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!

Mom's Night Out Pics

Here are a few pictures from Mom's Night Out at Dream Dinners. It looks like a yummy time was had by all.

'Pastor H'

Our speaker this week was Pastor Brett Humphry, the Children's pastor here at Southwest. He had many helpful suggestions regarding talking to our children about the Lord while keeping us laughing throughout the morning. And many of you may have finally received the answer to your burning question... "Why does he wear those bright orange shoes?" The answer... Think Orange. It represents the combination of yellow (the light of Christ that the church is to teach) and red (the love and support of the family). He challenged us from Deuteronomy 6:5-9 to use a holistic approach with our children. Talking about God should be a constant thing-- we should take opportunities throughout the day to discuss the things of the Lord with our kids. The many small teachable moments are moments to point them toward Christ.

He also discussed the different learning styles of children. The three common ones are

1. Visual- Need to see it

2. Auditory- Need to hear it

3. Kinesthetic/Manipulative- Need to be moving and doing something

When we discover the learning style of our kids we can better teach the in ways that they will learn the most. He shared a few creative and practical ways that kids learn based on their interests and strengths: music, drawing, and activity (exercising).

If you would like to receive the Family Connection email that Pastor H sends out to give parents helpful tips on teaching your children about God, email him and let him know.

Brett@southwestcc.org

Married Life Ministry (led by Pastor H) will be kicking off on February 12 with Valentine's Date Night. It will include a dinner, a comedian, as well as information regarding this new ministry. The cost is $40 per couple and you can sign up online if you would like to attend. Your Valentines date could be all planned for you, you just have to show up. How easy is that! My hubbie and I have already signed up-- we would love to see many of you and your husbands there as well!

Childcare is NOT provided

May you be blessed this week as you endeavor to teach and train your children in the ways of the Lord.

In His Love~Shannon

Mom's Night Out

Just a quick reminder about Mom's Night Out.

It will be this Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 pm at Dream Dinners. It is located at Country Club and Washington in Palm Desert. Come enjoy a night out with friends, food, and fellowship. The evening is free. If you would like to prepare a meal to take home while you are there, it will be available at a discount.

Waiting Eagerly on God

We started out the morning with Hailey giving us a devotion about resolutions. We all tend to make them this time of year. She shared that her goal for this year was to read the Bible more consistently.

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord in whatever you do and your plans will succeed."

Our speaker for this week was Ann Johnson. She shared with us how she learned to wait eagerly on God through the struggles of her own life. After many years she finally learned to completely release her attitudes and desires for her husband and children to the Lord. She waited and prayed for over 20 years before she saw God work a miracle in her family. Her husband and children have accepted Christ. Her marriage and family have been restored and blessed.

What an encouragement her testimony was for all of us and we were reminded to be faithful in prayer.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to bring you a hope and a future."

As a reminder... Tickets are still available for the Women's Luncheon on Saturday, February 20 at the Renaissance Esmerelda Resort in Indian Wells. The speaker this year will be Nicole Johnson who is a dramatist with "Women of Faith". Free childcare is available but you must pre-register by February 10.

Wishing you all a refreshing weekend with your families!

Welcome Back

The new session of Mom 2 Mom is off to a great start. It was so nice to see all of the returning faces as well as a few new ones. From the buzz in the room it sounded like great fellowship was happening throughout the morning. Though we usually don't have a speaker the first week of the session, Kerri graced us with a humerous and heartfelt devotion. We all laughed as she told us to "put a ribbon in your hair". She challenged us with two thoughts from the attitude and actions of Rebecca in Genesis 24. First, when Abraham's servant approached her, she went above and beyond when she drew water not only for Abraham's servant but all of the thirsty camels as well. And second, she was joyful in the tedious work.

Motherhood is full of tedious tasks. Tasks that can be tiring and thankless. But when we choose to have a joy filled attitude we are making our home a place of peace and order. A place that our husband will want to come home to. A place that our children will want to spend time in. A great reminder for us all!

The list of speakers this session is both diverse and interesting. I look forward to what the next seven weeks will bring as new friendships are formed and we are challenged in our ministry of motherhood. And, again, let me say welcome! We are thrilled that you are here.