Welcome to our quarterly newsletter!
We want to hear from you...let us know what you like, dislike or any suggestions for future newsletters.
|
|
|
What's Been Happening?
We are happy to announce we are back to In-Person BootCamps and SYMBIS assessments! Praise God! In our last newsletter, we mentioned we had a new service we would be adding to our ministry. We are excited to add the service of "Life Coaching" for ladies. During these past several months, Sissy has completed her training through the Institute For Life Coach Training and is ready to help propel ladies forward to higher heights.
As we continue to host BootCamps and SYMBIS assessments, we strive to better equip each couple for their future marriage. We strongly believe it IS possible to have a healthy, thriving and joyful marriage, even in today's society, if we will follow God's Design and be INTENTIONAL in our relationship! We are continuing to seek God's will for all He has for us to accomplish for His Kingdom.
|
|
|
"Thank you to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve this great nation of the
United States of America"
|
|
 Not sure about you, but I know there are many times in my relationships, whether with a spouse or anyone else for that matter, it would have behooved me to apply this scripture. Why is it sooooooo hard some times to be silent? Have you ever wished you would have been silent? Speaking flows so much easier than zipping your lips.
My guess is most of us do not struggle as much to speak up when someone has wronged us or offended us. We normally do not need to pray to speak up; however, we most definitely need help in what and how we speak! On the other hand, "...A time to be silent..." meaning keep your mouth shut, for sure requires MUCH prayer (at least for me). The need to be heard is natural. Whereas, the necessity of being silent on many occasions is unnatural.
Since we are talking about silence and speaking, I am reminded of another scripture, James 1:19, "...Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear." (MSG) "Lead with your ears" is very similar to "a time to be silent." You see when I am speaking, I cannot "Lead with my ears."
The other night when listening to Dr. Dharius Daniels, he made a very true statement that many of us know and I believe it is very applicable right here. Dr. Daniels said, "You cannot do what God says in His Word, without God." For example, a couple might say, "There is no way we can wait to have sex until we get married. That's outdated. That's not possible." There is truth in those words when we are trying to accomplish this without God's help. The bottom line is the Bible is a Life Book. It tells us how to live a fruitful life here on this earth with God. It tells us that we can do NOTHING without God. Therefore, it makes complete sense that I cannot keep silent on my own when I should. However, with God's help, I can keep silent and lead with my ears!
It truly is a gift to know when and when not to speak. These past few months as I have been in Life Coach Training, the art of listening has been reiterated over and over again. Truly listening to another individual provides such freedom and value to that person. I want to encourage you today to examine your own listening skills. How could your listening skills be sharpened? How would your relationships benefit from some intentional prayer on your part regarding listening?
In relationships, we all want to be heard and valued. One of the many ways we can start to accomplish this is through becoming better listeners. What benefit would it have on our relationships if we lived "a time to be silent?"
Sissy
|
|
|
|
We wanted to share these Connection Cards with you. We have been truly enjoying our time with them. Unlike other conversation cards, these actually go deeper and allow you to grow and learn more about your spouse. It's a great way to spend some quality time with each other and invest in your relationship at the same time!
|
|
|
"What's getting in your way?"
- "My life is on Auto Pilot."
- "I am stuck in a rut."
- "I am just going through the motions of life."
- "I feel like I am running around in circles."
Have you found yourself saying any of these statements lately? Are you ready to move forward and become all that God has created you to be? Could you use a Co-Pilot?
If you answered YES to any or all of these questions, you might want to explore Life Coaching with Sissy. Life Coaching is NOT therapy, consulting, advising, mentoring or even teaching. Life Coaching is a partnership between you and your Coach.
As your Life Coach, Sissy will take the role of Co-Pilot and support you as you discover hidden skills, strengths and talents that will propel you into untraveled paths. You have everything you need inside of you to soar to new heights. The question is "Are you ready to take charge and navigate your life in the direction you desire?"
If you are a woman who is ready for more and are curious about Life Coaching with Sissy, then click below to learn more.
|
|
|
Pre-Marriage Bootcamp In-Person
$60 off Texas Marriage License
Saturday, July 10, 2021
(9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Engaged? We believe Pre-Marriage BootCamp can help you strengthen your future marriage together, PLUS get $60 off your Texas Marriage License. We are happy to announce we are back to IN- PERSON BootCamp meetings! You have absolutely NOTHING to lose and EVEYTHING to gain when you attend our Pre-Marriage BootCamp. Don't delay, register today!
|
|
|
|
As I have aged, I noticed that time seems to go faster and faster. If I am not careful so does my quiet time in the mornings with the Lord. In Psalm 46:10, the Bible says, "Be still, and know that I am God..."
For me this verse is saying if I'm not "Still" (i.e. having quality quiet time), I am less likely to draw closer to God, to know God and all His ways. With the fast-paced society we live in today, the challenge of being "Still" before the Lord has become harder and harder. Many have cell phones on 24/7 and rarely are able to experience the Lord in "Stillness" and peace. However, we must choose not to lose sight of the importance that God places on being "Still" before Him. It is true society doesn't award "Stillness." Society sees busyness as accomplishment. So I must remind myself daily...I am not desiring to have a relationship with society, but I do desire to have an intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Listed below are a few of the things that have helped me as i have pursued "Stillness" before God:
- Begin with a few minutes of Praise and Prayer
- If just starting out, start with baby steps
- Begin with a minute of "Stillness"
- Build up your time as you see increase until it becomes a desire and habit
- Meditate on a verse in the Bible
- Focus on one or two words at a time and what these words mean to you for a few moments
-Then move on to the next words
- Jot down "Distracting Thoughts"
- Often this happens to me. Thoughts will come into my mind while being "Still" (i.e, what work looks like today or other external distractions)
- Write these distractions on a piece of paper then go back to being "Still" (Knowing their on paper allows me to get back to my quiet time with the Lord)
- Commit to practicing "Stillness"
- "Stillness" is beautiful because for many it is hard earned; it gives us a sense of humility and focus completely on our Lord and all He is to us
- Embrace the Lord's mystery of what all can happen when we are "Still" with our Creator
- The Lord refreshes our soul when we are "Still" before Him
It is my prayer that these simple little tips may help you while you take the time to be "Still" with the Lord. The Lord knows the challenges we face as we sit "Still" before Him. However, He is full of compassion and love for us and waiting to spend time with each of us.
Doug
|
|
|
|
Lemon Blueberry Muffins
|
|
|
Dairy Free Tomato Basil Soup
|
|
|
|
Red, White & Blue Trifle
|
|
|
Crunchy Asian Salad
|
|
|
EVENTS HAPPENING
Tauren Wells - City of Heaven Tour
Bayou Music Center - Houston, TX
|
|
Pitcher Ministries is a 501c(3) organization and welcomes any and all donations to help us continue to educate singles and engaged couples PRIOR to engagement and marriage! Should you feel led to donate any amount or become a monthly partner of any amount, please click the "Donate Now" button below.
We greatly appreciate all donations and prayer support! Blessings to each of you!
|
|
|
|
|
