REFRESH: Seeing God in the Midst of Change

 

“REFRESH: Seeing God in the Midst of Change” was our theme for the Women’s Getaway - what a great time we had! I think everyone left refreshed and not only from the beautiful surroundings, but from the fellowship we enjoyed with each other. Our MidSouth Women’s Getaway is always a special time to connect with one another and get a closer glimpse into each other’s lives.

A few ‘quotable quotes’ from our Getaway:

“Being discontent and ungrateful makes you weary.” ~Bekah

“Realize that change is something God uses to mature us,
to make us holy.” ~Rene

“Knowing God has a bigger plan gives significance to daily circumstances and hope in heart breaks.” ~Anna Claire

“Change – and lack of change – conditions our hearts to be thankful.” ~Cam

“Even in changing circumstances, we have an unchanging God.” ~Kitty

“No matter our circumstances we always have hope. Christ is our hope!” ~Erin

A special thanks to Julie Jones for sharing her artistic talents with us! She entitled this picture “A Room with A View” – painted looking out the window from her room in the Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Beating Holiday Stress

I have recently been thinking about the aura of stress that is associated with Christmas! There seems to be a balancing act that comes with celebrating the season and also keeping our (and others’) expectations in check. Yes, we’re all excited to celebrate the Birth of Jesus and we value time spent with family and close friends. But there is stress involved in it all~

I want to encourage you to keep your emotional cup full. Make plans that you can accommodate without becoming stressed out. Say no to things you don’t really want to do - it’s OK! Plan a few activities that will energize you - not just by being physically present, but by being emotionally charged. The holiday season accentuates the reality of where we are in life. If you’re visiting with family members where there is relational tension or if you have had a significant life change this year, don’t be hard on yourself if you feel sad at certain times and even cry. I’ve found that a good cry is medicine for the soul! When our family went around the Thanksgiving table sharing what they were thankful for, I burst into tears on my turn! The sad thing was that I couldn’t stop crying. I was overcome with thankfulness for my family, but was also sad for loved ones that weren’t at the table with us. (As I reflected later I thought, “Where did THAT come from?”)

What fills your emotional cup? Gauge your emotional health during this Christmas season. Are you irritable with others? Do you run from one thing to another? Are you stressed out? Being emotionally healthy will help you enjoy this special season instead of just enduring it.

I haven’t commented on spiritual health because we all know that daily time with the Lord is our top priority. Staying in tune to our spiritual health will affect our emotional state. Praise God that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. He is the one that empowers us to stay in the game.

I hope you are having a great Advent season. May God give you the confidence of His abiding presence this Christmas. Immanuel – God with us!

--Mary Wallace Wilson

Packing Suggestions for Staff Conference

See you tomorrow! Here’s list my family uses every year when we pack up for the conference. I thought it might be helpful for you so I decided to share it!

Diaper bag
Diapers
Wipes
Pack N Play
Sheets
Blankets
2 Blankies
Humidifier
Sound machine
Monitor
Bath- Shampoo, washcloth, towel
*Just a shower, no tub in some rooms.
Hairbrush
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Tylenol
Belt
Music
DVD player/DVDs
Umbrella Stroller
Toys/Books

Clothes
Shoes (boots, athletic shoes)
Socks
4 Short sleeve shirts
4 Long sleeve shirts
2 sweaters
Pants
Pajamas
Underwear

Food stuff
Bowls
Cups
Forks/Spoons
Chair
Bibs

Winter stuff
Coat
Gloves
Hat
Chapstick

MISC
Snack bag
Water bottle
Pillows
Camera/video camera
Computer
Phones
Phone chargers
Hair dryer
Bible
Journal
Books/magazines
Gifts
Disc golf stuff

Parents
Clothes
Shoes (boots, athletic shoes)
Socks
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Lotion
Medicine
Belt

Any more suggestions?

What are you looking forward to for Staff Conference?

The countdown has begun. We’ll all be together in just a few days! Each year staff from our Region gather together in Black Mountain for a time of encouragement and fellowship. We get some time away from campus to connect with friends and hear teaching from the word. I look forward to this conference EVERY YEAR!

Past highlights include…

Playing games in the Coffee House

Painting pottery at a local studio with some other staff women

Dinner at My Father’s Pizza

Playing in the snow

Hearing staff share about how the Lord is working in their life

Hearing stories about how the Lord is working all over the world

Of course one of my absolute favorite times was hearing the story about when the UNC staff team got on the wrong airplane and ended up in the wrong country!

 

I am excited about being in Black Mountain for many reasons. This year I am really looking to meeting the new staff as well as connecting with some friends who I have not seen in a long time.

What are you looking forward to or what is your favorite thing about Staff Conference? Please share in the comments below.