How To Celebrate Friendship in Your Women's Ministry
Posted by Frankie on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 7:57am
Calling all girlfriends! Did you know that February is national Friendship month? Wouldn’t Lucy and Ethel be thrilled? Can you imagine how they would celebrate if they could join us? I can assure you it would be a hoot, and would include adventure. Have you ever celebrated the amazing gift of friendship in your Women's Ministry? Before you answer let’s get an expert’s definition of what it means to celebrate. Webster defines Celebrate as: to observe a noble occasion with festivities—to show happiness that something good or special has happened. Sounds like Mr. Webster had experienced true friendship. In the body of Christ we are blessed to experience the love of many good friends. Some have stood beside us when we weren’t sure we could make it. While others prayed for us, and we know without their prayers we wouldn’t had made it. I believe this calls for a celebration, so let’s get out the party hats and order the cake. Friendship is a beautiful gift to be treasured, enjoyed and celebrated. In God’s Word we read how he ordained feast and festivals where his people would gather and celebrate. One of my favorite verses of scriptures is: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work, if one falls down his friend can help him up Eccl. 4:9-10. I have been helped up many times, and that gives me a reason to celebrate. Here are some ideas for your women's’ ministry. And Girlfriends, you don’t have to celebrate in February just plan a time in the coming year to celebrate the gift of friendship. Death by Chocolate Party Theme Scripture-Taste and See that the LORD is Good! Watch the Lucy and Ethel DVD–Job Switching DVD- Use the clip-*Let Em Roll.* Serve refreshments-that are rich in chocolate. Decorations Pink and Brown-Aqua makes a great accent. The Party stores have much to offer. Invite three women to share their testimonies about a special friendship that had a real impact in their life. As the director-take a few moment to share about the most important friendship we have-Jesus. Make this an outreach project by having women invite their best friends. Want to help them women in your church connect and grow meaningful friendships order Frankie’s Bible study Why We Need Girlfriends. Free Leaders Guide's available.
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Comments From Felice Gerwitz of Media Angels-Book Titles
Posted by Frankie on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 2:01pm
A Great Book Title by Felice Gerwitz With the title of her new book, "Why We Need Girlfriends," Frankie Sherman has caught the attention of more than just one person. And, that my friend is the object of an attention getting title. In order to have a reader pick up your book a great looking cover and title is a must. Add to that a wonderful permise and you have the makings of a best-seller. One of the perks if you will, of hosting a radio show for authors is receiving review copies. Frankie is my guest on the upcoming Blog Talk Radio show for authors in all stages of their writing and publishing career. If you are reading this post later, the archived version of the interview will be up for a few months. It helps when interviewing an author to hold the book in your hand, and as time permits to view the contents. This book drew me in not only because of the title, but because of the premise. It is a Bible study that focuses on the relationship between women and especially key women...Mary, the mother of Christ, and her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. These are absolutely two of my favorite women in the Bible. I named one of my daughers, Anne Elizabeth (Anne was the name of Mary's mother). When writing a book, don't let the title be dull and lackluster. Let it draw your readers in, realize this is not an easy feat. In fact, many authors labor over the issue of a title. In my own experiences of finding a good title, it either comes first...or comes last. I've also given the task to someone else, like a capable editor. My science fair book was named, "Science Fair Projects" for several years before receiving a major face-lift and another fifty pages and being title, "An Insider's Guide to Successful Science Fair Project." Which book would your rather read?
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Doing Friendship God's Way
Posted by Frankie on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 10:58am
Nothing delights me more than a day with my grand girls. Even at the ages of two and four they are my best buds. The conversations I share with Madison while working a Fancy Nancy™ puzzle…priceless. And Campbell even at age two has a real flair for fashion when we play dress up, definitely takes after her Nana. I enjoy their company so much, that if I am not careful I find myself doing some things that might not be wise. I think the word is called compromise. Yes, that’s it. Our friend Mr. Webster has one specific definition that describes it well. Compromise: a concession to something; a compromise of one’s principles. Ouch! In other words, I give up something. In my case it usually means I bend the rules a little too much. However, when it comes to their safety and things that truly matter, I can’t afford to compromise. The cost is too great. What about you? Have you ever compromised your values for friendships? Unfortunately most women have. Sometimes in our loneliness we become so needy for companionship that we compromise our godly values and associate with people we know aren’t good for us. We do things we’d normally never do. Why? We didn’t want to be lonely. This is more likely to happen when we move to a new location, change jobs, experience divorce, or a lifestyle change. God understands your loneliness and he wants the best for you. In addition to providing comfort in His Word, he wants you to enjoy friendships, healthy satisfying friendships. His desire for you is to choose friends who are good for you and to ask Him for discernment. The best place to find the coolest friends—a women's Bible study, one that includes all ages and stages of life, where they have some junk in their trunk, but are redeemed by the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In Proverbs 12:26 we read: A righteous man is cautious in friendships but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Girlfriends, we need to be cautious about who we invite to share life with. When the heart tugs and warning signs tell you this person may not be right, listen. A checklist: Do I have godly friends in my life? • Do my friends encourage me to make smart choices? _____ • Do my close friends have godly values? _____ • Do my friends ask me to compromise my deep core values? _____ • Do my friends pray for me and encourage me to be all that God created me to be? _____ • Who’s the first friend I would call for prayer and know she would do it? _____ Father, Help me to remain faithful and true to your word and biblical values. If they are really my friend they will desire what’s best for me. Amen
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The Girlfriends Road Map for Life
Posted by Frankie on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 12:11am
I have never been one who could read a road map. In fact, I owe a debt of gratitude to the dear souls who created Mapquest ™ and the GPS tracking system. Hopefully there will be stars in their crowns for their efforts. My years of traveling in ministry have taught me one sure thing—to get where I need to go, I must have a map. If you are new to studying Scripture, it can seem overwhelming. I know exactly how you feel. My grandfather was the major male influence in my life. A hard working professional, he loved his family and his Lord passionately. He also had a yearning for scripture. His leisure time found him with a Bible in one hand and a commentary in the other. He was a brilliant man who could explain and memorize scriptures with ease. I inherited his love for the Word, but not his intellectual or natural ability to comprehend and memorize scriptures. So, I have to work very hard to understand. Yet, I am living proof that diligence, commitment and the power of the Holy Spirit will help you understand God’s Word in ways that escape the imagination. Should you struggle with comprehension, remember that it has nothing to do with your love of God. His Word is for all of us. Most of the men who wrote the Scriptures were simple learners. Reading the scripture from your very own Bible has a personal impact. Simply reading the Word doesn’t change us, but studying the Word does. Webster defines "study" as "diligence, applying the mind, consider attentively, examine closely." Don’t be afraid to underline, highlight, or jot personal notes or prayers in your copy of God’s Word as you study each verse and passage. Tips for Studying God’s Word 1. Approach the Scriptures with a reverent attitude. 2. Read slowly and with intent—learn to need God’s Word. 3. Read with the intent of teaching it to someone else. 4. Read only a few scriptures at a time. 5. Read the scripture in more than one version. This may help your understanding. 6. When you do not understand a passage, ask the Lord for help. 7. Accept that there are many scriptures that we may never understand completely. 8. Always begin and end with prayer. Ask God how you can apply the verses or passage immediately. Frankie Sherman is a national speaker, comedian, and Bible teacher for conferences, retreats, and women's events. She fell in love with Jesus at Vacation Bible School and takes every opportunity to tell others about the joy of being alive in Christ. She is a former choreographer for the Georgia Peach Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl Halftime Show. Her specialty is in theater musical/productions. Her first Bible Study, Why We Need Girlfriends is based on the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth, from Luke's gospel. Two women brought together by extraordinary circumstances by an extraordinary God. Frankie is from South Carolina—loves sweet tea, BIG hair and her grand-girls. She believes there will never be another Elvis. And knows that her Jesus will return for her soon. For more information see http://www.frankiesherman.com or contact her publicist, Kathy Carlton Willis at WillisWay@ao.coml
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Girlfriends-Getting It Done In 2010 Together!
Posted by Frankie on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 7:39am
It’s a new year! 365 days of New Beginnings. Many of us will make New Year resolutions or new goals for the coming year. I am no exception; this time however I want to accomplish them, since they will have a positive impact on my life. How about you? Before you make your goals for 2010, don’t be in a hurry. First sit down with the LORD your God and seek His heart. Allow Him to examine areas that He is ready to do a new work in. Don’t miss the opportunity to assist God in doing something wonderful in your life. Are you really serious about losing weight, deeper Bible study or getting out of debt? Choose a friend or an accountability partner that cares about you, and share your goals with her. Then check in with her on a monthly bases. Discuss areas of your success and struggles. Your friend may have a great solution. Record your goals and measure your progress in a journal. You will be glad you did. When you slip, forgive yourself, begin again and remember that God is for you. Each morning before your feet touch the floor, surrender your heart, your day, and every activity to the Lord. Seek His help and before you know it 2010 will be your most successful year. Bless you Girlfriends-you pray for me and I’ll pray for you. Frankie
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