The First Flower of Spring!

It is March 1st.  We made it through the winter months and can now look forward to the Spring and all that comes with it. More sunlight, warmer weather, grass, trees and flowers blooming.  The daffodil is the March birth flower. Daffodils have the flower meaning of rebirth, respect, regard and unrequited love. The daffodil is one of the first flowers of spring, therefore it is a symbol of rebirth.

Rebirth, respect, regard and unrequited love are all attributes that remind us of God's pure love.  Easter certainly reminds us of the "rebirth" of Christ as He rose to be with The Father.  There is no greater love than that rebirth. " But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God," John 1:22

Respect is defined in the book of Matthew (among others) Matthew 7:12-“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Respect for our bodies, our lives and others is recounted in the bible many times, To respect is to demonstrate that you value someone's interests, values, or feelings.

Regard, or to be concerned with something or someone, is defined  in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20-"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."  Regard for our minds, health, and most importantly our relationship with The Father, are all paramount as we grow in Him.

Unrequited love, or basically loving someone who doesn't love you back, seems to be most challenging for most of us.  However, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 gives us the exact instruction for loving unconditionally :"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things hopes all things, endures all things" 

We are just a few days away from "In Full Bloom" and learning what it means to press in and move closer to the plans that God has for us.  It seems so fitting that we will begin our journey together during this month of March.. A month  defined by a flower with attributes that capture the essence of who we can all be in Him. 

Get Ready to Blossom!

One week from today we will be celebrating "In Full Bloom"!  Just what does that mean?  Well it promises to be a night of worship, praise, and laughter!  Our Women's Ministry is launching to new heights as we walk into God's promises for our lives.  This is an exciting time in the lives of the women at Christ Church! Child care will be provided, so just make sure you get there in time to get a seat.  You will also have time to sign up for our women's ministries including "Women of the Word" and "Moms In Prayer".

Get ready as God does a "new thing" in the lives of the women in our area!

Modesty, Faithfulness, February?

The name "In Full Bloom" seems to be so fitting for the women's ministry. When you think of flowers and how precious and beautiful they are, you can equate that with God's love for us.  We are designed like flowers; beautiful, strong, fragrant, precious.  These are just a few of the words that come to mind when one thinks of flowers and the female species.  

In fact,  each month of the year has a specific flower, and each flower has a description.  For instance, the month of February is represented by the Violet.  The meaning of the violet is this: modesty, faithfulness, virtue/young love.  These are all of the characteristics that God wants for us: 

Gal.5:22-23  "But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity."

(The Douay-Rheims translation)

As you continue to seek God's grace and direction in your life, take a look at your own birthday month and flower and its meaning.  Can you see God's handprint on your life in the description of your flower?

  "Lord, we seek your direction as we define our selves as you see us and as you have created us.  Help us to see ourselves as you see us-as beautiful, blooming flowers-strong, steady, fragrant and beautiful.  Amen"

Welcome to In Full Bloom!

Welcome to In Full Bloom!  Join the women of Christ Church as we journey together to discover what God has designed for our lives!  Check back frequently for posts about our upcoming March 2nd In Full Bloom launch service and our conference/retreat that will happen on May 4-5, 2012.

 Journey with us as we become "Polished Petals" and seek the hand of God!