Ask a Pastor

Our speaker this week was Pastor Bob Thune, the lead pastor here at Southwest. He took the time to answer questions that you submitted earlier in the session. It was an interesting morning as he covered many topics.
-Sex and marriage
-Forgiveness
-the church
- fearing God
-salvation
-raising kids
-in laws
-the Bible~ Recommended resources:
1. "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell
2. Handbooks for the Bible
3. Study Bibles
4. "Talk through the Bible"

Thank you Pastor Bob for taking the time to answer our questions.

May you have a blessed weekend with your family!

In His Love~ Shannon

Worship With Katie and Ryan

This week our own Katie McGihon shared her testimony with us. She shared about her journey with the Lord through her son's diagnosis and continued treatment of autism--her journey of holding on tight and eventually letting go. She gave voice to the struggles we all face as moms to truly release our children to God. We say it, but do we really mean it? We had great discussion at our table after...how about you?

After she shared, Katie and Ryan Marsden shared with us through worship and song. It was truly an uplifting time.

Thank you , Katie, for sharing your heart with us.

May you be blessed this week in your conversations with your spouse, your children, and with your Heavenly Father.

In His Love ~ Shannon

God & Sex

Our guest speaker, Michelle Rendino shared on the topic of God and sex this morning. She asked the question, "Do you view sex as a chore?" My guess is that unfortunately, most of us busy and tired moms would say yes to that question, at least sometime in our marriage. Michelle provided plenty of biblical backing that makes it clear: sex is a gift that God gave to married couples. It's not only a physical and emotional experience, it is also a spiritual experience that connects husband and wife together, making us one. Two basic things that stood out this morning:

1. Are we making sex a priority in our marriage? And if not, what is keeping us from doing so? We can pray to God about it and ask for His help.

2. As moms, we sometimes forget the order of submission and priority. In Ephesians, Paul reminds us of our priorities: God, husband, and then children. We must obey God in everything He asks of us and making love with our husbands is one of those things!

Like many of you, I enjoyed the lively conversations at my table afterwards. I appreciated the candor and the honesty that was shared. It was fun to hear from our mentor moms as well. For some, sex in your marriage may come easier than it does for others. One thing I think we can all agree on is the fact that this morning's talk helped us to view sex as an important and integral part of a healthy marriage. And knowing that truth, helps us all to appreciate and love on our husbands a little more. What a perfect little message, just in time for Valentine's Day. :)

God is love and He wants us to experience love to the fullest with our husbands, in the sanctity of marriage. Whatever plans you have or don't have for Valentine's Day, please remember that you are His beloved. You are His Valentine and He adores you. xo

Service Project Day

This week at M2M Genny Foley gave us a devotion regarding overcoming fear and worry through Christ. She encouraged us with Philippians 4: 6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Our service project this session was for The Narrow Door, a ministry to needy families in the eastern Coachella Valley. We were able to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and put together sack lunches that the ministry will pass out to the people they serve. What a wonderful opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus!

And finally, Kameron Collins shared with us the details of the mission trip her family took to Guatemala. They went down to be a part of the celebration of the completion of the written and translated New Testament to a tribal people there. It has taken over 35 years to complete the translation, but what a joy they had to see the people receive their very own Bible written in their language. Thank you Kameron for sharing with us!

May you be blessed this week as you strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus in your home, your community, and around the world.

In His love~ Shannon

**My computer is acting up so I am not able to post the pictures from the service project yet.... Hopefully soon!