I love being a woman! Shopping, tea parties, clothes, chatting, deep friendships… This month we are “Celebrating Women” here at The City Church.  It has been so much fun.

I have never seen a more outrageous Mothers’ Day celebration than at The City Church this past week: the worship center was decorated with a “Garden Tea Party” theme.  It wasn’t just decorated; we transformed the inside of the church into a colorful flower garden for the women in our community! We had waiters serving hot coffee, tables full of French-style pastries, and extravagant musical performances. It was a great celebration on behalf of women.

On Mothers’ Day, Pastor Jerry talked about the way that Jesus valued women in His ministry.  It was amazing to understand that in a time when women were seen as far inferior to men, Jesus, a Jewish religious teacher, often took time to make sure they knew they were valued.

Jesus ministered to the woman at the well in such a meaningful way that it changed her life.  His heart overflowed with compassion for the widow whose only son had died.  He stopped what He was doing to restore the woman with the issue of blood.  He had many disciples who were women and who were mentioned by name in the gospels.  Women were among the first He appeared to at His resurrection.  Truly, God values women!

In Isaiah 66:13, God tells us that “as one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.”   God cares for us the way a mother cares for her children.  What a rich picture of how we are loved!  How have you felt God’s love and care this month through your church, family, or friends?

I love being a mom! It’s been such a journey watching my boys grow up. Every season I have experienced a different kind of “mother hood”

When my boys were babies I had to be a mom that kept them fed, clean and from falling down the stairs. When they were in middle school I didn’t have to do that anymore, instead I got to be the mom that drove them to practice and teach them how to be responsible. Now with Jery & Jesy out of the house and Jake a senior in High School, I have had the privilege of watching them grow into passionate, hard-working, God fearing men.

As mothers, we get to go through hundreds of different seasons with our children. We see their ups & downs; we laugh with them, we cry with them, we do life with them. Sometimes finding our role as “mom” can be difficult, but God is so faithful. Just when we think we don’t have the words or feel disconnected, we can come to God and ask for wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” God is with us ladies! He wants to see us raise successful and holy children.

Whether you’re a mom, grandma, aunt, sister, friend, mentor, or teacher, you have the power to impact someone’s life. Enjoy the relationships that you are in and embrace every season.

Honor a woman in your life and join us for our special Mother’s Day celebration on May 9^th at 9am & 11am. I am so excited for this service! Imagine spending time with your guest at elegant tables with delicious pastries, fruit, coffee & tea, the smell of flowers, tons of great gifts and surprises, life music performances and an inspirational message from Pastor Jerry. Wow, talk about incredible! Get more details and register for free: www.thecitysd.org/women

The holidays have arrived once again, and with them come a host of different feelings and emotions. With the fun and joy that come with the holiday season, the reality of the stresses of cooking, buying gifts, and entertaining family can wear at even the godliest woman.

Here are three time-tested secret ingredients to having a “fool-proof” PERFECT Thanksgiving Day, no matter if the turkey is burnt or the mashed potatoes are too salty…

1. Decide to be GRATEFUL (No matter what!)
   • If you want to feel good and look good, develop a thankful heart!
   • Start you day with prayer.  Give thanks and praise to God for all He has done for you and your family.  If you can, pray with your husband.
   • If you feel depleted—like a car out of gas—go to God for a “fill up”! Prayer will infuse you with hope and give you a sense of renewal every day.
   • Prayer will give you grace to endure anything.  At my first son Jamie’s death, God told me “My grace is sufficient for you. My Strength is made perfect in your weakness.”
2. Look for a reason to LAUGH
   • God laughs at our enemies; we should too! They come at you one way and they will flee seven ways.
   • Laugh at your husband’s jokes.
   • Go around the table and give a 5.0 for the best joke.
   • Find reasons to be happy and think about them.  (Philippians 4 says, “Whatsoever things are true and of a good report think on these things.”)
   • Read the word! It will give you strength and courage to laugh at your difficulties. This will help you see each day through the lens of God’s perspective.
   • Ask: What makes me happy? And how can I bring that happiness into the lives of my kids, my spouse, my extended family, my co-workers and neighbors?
3. Build MEMORIES that last for a lifetime
   • Traditions are important because they build identity and provide security as a family.
   • Some of our special family traditions:
     • Taking a walk or hike
     • Setting the table with china and flowers
     • Working together making caramels, cornmeal rolls, or garlic mash-potatoes…
     • Telling each other what we are most thankful for at the table
     • Celebrating with friends and family
     • Downing special drinks (i.e. Martinelli’s, hot cider)
     • Going to a holiday movie or reading a book together

The love of God blows me away. It’s so deep and personal. He knows exactly what makes me happy and blesses me with those things! This summer has been outrageously fun, every day a continual reminder of the goodness of God. I’m giving right back to Him the joy He’s given me… sharing the best moments of life with the Life-Giver Himself!

Summer Fun Top 20

1. Priceless time with family… laughing and playing board games.
2. Worked at the church… getting ready for big Fall harvest and planning fun sermon series’.
3. Making my family’s favorite meals.
4. Long prayer walks… asking God to break through in your life =)
5. Del Mar Beach… I love the water!
6. Hanging with the church staff at GC Camp… we laughed until 1am every night!
7. Reminiscing with Jery, Jesy & Jake, watching old TV shows.
8. Time with Wendy & Judah’s adorable kids.
9. Eating mint chocolate candy bars… yum.
10. Early morning breakfasts with my husband.
11. Reading books.
12. Climbed a cliff… I love adventure!
13. Rode a horse with Mary Decker. You’ve gotta hear her stories… they’re incredible!
14. Bike ride with Alisa Montoya… such a wise and beautiful woman.
15. Played with my new iPhone.
16. Got a Twitter account… follow me!
17. Cleaned out my closet to give to Mexico… we’ve all got something to give.
18. Got to share my sunny San Diego with Pastor Jack & Libby Louman & Pastor Jude Fouquier. We hosted them as they poured into our church.
19. Played matchmaker… the best is yet to come
20. Gave out lots of touch cards… believing for all my “ones” to come to church!

God really wants us to love life. Summer’s not over yet. Do something fun and celebrate His goodness in your life. Now I want to hear from you… what’s the best thing you’ve done this summer?