Encounter Church Ladies Ministry

The sky turned black. The world grew silent. Despair filled the air as the people mourned on a Friday that felt anything but good. Things felt helpless, hopeles...s, and oh so scary. What was God's plan in all of this? Our circumstances might be different, but the feelings are still very much the same. We are dealing with fear and anxiety, and we too feel helpless, hopeless, oh so scared. In the midst of unease and uncertainty, we ask, "What is God's plan in all of this?" Friend, we understand. But Good Friday is our reminder that when everything feels lost when darkness seems to take over, there is hope on the way. Good Friday wasn't the end of the story. The story didn't end with Jesus hanging on a cross. It didn't end in heartache and despair. It ended with the resurrected Jesus walking out from the grave. It ended with hope, victory and rescue, both on that day and for every day. In the midst of our own confusion and suffering, we can look at God and His faithfulness and remember that on Sunday, He rose. Death was defeated. Hope was not lost. Good Friday was not the end of the story. The page turned. Jesus was, and is, victorious. The Lord's past faithfulness equips us for today's hardships. This weekend, let's reflect on the faithfulness of God to send His son to die for us that we may live. Let's remember that there is a plan in all we are facing, and it is Good. How are you reflecting on God's faithfulness today?

We are excited to announce the Ladies Spring Gala Thursday, May 6. Make plans to join us for an evening together with other ladies at Heritage Ranch. The evening will include dinner, activities, worship and a powerful message. Mark your calendars and invite a friend to join you. Tickets are $10 each and go on sale April 11.

Ladies we are headed to Ladies Fall Retreat at the Lake this September 16-18. We would love you to join us. You can find more information at Connect Pointe.

You may be surprised, caught off guard, or anxious, but God isn't. Nothing that has happened in your life is a surprise to God. He has a plan. Find rest in knowing that with God, nothing is unexpected. Hold tight to His perfect plans for your life.

Every person needs more compassion. We may not know what someone is dealing with, walking through, struggling against, fighting for, or crying about in the dark... hours of the night. But one thing I do know, we all have tear stains on our pillow. And your unusual kindness, patience, or grace may actually be the very thing God uses to reach inside their desperation and help them believe He hears their prayers.

Ladies if you are looking for something to fill your evening jump over to Designed Sisterhood Night! https://www.facebook.com/DesignedSisterhood/videos/455163635617518/

Ladies join us in this amazing study starting February 2. In person at Tuesday @10am, Tuesday @ 6:30pm, or online in a private group at your convenience. Books are available on Amazon, LifeWay, or contact us at the link below and we can order one in for you. Let us know your coming here: ... https://form.jotform.com/ECSedalia/SignUp See more

The enemy has two strategies: distraction and discouragement. He will distract you so that you crash or he will discourage you so that you quit. Don't give up. God is with you.

Are you already feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Here are 4 tips to help you: 1. Research shows just drinking 4 oz of water can reduce the intensity of your anxiety.... 2. It takes 20 minutes for the amygdala (where emotion and trauma are stored in the brain) to calm down. Call a timeout, take a walk, breathe in deep, and exhale while reminding yourself of reasons you are safe right now. 3. Refuse to allow the worst case scenarios to hijack your thoughts. You get to determine what has access to the story you’re telling yourself. I’ve found praying, reading the Psalms, and asking a friend to help me process so I don’t jump to extremes in every situation, keeps things in better perspective. Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. 4. Take some time to sit quietly with Jesus. Release everything to Him in prayer. It can be something as simple as, Lord, I’m choosing to stop trying to figure this situation out. Take my anxiety and replace it with Your peace, wisdom and security. I trust in You. ~ Lysa TerKeurst