A Journey To Joy

Hello Sweet Friends!!

I have never been very good at keeping secrets! Ever. And so it's no surprise that I am simply BUSTING at the SEAMS to share this with all of you!

After MUCH prayer and processing I, along with my great friend Shirley, have decided to answer the call of God and begin a ministry we have named Women of Thanks... a journey to joy. And we'd LOVE for you to join us on this journey!

One Thousand Gifts written by Ann Voskamp, has been a life-changing book for me. As I neared the end of chapter nine, I just KNEW I had to share this with other women who deeply longed for the contentment, joy and peace found only in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

One Thousand Gifts beckons you to leave the parched ground of pride, fear, and white-knuckle control and abandon yourself to the God who overflows your cup. If you are looking to make some radical changes in your lifestyle and long to slow down and catch God in the moment... surrendering to a life filled with more joy than you know what to do with... THIS book study is for you!

Starting Thursday, September 15, we will begin our journey. In our 12 weeks together, we will explore what it means to LIVE FULLY... right where we are. We will learn what it means to live an emptier, but fuller life, to find beauty in the ugly and how to find fulfillment in whatever life is giving NOW. Because, as Ann so eloquently says in her book, "Life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change."

This is a challenge for women who are serious about making some changes to the way they think about, talk about and live out gratitude. A dare to live FULLY right where they are.

I'd like you to know that we have been PRAYING for you from day one. We have been praying that God would stir in you a desire to join us in the conversation.

Are you in?

Who: Women from all stages of life

What: Women of Thanks... a journey to joy
Book Study on One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Why: To see women grow in Christ, to see women find their worth and value, to deepen their relationship with God and find some time for themselves... away from the distractions of this busy, hectic world.

We will meet every Thursday beginning September 15 and concluding with a Gratitude Celebration on December 1. We will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B, located in the basement of the Tecumseh District Library (215 Ottawa St.).

You will need to purchase your copy of One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp before our first evening together. Discussion Guides will be provided for you.

You can find Ann's book at Sounds of Light in Adrian or online at many locations including Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com and Dayspring.com.

I encourage you to check out the One Thousand Gifts blog at: http://onethousandgifts.com/

as well as Ann's personal blog at: http://www.aholyexperience.com/

Please RSVP via facebook email to me by Sunday, September 11, or comment here on the blog. If you will be bringing a friend or family member with you, please include her name as well.

We are EXCITED about this opportunity to grow with you and are praying daily for God to bless our time together!!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,



www.wendybender.blogspot.com

Phil 4:11-12
"I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little."