This Issues Theme:

Inside this issue:

Portraits from Sandie 1 2 3

Biblical Joy
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Fathers commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:10-11
Issue 5 of 2011 September-October

Prayer-Poetry & Praise Country Church Recipes Joyful Books Ministry Apron Strings Titus 2:3-5

Devotional Women in Calvary Chapel Calvary Chapel Information Calendar

5-6 7 8

Fragrant Life Ministry

Calvary Chapel Reno/Sparks A Publication Of The Womens Ministry
BY SANDIE LUITWIELER

P OR T R A IT S FR OM S A N DI E

Let the Son Shine ...

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full John 15:11 Have you ever been in someones home where the drapes are drawn so tight that not one ray of sunshine enters into the room? As lovely as the home is, the darkness makes it depressing and gloomy. I have a friend whose home is like this. Its filled with beautiful art and plush furniture, yet the rooms are dark and dreary. How I long to throw open the curtains and let the sunlight pour in. I know the sunlight would dispel the gloom and fill the room with cheerfulness and joy!

When Jesus spoke to His Disciples in John 15 the joy He felt was a direct result of the love and devotion He shared with them, but He knew He would soon be leaving them. He knew the persecution and hardship that they would soon be facing without Him. He needed to leave them another comforter, one that would ensure that their joy they shared would remain full. Joy is a fruit of the Holy spirit, the comforter that Jesus promised.

Joy is a sure sign of the presence of the Holy spirit in the Christians life, and the good news is our joy is permanent. Our joy is rooted in our all-loving and unchanging God. In John 16:22 Jesus says that no one takes your joy from you. However, one thing that can rob us of our joy is our failure to walk in the Spirit. How do we keep this joy: through our obedience, our prayers, our fellowship, our worship and feeding on the word of God, thats Some Christians are just like a dark depressing room. Their lives are so bound up in their circumstances that the joy of the Lord how. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 is missing. They need to throw open those dark blinds and let the sunshine in. We all know the difference between happiness and I dont know what your circumstances are, but I do know that joy, dont we? Happiness is contingent on our circumstances. If everyone has trials. Dont cut yourself off from the source of joy. theyre good were happy and if and our circumstances take a turn Open up your heart and let the sunshine in and the joy of the Lord for the worse were not so happy. But joy is from the Lord and has will be your strength. the ability to flow right through our circumstances and dispel the gloom. Love, Sandie
HERE AT CALVARY CHAPEL OUR DESIRES FOR THE WOMENS MINISTRIES ARE:
To encourage deeper relationships and spiritual growth for the women in the body of Christ; To provide a place where women will be encouraged and uplifted to seek Gods best for their lives; To give opportunity to study the Word of God together that women might grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus; and To equip women to be lights in their homes, neighborhoods and workplaces reflecting the love of Jesus Christ to all.

Page 2

Fragrant Life Ministry

Issue 5 of 2011

PRAYER~ POETRY ~ PRA ISE

GARMENTS OF PRAISE (Isaiah 61:3)
PUT ON THE GARMENTS OF PRAISE FOR THE SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS LET THE OIL OF GLADNESS FLOW DOWN FROM YOUR THRONE PUT ON THE GARMENT OF PRAISE FOR THE SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS YOUR JOY IS MY STRENGTH ALONE MY STRENGTH ALONE MAKE THESE BROKEN WEARY BONES RISE TO DANCE AGAIN WET THIS DRY AND THIRSTY LAND WITH A RIVER LORD OUR EYES ARE FIXED ON YOU AND WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR GARLAND OF GRACE AS WE PRAISE YOUR NAME HALLELUAJAH, SING HALLELUJAH WE GIVE ALL HONOR AND PRAISE TO YOUR NAME HALLELUAJAH, SING HALLELUAJAH WE TRADE OUR SORROWS FOR GARMENTS OF PRAISE

Womens Prayer Ministry

Thursdays 9 am

Joyful Books
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Wednesdays: 9:30-10:30

HOME FELLOWSHIP
SEPTEMBER 18, 2011
web!

At Calvary Chapel Call Kelly Gardner 657-6422 gardner.joyfullbooks@gmail.com Or join us on the

http://joyfullbooks.blogspot.com

Womens Conference
Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks Saturday, October 15, 2011

Womens Bible Study

Monday, September 12th
PRAY FOR TAMI SMITH ~ Missionary

Childrens Harvest Festival

Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks
OCTOBER 31ST

With Wycliffe Bible Translators

In (Papua New Guinea)

A mans heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Page 3

Fragrant Life Ministry

Issue 5 of 2011

COUNTRY CHURCH RECIP ES

BREAKFAST MUFFINS
2/3 cup butter 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 3 cups flour 3 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup melted butter 1 cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup milk Directions Mix together first 3 ingredients; add flour, baking powder, salt and milk. Mix well. Spoon into greased muffin tins and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Mix melted butter, sugar, cinnamon; roll warm muffins in this mixture.

JOYFUL BOOKS MINISTRY

Book of the Month
Dancing with My Father
have a good old cup of tea when everyone is demanding more time!

Sallys book is themed around a dance with God. We cant just expect to dance By Sally Clarkson with our partner and dance perfectly; doing After a summer of one tough all the leading...all the time. It is a life of cookie of a read from our grace...love and mercy... previous book, come and I highly recommend this book especially if sooth yourself with a delightful book by Author, Sally Clarkson. This book is on how you feel weighed down with over commitments, long to-do lists, and to experience Biblical Joy that comes only disappointments with your life. Instead of from a relationship with Jesus Christ. looking to the future of maybe later life will Sally shares stories from her life on the get better, how about experiencing it now! day to day experiences of raising children, You can also join us right here at Calvary miscarriages, making life decisions, grocery shopping, having decisions to make regarding Chapel as we meet and share how the Lord uses this book to change our hearts! We ministry and just wanting to sit down and meet at 9:30 on Wednesday mornings.

Page 4

Fragrant Life Ministry

Issue 5 of 2011

~APRON STRINGS~
The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God many not be blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5

NEW BOOK The MISSION of MOTHERHOOD by

Sally Clarkson
If you are a Mother, Grandmother or soon to be Mother I HIGHLY recommend this book by Sally Clarkson. My husband and I just finished a 2,500 hundred mile road trip and HE will tell you this book is a MUST read! Although our own children are now grown and we are soon on our way to becoming grandparents we can assure you the Biblical wise counsel of parenting Sally describes throughout this book affirms Gods plan for encouragement and joy in the role of motherhood. Motherhood can be joyful and it can also be discouraging. One thing to remember though, motherhood is from God! No matter where you are in the role of motherhood you do NOT need to feel ALONE! If I could begin all over again I wish I could have a book like this to read. Sally is so honest to the point that sometimes you stop and ask

yourself, Is she for real? I do believe she was called to this ministry of encouraging other Moms! Yes it is our job older women who have walked down the road of dirty diapers and runny noses sick babies and smartypant teens to come along side our young women and love them with joy! Allow the Holy Spirit to show you how. I hope you will all take a look at this encouraging book. You can also check out their website at:

www.wholeheart.org

~Lunch Ideas~
As a teacher and having had my own difficult eater I know first hand lunches can be difficult. Here are some HANDSON Kid Proof High Protein Ideas. Sugary food and high carbs can often lead to afternoon tiredness.

Chicken or Ham Roll Ups (Take a piece of chicken or ham, spread cream cheese on meat, add cheese, roll up) Meat and cheese on a rice cake instead of bread. Cheese and crackers along with cut up fruit. Flour tortilla with pizza sauce, pepperoni and cheese roll-up.

A Praying Family
A reading method I used for comprehension when I taught Elementary school was called BeforeDuringAfter. The same concept can be applied for prayer. Our children need daily prayer throughout their life: Before they are born. During the raising years. and After they leave home into Adulthood.

Page 5

Fragrant Life Ministry

Issue 5 of 2011

WOMENS DEVOTIONAL ~ PART 1

fullness of His joy, I must do the same! Unfortunately, my sinful nature tends to creep back into my cozy little couch place and if I choose to take myself out of His presence by giving into my fleshy desires, then I can easily lose the fullness of His joy. About 7 years ago, I was serving the high-schoolers and loving my life with my Lord until one day, I started to entertain these thoughts that kept creeping in; thoughts of loneliness, depression over my divorce, my finances, my weight, my health, if I was a good enough mother to my daughter, if God was ever going to bring me that perfect Christian husband and on and on and on. Well, it was going on day three of this soap opera and I was beginning to be a not so nice person to be around. It was Wednesday and youth group was quickly approaching. I did not want to go, but I knew I would be the only youth leader and Pastor Juan was counting on me to be there. (God always knows exactly where we need to be and He has His ways of getting us there.) So, I forced myself to go and if there was an Oscar to be given out for the most pathetic Christian, I would have definitely won! I didnt talk much and I gave very weak smiles to those who were exhibiting such strength in theirs. My thoughts were like poison, slowly killing me Poor ME, woe is ME, I have a miserable life and there just isnt any hope for ME. (Now remember, just 3 days ago I was loving my life with my Lord. Nothing had changed except the poisonous thoughts I was continuing to dwell on. I hadnt read my Bible because my cozy couch spot was taken by a slimy snake. My mind was not being refreshed with His words of truth. I was allowing myself to be taken out of the garden, just like Eve. As I walked the hallways of church, trying not to make eye contact with anyone, people would stop me and ask, Are you okay? Can I pray for you? I gave the excuse that I thought I was getting sick, [yeah, sick because of my stupid little pity party!]) Well, about half an hour before youth group would start, we had a time of prayer for the kids. I really did not want to pray but I forced myself to be there. So, Pastor Juan showed up and he asked if I would close the prayer time. I thought I could get out of praying but God had other plans that I was unaware of. Pastor Juan started and my mind was wandering back to my pity party. My attention was brought back when he prayed a scripture. Psalm 16:11. He said, Thank you Lord that in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Thats when it hit me, like a ton of bricks. I had allowed myself to be taken out of HIS presence and I was so robbed of my joy. I love to smile, to laugh, to giggle, to encourage, to find the good in someone or something. But I had nothing for anyone because I took myself out of His presence. Not good, not good at all. Not good for me and not good for the body of Christ. When I closed the prayer time, there was once again excitement and joy in my voice and I praised my Father in heaven for bringing me back into His presence, all because I was obedient in being at prayer, being at youth group. Had I stayed at home, I wonder how long it

Kimmie Bowser John 15:4-12

One of my most favorite things to do is curl up on the cozy part of my couch in the silence of my day with my Bible and my Lord and a good cup of coffee. I try to make it the first thing I do because it puts a smile in my heart for the rest of the day. My Bible is where I am taught of the great love my God has for me and as I learn more and more about who my God is, it causes me to want to spend more time with Him and to obey His commands; not because I have to but I get to and I want to. When I am in that right relationship with Jesus, I can choose joy, just like He did when He walked this earth, no matter what the circumstance, even enduring the cross! Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 We cannot bear the fruit of joy unless we are close to God. God is love, and joy comes from love. The fruit of the Spirit is love. (See Galatians 5:22) The eight words that follow are all a result of love; joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. We know that God is love. (See 1 John 4:8) So when we abide (dwell, live) in Him we have His love. Joy is the first expression of Gods love. I think God meant for us to know that joy is super important since He put it first, after love. It only makes sense that Satan would try and rob us of that joy every chance he gets. We have a choice as to whether we allow it or not. Jesus tells us how to choose joy and that is to abide in Him. In the time that Jesus was here on earth, He chose to submit to His Father in heaven. He chose to obey Him, no matter the cost. But He also chose to spend time with Him, talking and praying to Him. Listening to Him. Praising and worshiping Him. He found great satisfaction in His Fathers presence and thats how Jesus could choose joy. He is my example and if I am to have the

Page 6

Fragrant Life Ministry

Issue 5 of 2011

WOMENS DEVOTIONAL ~ PART 2

would have taken me to get back into His presence. You see, When I obey, Im free from guilt, accusations, stress, worry Satan loves to isolate us away from our source of joy. and so much more. This was such a learning experience for me. I now understood clearly that I have a choice. I can choose joy and make sure my thoughts are from God rather than the lies I was entertaining. I can meditate on the Word of God and replace the poison and lies with His truth so that I can always experience His joy. Thats my cozy little couch place. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 When we are obedient to His commands, we find great contentment. So, theres this Italian mama and she goes over to her sons apartment to make him dinner and discovers that he has a new roommate, a very beautiful female roommate. They immediately tell her that this relationship is strictly plutonic and they are not sleeping together. They are JUST roommates. So, about a week goes by and the girl says to the boy, Since your mom came to cook dinner, the silver sugar bowl is missing. Now Im not saying she took it and Im not saying she didnt take it, but Im just sayin, its missing. So, the boy sends his mama an email and says, Mama, since you came to cook dinner, the silver sugar bowl is missing. Im not saying you took it and Im not saying you didnt take it, but its missing. There is another way our joy can be robbed; if we allow a trial to take the place of our trust in God. I remember listening to a message by Pastor Jon Courson years ago and he was talking about storms in our lives and trials that we will all experience some time or another and that the Word of God was the way that He was able to get through the deaths of his wife and daughter. He said something that has stuck with me all these years, READ IT BEFORE YOU NEED IT. As we read the Word and gain a greater understanding of Gods grace and mercy, His love becomes very clear and we have His joy deep inside us. When storms come, we are standing firm on the ROCK and we cannot be moved. What a great foundation God has given us. Abide in Jesus, the Rock, and you shall not be moved! My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2-3 We know that when we completely trust God and hold on to Him through the trial that He allows, we will grow to a much stronger place in our relationship with Him and our joy cannot be broken, no matter what the circumstance.

Now, none of this is possible if we do not have the Holy Spirit abiding in our hearts. If you have not yet asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life and transform it to a right relationship with Him, nows the time. So the mama sends her son a reply saying, Son, Im not No need to wait, He has been calling you to Him and He saying you are sleeping with your roommate and Im not doesnt want you to waste one more second. Just believe, saying that you arent sleeping with her but if you arent, she confess and watch the power of God move in your life! Time to should have found the silver sugar bowl in her bed! kick that slimy snake off that cozy place on your couch; Gods waiting to fill you up with His joy. Moral of the story ~ NEVER lie to your mama! Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and For the believer, we should never try to hide anything from peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by our God because we cant. He knows all our thoughts and sees the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 all that we do and knows the motives behind our thoughts and actions. Nothing is hidden from Him. When I obey Him, I have Joy does not depend on our circumstances. The believer has such peace, such freedom from myself, such joy, such love. I joy as a result of their walk; in faith, obedience, steadfastness, am close to Jesus. I would love to stay in this place and never and intimacy with their Lord. be robbed of my joy again, but Jesus knows us oh so well. When He was in the Garden of Gethsemane with the disciples These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. before they took Him away to be beaten and crucified, He had asked the disciples to watch and pray. John 15:11 Then He came to the disciples and found them Do you know where your sugar bowl is? sleeping, and said to Peter, What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:40-41 How do we keep His joy remaining in us? We need to watch and pray, we need to listen to what Jesus tells us and do it. Choose JOY! Jesus did

Page 7

Fragrant Life Ministry

Issue 5 of 2011

WOMEN IN CALVARY CHAPEL

~ THE JOY OF THE LORD ~
By Mary Jane Robinette

The dictionary describes joy as a very glad feeling; happiness; delight; or, anything causing this. To me it means happiness. I experienced this kind of wonderful happiness when my husband returned home from the Mens Retreat. I felt a serious emptiness in my heart without having him close by me. My heart felt an overwhelming contentment to see him sitting there in his big soft brown recliner chair reading his book. Genesis 2:23 This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. When a man and woman marry, they become one, a union blest by God in heaven. They share physical love. They become soul mates. They can communicate their thoughts without speaking. They share the good and the bad. They become one voice, one heart in friendship. In their spiritual relationship a husband and wife share their love for the Lord in every aspect of their daily life together. God however wants us to realize that the joy in the love we share with our spouse is a temporary gift we experience while on this earth. God wants us to surrender our hearts to Him daily. He wants us to remember that there is a greater unseen joy, a precious gift for our heart, the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is Jesus who is our ultimate joy and this happiness is eternal. We may not see Him with our eyes, but the presence of Jesus is always within us. Never should we feel an emptiness within our hearts. Our love for Jesus is our absolute joy. The Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will enemy lurks at the door of our heart ready to move in. joy in the God of my salvation. Invite Jesus into your We must guard our heart against any emotion that heart daily with prayer and staying in the Word. Jesus tries to conquer our joy in Jesus. is our Prince of Peace. He gives us strength and John 15:9,11 As the Father loved Me, I also have hope. He fills our hearts with holy joy, the unselfish agape love of the Jesus Christ. My precious sisters in loved you; abide in My love. These things I have Christ, my prayer is for you to seal the joy of Jesus spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. Christ in your heart and embrace it every day. Walk in the light of His Words. The love of the Lord lives in us, How do we abide in the love of Jesus Christ? We we must let the Lord live through us. Share the joy of keep the joy of Jesus in our heart every day through Jesus with everyone, so that their joy may also be full. the Word. Jesus is the Word. We must meditate on the Word daily so that it is written in our heart not just Focus your eyes, your heart on the Joy of the Lord in our thoughts. We want Jesus to feel welcomed and and allow His love to abide in you, and you in Him. at home in our hearts. The presence of Jesus in our

heart is the promise of wonderful things in our life every day. He is with us everywhere we go. He is our Savior; our Counselor; our Mediator; He is our Shepherd; He is our Lamb of God. Jesus is God. He is our hope for today in this world and for all eternity. We no longer have to carry our worries, our fears, our burdens alone. Jesus wants to carry them for us. His gracious love wants to care for our needs daily. When we allow Jesus to take control of our heart we are set free to feel spiritually revived to go out in the world and speak His name. The joy of Jesus in our heart is our daily nourishment. In Him we can rejoice richly while on this earth. His blessings will improve our days and bring us peace and contentment. I assumed that when my husband arrived home from the Mens Retreat my joy had returned with him. We cling to the joy that our earthly love for our spouse brings to us. I felt empty, alone, and tearful while he was apart from me. We sometimes confuse our physical happiness, the emotions we have for those we love here on this earth with our spiritual gift of joy, the love of Jesus Christ. Even when an event in life leads us to a place of being without our spouse, Jesus is with us. He promised never to leave us alone. I had the love and companionship of Jesus within me. I missed a prized opportunity to have a weekend with Jesus, the enemy won. Instead I pouted and felt sorry for myself because I was alone. I was never alone, nor should I have felt lonely. My husband and I were still connected by our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our joy was full.

Calvary Chapel Reno/Sparks

220 Edison Way, Reno, NV 89502 (775)856-1110 FAX: (775) 856-2031 www.calvarychapelreno.org Senior Pastor Admin. Pastor Youth Pastor Worship Pastor Evangelism Pastor Secretary Tom Luitwieler Rob Wolfe Juan Rodriguez Scott Cresta Leonard Sanchez Kim Bowser

SEPTEMBER 2011
Su Mo Tu We Th 1 4 5 6 7 8 Fri Sat 2 9 3 10

1,8,15,22,29

Womens Prayer 9 am

4th

Missions Prayer Meeting 12:30 pm

10th

Singles Potluck 6 pm

11th

Widows Meeting 8:15am

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

7,14,21,28 12,19,26

Joyful Books 9:30-10:30 Womens Monday Bible Study Home Fellowship Begins

How Can I Get Involved in Womens Ministries at Calvary Chapel?

18

19

20

21

22

23

24
18th

25
Calvary Chapel and You! First: Present yourself to God (Romans 12:1) for confirmation that He has planted you in this fellowship. If so, then discover your gifts and Gods calling in your life. Second: Study to show yourself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). As you grow in your relationship with God, let Him prepare you for effective service. Third: Be doers of the Word (James 1:22). Commit yourself to the work of Jesus Christ in this fellowship. Get involved as a yielded vessel to Gods guiding anywhere He directs.

26

27

28

29

30

OCTOBER 2011
Su Mo Tu We Th Fri Sat 1 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29

6,13,20,27

Womens Prayer 9 am

2nd

Missions Prayer Meeting 12:30 pm Couples Potluck 6 pm Widows Meeting 8:15am Joyful Books 9:30-10:30 Womens Conference

8th 9th 5,12,19,26 15th

3,10,17,24,

Womens Monday Bible Study Harvest Festival

31st

W H ER E I S G OD C AL L I N G M E TO S ERV E I N T HE C H UR CH
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THESE MINISTRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 856-1110

Helps Ministryfood pantry, meals ministry Caf 2:42 Womens Greeters Womens Monday Bible Study Womens Koinonia, Conferences, and Retreats PACE (Post Abortion Counseling Education) call Virginia Kentch at 287-2264. Womens Prayer GroupThursdays 9 am Womens Night of Worship

CHILDRENS MINISTRIES, NURSERY & CHILD CARE Widows Meeting (Encourage & Prayer) 2nd Sunday of the month in Caf 242 @ 8:15 am.

Moms In PrayerMondays 1:00 pm. This ministry is for moms who want to get together and pray for their children. We meet on a weekly basis in the 3rd/4th grade classroom. Child care will be shared as needed. Call DiAnn at 972-4264.

Spirit Led Writers for our womens newsletter. Original poetry, recipes, stories, missions, answered prayers; fruit the Lord has grown in you that you would like to share with others! email Kelly Gardner: clay-kelly@charter.net or call 657-6422.