Pottery Painting Party-tomorrow
night at Brushstrokes and more. 6:00-8:30. There's plenty of room, so
bring a friend and come on out! It is located near Walmart between
Woodstone Deli and Bill's Automotive.Sandwiches and drinks will be
provided, but you can bring and appetizer if you want.
Small Group Leaders Needed -We
are launching a Small Group Ministry this Fall. These groups will be
meeting in homes or other venues. They will include Bible Studies, Book
Studies, and other activities and will run in six-week sessions. The
purpose is to become more connected with each other, building
relationships, while growing in the knowledge of the Lord. We need
leaders! Please contact Susie Toomey if you would like to be a Small
Group Leader. sktoomey@king.edu
Ladies Conference -August
24th and 25th in the SAC. The DVD series by Priscilla Shirer,
JONAH:Navigating an Interrupted Life is what we will be watching. Pizza
will be provided on Friday night and bagels and muffins on Saturday
morning. The times are Friday, 6:00-9:15 p.m. and Saturday, 8:45-noon.
Registration is not required, but we would like to know how many to
provide food for, so please sign up in the lobby at Hill Rd., or the
hallway at Glenwood by August 19th.
This weeks WOWhas been in church since nine months before she was born and living between
Pea Ridge and Nails Creek. Read all about her this Friday atwww.isbcwm.blogspot.com
The WM blog is updated M-F. Mon.- a series on "How to Raise Godly
Children", Tues.-Healthy Eating Tips, Wed.-What's happening, Thurs.-
series on "Embracing Your Husband", and Fri. - Woman-of-the-Week. Check
it out! http://www.isbcwm.blogspot.com
My name is
Linda Vinsant King. I grew up in Dalton, GA. I am from a large family. There
were 7 of us. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters, whom I love very much. My
brothers grew up playing baseball. My dad coached their teams until they
reached high school. I spent many summers at ball fields while growing up.
I met my husband Chuck when I had finished 1
year of college. He was a former teacher and coach. We met in December 1974,
became engaged in May 1975 and married in August 1975. I have been married most
of my life!
Prior to having children, I obtained my degree as a Registered
Nurse. Our daughter Jennifer was born after completing my degree. A job change for
Chuck took us to Glen Burnie, MD for a couple of years. We had a chance to move
to Bristol, TN, with another job change for Chuck. The best part of coming to
Bristol was that it was where Chuck’s family lived. Greg was born when we had been in Bristol for
2 years.
In 1989 we
had a home built in Indian Springs. With that move, we started attending Indian
Springs Baptist Church. It was at ISBC that our children made their professions
of faith in Christ. Those years were very special for our family, as we all
grew in our faith, serving the Lord together. We left ISBC for a few years after
moving back to Bristol, attending the church Chuck grew up in. It was there
that we were able to share the many things we learned at ISBC. After being away for a few years, we made the
decision to return to ISBC. We love being back “home”.
Our daughter
Jennifer is married and has 2 children, Jake who is 5 and Emma who is 2 ½.
We love to keep them as often as their parents will allow! Jake and Emma love
coming to ISBC with us!
Greg played
baseball from the time he was 5 years of age until he was 22, playing the game
while in college. We found ourselves at the ball field…again and again. Greg
recently married Amber Morrell. He became an instant dad to Amber’s son Jack, so we have another grandchild. We are so excited to see what the Lord has in
store for Greg, Amber, and Jack.
I left my position
as a nurse in 2001. I currently substitute teach in the Sullivan County school
system. This satisfies a longing I’ve always had to be a
teacher.
Having been
around baseball most of my life I suppose is the reason why I love the sport. There
are so many places to witness to the lost and encourage those who are wavering
in their walk with the Lord. One of our mission fields has been at the ball
park. If you’re faith gets stronger and you encourage others while witnessing
to them, then it’s not a bad place to be.
As a mom I give my children a lot of advice. One piece of advice my
mother gave me that has stayed with me is, "what angers you, controls you".
Seems like every time I find myself angry that saying pops in my head. I
find myself thinking, do I really want 'this' to control me?
Proverbs 29:22 says, "An angry man stirs up dissension and a hot tempered one commits many sins."
When we allow feelings of anger in our hearts and minds, they consume us.
We think about it constantly and everyone around us feels it, leading
us to places we don't want to go. For one thing, our mouths overflow
with the rash feelings stored inside of us. In Matthew 12:34 Jesus
says, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" Can you see the truth in that, how our anger is sparked then escalates, then before you know it an eruption of words?
These things that anger us are usually petty small things, and sometimes
things that never happened. We take information, read into it, and draw conclusions. As followers of Jesus, we should remember that we have been
bestowed all sufficient grace and we should extend it to others, not
allowing anger to consume us or affect our day. Pray about these
situations. Let God take the feelings of anger from you. Release them to
Him - let them go.
Spiritual warfare is very real, don't let Satan steal your joy. Gods
grace is sufficient. Remember Mom's advice, "What angers you controls you."
Be a spirit led woman. Allow Him to control you.
I moved to
the Tri-Cities, Kingsport area, and joined ISBC in 2005. I have two children—Keith
of Kingsport at ISBC and Deborah of Wytheville, VA. I also have six
grandchildren. I was born in Danville, VA, and lived with my parents and
brother, Charles. When I was 12 I talked to my brother and accepted the Lord as
my Savior. I was sick a lot as a child but the Lord has taught me a lot and to
trust in Him and pray. My Mom would always say “We will just pray about it!”
Since coming to ISBC, the Lord has
done a lot of miracles in my life. I always want to do His will in my life. I
was given the opportunity in 2009 to go to Guatemala with our Missions Team. I
prayed about it and the Lord provided the way. When we planned the trip, we all
started praying the Lord would prepare the hearts of all the people there. When
we arrived, we went out and started to talk to people, and we couldn’t believe
it the next morning! I had talked to a lady the day before, who had been
divorced, and she was saved. She had a friend waiting to talk to me standing in
the doorway.This was the most exciting time for me to see all these people
saved. The families were all getting saved together—4 or 5 at a time! It was
almost shoutingtime!!
We gave the children Mission Dolls and stuffed
animals. They were so proud of these. Their faces just lit up. When we returned
home, the Lord began to deal with me, and I thought why not share these Mission
Dolls with other children. I talked to our Pastor, and we started making the
Mission Dolls and taking them to Bristol Regional Hospital, Holston Valley, and
some Assistant Living Homes. At this time, we are sending out around 300 dolls
a month with our church’s name and address on them as a Mission.
If you would like to be a part of
this Mission, contact me and all the supplies are provided for the dolls and we
would love to have your help. We have some very special ladies, who help each
month and do a great job!
If you ever have the chance to go on
a Mission Trip—go. You will never regret it. I hope I will be able to go again.
I am excited about what God has planned for me in the future. Since being at
ISBC, I have served as a member of WOM, Assistant to Seniors Serving Others,
Anne Sisters, Kitchen Committee that serves Central Football Team, Vacation
Bible School, Senior Choir, and I Care.
This is my favorite verse I leave
with you, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” Philippians
4:13.
Hi! My name is Rachel O’Dell and I am so excited and honored
to be the WOW!!
I have lived in Kingsport for most of my life. I have gone
to Indian Springs Baptist since I was a very young child. While at ISBC, I have
been part of the Children and Youth Ministries, I have gone on several mission
trips, both locally and overseas, and now I am very active in the Music
Ministry.
I was lucky enough and blessed to grow up in a strong Christian
household, raised by my parents who were and continue to be great examples of
Christian living. I accepted Christ as my Savior just a few weeks before my 10th
birthday, during revival services. I have learned many things in my Christian
walk, one of the biggest is trust.
I am the type of person that likes to see the big picture,
everything all at once. When I can’t see that picture, I start to doubt. It is
during those times that God says “Trust ME!” A time in my life when I really
learned to trust God was shortly after I graduated college. I had the wonderful
opportunity to attend Milligan College, where, when I graduated, I was not only
prepared to be a teacher; I was prepared to be a servant leader. After
graduation, I knew exactly where I needed to teach and I knew exactly what
grade I needed to teach. I’m pretty sure I told God this also. But, God had
other plans. After a frustrating time of job searching, I was ready to give up.
Maybe teaching was not what I was supposed to do. Although, I knew that God had
called me to work with young children and their families. One Sunday, in the
summer of 2007, I gave it all up to God. I said “God, I believe you have a plan
for me, but I need to trust you more!” I had to give everything up to Him and
Trust Him! When I did, He blessed…beyond my wildest imagination. God blesses
when we trust Him!
As you may or may not know, I teach Zumba classes at both
campuses of ISBC. When I decided to get my Zumba license, the first thing I
thought was “God, what are you up to? This is out of my comfort zone? How can I
do this?” Then I prayed that if God really wanted me to serve him in this
capacity, that He would prepare me and that He would open up doors. Well, He
did! I have met so many wonderful people that have been such an encouragement
to me. I pray for each class to be a ministry for each lady, or man, that comes
to class -that they would leave class closer to God or maybe that they know
they have a group of friends that will pray for them and encourage them. When
people leave class saying “Thank you, I have found God again,” I get excited to
know that God is using me….shy, quiet, me to serve Him in this way!
So, trust God, even when you don’t know what in the world He
is doing! He knows! He has already created the big picture! He is just using
His people to color in that picture!
~ Submitted by Kathy Neal ISBC Women's Ministry Communications Coordinator
Being a "proud Christian" is an oxymoron, but I confess that I am a proud mama! I was privileged to witness My daughter, Beth Wayland's, graduation from grad school on Saturday. She just received her Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Richmont Graduate University.
Beth grew up in Indian Springs Baptist Church. When she went away to college, she felt the call of God on her life to go on staff with CRU, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ. That was 14 years ago! She is currently serving on staff at the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville.Three years ago she made the decision to continue her education and gain more tools to help people who are hurting and suffering, dealing with addictions, and life in general. She has been traveling twice per week to Chattanooga to go to school, keeping up with a very demanding schedule and working full-time with CRU.
I have learned a lot from Beth about perseverance, compassion, strength, conviction, and a whole list of other things. She is a modern-day Mother Teresa!
Beth should write a book. She has a blog, The Melodrama of Beth, where she writes her thoughts and experiences. They are quite poignant, and some are funny. The post I would like to share with you today is called"I Held the Hand of a Pedophile" It is one of the most powerful posts she has written. Please take the time to read it. It will bless you! Click here
Has the Holy Spirit spoken to your heart about arming yourself to do a better job at what you are called to do? Persevere and he will see you through.
"Thank you Jesus for your protection and guidance. Help us to stay the course and finish the race, keeping our eyes on you."
Do you need refreshment? As women, we especially tend to over extend ourselves and our time. We're up
early preparing, in bed late preparing ~ leaving ourselves exhausted. A fatigued
body leaves us with not enough energy to make it through the day! It affects
every task we complete. Because our tanks run low we're not sharp enough to be of
full use.
As Christians, it is important for us to examine our priorities, making sure that God is our focus- not ourselves but Him. The pressures of life
reveal the truth of what's inside. What does God have prioritized for you?
2
Timothy 2:21 "a special instrument set apart, useful to the Master".
Search
yourself and examine what God has prioritized for you. Believe that if He called
you to it He will bestow the grace needed to bring you through it. Honoring
God is our focus, therefore it pares down your purpose and narrows your focus.
Psalm
34:14 "I seek peace and pursue it".
Are you doing this today? What in your life
can you change from good things to God things?
James 1:4 "in Christ I am
whole and complete"The world doesn't offer wholeness and peace. Pursue
today what God had designed for you.
My prayer for you;
Holy Father as
we embark on each day's new challenges, we easily find ourselves overwhelmed , burdened and exhausted. Father I want to be my best for You. Help me to discern
what in my life I need to change, so that each task I take on will show the
perfect You. I want to be your vessel, I want to be in your will. Help me to
find the peace and strength you want for me to have. In Jesus precious name.
Amen.
"So I'll stand, with arms high and heart abandoned,
in awe of the one who gave it all.
I'll stand, my soul Lord to you surrender.
All I am is yours." - The Stand, by Hillsong
This picture of these children singing and worshiping God exemplifies pure praise and worship. With precious abandon, they lift their hearts and souls to Him. Notice that a couple of them have hands uplifted, a couple more have hands over their hearts, or eyes closed, tuning out all others. The child in the red has her hands clasped, and the child's face behind her says it all. One thing stands out to me about this picture. They're all IN! They have no worries about what anyone around them is thinking. They are focused solely on their purpose in the moment, and that is to praise God.
This picture is so different from the way I was raised. A pastor's daughter, we were taught to be prim and proper in church. Our white-gloved hands were crossed and laid upon our laps, on our neatly pressed and stiffly starched dresses. Being reserved was equivalent to being godly. Being composed and poised were highly stressed in my very strict, very southern, and very Baptist home.
It's almost peculiar how our environment can so deeply shape us; how our minds so quickly adapt and accept what we are taught. Not that there is anything wrong at all with being ladylike, we most certainly should conduct ourselves like ladies. However, to equate worship with a set of rules and standards negates what true praise and worship is.
A few years ago, I sat down in the sanctuary one Sunday morning. On the screen was a definition of worship. I don't remember exactly what it said, but it went straight to my heart. It was an ah-ha moment for me. Basically, it said that worship isn't about us, but it is all about Jesus. I was reminded of the chorus we had sung,"I'm going back to the heart of worship, and it's all about you, it's all about you Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it, when it's all about you, it's all about you."
So many times before, I had felt like raising my hands in worship to the Father, but was afraid of what the people around me would think. I didn't want anybody to think I thought I was anything special or that I think I am some Super-Christian. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart when I read the definition of worship. "Pam, you are being a hypocrite!" A hypocrite? I wondered. "Yes, a hypocrite!" What do you mean, Lord? "You want to raise your hands and heart to me in praise and you don't because you are thinking about what others would think about you. You aren't being real!" Woah! I had never thought of my being reserved in worship in this way before. "Worship isn't about you. It's about me!" He continued. I sank deeper into my chair as I came to a realization that I had been so steeped in tradition, that I couldn't be real before God. I asked God's forgiveness and repented that day, and He released me to be free in my worship.
Does this mean that everyone should raise their hands when they praise God? NO! Praise or worship is what it is. It is an act before God and about God. It's not an emotion. It's not singing a pretty song. It isn't performing a pretty song. It's not a preference or a style. Rather, it is allowing the overflow of our hearts to pour out before Him in adoration, thankfulness, humility, awareness, awe, obedience, and recognition of His almighty power and omnipotence. This can occur during prayer, Bible study, singing, and through the spoken word. It can occur in a worship service, while driving, while alone on a mountaintop, sitting on our back porch, or on our knees by the bed. The where or the how does not matter. It's the attitude of the heart that determines praise and worship.
Oh that we would become free from the preconceived notions about what worship and praise are. If we could only recognize that worship and praise should not be governed by a bunch of do's and don'ts or rules and regulations, we could experience them as these children do.
A young child and her parents were sitting in front of me during service. We were standing and singing. The little girl raised her hands in excitement and innocence. The mother quickly grabbed her arm and pulled it down, shaking her head no-don't do that. My heart was sad as I saw this mother quench the spirit of this innocent child, who was praising God in her way.
The Psalms are full of scripture about praising God. "Praise Him with loud, clanging symbols." "Praise Him with the dance." The Bible teaches us how to praise. King David knew how to praise God. We can learn from him. Paul and Silas knew a thing or two about praise, too.
Pray that God would open your eyes and heart to learn how to praise Him. Pray for freedom from anything or anyone who would hold you back from expressing your love for Him. Learn to tune out others as you praise God. It will deepen your relationship with Him, and He will receive all the glory and praise that He deserves.
The Stand:
The Heart of Worship:
Come back tomorrow and hear from our Health & Wellness Coordinator, Brandy Kisner.
How do we do it? We are constantly multitasking, multi functioning, and have five gazillion projects going at once. Every day we hold out hope for that Calgon moment that never seems to come.
As women, we tend to want to make sure everyone is happy and in the process we end up assuming fault for situations we have no control over. We run from thing-to-thing trying to accomplish everything at once. Meanwhile our husband, who needs time with us, gets the shaft. We spend time on all these 'important things' , and he comes last. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"
We live in a world where women can do and be anything we want but that doesn't mean that we should. Things we juggle in life may be good things, but not always God things. There's a difference! This precious man that swept us off our feet, and that we couldn't get enough of, only gets what's left of us. He doesn't express how he feels, but he's thinking ' I guess I'm not very important to her anymore'.
A good marriage and family life are worth sacrificing for. We need to reserve time for our man. You're worth it, he's worth it and everyone will benefit from it. Your husband needs you, have an affair with him again...are you up for a challenge?
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity."
To learn more about ways to minister to your husband, come to my seminar "Embracing Your Husband" on April 28th, from 9:00-1:00. It will be at the ISBC Glenwood Campus on E. Center Street, in Kingsport. It is FREE of charge!
For more information, e-mail me at jenimorelock@hotmail.com, or call 423-817-1753.
God's chosen successor to Moses, the leader of the children of Israel, was Joshua. Joshua had been Moses' assistant. The Bible tells us that Joshua loved God and was obedient to Him.
Joshua 6 recounts the story of the battle of Jericho. Jericho was a city that was fortified with high walls. Walls were built, not so much as a way to keep people in, but to keep people out. God told Joshua that he was going to give Jericho into his hand. He was specific about how this was to be accomplished. God told him that he was to have the people march around the city of Jericho one time per day for six days. Joshua told them, "You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, 'Shout!' Then you shall shout." The people proceeded to march around the city. Priests carried the Ark of the Covenant, and "then seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually and blew with the trumpets. And the armed men went before them. But the rear guard came after the ark of the Lord, while the priests continued blowing the trumpets." On the seventh day, Joshua instructed them to march around the city seven times. When the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout for the Lord has given you this city!" The people shouted and the walls fell flat. The barriers came down. They took the city!
Have you ever had a situation in your life where you needed answers or even deliverance? Maybe you or someone you love is there now. Maybe you have an important, life-changing decision to make. It could be that you are on the verge of a divorce, if God doesn't come through for you. Is there something that has a stronghold in your life; an addiction to food, the computer, your phone, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex? There are times in our life when we need intercession on our behalf. At other times, we are called to be the intercessors for others. Whichever and whatever the case may be, we all need a Savior. We are all called to repentance. We all need redemption.
Last week, my sleep was disturbed often as I was called to prayer. My heart was burdened for situations that I was aware of; for people who had asked me to pray for specific needs in their lives. Around the clock I was called to pray. There were times that I had no more words to say or things to request of God. The Bible tell us that there are times when the Spirit prays for us, because we have utterances too deep to speak. I knew that I didn't have the answers or solutions, or the power to change things, but that God did and does!
One of those days, I was reading my Bible and came across the story of the battle of Jericho. I've read it many times before, but this particular day the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. He assured me that there were many of us who had been called to march around the city of strongholds in the lives of these people we know and love, and that He was going to break down the walls and bring about deliverance and healing. Up to that point, my heart had been so heavy. After this, I felt the burden lifted and peace came. I know that there will be victory in the end, and that God will receive the glory for it all.
God hears the prayers of his people. He does what he says he will do. Even when the walls are high and formidable, there can be victory. The walls of sin that imprison us and separate us from God can be destroyed! Be an intercessor for others. When you need prayer, don't be shy in asking for it. When believers march around the walls in the name of the Lord, and SHOUT against the enemy, deliverance is sure to come!
I've heard many women say they don't belongto Women's Ministry. This is disturbing to me, because Women's Ministry isn't something you join as you would a health facility or an organization. If you are a believer and desire to follow Jesus, you belong to/in Women's Ministry.
I believe that where the breakdown in communication comes is that many women think that they have to attend WM special events to "belong" to WM. While these events are fun and provide much needed fellowship among women of all ages, they alone don't define ISBC WM. To better define what WM is, we should consider reversing the letters to MW, aka Ministry to Women. This is what we are all about. Women helping women! When we look at the ministry in these terms, we come to a better understanding of our purpose as Christian women.
The ways we can reach out and help other women are limitless. We can do it as individuals, in small groups, or as one large body of believers. Our recent restructure is the perfect example of ways we are trying to raise awareness of the needs of women and implement ways to meet them. YOU ARE a part of this. You don't have to serve on a leadership team to minister to women. Some examples immediately come to my mind:
Most of us know a woman who is lonely or hurting. Or, maybe you have noticed someone coming to church that you don't know. Approach her and get her phone number. Call her and invite her to lunch, shopping, or to see a movie. Time is the most valuable thing we can share with someone and it means so much to them.
Church e-mail provides many opportunities for us. When you see the name of someone who is sick or has lost someone close to them, drop them a note. In this day of technological birthday wishes and condolences, a hand-written note has special meaning. Keep note cards and stamps on hand so that when you see the need come across e-mail, stop right then and write the note.
Do you know a young mom who could use a couple of hours without kids to shop, go for a run, or even catch up on some much needed sleep? Offer to keep the kids for a morning or afternoon, or go help her fold laundry and take a lunch with you. It's like a vacation for her to have another adult to talk to and laugh with while she works.
Are you a good cook? Cook a meal for someone! There doesn't have to be a death, illness, or surgery to take them a new recipe you have tried, or a cake, or some fresh bread. Make two of what you are making and pray for the Lord to let you know who to share it with, or freeze it for when a need arises.
Are you a good organizer? It's Spring Cleaning time and many women would love help making better use of the spaces that they have. Offer to help them paint that room they have posted about on Facebook. Build friendships.
If you don't know very many of the ladies, the events and Bible study classes are perfect ways to meet them. Attend them!
Need a friend? Be a friend!
Are you aware of needs? Get a group of women together to work as a team to help someone who needs help.
Get some ladies together for a walk in the park, a picnic, a book club, a game night; be creative!
This certainly is not an exhaustive list, but maybe it will spark other ideas. The point is that Women's Ministry isn't something you join or belong to. It is something we all belong "in" as we are called to serve others, love others, mentor others, and pray for others. Our goal is to ever be mindful of the needs of those around us, and to respond as we are called to do so by the Father. So, the next time someone mentions Women's Ministry to you, reply with a resounding "YES" I am part of this Ministry to Women.
