Category Archives: Retreats

A time for rest & refreshment.

Leadership, Retreats

Put Fun in Your Fundraising

Leave a comment

When you realize fundraising has been a lifetime endeavor, it takes on a new perspective. We have all been influencing others to support our causes in countless ways from the earliest days.

From giving toothless grins as babies, we learned cuteness counts. When we reached for the candy dish as toddlers, we learned to showboat the event for extra rewards. Over a lifetime of peddling products from a magazine to pizzas for school fund drives and bake sales for youth group trips, I’ve learned a few tricks for tapping other resources.

Here’s the thing. It’s not about getting money from people but about enlisting them to join you in the adventure like the church did in Acts 2:42-47.

  • Are the youth going to camp? Talk about the theme, topics, and growth anticipated.
  • Are the women planning a retreat? Mention their need for a getaway from life’s routines in order to foster community.
  • Does your church desire to build a gymnasium? Let people construct camaraderie while dreaming of lives touched through the art of play.

When you cast the vision for your project, you provide the narrative for the storyline. Write others into your story arc by telling them why you’re invested in it. Use the 5 Ws & an H to fill out the information.

Here are the answers to those questions from our Uganda Team:

Where: Eye Clinics to Uganda, East Africa

Who: Names of team members and Why they want to go

What: To provide eyeglasses, readers & sunglasses to about 1,000 people

When: January 2025

How: Donations of new clothing, used glasses, school supplies, sample size shampoos, and health aids to hand out.

Your passion fuels the story. Let others see your excitement and catch your enthusiasm. Put the fun into fundraising through your advertising by poking fun at your event.

  • When we host Spaghetti Dinners, we use memes of meatballs rolling away to the whimsical tune of “On Top of Spaghetti.”
  • Promos for our garage sale joke about overloaded trucks and bulging carts.
  • Our Chocolate Fest boasted of the Golden Ticket from Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

Let your contagious joy infect others as you spread the word of your event and purpose. Infuse people with infectious laughter as you bring the fun.

Speaking of fun, why not have a contest while you’re at it?

  • The winner of our Popcorn Sales gets bragging rights.
  • The winners at our sale’s Dump Your Junk Party compete for The Most Bizarre Item and The Best in Shape for Its Age Item. They win two scoop cones at our local shoppe.
  • The winner of our Calendar Sales Campaign for a candidate for MS Stem Cell Transplant won the calendar of their choice.

One year the pastor had to kiss a pig at VBS if the kids met their challenge. You can bet I didn’t want a kiss from my hubby after that celebration!

Think outside the box to make your contest appealing – a homemade pie, car detailing, or dinner with your family can entice more participation.

What types of fundraisers work? Try things that resonate with your team so all work together to get it off the ground.

Rock-a-Thon (sponsors donate per hours you stay in a rocking chair. Breaks permitted!), Spaghetti Dinner for the community, Carnival, Bottle & Can Drive, Quarter Drive (hand out plastic M&Ms tubes and ask people to turn them in filled with quarters), Bake Sale outside of a local store (some stores will donate to the cause), Craft Show (charge per table for vendors to sell their items. Sell concessions.), Chicken & Biscuit Dinner, sell Church Cookbooks, Worship Team Concert & Offering, Baked Goods for Thanksgiving Dinner (pies & breads), Basket Raffle with donations from businesses, Calendar Sales (https://www.promocalendarsdirect.com/)

More ideas for brainstorming: https://www.classy.org/blog/fundraising-event-ideas-raise-money-cause/

It may take a while to gain momentum, so be prepared to advertise months in advance. Most of all, keep it relational. When you include others in your story, they will take ownership and partner with you in your venture.

One more story. Our church issued a Backpack Challenge for members to fill backpacks with school supplies. One little girl turned in hers with a request. She had added clothes her size for another girl to have for the first days of school. Our youth pastor agreed to pray for that specific recipient. Later that week, she received a call from a local agency. Guess what they asked for? Yep, that specific size was needed for a little girl! Two gals learned about the power of prayer and that God cares about the details, when one responded to a fundraiser.

The next time you’re worried about being too salesy, remember who you’re serving and bring along the shenanigans!

How will you add fun to your fundraising?

Sally

Retreats

Book Review & A Giveaway: Renewal of the Mind

3 Comments
Renewal of the Mind

Renewal of the Mind is a twenty-eight-day guide to a new mindset. It provides a place to implement change with journaling, prayer and God’s Word. The author, Jacob Bowker affirms God wants a connection with us because He created us to be in relationship with Him. This guide is a tool toward experiencing community with the Lord.

Jacob Bowker is an artist, author and musician with a heart to bring transformation to culture and lives. “He is a member of the board of Story Ministry and in charge of ministry programs and development. Jacob has 20+ years of experience in media, marketing, business development, and launching start-ups. He has a son who is in a mental health hospital, and through his journey with his son, he grew a heart for individuals dealing with drug addiction and mental health.”

Do you want to give up when trying to make change in your life? Jacob says, “Transformation is not about the amount of time it takes but to make sure the transformation is complete.” He adds, “Complete transformation is not just fixing the areas we have conditioned, but also living how God asks us to live and how Jesus showed us to live.”

5 Minute Mental Health Check

Jacob reminds us change requires structure, organization, and truth. He provides that while celebrating daily wins and says they build confidence for the long-term results desired.  Jacob says, “Celebrating the small wins helps us to see the blessings God is providing daily.”

If you are looking for a breakthrough in your mental, spiritual or physical stamina, then Renewal of the Mind might be just what you’re looking for. I am giving away not one, but two copies of Renewal of the Mind to two readers in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Monday, March 20. Tell me a verse that encourages your heart. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclaimer: I received copies of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Retreats

Meet Eric Speir!

3 Comments

Guest Post. Meet Author Eric Speir! I’m happy to have him join us today.

Eric Speir is a writer, pastor, and Bible college professor. He’s been a freelance writer for various publications, including Relevant Magazine, Charisma, FivestarMan, Family Share, and ChurchLeaders.com. His books include Grit and Grace and The Struggling Parent. Eric holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in leadership development and creative communication. He and his wife, Roshelle, have four children and live near Atlanta, GA. You can sign up for a free daily devotional and learn more about Eric at www.EricSpeir.com.

The Struggling Parent

About the Book:

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It can be the most rewarding experience, and at the same time, it can be the most discouraging. Recently, the author found himself going through a season of difficulty with his teenagers. At times he felt helpless and hopeless as he witnessed their struggles and as he felt the tension in their relationship. During this challenging season, the author began to search God’s word for encouragement.

In a season of desperation, the author began searching God’s Word for promises related to families and children. He began to compile a list of scriptures and began to pray over the lives of his children. During this time, the author talked to several other parents who were going through similar struggles. Surprisingly many of these families looked perfect on the outside, but on the inside, they were also struggling. It was in a morning of prayer when the Lord whispered to the author to write the devotional book to encourage other parents facing similar struggles.

The author has four children, two of them teenagers, and he has spent the last fifteen years pastoring and teaching young adults at the university level. Over the years, he has personally experienced the heartache of parenting and encouraged many parents who have struggled with their children.

The Struggling Parent is a 30-day devotional for parents facing struggles with their children. Whether you have tweens, teens, or adult children, this book will help you to develop your parenting grit. You will be encouraged to move past your feelings to praying the promises through God’s Word. You will understand that even when you do not know what to say, you can say what God has already said.

The Struggling Parent is ideal for those:

  • Parents who are struggling with how to pray for their teenager or adult child.
  • Parents who are facing relationship struggles with their children.
  • Parents who are dealing with a wayward child.

The Struggling Parent is not a formula for how to have a new kid by the weekend. It’s a devotional book written for parents who need a breath of fresh air for their souls. While it may not promise an immediate turnaround in your family, it can provide peace for the journey.

Book Drawing!

Eric is giving away a copy of The Struggling Parent to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment here (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held Monday evening, October 31. Tell me something that encourages you as a parent. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Thank you for dropping by, Eric!

Sally

Retreats

Meet L.A. Darroch!

Leave a comment

Guest Post. Meet Author L.A. Darroch! I’m happy to have her join us today.

L.A. Darroch

L.A. Darroch is a Christian author with a heart for the persecuted church and other stories that touch the hearts of readers for God’s glory. She seeks to use her writing to encourage readers to “Speak Life.” She credits her late father with introducing her to a passion for reading, which led her to pursue a B.A. in English, with a focus on creative writing. She lives in Winnipeg, Canada and is owned by a very smart cat named Bathsheba. Besides writing and reading, she enjoys history, playing tennis and spending time with Bathsheba, family and close friends.

The Road From Damascus

About the Book:

The Road from Damascus: The Inspiration Behind the Novel

The inspiration for The Road from Damascus came to me during the height of ISIS’s rise to power. I saw the persecution of Christians in Iraq and Syria were experiencing while watching CBN in 2015 and I felt a burden for them. I began following what was happening through charities that serve persecuted Christians, including Open Doors. Through the information I received from the charities and various news articles, I discovered the plight of not only my brothers and sisters in Syria, but in many nations around the world where it isn’t safe to follow Jesus.

I’ve always been a very sensitive person. Their stories of pain, struggle and triumph for Christ amid persecution drew me in. I read as many as I could, drawing inspiration for my struggle with depression. During this time I wrote emails to several officials in the Canadian government begging them to give special priority to religious minorities, including Christians, for resettlement. I received no response.

I wanted people to understand the struggle of Christians in the Middle East. So many people in the west just didn’t know or understand, even those in the churches. I wanted to share what I knew with others to help them connect with the persecuted on a personal level. I’ve always loved writing and storytelling and I wanted to write a novel someday.

I decided to write it from the perspective of a 14-year-old Christian girl whose family was attacked by ISIS. I started my first draft solely from Istir’s perspective, but as I continued writing, I discovered new events that Istir couldn’t fill in because she wasn’t there. It was at that point that I knew I needed to rewrite and add other character perspectives. I wasn’t expecting that, but God led me and it resulted in a much more insightful and emotional story. It was through this that I discovered the reason for the title, The Road from Damascus. Though I won’t reveal the reason here, because it would spoil the book.

Thank you for dropping by, L.A! Check out her Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/ladarroch and be inspired to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world!

Sally

Retreats

Book Review: Jesus Followers

5 Comments
Jesus Followers

Jesus Followers conveys a legacy of love from the Graham family to our families. Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, the granddaughter of Billy & Ruth, writes with her mom, Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy & Ruth. Their desire to pass the baton of faith to the next generation reflects the unique impact of our witness, worship, walk, and work.

“Rachel-Ruth teaches a weekly women’s Bible Study and shares God’s Word at numerous events around the country. She serves on the Board of Directors for AnGeL Ministries, in addition to chairing the weekly prayer team that undergirds her mother’s ministry.”

“The New York Times named Anne one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. She’s been profiled on 60 Minutes, and has appeared on TV programs such as Larry King Live, The Today Show, and Hannity Live. Her Just Give Me Jesus revivals have been held in more than 30 cities in 12 different countries, to hundreds of thousands of attendees.”

Jesus Followers will equip you to create your own legacy as you vulnerably share a listening ear and the stories of your own heartaches. Rachel-Ruth reminds us to share our hardships with others and tell them how God brought us through them, “He will be glorified through the pain in our lives.”

Rachel-Ruth tells how her grandmother, Ruth Bell Graham, saw treasure in broken items and upcycled them before recycling was “a thing.” She also saw treasure in people who were hurting and broken, and reminded them they were priceless in God’s eyes.

Continuing with the witness, worship, walk, and work theme, Anne says, “An authentic witness is inextricably linked to a heart devoted to worship.”

Ruth taught Rachel-Ruth that worship is the best way to fight discouragement, and offered practical tips:

  1. Focus on the blessings.
  2. Carry a song in your heart.
  3. Keep a sense of humor.

Jesus Followers is very relatable as the authors share stories of caring for a family and navigating the daily chaos of life. They remind us God is able and willing to walk through life with everyone who calls out to Him. A precious legacy, indeed!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Retreats

Book Review & a Giveaway: Change My Relationship

8 Comments
Change My Relationship

Change My Relationship: 365 Daily Devotions for Christians in Difficult Relationships provides more than a daily reading. It is a book that will equip you to live with intentionality every day.

Author Karla Downing is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has written 10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages, When Love Hurts: 10 Principles to Transform Difficult Relationships, and The Truth in the Mirror: A Guide to Healthy Self-Image. She is the founder of ChangeMyRelationship.com, and is a speaker, author, counselor, and Bible study teacher.

While the subtitle says the book is for difficult relationships, I found it helpful for every connection. The book offers pointers on self-discipline, learning how not to be offended, and a remedy for jealousy. Change My Relationship talks about people pleasing based on a false premise, and measuring progress, not perfection.

This is an important book in a time when we have become more aware of dysfunctional relationships and the damage that can result from them. The Gabby Petito Case has captivated Americans as a real life scenario with tragic results. My prayer is that awareness will create action to safeguard each one at risk.

I am intrigued by Karla’s ministry. Her website is chocked full of sound advice for handling boundaries and managing expectations. The book is also topically indexed for easy reference, with subjects from A to Z, including abuse, acceptance, trust, and vulnerability.

Here’s a list from page 80 where Karla shares things you can do to balance your day.

  • Do something you don’t want to do.
  • Do something nice for someone else.
  • Do something just for you.
  • Do something that will make you feel productive.
  • Do something that will make you relax and slow down.
  • Do something that will make you more aware of God’s presence in your life.
  • Do something that will add to your knowledge of a subject you want to know more about.
  • Do some type of exercise or activity to benefit your body.
  • Do something that gets you in touch with your emotions.

I think that’s good advice for all of us!

I am giving away a copy of Change My Relationship to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held Monday evening, September 27. Tell me your favorite tip for self-care. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Retreats

Book Review & a Giveaway: Miss Tavistock’s Mistake

3 Comments
Miss Tavistock’s Mistake

Lies, deception and jealousy all contribute to Miss Tavistock’s Mistake, but will she make amends before it’s too late, or will her story take on a life of its own?

Linore Rose Burkard wrote Miss Tavistock’s Mistake as Book One of The Brides of Mayfair, set in the early 1800s in Yorkshire, England. Linore is “the author of historical romance, contemporary suspense, contemporary romance, and romantic short stories.”

Linore makes good use of imagery to bring the reader into her story world. Descriptions of fashion, decorating, hair styles and vernacular all contribute to transporting one into another time and place.

The characters are well-developed, pitting three brothers against each other and an orphan, coming of marriageable age, in their midst. The brothers struggle with their own vices and Miss Tavistock creates havoc between them:

The eldest, an earl.

The middle, a sea captain.

The youngest, a scholar at university.  

Which one will she chose? Will her charade keep her from all of them?

Linore brings in events from history, bringing it alive in full color. The inclusion of the fete in June of 1811 describes the lavish style of celebration for the Prince of Wales’ becoming Regent, and the surprising mob at the palace. Get your own copy to find out more, and escape for a time to a world of intrigue and romance.

I am giving away a copy of Miss Tavistock’s Mistake to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and tell me what you like best about reading fiction. You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Saturday, July 18 at 4 pm. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Retreats, Reviews

Book Review: The Peace Maker

2 Comments
The Peace Maker by Michele Chynoweth

What do you get, when fiction collides with a story from the Bible? You get The Peace Maker by Michele Chynoweth! The Peace Maker takes a journey in modern day scenes, following the events surrounding Abigail meeting David, king-elect.

Michele Chynoweth is the author of The Faithful One, The Runaway Prophet, and soon to be released, The Jealous Son, all based on Biblical characters. She is also an inspirational speaker, a book coach and a writing instructor.

Michele says her books are “contemporary suspense/romance novels that re-imagine Old Testament stories in the Bible,” and they live up to that title! The Peace Maker uses political ploys as a platform and gives an interesting spin to 1 Samuel 8-25.

It’s fascinating to see questions raised about current events in the news. The Peace Maker touches on right-to-life, stem-cell research, domestic violence, racism, and alcoholism, to name a few. Can a Christian effect change in government? Should convictions of one be inflicted on many? Abigail thought so, when she approached David. Make your own opinion, when you see how Michele’s characters carry out their roles in the book.

We took The Peace Maker to another level, by inviting Michele to speak at our Women’s Retreat. Using her book, and basing our theme of “Fearless” on Abigail, we asked, “Are you fearless? Do you struggle to find courage in the midst of life’s challenges?”

Michele helped us look at what equipped Abigail to stop the massacre against her household, and how her story applies to our stories, today. We contemplated steps to cast fear aside and decisions to equip us for action. And, Abigail became a living, breathing role model!  

Get a copy of The Peace Maker, and decide for yourself if it makes the Old Testament brand new. You’re in for a delightful ride!

Sally

Retreats, Reviews

Book Review: A Spoonful of Grace

Leave a comment

Is it intimidating to come up with devotions to share with your children? Annette Hubbell has taken the guesswork out of the equation by writing A Spoonful of Grace, Mealtime Blessings in Bite-Sized Pieces.
“Annette Hubbell is a writer, actor, and producer. She has an MBA from CSU San Marcos and a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University.” She wrote A Spoonful of Grace after a meal with friends, where she was inspired by the prayer offered and the ensuing table talk.
A Spoonful of Grace received the Illumination Book Award in the Family/Parenting category, which is “based on content, design, and production quality, with emphasis on innovation and creative ways of expressing a Christian worldview.”
Annette says it will take two minutes to introduce one of the mealtime reflections. From there, families can use the insights as a springboard. It will cultivate communication at mealtimes and other times, as they learn to listen and discuss matters of the heart. A Spoonful of Grace is a great tool with thoughts on Scriptures. It nudges budding hearts with easy to process topics and devotionals.
An example from the book is taken from Day 21. The verse highlighted is from Proverbs 1:8-9 where we are reminded to learn from the wisdom of our parents. The assignment for the kids? Act like a reporter and interview your parents!
Annette says the daily graces are like manna, to provide morsels that will grow into prayerful habits. From birthday and holiday meditations, to daily interactions, A Spoonful of Grace will give you the opportunity to create conversation around God’s Word and the characteristics of a life in tune with His. May it prompt discussions with your family that help each to grasp the gospel message and absorb it into their own hearts!
Sally
Disclaimer: I received a copy of A Spoonful of Grace from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Retreats

Book Review: More Than Surviving: Courageous Meditations for Men Hurting from Childhood Abuse

Leave a comment

Cecil Murphey wrote More Than Surviving for men hurting from childhood abuse and their loved ones, so that they could find healing, peace, and a stronger, more loving connection to God. He is a survivor of childhood abuse – sexual, physical, and verbal.
“New York Times’ bestselling author and international speaker Cecil (Cec) Murphey has written or cowritten more than 138 books, including the runaway bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold in the millions, been translated into more than 40 languages, and have brought hope and encouragement to countless people around the world.” Yet, Cec says, “I felt unworthy of love and affection.” Cec is an example of someone who turned his pain into a way to help others. He has also impacted the lives of countless writers through scholarships, writing helps, speaking and encouragement. His books equip many more through the wisdom that has seasoned his life.
Cecil shows how abuse leaves the victim feeling unworthy and at fault, yet provides reassurance that, in spite of something bad happening, with God’s help, shame no longer has to take up residence.

You’re a survivor. You didn’t fail; an adult failed you. ~ Cecil Murphey

Click To Tweet

I wanted to read this book to somehow comprehend the thoughts of one who had come through abuse. Even more so, I came away with a desire to work on some of my own issues with anger and unforgiveness.
I also realized there are ways we, as parents, teachers and the adults invested in the lives of the children around us, can protect them from perpetrators. We can help them feel loved, wanted, and cared about. Otherwise, someone else will, without genuinely caring about their wellbeing.
It’s helpful to read this book, because it highlights the lifelong trauma our children face when they encounter a predator. Cec peels back the layers of shame, hopelessness and fear to help others understand “The Truth will set you free.”
Cec says, “The only way any of us can find healing from our stolen childhoods is to face our suffering and abuse.”
It was a painful facing, for him, yet he pushed himself to ask, “How do I continue to heal?”
Do you have unresolved bitterness, jealousy, or anger? This book is for you.
Do you know someone who explodes in anger or hides behind a mask? This book is for you.
Have you experienced the trauma of childhood abuse? This book is for you.
Has your trust, innocence, or childhood been stolen? This book is for you.


Cec says, “Because I was a molested kid and have become a healed adult, I have a responsibility – an obligation – to do what I can to destroy the confederacy of silence that surrounds men who have been wounded by sexual, physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse.”
Don’t we all have a responsibility to provide a safe haven to each other? Get this book. You will be astounded by grace and the power of God’s love to change a life surrendered to Him.

I don’t want to live my life as a victim. ~ Cecil Murphey

Click To Tweet

Sally
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. It will be released on March 27, 2018 and is available for preorder now.