Christmas Cookie Exchange - was a Yummy Event!

Lori helps us think about the "Perfect Gift"

Are you thinking about giving

THE PERFECT GIFT?

Here are things to consider:

1. Is it Usefulness? What we need is through Jesus. We need Him everyday.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

2. Does it have Value? God gave us Jesus. He is the son the Highest King! Upon seeing the infant Jesus, Simeon said, “For my eyes have seen your salvation” Luke 2:30.

3. Is it Precious? Does it have meaning? Jesus did not stay a baby! “You are redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Peter 1:19.

4. Is it Wrapped Beautifully? Some of the names for Jesus are: Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Counselor, Creator, Emmanuel, and Faithful.

Do you have the Perfect Gift? JESUS



Yum!



Crunchy,

Chewy, 

We filled our plates full of cookies
during the Cookie Exchange!



Yummy in the Tummy,

Cookie Exchange!

 

Click here for 12 of the recipes

Thanks for all your hard work in the kitchen to fill us with holiday cheer!



Mashelle read a fun story during our White Elephant Gift Exchange

You opened;

You heard Ooos and Ahhs;

But you swapped;

You laughed;

And you went home with a:

      White Elephant??

Thanks for the fun White Elephant Gift Exchange! It was neat to see home-made soaps, a home-made coffee mix, knit dish towel (did you make that after our October LIFT??), candles, chocolate, and other fun gifts from home.

Two DIY Projects.
The Cookie Cutter Wreath was given away to a name that was
pulled from facebook posts. Hope you enjoy it Amy!!

Here are two
DIY projects. LEFT: Create a cookie cutter wreath by attaching cutters with paper clips (on both sides), add red twisty-ties between cutters, and hang with a ribbon. RIGHT:  Get your kids to make this easy luminaries. Cut a strip of aluminum foil. Draw a design on the non-glossy side. Place foil on foam tray. Let children use a nail to poke holes around the drawn design. Wrap foil around glass jar and attach with one piece of tape.



The older children's class
enjoyed Christmas crafts provided by
our Awesome Childcare Givers!



The GREATEST Gift of ALL: Jesus

Cookie Exchange on December 14

REMEMBER
DATE CHANGE:

LIFT Cookie Exchange

SECOND Wednesday
December 14, 2011

9:00am - 11:00am

Merry Christmas Ladies!
We look forward to getting together soon.
You may bring (optional):
 * About 3 dozen cookies to exchange and an extra container to put your new cookies in.
 * The recipe for your cookies
 * A wrapped White Elephant gift (gift from home)
 * A friend that could use a blessing of a retreat.

WAR Int'l Party at LIFT Nov. 16

Shopping WAR Int'l Jewerly at LIFT

 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Beautiful clean jewelry gave a positive light to the dark evil of human trafficking.

The November 16 LIFT event sparkled with WAR Int’l jewelry and began with the committee reading “Wonderful Women”. We read about the amazing things that women can do. But we ended the reading by saying, “If there is one flaw about women: They forget how much they’re worth.”

Lori led us in prayer and a time of reflecting on God’s word. Read her devotional below. We had yummy snacks. Check out the Blueberry Jello Salad recipe here.

Thanks Janessa for sharing WAR International with us. The video was eye opening. We are not immune to the evils of sexual abuse. Tears were shed as two ladies hugged while one shared the pain their family has dealt with recently.
I’m glad the LIFT ladies could be there for you!

YOU all have WORTH.

 LIFT purchases help support a Woman At Risk for 3 Months.

You were God's Hands and Feet!

Find more photos on our facebook page:
"Juniata Ladies In Fellowship Together (LIFT)"

WAR International Facts:

http://www.warinternational.org/
• 800,000 people are illegally trafficked against their will every year. 50% are children, 70% of the women are sold into sexual slavery chained to beds of honor. – US State Department
• The New Slavery…Human Trafficking, is the fastest growing segment of organized crime. 100,000 are trafficked inside America. – FBI
• Babies are sold into slavery globally for as little as $100.
• 114-200 million women are “demographically missing” due to infanticide, dowry deaths, domestic violence and all manner of risk. – US Secretary General

Help More Women At Risk by:
* Hosting a WAR Int’l party of your own. Learn more at: http://www.warinternational.org/

YOU Have WORTH



We have worth in the Master's Hands

 “YOU Have WORTH”

Lori began by reading “The Touch of the Master’s Hand” about an old, seemingly worthless violin being sold at a high price. Part of the reading said,
“Now you know many a man with a life out of tune is battered and scarred with sin And he's auctioned cheap to a thankless world, much like that old violin. Then the Master comes, and the foolish crowd. They never understand The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought, Just by one touch of THE MASTER'S HAND.”
Read the whole story here: http://www.godswork.org/emailmessage33.htm
• Take time to care and show someone worth.
• We have no idea the potential that someone has (but God does).
• There was a price paid for our soul. So, therefore there is worth to YOUR soul.



Thanks Sarah for sharing your refreshing recipe.
Blueberry Jello Salad

2 small black raspberry jello (I had used peach)

1 can blueberry pie filling
1 large crushed pineapple
2 1/2 c boiling water
Mix jello in boiling water, add pie filling and crushed pineapple and place in dish

8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 c sugar
1 c sour cream
1/2 t vanilla
Mix together and spread over chilled jello.

Thanks for bringing gifts for the Christmas Angel Project.

Thank you to each lady that contributed to the
Christmas Angel Project.
You made Christmas a lot more merry
for two children in Juniata County.






Ready to be Merry next month?
**REMEMBER we meet on the SECOND Wednesday next month:
December 14
9:00am – 11:00am
Bring several dozen of Christmas cookies to exchange along with the recipes. We will also have a White Elephant gift exchange so bring something from your home to give as a gift. *You never have to bring anything. Just come!

Keep Being God’s Hands and Feet.
see you again soon

Christmas Angel Project

Community Christmas Angel Project

If you picked a name

for the community

Christmas Angel Project,

remember to bring your

wrapped gift this

Wednesday at LIFT.

                                   Thanks!

Great Cause - Great Choice - November 16

"Wrapping arms of love around women and children, whispering the message that they were created for purpose and dignity." - This is part of the mission statement of Woman At Risk, International (WAR, Int'l).

At LIFT we believe all women have value and should never have to suffer abuses including human trafficking/sexual slavery. WAR, Int’l desires to give voice to the silenced cries of these woman. Watch a great short video at http://www.warinternational.org/

On Wednesday, November 16 we will have
TABLES FULL OF: 
Jewerly,
Home Decor,
Toys,
Scarves,
and more
created by women at risk.
Our goal is support one woman for a month from our purchases.
Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.
THINK CHRISTMAS... THINK BLESSINGS!
**You Do NOT need to buy anything!! Please just come to enjoy the company of other women and learn more about WAR Int'l.

We meet at Lost Creek Mennonite Church, Oakland Mills
http://www.lostcreekmennonitechurch.org/
Wednesday, November 16
9:00am - 11:00am
Hang out with other moms.
Snacks provided, Prayer Time, Devotional, and Event.
FREE CHILDCARE by our awesome staff.

Not just another thing to do, but a blessing we want to share with YOU.

LIFT October 19 - Learning to Crochet



LIFT on October 19, 2011. We're So Glad You Came!



Melissa's skillful hands
showed us how to crochet.

We made loops,

We made chains,
We pulled through,

We crossed over,

And SOME of us crocheted!!


Thanks to Melissa Fossey for her wonderful effort to teach us crochet. A lot of the ladies quickly picked up on the craft while others went home with the provided needle and yarn to keep trying if they wanted.

But, we all had a good time together. Bright sunflowers and chocolate filled favors meet each lady. Many women and children filled the room. Lots of chit-chat and laughter were heard. It was a wonderful place to be!

We had all levels from beginner to advanced.
There seemed to be plenty of people available to help.

________________________________________________________

Remember to LIKE us on facebook

"Juniata Ladies In Fellowship Together (LIFT)"

Doorprize drawing for those that post comments or post to this blog.

________________________________________________________



PENCILS and POSTAGE STAMPS Devotional

Thank you Lori for your inspirational devotional after our prayer time.
Like a Pencil:
1. Everything you do will a mark

Important reminders from a
simple pencil and postage stamp

2. You can always correct the mistakes you make.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
3. What’s inside is what’s important. Just like a pencil is useless without the lead.
“Instead, your beauty should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3: 4
4. In life, you will go through painful sharpenings that will make you stronger.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1: 2,3
5. To be the best (pencil) you must allow yourself to be held and guided.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8
“The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Isaiah 58:11
Like a Postage Stamp:
1. Endurance: The postage stamp sticks to something until it gets there.
2. Our destination is eternality.
3. Follow the Lord to the end
4. Don’t quit.

-----------------------------------------------

We enjoyed the refreshments that were brought! Thanks for sharing!!!

Here’s a recipe from a mom that made those yummy muffins…



Pumpkin Muffins - thanks!

 Pumpkin Muffins
1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
3 Eggs
½ cup oil
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 20 oz. can Pumpkin

Cream Cheese Filling
1 pkg 8 oz cream cheese
1/2 C confectioners sugar (I used 1C)
1/4 C milk

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and milk. Beat with a mixer until well blended. Refrigerate until ready to use. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Mix all muffin ingredients together. Bake in paper filled muffin pans at 375 for 12-15 minutes.

____________________________________________

The children seemed
to have fun too
 in their age divided classes!

  See you next month.

November 16

9:00-11:00am

WAR Jewelry Party

http://warinternational.org/

Because YOU Matter

These beautiful flowers will brighten the LIFT tables tomorrow and hopefully...your day!
See you soon.

Next event, October 19

You've admired those cool scarves,

thought about making baby blankets,

maybe even a hat for a gift.

But, is it too hard to crochet?

Well...there's only one way to fine out:

Come learn a new craft as Melissa Fausey teaches us how to crochet. All supplies will be provided (yes, that's right - and there's NO charge - now you have to try it). Come and just watch or pick up a hook and try it with your own hands.

We meet at Lost Creek Mennonite Church, Oakland Mills http://www.lostcreekmennonitechurch.org/
Wednesday, October 19
9:00am - 11:00am
Hang out with other moms.
Snacks provided, Prayer Time, Devotional, and Event.
FREE CHILDCARE by our awesome staff. (Now you really have to come and even bring a friend and her kids!!)

Not just another thing to do, but a blessing we want to share with YOU.

Sept. 21 - Kick Off Brunch

Elegant decoration
awaited the ladies

We’re off to a great start!!!

We kicked off the new year of LIFT with our new theme:

“Hands & Feet”

We had Brunch, Prayer,
Devotional, and Show & Tell.

And of coarse there was:

* Laughter

* Smiles
* Chit-Chatting
* New Ladies to Meet
* And a Great Time Had By All!


Lovely Ladies at LIFT

      Some of the Show & Tell items

We introduced ourselves and some ladies choose

to show or tell about a hobby or interest. Some

showed or mentioned: pictures, needle work,

scrapbooks, mothering, flowers, coffee cups,

Bibles, travels, farming, stamping, gardening,

shopping, painting, and more!

There is a lot of talent here!


Following prayer time,  

"BE God's Hands and Feet By:"

Lori gave us an encouraging devotional

“BE” what God wants you to be!

“BE” God’s hands and feet by:

1. BE near to God
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” – James 4:8
2. BE content
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
3. BE in the Word (Bible)
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11
4. BElieve
“Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ” – Galatians 2:16
5. BE still
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
6. BE thinking of others
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32


LIFT Magnet for each lady



                        Each lady left with a magnet saying: “I want to be your hands, I want to be your feet, Lord I’ll go where you send me.”

                        This can be a reminder to touch the world with our hands and feet just like Jesus touched our lives.

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH:

Wednesday, October 19, 9-11am

"Learn to Crochet"

or just come!

Follow Us On FACEBOOK:
"Juniata Ladies In Fellowship Together" and like us!

Kick-Off Brunch This Wednesday!

There will no one standing in front of the class.

There will be no grades.

And there will be no live frogs (I hope!)

There will be a prepared brunch - yum.

There will be ladies who understand and support you.

There will be devotions and prayer time.

There will be laughter, smiles, and friendships.

There will be an optional time of SHOW & TELL to help us get to know you better. For example, you could bring pictures, something you made or enjoy doing, etc.

9-11:00 at Lost Creek Menn. Church, Oakland Mills. Free childcare.

Come hungry. Come to be blessed.

2011-2012 Schudule of Events

2011-2012 Theme: Being the Hands and Feet of Christ

We are the
Hands and Feet of Christ



September 21 - Kick Off Brunch

Get your feet moving to LIFT as we kick-off the new year. Following a prepared brunch, we are going to have “Show and Tell”! Bring something that will help us to know you better (examples: pictures, something you made or enjoy doing, etc.)

October 19– Learn to Crochet

Come learn a new craft as Melissa Fausey teaches us how to crochet. All supplies will be provided. Come and just watch or pick up a hook and try it with your own hands.

November 16– WAR Jewelry Party

The purpose and passion of Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) is to wrap arms of love around women and children, whispering the message that they were created for purpose and dignity. Janessa Graybill will share about this ministry and will display the jewelry that is sold to benefit the WAR efforts. There will be jewelry available for purchase.

December 14– Cookie Exchange

Get those hands busy in the kitchen! Bring several dozen of Christmas cookies to exchange along with the recipes. We will also have a White Elephant gift exchange so bring something from your home to give as a gift.

January 18– Woman vs. Giants

Our feet carry us through varying walks of life and we each have different “giants” in our lives– guilt, inadequacy, fear, hurts, etc. Lori Apple will lead a discussion on how to deal with these “giants.”

February 15– Tickle Your Funny Bone

Sometimes our hands and feet are so busy “doing” that we forget our need to sit, relax and laugh. Join us as we laugh along with a DVD of Christian comedian Chonda Pierce.

 

March 21– Spring Craft

Betty Scholl will give us a hand making a seasonal craft. We will create “Country Bunnies”. Each person can choose either bunnies on a screen or as a shelf-sitter.

April 18– Comfort Food

This “hands-on” project will have us assembling “Soup in a Jar”. Then Char Graybill will give us some pointers on making homemade bread. All ingredients will be provided.

May 16– End of year Picnic

Let your feet take you to the park beside the Juniata County Library for our entire meeting. Some childcare workers will be there. If you have perennials to swap, bring them along. Remember to bring your picnic lunch.

Continue to watch for updates and photos.
Add this blog to your "Favorites Tab" and invite a friend.

A Video of Last Year

We hope you enjoy this video from last year.

By the way we use our time and the relationships we have,

we can leave a legacy for our children to appreciate and follow.

Summer at the Park

We want to remind you that a great place to get together with other moms may be at the park. The 3rd FRIDAY of the month, you're welcome to come to the
 Mifflintown Park (by the library). This is very informal.
Suggested times are 10:30-12:30. There are picnic tables to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Have a great fun and safe summer!

Next scheduled LIFT event: September 21

We Welcome You This Sunday

Flowers for Beautiful Ladies

“The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.” –Isaiah 58:11

What an awesome promise! Maggie Shafferman of Hunter’s Run Nursery shared this truth from God’s word while she showed and taught us about new perennials on Wednesday, May 18. We also headed to the porch to swap flowers brought from our own flower beds. There were a lot of options to choose from – thanks ladies!

Lori also encouraged us from Luke 24. Because of the words: “He is Risen” (vs. 6) we have great hope. The disciples could not identify Jesus when he walked with them after his resurrection. The disciples’ doubts about Jesus were robbing them of the


JOY that was right in front of them! When they recognized him, their hearts burned within them (vs. 31,32) What is robbing you of your JOY? Jesus is there, with his hand out to you, wanting you to have JOY.

“The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever.” –Isaiah 40:8

May 18, "Give Flowers" and Picnic

April showers have brought us May flowers!!
• Do you have perennial flowers you want to dig out and share?
• Do you want some new flowers for your garden?
• Do you enjoy good times with other ladies?
Then we hope you can come on Wednesday, May 18 as we “GIVE FLOWERS” during a perennial swap. Local greenhouse owner, Maggie Shafferman, will give us valuable information about growing and maintaining our perennials. Any plants leftover will be donated to Abundant Blessings.

Don’t have any flowers? Don’t Worry!! Come anyways!! Please, never feel like you have to bring anything.

Sandwich sale orders can be picked up at 11:00 after our event.


We will also have an end of the year picnic at the park beside the Juniata County Library, around 12:00. Bring your own picnic lunch.
**There will be babysitters at the park, so we can keep on talking and having a good time together while our children are being cared for.

In the News

Giving Time: April 20

Gathering to Give Time was the goal of today’s LIFT event. 14 ladies traveled to Abundant Blessings Thrift Shop (AB), Mifflintown to volunteer our time.

Before we left Lost Creek, we heard from MCC East Coast Thrift Shop Coordinator, Linda Geissinger. She shared that AB has donated over 1 million dollars to the work of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) since it opened! Linda said there are 108 MCC thrift shops in US and CA. Money raised from the shops are given to MCC “where needed most.” She showed pictures of money that helped people around the world have clean water filters, improve agriculture, receive relief kits, go to school, learn about peace, and more.

Check out the
National MCC Thrift Shops
website!! http://thrift.mcc.org/

“Every purchase at an MCC Thrift Shop, like Abundant Blessings, is a gift to the world.” –Linda Geissinger.

After prayer, we headed to Abundant Blessings Thrift Shop.

We received a nice tour of the shop before giving our time. It was amazing to see all the “back room” areas of the shop. There was well-organized storage, sinks to clean house wares, a shoe area, room for sorting toys, racks of clothing on wheels ready to be priced, a washer and dryer, quilt in a frame to be quilted, bins to sort holiday decorations, and so much more!



Some ladies priced stuffed animals, priced purses, cleaned toys, priced material, salvaged old jeans, priced baskets, and sorted clothing. All the items were donated by generous individuals!

And we saw first hand
that Abundant Blessings

could not

be the blessing it is without….

Volunteers Like You!

Save the DATE:

Plan Ahead:

Next Month:

May 18: “Give Flowers”

Think about what flowers you could dig up and share. OR, think about where you could plant new flowers you get. Bring a friend who could enjoy good fellowship with other ladies. Maggie Shafferman will also be giving us helpful hits to keep our flowers looking their best.

Afterwards: We’re heading to the Mifflintown park for a picnic and more time to visit!! Some childcare staff will be at the park to help watch the children.

GIVE TIME: Wed. April 20

We all love “AB,” but how does this amazing shop work??

Go behind the scenes as we “Give Time” by volunteering at Abundant Blessings Thrift Store on Wednesday, April 20.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. “Where do we go first?”

Come, as usual, to Lost Creek Mennonite Church. Arrive around 9:00 am to socialize before our prayer time. We will also get a quick glimpse at Abundant Blessing’s mission told by AB visionary/founder Linda Geissinger. Through a short video, she’ll help us understand where AB’s support goes. You’ll be glad you’re “Giving Time!”

2. “Will there be childcare?” YES. Normal childcare will be provided by our dedicated staff (Yeah, staff!!). We encourage you to provide them with your cell phone number, because we will not be that far away.

3. “Will there be refreshments?”

No, not this time. Make sure you eat breakfast.

4. “When are we going to Abundant Blessings.” We plan to be at AB by 9:50am.

5. “Can I meet you at the store?”

Of coarse, but you may not want to miss the 9:00 social time or fascinating info.

6. “What will we be doing?” GIVING TIME. The management will assign us jobs to do. You’ll be amazed at what all goes on behind the scenes!

7. “I didn’t sign up, can I still come? Can I bring a friend?” As always, YES and YES

8. “How long are we staying at AB?” Our childcare staff knows we may be a little late. But, we plan to return to the church soon after 11:00.

9. “Can I stay longer?” Yes! AB is ALWAYS looking for volunteer help. Feel free to stay as long as you would like.

10. “AB supports MCC, What is MCC?” Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God's love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. Find out more at: http://www.mcc.org/

11. “How can I give more?”

Talk to one of the managers if you can give a couple hours a month or week. This is a worthwhile mission to give time to. You’ll love seeing how everyone works together at AB for the cause of Christ.

12. “Who do I ask if I have more question?”

Call Wanda 463-9092 or e-mail Judy: judymummau@ embarqmail.com

We’re always glad to answer your questions. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

We Showered Crossroads on March 16

Before you even know you’re pregnant, the baby’s heart is beating (at 5 weeks). Inside is a precious life God has created and deserves a chance at life. We were thankful to hear of the life-saving ministry of Crossroads Pregnancy Center located close-by in Mifflin and in Huntingdon and Mifflin counties. They offer help, hope, and healing in Jesus’ name. Sheila Werner, from the Mifflin office, shared about their programs and volunteer opportunities.

Some of Crossroads Pregnancy Center’s programs include: Bridges (earn while you learn), Pastoral Care, Sexual Integrity, Men’s Counseling, and Post Abortion Recovery. It was encouraging to hear how the center builds relationships with those that come there. Who do you know someone that could benefit from their free programs? Crossroads depends on donations and volunteers to offer the services they have. Learn more at: http://www.cpcforlife.org/

Think about this: 26 years ago, four ladies from Belleville began Crossroads Pregnancy Center because they saw a need in the county. Now they help about 1,000 people a year. What vision do you have? How can you make a difference?


Through our Baby Shower on March 16, each lady at LIFT helped make a difference in the life a women that completes the Bridges program. Sheila returned to Crossroads Pregnancy Center with a car load of baby items!

And, with all baby showers, there were games, decorations, and favors. Thanks Mashelle for making this a true baby shower with fun games and all the creative details.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
Lori encouraged us with words from scripture. God’s nature is GOOD. He can never produce evil. Life and children are GOOD! How many times do we put something or a thought above God? Why do we turn to things that are not good (sin) when GOD IS GOOD.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW: Next LIFT event: April 20, 9:00-11:00 "Give Time." We will be volunteering at Abundant Blessings Thrift Shop.