WELLINGTON BRANCH SUPPLEMENT : Encourager 117

( November 2007 )

UPCOMING EVENTS

• CHRISTMAS DINNER - 1st DECEMBER, 5.30pm - LIFEPOINT

  A CELEBRATION AND LAST MEETING FOR THE YEAR,
  WITH ENTERTAINMENT BY THE MADDISON JOB HOMEGROUP.

• REGIONAL CAMP - MARCH 7th-9th 2008 - WAIKANAE

  OUR BRANCH ANNUAL CAMP.

Up to the top

AUGUST MEETING

Paul spoke about his journey, with his daughter, Krystina - about her battles overcoming her condition, which started with an early tumour at the base of her spine, and how doctors were amazed at the tenacity and determination of this young woman who was not meant to survive.

Kristina's life is testament to the power of prayer and support given to her and her parents. She is planning to study the very challenging course of Veterinary Science at Massey University in the next year. Many were touched and encouraged by Paul's story.

Lunch was eaten and we enjoyed each other's company informally. We gathered back together where Sharon Blackwood read out of the Bible. We then finished with Trev Margolin giving a gospel talk in the form of his testimony, about how God's grace had filled the gaps in his life.

Up to the top

36 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future.
If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain.
Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1.	Pray.
2.	Go to bed on time.
3.	Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4.	Say "No" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
5.	Delegate tasks to capable others.
6.	Simplify and unclutter your life.
7.	Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8.	Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9.	Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10.	Take one day at a time.
11.	Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12.	Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13.	Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14.	K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15.	Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16.	Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17.	Get enough rest.
18.	Eat right.
19.	Get organized so everything has its place.
20.	Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21.	Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22.	Every day, find time to be alone.
23.	Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24.	Make friends with Godly people.
25.	Keep a folder of favourite scriptures on hand.
26.	Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27.	Laugh.
28.	Laugh some more!
29.	Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30.	Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31.	Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32.	Sit on your ego.
33.	Talk less; listen more.
34.	Slow down.
35.	Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36.	Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Up to the top

DIAL A DEVOTION

Up to the top

... what Christianity is for ...

- Anonymous

( from "Worthy Quotes"; "Learn of Me" is from Matthew 11.29. )

Up to the top

SEPTEMBER MEETING

God was with us, as we started the day with praise. Dave Lusk then introduced the relaxed programme for the day.

John Hawkins, current branch chairman and Di Willis, national ministries director, gave addresses congratulating us all on the achievement of 25 years ministry and looking forward to the next era. Helen McGhie, branch spiritual advisor, rounded off the formalities with encouragement from the Bible.

A delicious smorgasbord of food followed.

After lunch, around the room we went, canvassing year by year when people started coming to branch activities. Then came opportunity for people to speak briefly and share memories - some were funny, some interesting and others moving.

Kay McCullum ended her time with us at CFFD locally, this celebration being her last Wellington event before she left for Nelson to live. We prayed for Kay and released her to be closer to her family. Finishing the day, we traditionally cut the cake and relaxed, catching up, and enjoying each other's company.

Up to the top

PRAYER NEEDS.

1.	Praise God for the achievement of 25 years of ministry in Wellington region! Pray that God would continue his work through the branch.
2.	Thank God for the last month's National Camp in Matamata. Pray that God would continue the work he began and continued there
3.	Continue to uphold the current committee in the ministry. Pray for strength, encouragement, wisdom, and unity for each of John, Lyn, Ric, Viv, Teresa, Dave and Sharon.
4.	Pray for Kay and her Mum, as they settle in Nelson. Pray for a welcoming church for Kay to find a home in. Pray also for a permanent place to live and work that will suit her skills and time in career.
5.	Uphold Lesley and Grace in the Philippines, especially as they come to the end of year and all the pressure that can involve. Pray for both their health.

Up to the top

WANTED !! Please contact me if you would like to write for this supplement. I need : reviews of monthly meetings, reviews of other Christian events you've been to, Photos, Great Quotes, Prayer requests, Cartoons, Jokes, .......    :- ALL will be considered. These are YOUR pages ! Teresa Stuart

Up to the top