as prayer, solitude, journaling, reading and reflection, so many different ways to connect with the Lord.
If this is new, at least the deep, reflection and awareness that we are to truly take sabbath, then where do we begin? I would suggest prayer be your starting point. Find a place where you are not distracted by the world, set your phone and any other electronics aside, and sit and be still in the presence of the Lord. You don’t always have to speak, begin by listening. And find yourself in conversation with God. You may only have questions when you first start. That’s ok, ask Him, He is listening. There may be some days you don’t have any words at all, that is ok too. I believe in those moments God wants to speak to our hearts. As you do this more and more often, you will find that the time goes quickly and that there is never enough time to sit and be still and listen to the still small voice of God speaking to you. Sabbath.
Some of you may know that I love the ocean. Walking along the beach and listening to the waves brings me peace. Where is that for you? Perhaps it will be in the tall trees of the forest, or the garden full of blooming flowers. And for some it may be in your prayer closet. Wherever that may be for you, find it, make it a regular practice. Step away and find solitude with God. Sabbath.
If I asked for hands to be raised for our writers out there, I know there are several. Journaling may be for you. I personally have struggled to keep consistent in putting my thoughts down on paper. It rolls around in my mind but putting pen to paper has been something I have tried off and on for years. Journaling can be a wonderful way to put your prayers and concerns down for you to go back to and to see where God has been blessing.
Recently, my Mom was promoted to Glory. I have always known that she has lists of prayers that she kept in her bibles, next to her bed, where she did her devotions, etc. In going through her things, I found some of them. Our family was always on each list, with our names, the specific prayer and the date that they were answered. My heart was so full reading these. I knew this was how she prayed, but to see it on paper made my heart leap for joy. Perhaps God is calling you to write things down, to put it in pen the thoughts of your heart and the prayers of the people God has entrusted you with. You can find rest and solace in this. Sabbath.
Whatever way you feel God is calling you to Sabbath with him, do it. Lean into His presence and find true rest in God alone.
“Truly my soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62:1
I pray that you take time for Sabbath. Find rest in Him and be rejuvenated and refreshed by your time away with God.
What if what we traditionally think of as a “program” is actually just a community?
Flourishing in life doesn’t always come naturally, but it has a greater chance to when a place is created for a gathering, where women come together, and find just what they need for life: connection, belonging and community.
What does gathering look like if you focus on building community around needs, interests, or seasons of life?
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/linkedin-sales-solutions-IjkIOe-2fF4-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg17072560Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-03 11:31:282023-10-03 11:31:33Defining What We Value
A new and fresh design for a ministry to women has to begin with an assessment of what has been done in the past – whether it is working well and bearing incredible fruit for the Lord or needing a new and fresh start. We need to ask the question of what is working or not working in reaching the women in our communities.
Gather your ministry to women leaders and work through these questions together. This is a key time to assess what already exists for women in your corps and what needs a fresh and innovative approach to ministry.
Dream BIG! What does a vibrant and flourishing ministry look like to you? If you had all the resources you need, what would you do with them to attract and meet the needs of women in your communities?
What ministry does your corps offer women? Who are the women that come? What are their interests? Why are they coming? What needs do you meet for them?
Who are the women that do not come anymore? Is there anyone in the corps that is still in contact with them? Has anyone visited them or sent them an invitation to a ministry to women event or meeting?
Who are the women that come to other corps activities, but not to a ministry to women event or meeting? Be honest, why haven’t they come? What unmet needs might they have?
Who are the women who surround The Salvation Army in your communities? Is there a shelter, an apartment complex nearby with moms, or older adults? What are the unmet needs of female clients that visit our social services? Who are the moms with kids that come to youth activities? What are their unique needs?
What are the age demographics of your city? Is it primarily retirees, young people, working moms, others?
We don’t usually “ooh” and “awe” over the beautiful look of tree roots. We don’t always see them and even when we do, they’re not always beautiful but boy are they essential to growth and flourishing! Without deep roots, the plant dies. Roots need space to expand and that’s why sometimes if a plant is left in a small pot, it can get root bound. The growth is stunted, and you never see the real beauty because it’s not given room to grow. However, transplanting the plant to a larger pot can work wonders! It’s amazing the growth and beauty that can happen as a result!
As we engage in ministry to women, there is a good lesson here for us. If our ministry to women is to grow and flourish, we need our roots to go deep in Christ. Our purpose in programming, while it includes fun and fellowship, is ultimately to lead women into a deeper relationship with Christ. A program with deep roots is one with a rich spiritual focus.
As women of The Salvation Army, it is vital that we take the opportunity to assess our own emotional, physical, and spiritual health on a regular basis. Flourishing in life starts with caring for ourselves well so that we can care for others well. It is vital to assess where we are in these areas and make a reasonable plan for how to be a loving, wise, and mindful steward of ourselves and others.
Healthy Work/Life Balance:
Be honest with where you think you’re at emotionally, spiritually & physically. Are there any of these areas in need of nurturing, rethinking, and refreshing?
Do you have a healthy work & life balance? If not, how can you adjust your daily life to be more balanced?
Does your time with God feel balanced and spiritually filling for you?
Can you set (and keep) boundaries that are healthy and reasonable?
Do you have time for rest and renewal?
In what ways do you take time to refresh and restore your soul on a regular basis? Is this enough or do you need to add something else that’s life giving?
Daily time with God that isn’t rushed and feels like a relationship, not a daily duty
Spiritual retreats (one day or weekends)
Sharing a meal with family & friends
Time to journal your thoughts & feeling
Walks, hiking, the beach or being out in nature
Play music & dancing, worship
Prayer walks just with you and God
Exercising in ways that you enjoy
Down time with your spouse or close friend
Do you have a mentor or close friend to support you when:
Heavy emotions are weighing you down
Life throws you a curve ball and stress is running high
You’re losing your joy for life and ministry
You need accountability to maintain a balanced life
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/jeshoots-com-2vD8lIhdnw-unsplash-scaled.jpg17072560Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-03 11:29:452023-10-03 11:29:50Healthy Work/Life Balance for Soul Care
Women’s Ministries is the umbrella term that covers all ministries offered to women in The Salvation Army, which includes Home League and Women’s Ministries Outreach Groups.
Fundamental Purpose – Women’s Ministries Mission
To win women for Christ, encourage spiritual growth, and provide Christian fellowship
To promote a purposeful life
To work toward the betterment of the home, the community, the nation and the world
To recruit soldiers and link families to the fellowship of believers
Aim Women play a vital and definitive role in shaping society through their influence in the home and family. The aim of any Women’s Ministries program is to provide Christian fellowship and practical help that will benefit not only the individual and her family, but also the nation.
Programming of meetings and activities should be varied and informative and include the four-fold purpose of:
Worship Education Fellowship Service
Expectation A variety of Corps programs can be used to win women (and their families) for Christ, to minister to their needs, and to encourage their spiritual development. Among these: the Home League is unique in that common requirements must be followed to ensure its international unity and maintain the worldwide fellowship.
Minimum Standards – 24 combined Home League and Women’s Ministries meetings Observance of Women’s Sunday, Annual Meetings and World Day of Prayer Involvement – Corps, World Services, Territorial, Divisional, Corps Projects (financial/in-kind)
Where there are several women’s group leaders, one should be appointed as the corps Women’s Ministries Secretary.
Spiritual: Intimate relationship with God Sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit Jealous for God’s honor, not her own Devoted to prayer & Bible study Committed to God and His Word Committed to personal growth
Working: Regular Attendance & Support of Corps Team Player Wears Salvation Army uniform (if soldier) Faces and deals with issues Thinks before acting (…or speaking!) Serves, motivates, and can delegate to others
“Truly, the best thing any of us have to bring to leadership is our own transforming selves.” Ruth Haley Barton ~ Strengthening The Soul of Your Leadership
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/christina-wocintechchat-com-Q2W7KdULXaE-unsplash-scaled.jpg17092560Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-03 11:28:032023-10-03 11:28:05Qualities of a Leader
Every Christian faces times of spiritual battle and struggle. We have an enemy of our souls, the devil, who wants to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). However, we have victory through Christ, and we don’t have to let the enemy win in our lives. That’s what this month’s newsletter is all about – flourishing in and through the times of battle.
This month’s verse promises us triumph – because of the shed blood of Jesus and by speaking our testimony of what the Lord has done for us!
They triumphed over him [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11a
By Major Gaylene Yardley Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Southwest Division
This month’s craft is a little different. No written directions, but Major Gaylene has created a video of how you can make a lamp shade from old slides.
This month as we focus on flourishing in the battle season, we need to never forget that the light defeats the darkness.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
A Bible Study on the Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17)
Opening:
We have lots of funny sayings related to our head. What do these common head sayings mean?
⦁ I always keep my head (Meaning: I never lose control of my emotions) ⦁ It never entered my head (Meaning: I never even thought about it) ⦁ I brought matters to a head. (Meaning: I made sure something had to be decided) ⦁ My head is in the clouds (Meaning: I’m not a practically minded person). ⦁ I can’t make head nor tails of this (Meaning: I don’t understand it at all). ⦁ I’m in way over my head (Meaning: I’m involved so far that it’s out of my control) ⦁ I could do it standing on my head (Meaning: I find it really easy). ⦁ The fame has completely gone to my head (Meaning: I’ve let my feelings get out of control). ⦁ She likes to keep her head down (Meaning: She avoids attracting attention) ⦁ They’re still scratching their heads (Meaning: They’re finding it hard to understand the results). ⦁ That joke just went over my head (Meaning: I didn’t understand the joke). (https://englishwithatwist.com/2014/09/05/12-idioms-head/)
What other head sayings or idioms can you think of? (examples: airhead, head start, to bang one’s head against the wall, head over heels, keep a cool head, like a chicken with its head cut off).
Although they are funny sayings, we know that protecting the head is very important to our health and well-being. A head injury can be dangerous and life threatening. That is why there are certain sports and activities where wearing a helmet is vitally important, such as playing football or riding a bicycle.
Getting into the Word:
In Ephesians 6, Paul writes about the fact we are in a spiritual battle, …not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). He then goes on to list a spiritual armor that Christians should be figuratively wearing so that we can stand up against the devil’s schemes (v. 11).
Read Ephesians 6:10-20.
Although Paul doesn’t start with the helmet first, we are going to start there, because we think a lot of thoughts all day long. According to a study from psychologists at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, the average human has 6,200 thoughts per day (https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/how-many-thoughts-per-day/). For Christians, the biggest battlefield is our minds. When the enemy attacks, he usually attacks our minds because he knows if he can influence the way we think, he will influence the way we act.
A Roman soldier’s helmet, called a galea, was basically a skullcap made of iron, typically covered with bronze. Its primary function was to protect the solder’s skull and brain from the swing of the “broadsword”- a 3-to 4-foot-long sword with a massive handle that needed to be cradled by two hands to hit its target. One strategically aimed blow could completely crush the soldier’s skull, incapacitating him in a split second.
Over time, the soldier’s helmet was redesigned to be even more comprehensive in its coverage. Pieces were added, including a flared neck guard and hinged cheek guards. It protected not only the head but also the neck and shoulders. When the helmet was strapped in place, it exposed little besides the eyes, nose and mouth.
How does Paul describe the helmet? Read also Isaiah 59:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:8.
Why do you think he used that word connected to the helmet?
What does salvation mean?
According to Easton’s Bible Diction, salvation is the word used for “the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:13), and of deliverance generally from evil or danger. In the New Testament it is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin wrought out by Jesus Christ, “the great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3).”
The salvation experience is often reduced to something that only affects a person’s eternal destiny – heaven or hell. For some, salvation is just a “get out of hell free card.” And to be clear, the fact that it does affect the outcome of eternity gives us incredible hope. In fact, part of what it means to wear the helmet of salvation is to live every day in light of eternity, and the promised future that we have. Doing so will, without a doubt, change the way we live in the present.
While the future implications of our salvation are critical and give us astounding hope, this is not the totality of what it offers. If salvation was only meant to give us a ticket to eternity, what good would it do us now while we’re still on earth? Do we just sit around waiting, living out our days until some future moment when the Lord returns or when we go to heaven, whichever comes first?
No, salvation – yours and mine – was meant to come with more than future benefits. It was also supposed to exert a startlingly clear impact on our present, daily life. But this impact will only be experienced to the extent that we apply the benefits of salvation to our everyday lives.
Receiving salvation is not the same as applying salvation. The first redeems us; the second restores, protects and shields us daily from the attacks of the enemy.
Read Romans 5:9-10. What does justification mean?
Justification is a legal term signifying acquittal. It means we’re released from having to pay the debt we owe for our sin. But our salvation doesn’t stop at the foot of the cross. If you’re amazed at what His death accomplished, imagine how much more is accomplished through “His life.” The fact that He lives means our salvation flows into the everyday experiences where we live.
“I’m saved” isn’t just past tense; it also has past and future implications. As we live underneath its blessing, we enjoy a vibrant, living, daily reality in the present (sanctification). And this is not just a one-time occurrence. Sanctification is a process by which we are continually delivered from the wrath of God on earth, fortified against the enemy’s attacks, and molded into the image of Christ as our minds are renewed. And Salvation includes glorification – 0ne day we will be saved from the presence of sin – that’s our eternity in heaven.
The enemy is a liar (John 8:44) and he wants us to doubt our salvation. What is the best way to combat the lies of the enemy (see Romans 12:2)?
Getting Practical:
Paul writes in Ephesians 6 that we are to put on or take up the helmet of salvation. How do we do this practically? How do we live out this passage, since it isn’t a literal helmet that we are putting on?
Using the word “hat” as an acrostic, we can remember how to take up the helmet of salvation.
H – Halt errant thoughts.
Read 2 Corinthians 10:5 What do you think taking our thoughts captive means?
When the enemy sends his lies to our mind, we need to immediately stop thinking about those lies. Just because the enemy puts a thought in our head, doesn’t mean we have to think about it. We need to halt the errant thought, take every thought captive, and make it obedient to Christ. Remember, it is the helmet of salvation; the enemy is going to attack our position in Christ. He will get us to question whether we are saved or not, or doubt that the last sin we committed is the one that God won’t forgive, or he will try to get us to think that we are too bad for God to love or forgive us, or that we have failed God one too many times. Whenever those thoughts come to our mind, we need to halt thinking about them.
As the saying goes, “You can’t keep birds from flying over your head, but you can sure keep them from building a nest in your hair!” Taking thoughts captive means controlling them instead of allowing them to control you. It means actively replacing the enemy’s thinking with God’s thinking at every opportunity.
A – Adjust your thoughts and accept your identity in Christ.
This means, instead of thinking about the garbagy thoughts the enemy puts in your mind, think about who Christ says you are in Him. Focus on your identity in Christ.
Read 1 Corinthians 2:16. What does having the mind of Christ mean?
Since we have the mind of Christ, we need to think Christ-like thoughts.
Besides offering protection, soldiers wore helmets as a means of identification. Often the name of the soldier who wore the helmet was inscribed inside of it. Our salvation identifies us with Christ. The enemy loves to get us to doubt our salvation, as well as our identity. He tries to get us to focus on the things we do (or don’t do) rather than who we are.
Read Ephesians 1:3-14 and 2:1-10. What do these verses say about our identity in Christ? (We are chosen, loved, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, included, marked in Him and sealed by His Spirit, we have been made alive in Christ, and we are His handiwork). What identity speaks most to you today?
T – Think the right thoughts.
Read Philippians 4:8. What kind of thoughts are we to be thinking? What do all those words mean?
If a thought doesn’t fit into one of these categories, we need to stop thinking it immediately. The lies of the enemy and the garbage he spews at you has no place in your life. Choose what fills your mind – if it fits with Paul’s grid then it is worth thinking about. Fill your mind with God’s Word and you will have no room for Satan’s lies.
Having a helmet is a confidence builder. It provides the security of protection amid the battle. The good news for us is that we never have a reason to be without it. The price for our helmet has been paid in full by our Savior. Re-read Ephesians 2:8-9.
What a shame if we ever go into battle again without taking full advantage of it – and the full benefit package that comes with it. Your identity is your weaponry. Taking up and putting on the helmet of your salvation is akin to knowing who you are in Christ, fortifying your thinking with it, and living in a way that is congruent with it. When you do this, you break the enemy’s stronghold and tap into the power to deflect future attacks.
Personal Reflection to H.A.T.: (these questions are for personal thought and meditation)
What recurring thoughts do I need to take captive?
What lie about my identity does the enemy like to whisper in my head?
What verse can I use to combat the specific lie of the enemy?
Closing Prayer:
In closing, read this prayer together as your commitment to put on the helmet of salvation.
Lord of my life, I dedicate myself to You this day. Today I will read the Word of God. Today I will pursue godly thinking.
Thinking godly thoughts protects me from sin. Thinking godly thoughts build strength of character in me. Thinking godly thoughts grows my integrity. Thinking godly thoughts increases my love for others.
I realize that… Thinking godly thoughts, reading the Word of God, putting on Your Armor, And choosing godly actions and attitudes will make me a strong, victorious Christian.
I dedicate my mind to you today. I will meditate on godly things. And reject ungodly thoughts this day. Amen. By Beth McLendon of Inspirational-Prayers.com
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/anna-saveleva-VNZJ_BGxBJA-unsplash-scaled.jpg25601707Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-09-13 12:44:032023-09-13 12:44:06September 2023 Bible Study: The Battlefield of our Mind
By Lisa Garcia Director of Loss Control and Compliance Risk Management Department – Territorial Headquarters
When I think of an example of flourishing, my first thought is something that is showing evidence of success. Maybe a plant that is growing tall and healthy with beautiful blooms or someone who has it all together and never seems to be struggling. By that definition, I was always resentful of those who were flourishing. Those who had it all together, did everything expected of them with minimal effort or was just thriving. I was never thriving – I was always in crisis or surrounded by drama and most of that was my own making. I was living by the seat of my pants and attempting to manipulate everything to be on my terms. So many times, that translated into not caring what happened to anyone, especially myself. I fumbled on that way until May of 2005, when I begrudgingly walked into The Salvation Army, Adult Rehabilitation Center in Pasadena and decided to try something different. I was going to, the first time in my life, try and not be an alcoholic and drug addict in active addiction.
Once I had some sobriety under my belt, I realized that I am a very proud alcoholic and drug addict. You may be thinking that proud is a very strange way to describe an addict or addiction, but to understand why I am so proud, you would have to know where I came from and more importantly, where God has led me since then.
I was raised mainly by my grandparents because of my parent’s addiction problems. I always swore that I would never end up like my parents and I ended up worse. I started drinking socially in high school and loved how it made me feel. I was smarter, prettier, more personable. I went on to start college at USC and that’s where my drinking and using career really took off and I eventually had to drop out without one credit. My life with drugs and alcohol were not without brief periods of employment, stability and some happiness that came with the birth of my children, but they were always followed by lower lows. I had brief periods of being clean from one substance or alcohol but was never completely abstinent from everything. Not exactly sure when it happened, but things progressed in a way that I could not get ahead of my addiction and started to spiral. My spiral lasted several years and during that time, my life consisted of getting and losing jobs; being arrested and eventually, serving jail time; having utilities disconnected and being evicted; and the worst was my kids being removed from my care, more than once, due to my drug use. I would do what I needed to do to get them back and then use again. It was such a vicious cycle that I couldn’t see my demise or the damage that I was doing to those around me. I never thought about making a change to improve my life, I just kept living a lie and telling myself that I was ok and everyone else was wrong. I could go on and on about how low I had sunk but that is less important to what I choose to focus on today.
Thanks to my friend Jill who called a family friend who was a judge, and he recommended The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Pasadena. Jill arranged to pick me up at 7 am and all I had to do was stay sober. At 6 am, before she picked me up, I drank 2 beers. For the first time in a very long time, I was honest when they asked me when the last time that I drank was and sure enough, they turned me away. They turned me away but promised that if I stayed sober for the next two days, they would hold my bed. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but God did. Under Jill’s watchful eye of Jill, I did manage to stay sober, entered the program and have stayed sober since 5/25/2005.
While in the ARC, I was presented with a crash course in God, but I was ready to learn how to live again, or even more importantly, to find out how to live like God would want me to. I didn’t know about the faith-based aspect of The Salvation Army when I agreed to go and it is probably a good thing because I may have chosen not to go because I had no connection with God other than to pray to get me out of my messes that I got myself into…like being arrested, DCFS hearings, failing drug tests and so on. Based on my past, a relationship with God scared me, like maybe I wasn’t worthy of his goodness, because after all, I had done some horrible things while in my addiction and God’s grace wasn’t for people like me. Boy, was I wrong – I am exactly who God’s grace is for. When I kneeled for the first time to pray and accept Jesus into my life, I knew, from that moment, that my life would be infinitely better from now on, I didn’t know how, I just knew that it would be. I felt a love in my heart that I had only heard about and been skeptical of.
My relationship with God is something that I never take for granted. I am far from perfect, as my family and co-workers will attest to, but with God on my side, I was able to begin to forgive myself for the things that I had done and when I was able to begin to forgive myself, I was able to love myself and that is what has truly helped to heal me and allowed me to love others and accept their love for me. I share often about the feelings of love that my ARC Administrators Majors Dave & Gaylene Yardley instilled in me. The love that they showed me was the first real love, with no strings attached, that I had accepted in so long. Sometimes that was tough love, but they made sure that I knew the difference. To be told that I am a trophy of grace and God loves me, no matter what, was powerful. God opened my heart and allowed me to believe them. In turn, I gave myself a little chance and started to love myself. I learned that my calling is to love on those until they can love themselves. I don’t have to love their actions, but to love that they are a child of God and deserve a second chance is what I do to give back. My most important life lesson thus far has been that God loves me and there is nothing I can do about it.
Majors Gaylene & David Yardley (Southwest DHQ), Leslie Zimmerman (Veterans Family Center, Cascade Division) and Lisa
Is the person who has struggles but keeps on going thought of as flourishing? Do we think of the ugly weed growing up in the sidewalk as flourishing? Maybe not by some standards, but the Bible tells me differently. Job 8:7 “Your beginning will seem so small, since your future will flourish,” is my constant reminder to keep on thriving and encouraging others to do the same.
I was able to return to the school that I failed out of nearly 30 years ago, University of Southern California and get my Master of Public Administration with a Nonprofit focus in 2019 and did that while getting treatment for breast cancer. I mention that to say that even while life is showing up on life’s terms, I will remain faithful and flourish during every season. I am thankful to God for all that he has done for me, but more importantly, that I can share with others about how great my God is.
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pasadena-ARC-scaled.jpg19202560Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-09-13 12:43:402023-09-13 12:43:44Flourishing Story: Flourishing through the Battle
For three years my husband, Frank, and I served as chaplains at an Adult Rehabilitation Center where we got to minister to men in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The highlight for me were the Wednesday and Sunday chapel services. One Wednesday after chapel, well past the time we normally left to go home, I couldn’t find my husband. His office was dark, and he wasn’t talking to any of the men in the common area. I walked back to the chapel, looked through the window in the door and saw my husband and Tim, our assistant resident manager, counseling one of the men in our program. I didn’t disturb them.
A short time later I saw Tim in the hallway; obviously my husband was done talking with the man in our program. I walked back to the chapel, and again looked through the window. There were still three men in the room: my husband, the man in our program, and someone who I was sure was Tim. I turned from the chapel window as I heard Tim talking to one of the men at the front desk. I looked back through the window, and once again there were three men in the chapel. Obviously the third man could not be Tim. Confused, I went to my office. A short time later Frank called me saying he was ready to go home. On the way home I asked Frank who was with him in the chapel as he counseled one of the men. Frank looked at me strangely and said he and the man were alone the entire time. I told him I had clearly seen 3 men, several times, and I told him I thought it was Tim with his hand on Frank’s shoulder.
I stewed on the situation that evening and was reminded of a story in 2 Kings 6, where Elisha, God’s prophet and his servant discovered that the city they were in was surrounded. The servant panicked and asked Elisha what they should do. Elisha told him to not be afraid and confidently said that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:16-17). Elisha’s servant got a glimpse of the spiritual war that was taking place around them.
I believe what I saw in the chapel that night, was a glimpse of the spiritual realm that was around me. This isn’t something that happens often in my life; I am not in the habit of seeing people that aren’t there, but I know that God opened my eyes, because I was in one of the biggest spiritual battles of my life. Yes, we are in a battle; we have an enemy of our soul, the deceiver, the tempter, the devil. Jesus tells us what the devil’s desire is for us: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10a). He is a liar and only speaks lies (John 8:44), and he loves to fill us with discouragement, defeat and doubt. At this time in my life, I was struggling with my calling to serve God as an officer in The Salvation Army. Besides questioning my call, the stressful situation was impacting my marriage, my family, and my health (both physically and mentally). I was at my breaking point, and I was going to throw it all away. The enemy was attacking, and it felt like he was winning!
And then God opened my eyes to see a glimpse into the spiritual realm. Did I see an angel with my husband? Maybe. I saw someone no one else could see. Whatever God allowed me to see that day, was the encouragement I needed to keep moving forward in the battle. Through this unusual encounter, I was reminded of three things that would help me flourish in this battle (as well as any future battles I would face).
What I saw reminded me that just like the servant, I didn’t need to be afraid of the battle. It has been said that the phrase “Do not fear” occurs 365 times in the Bible (I haven’t actually counted for myself); a daily reminder that we need not be afraid of anything. Matthew Henry wrote, “The opening of our eyes will be the silencing of our fears. In the dark we are most apt to be frightened. The clearer sight we have of the sovereignty and power of heaven the less we shall fear the calamities of this earth.”
Secondly, I had the assurance that I was not alone in this battle. The Lord was with me during this difficult time, and would continue to be with me every step of the way. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Finally, I was reminded that with God, I am on the winning side. Although I only saw one person, and not a mountainside covered with horses and chariots of fire, I had the assurance of knowing that God is greater than anything I face, and the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Did the battle get easier? Not necessarily. Did it end immediately? Definitely not. It was still a battle. The struggle was real. Eventually I did get through the battle. I didn’t let the enemy defeat me. I was victorious because I depended on Christ, through whom we have the victory: But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sept-blog-scaled.jpg25601920Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-08-16 08:27:552023-09-06 13:17:36New Vision for the Battle
There are times when we just feel spiritually dry or thirsty. How do we flourish even in the dry seasons? This month’s newsletter is all about how we can flourish in the dry season. We satisfy our spiritual thirst by connecting with God, and His Word.
… Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37-38
By Major Noelle Nelson Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Golden State Division
The desert has a lot of beauty. The shades of red and orange, the cliffs, cactus, various trees, plant life, and the variety of animals may come as a surprise! There is more than meets the eye. This craft will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the desert, and even take it with you, without having to brave the heat.
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
ACTIVE TIME: 1 hour
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 10 minutes
Materials
Empty clear glass bottle or container
Funnel (you can make one with paper taped together into a cone)
Various kinds of sand (try to pick distinct colors or textures – from outside, the craft store, etc.)
Small clippings of desert-type plants, or bits of rough shrub
Small rocks (make sure they will fit through the opening of your bottle)
Paper towel, plastic wrap, & tape to create stopper (if your container does not have a stopper or lid)
Tools
A bamboo skewer to move items around in the bottle (remember, the opening is small)
Instructions
Gather all your materials. If working indoors, work over a shallow box or newspaper to catch all the sand and clippings.
Funnel in your sand. If you have gathered sand from outside, made sure to sift out any debris. To create slopes, tilt your funnel to one side for one sand color then fill the gap with the next sand type. You can also use the skewer to swirl the colors together.
Continue to create sand layers, adding pretty decorative rocks between the layers. NOTE: the rock layers need to be thick so the sand won’t cover them.
Keep going until the neck of the bottle starts to get smaller.
Add plants, small colorful rocks, and other treasures! Use the skewer to position them.
Stop the bottle and treat it gently! Fashion a stopper using some paper towel. Cover over tightly with a piece of plastic wrap; secure with clear tape. If you have to transport it, try to make sure it stays level! Too much motion could cause the contents to get mixed together.
Enjoy your Desert in a Bottle!
Download a printable version of these instructions:
