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    Beautiful FeetI keep a supply of slippers in the closet near the entry at our house and

    encourage guests to remove their shoes and relax during their visit. InBible days it was customary for travelers to have their feet washed beforeentering a house. Although a slave usually performed this task, Jesuswashed His disciples feet as a demonstration of love and servanthood.

    Many times we see a need but wait for someone else to take care of it. Jesus gave us many examples to follow by showing servant leadership.We sing the song, To be like Jesus, this hope possesses me, but manytimes we want to pick and choose when we want to be like Jesus. Weneed to respond to the needs of others as He would.

    Paul writes, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news(Rom. 10:15). What a peculiar verse. Ive seen many feet that I wouldntconsider beautiful and have been close enough to some where the odorredirected my course. When I think of people who have beautiful feet, Idont see feet with a professional pedicure, pretty and painted. I seesomeone using their feet to go and do things for othersshopping forsomeone who cant get out of the house, cooking and taking meals tosomeone who is sick, or helping someone by using a talent or gift theyhave to benefit others.

    When our feet are used for the right purposes, they are transformed;they are beautiful. I believe this begins in our homes with our families.The world can be very ugly with dark and depressing news. Thats whywe must have beautiful feet to carry a message to the world, a messageof good news about Gods love. People don't care how much you knowuntil they know how much you care. Another saying reminds us,Actions speak louder than words. People will see the beauty of Christ,when you put it into action.

    Psalm 119:105 proclaims, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light tomy path. When His Word is recognized in our homes, it brings peaceand beauty to our loved ones, and spreads to others. Make level pathsfor your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed(Heb. 12:13). Our beautiful feet are important in developing beautiful feetin others. An old Sunday school song carries the message, Do you know,O Christian, youre a sermon in shoes? Jesus counts upon you to spreadthe Gospel news, so walk it and talk it, preach it and teach it, live it andgive it, know it and show ita sermon in shoes.

    We leave our mark in life by our actions, words and deeds beginning inthe home and extending to those we encounter every day. May our faithwalk be constant and always honoring to God. Lets take a look at thelists of where our feet have trod today. Its good to consider how we may beautify our feet for better service to God. Before we depart from thisplace, let us take time to pray for the places where our feet will go in thefuture and that God would be honored in our every step.

    Take Your Shoes Off in the House FellowshipOctober 2009Captain Janet DuperreeEastern Territory

    3

    DecorationsDisplay items pertaining to feet

    stickers, shoes, posters, socks, stack of shoeboxes, shoe polish, shoehorns.

    RefreshmentsServe grape juicerepresenting

    grapes pressed by feet, foot long hotdogs, bear claws and Gummy feet.For the brave, have them try pigs feet.

    Program IdeasFoot Massage and PedicureEveryone loves a good foot massage

    and a pedicure can be a real treat. Thiscan be done with partners, each work-ing on the other or as a demonstration.Supplies needed: Emery boards, nailpolish, foot cream, pumice or footscraper, toe separators, cotton balls,nail clippers, footbath, soap.

    Animal Foot PrintsMake copies of the footprints of var-

    ious animals. Have the women guesseach animals footprint.

    The following sites have examples:http://pelotes.jea.com/footprn.htm.http://www.leslietryon.com/ani-mals1101/animalfootprints.html.

    GamesShoe Relay

    Have the woman place their shoes ina pile in the center of the room. Ask them to line up forming two teams.On command a woman from eachteam must find her shoes, put them onand fall back into the line. This is

    repeated until all team members have both shoes on. The first team toaccomplish this is the winner.

    Shoe BoxPlace about 15 to 20 items that relate

    to the theme in a shoe boxshoelaces,shoe polish, a shoehorn, socks, nylons,footies, nail polish, manicure scissors,nail clippers. Blindfold each womanand ask her to identify the items in theshoe box by touch. After an estab-

    lished time, have her write down theitems that she identified. Give a prizeto the woman who guesses the mostitems correctly.

    PrizesAward foot related items or a copy of

    the poem Footprints in the Sand.

    Where Did You Go?Prior to the devotional, ask the

    women to make a list of places theirfeet took them during that day or theprior week. At the end of the devo-tional have them review the list to seeif they could have used their steps in better ways.

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    A Place Called HomeAt the end of the day isnt it wonderful to find our refuge in the place

    we call home? It doesnt really matter if its an apartment, a single rent-ed room or a house. Its home. A beautifully decorated home is nice butwhat really matters is what fills it. A house doesnt make a home.

    I grew up in a family of eight. We all slept in two bedrooms. I neverknew what it was to have my own room, as I shared a single bed with myyounger sister. We shared everythingthe closet, the dresser drawersand the one bathroom. Did I ever want for anything more? No!

    As I look back it amazes me that I was quite happy with my home.Why? It was because when I reached home I looked forward to beingwith my mom, dad, brothers and sisters. I looked forward to eatingtogether, watching TV together, playing kick ball in the backyard, wash-ing the family car or drying dishes at the kitchen sink as my older sisterwashed them. This is what made us a family and our house a home.Home was a place where everyone felt a sense of love and belonging.

    As we think of what the home symbolizes, how grateful we should beto a wise God who even before we were conceived designed a plan andpattern for our lives. Theres nothing more pleasing than walking up tothe front door of someones home and seeing a welcome mat. Godextends to us a welcome mata place where we can feel wanted, safeand secure. Is your heart a place where God feels welcome and is athome?

    In Proverbs 24:3 we read, It takes wisdom to build a house, and under-standing to set it on a firm foundation ( The Message).Is there dissensionin your home? Are cross words exchanged between family members,which result in hurt feelings? As women who long to have a heart afterGod, we need to ask Him to help us fill every room of our homes withlove, joy and peace. Take Proverbs 24:3 and build your home on the wis-dom found in Gods Word. He will supply you with whatever you needto bring harmony into your home and will set it on a firm foundation.Make Him the center of your life.

    My Own Place ServiceOctober 2009Major Brenda SingletarySouthern Territory

    5

    Worship CenterOn a roundskirted table place a

    Bible opened to Proverbs 24:3. Besideit put a framed picture of a family or anew home. Add small items that areneeded in every new homemeasur-ing cups, dish towels, kitchen utensils.

    RefreshmentsServe a cake decorated with the

    words Welcome Home.

    Service Projects

    Habitat for HumanityContact your local Habitat forHumanity chapter for information onthings that are happening in yourcommunity and how the womensministries group can help. Their web-site is www.habitat.org.

    ShowerLocate a family in the community

    that will become a Habitat forHumanity homeowner. Set a date tohold A Dream Come True MyOwn Place shower for them.

    Ahead of time, make a list of house-hold items that are needed in settingup a new home. Check to see if thereare any children in the family and additems that could be used in a childs bedroom to the list. Ask the women to bring an item or two from the list.These should be wrapped and placedin a laundry basket with a large bow.Add a tag indicating To: SomeoneSpecial From the Women of the HomeLeague of The Salvation Army.

    Special OpportunityInclude information about the

    womens ministries group in the bas-ket, giving the time, day and whereyou meet. Ask a couple of the womento follow up on your guest so that shefeels welcome and wants to return forfuture meetings.

    Getting to Know YouAsk the women to guess how they

    think your guest will answer the fol-lowing questions:

    1. What is her favorite color?2. Where will she spend most of hertime in the house?3. What appliance will she use themost?

    4. What is her favorite color to beused inside the house?5. Does she prefer to open her win-dows or use the air conditioner?6. What is her favorite dinner to pre-pare?7. Would she rather dust or vacuum?8. Does she consider herself a morn-ing person or a night owl?9. What is her favorite time of day?10. Does she work in the yard withgloves on or off?Games A Through Z

    Distribute sheets of paper printedwith the names of various rooms in a

    house. Without skipping a letter of thealphabet, invite the women to list asmany items as they can of things to befound in these rooms. Give prizes of household items to the winners and

    encourage them to give their prizes tothe guest.

    Whats in the BagPlace ten household items in sepa-

    rate bags and close the top so theitems cannot be seen. The leader startsthis game by giving hints as to whatitem is in the first bag and continuesgiving hints until someone guessescorrectly. That woman opens the next bag and gives hints as to its contents.This continues until all the bags have been opened. As the items are correct-ly identified, they are given to theshower recipient.

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    My HomeThe short story, My Heart, Christs Home , by Robert Boyd Munger sounds

    a whole lot better than a nightmare I had. In it I lived in a beautiful man-sion owned by Jesus. It was clean, well decorated with a beautiful view.The library was furnished with comfortable furniture and beautiful books. The kitchen was well stocked and had the latest appliances. Theliving room was elegant and the family room had a large television. The beds were made. The bathrooms had large soaking tubs and invitingfluffy towels. The dining room had a cabinet filled with beautiful china.

    In my dream, it was a sunny, quiet day and I had the back door open tocatch the cool breeze that was blowing the graceful trees. I also openedthe garage door to take advantage of the cross breeze. In the dream I gotabsorbed with a project and did not notice that people were beginning toset up a party on the front lawn. When I did notice, I was not concernedat first because there was enough space to share. Soon the noise andclamor began to grow, so I went to check out what was happening. To myamazement some people had backed their cars into the garage and were

    having a tailgate party. The front yard was filled with people sitting ingroups and having picnics. I tried to order the people out of the garage, but they laughed at me and refused to leave.

    I went back inside the house only to find that people had come insidetoo. They were having meetings, parties, family gatherings and somewere using and enjoying my things. I yelled and ordered them out. Manywere embarrassed that I noticed they had come uninvited, but stillrefused to leave. Some said they would leave after their party. They rea-soned that if I did not want them there I should have kept them out. Awomens ministries group was meeting by the fireplace in the familyroom. They were led by an older woman who was patronizing andmanipulating. She explained that she and her group came to this house because they knew it would be a lovely day and on lovely days I always

    left the front door open. She was surprised that I could be so upset. As Iangrily began to call her to account, I woke up.

    What a nightmare! I remember trying to explain that it was GoodFriday and my plans had been to have a quiet day, enjoy my devotionaltime and just be with my friend Jesus. They agreed that was a noble plan but still refused to leave. I never thought to ask Jesus, the owner of thehome, to help me evict the interlopers and help me get control over thesituation.

    Like Robert Boyd Mungers story was about a dream, which served asa parable, my nightmare was a parable or warning. In the story, My Heart Christs Home , the owner of the home/heart invited Christ in to becomehis guest. John 14:23 tells us that when we love Jesus and obey His teach-ing He will come and make His home in our heart. Jesus has been the

    owner of my heart for many years. It is a home that has continualimprovements made and is not finished yet. He is the owner and I am thesteward so I am supposed to have control over who enters my home.However, there are times when I let my calendar and my life get filledwith distractions. Soon they overrun me and take control of my heart, thehome of Jesus. My nightmare of a beautiful home overrun with peopleand their activities is a reflection of how my life can get out of control anda reminder to let Jesus help me keep things in order.

    Following the devotional ask the following: Is your heart Christs home? Is it filled with order or have other things crowded Jesus out? Read John 15:117 againand discuss what it means to abide in Jesus.

    My Heart, Christs HomeWorshipOctober 2009Commissioner Debi BellFor the Western Territory

    6

    PurposeThis program will introduce the

    twelve worship programs for thisyears A Beautiful Home series.Each of the programs will explore adifferent part of a home and how itrelates spiritually to our individualsituations. This program focuses onthe importance of having a dedicated

    quiet time so that we can have a beau-tiful heart that Jesus will feel comfort-able in as He makes it His home.

    The SettingIf meeting around tables, use small

    model homes or birdhouses as thecenterpieces. An inexpensive place tofind them is on line at www.collec-tionsetc.com where everything is$19.95 or less or go to www.terrysvil-lage.com for other great bargains.

    Program Outline

    WelcomeCall to WorshipPsalm 84:14Song 670, Abide With Me*

    Scripture Reading: John 15:117Story, My Heart, Christs Home

    www.geocities.com/heartland/flats/4048/heart.html

    DevotionMy HomeDiscussion

    Closing Prayer*The Salvation Army Song Book

    Program CoverEarlier in the week have a couple of

    women make the program coversfrom folded card stock. Either print ormake a house using brown or whiteconstruction paper cut into the shapeof a house. Add additional cut outshapes for the roof, windows and adoor. Glue a small red heart on thedoor where a wreath would hang.Print the program outline and placeinside the program cover.

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    There Is No Place Like Home Read Luke 15:1124

    The best treasures we have in life are family and home. The family is theoldest and probably the most cohesive small group. The person that weultimately become is influenced more by our family life than anything

    else. As families we spend time together, love together and tolerate eachothers flaws. We experience ups and downs, joys and sorrows and lifedecisions together.

    In the Scripture just read, the prodigal son took the best of what his fatherhad to give and left his family to search for something better. After squan-dering his life inheritance, he hit bottom and realized just how much hehad lost. It was then that he remembered his family and longed to returnhome. He knew that even if he became a servant rather than a son, hewould be better off than remaining in his present position. He longed forthe comfort, acceptance, familiarity and warmth of home and family.

    While living in New York City in the early 1970s, my husband and Iwent to a Broadway show titled Pippin. The story is about PrincePippin, the son of French King Charlemagne. Pippin had just returned

    home from university and was seeking for the meaning of life. He decid-ed that he wanted to be extraordinary but he missed all the simple joysof life and family in his quest to be special. He experimented with every-thing to find fullness and happiness, ignoring the advice of those aroundhim who said that fame and fortune would not make him happy. Like theprodigal son, Pippin also hit rock bottom and realized that happiness isfound in love and family. The show ends with Pippin standing on a com-pletely empty stage holding the hands of the two people that mean themost to himthe love of his life and her son.

    Wikipedia , the online encyclopedia, tells us In common historic andmodern usage, a hearth is a brick or stonelined fireplace or oven usedfor cooking or heating. Because of its nature, in historic times the hearthwas considered an integral part of a home, often its central or most

    important feature. Generally when we refer to keeping the home fires burning, it means keeping the family together. From the early days,families gathered around the hearth, the warmest place in the home, topray, sing, tell stories, read the Bible, eat and just be together. Family wasthe most important thing.

    It is not coincidental that the word hearth is very close to the wordheart. We can always find ourselves again at the center of the veryheart of God who is home for each one who believes. He is always there beckoning us into the warmth and light of His presence. We need to takeour place in the shadow of His love for us. There as His children we willfind acceptance and the simple joy of life.

    FellowshipNovember 2009Major Bonnie Kirk

    Eastern Territory

    7

    DecorationsThis program would be most effec-

    tive if done in someones home in arelaxing homey environment. If this isnot possible, set up the meeting roomto resemble a living room.

    RefreshmentsAccording to Wikipedia , Comfort

    food is typically inexpensive, uncom-plicated and easy to prepare. The rea-sons a dish becomes a comfort food aremany, but often it is because of pleas-ant associations of childhood and fam-ily. Ask the women to bring one of their familys favorite comfort foodsand the recipe to share with the group.

    Program IdeasGenealogy

    Speakerscheck to see if there issomeone in the corps who is knowl-edgeable on the subject of genealogyand would be willing to share infor-mation about it.

    Websites: There are a number of siteswhere you can start a family tree at nocost. Sometimes there is a cost afterthe initial visit. Use a computer withInternet access and a LCD projector toshow the women how to get started.These are a few of the sites:

    www.genealogy.about.comwww.ancestry.comwww.myheritage.com/family-treewww.familysearch.orgwww.familytree.com

    OpenHearth CookingCooking over an openhearth is the

    oldest way to cook. Check to see if there is someone in your area who isknowledgeable on this method of cooking. If not, ask a couple of thewomen to research the topic and givea report to the group. There are anumber of sites on the Internet on thissubject. Enter openhearth cookingusing your favorite search engine.

    Family HeirloomAsk the women to bring an item

    from home that is a family heirloom.Have them share its significance totheir family.

    DiscussionSharing Simple Ways1. Do you buy an item because youneed it or because you want it?2. Do you always need to have thelatest gadgetsGPS, BlackBerry ,handsfree cell phone?3. Do you go into debt in order to

    have the latest model TV, car orrefrigerator?4. Do you think you have an addic-tive personality?5. If you realize that you dont need

    something, do you give it away or doyou keep it just in case you mightneed it in the future?6. Are you easily influenced by othersor do you make up your own mind?7. Do you prefer a walk in the park ortickets to a Broadway show?

    Home Is Where the Hearth Is

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    Practice HospitalityRomans 12:13 tell us to practice hospitality. During the holiday season

    many of us will have guests in our homes and we will have an opportu-nity to make them feel welcome. We want them to feel at home and havea good time. But a lot depends on us. Are we ready for their coming? Arewe comfortable with them being there or do we feel stressed? Is the tim-ing of their visit good for all concerned?

    Luke 19 tells about a man so short of stature that he had to climb up atree to see Jesus. As Jesus passed by the tree, He stopped, looked up andsaid, Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your housetoday (verse 5). We usually have forewarning when company is coming.Zacchaeus did not, yet he was a gracious host. Scripture tells us that hewelcomed Jesus gladly.

    If Jesus came to your house today, what would he find? Would you wel-come Him gladly or would you have to say, Wait a minute; I have some

    things I need to take care of before I let You in. Would you be kickingthings under the sofa, hiding books and magazines, changing pictures onthe wall or boxing up your CDs and DVDs because they were not appro-priate and you wouldnt want Jesus to see them? Would you be dustingoff the Bible and putting it in an obvious place?

    In John 14:23 we read, Jesus replied, If anyone loves Me, he will obeyMy teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come and make Ourhome with him. Imagine, the Creator of the universe wants to make Hishome with you. Your heart must be as clean and inviting as your homewould be when expecting guests. Jesus wants to be at home with you.Are you ready?

    EducationNovember 2009Major Jan HendricksonCentral Territory

    8

    IntroductionSitting by the bedside of a woman

    who was dying, the conversationturned to our homes and family. Shesaid to me, If I could do it all overagain, I would set out the best chinaand linens for my family. I would havetreated them as well as I treated myguests. Holidays are a time when weoften entertain family as well asguests.

    Program SuggestionsSpeaker

    Ask someone who has the gift of hos-pitality to speak to the group about being a good hostess as well as a wel-come guest.

    ReportUsing your favorite search engine onthe Internet enter, How to Prepare forGuests. Ask a couple of the womento give a report to the group utilizingthis data and the information provid-ed below.

    Preparing for Overnight GuestsClean your house. Air it out as you

    clean by opening the windows.Look for things that could be a

    hazard to the elderly such as looserugs and electrical cords.

    Move breakables away from areaswhere children might be tempted toreach out and touch.

    Make the beds with fresh cleanlinens. Extra blankets and pillowsadd comfort and ensure a goodnights sleep.

    Place a small table with a readinglamp, magazines or books of shortstories or poetry, a Bible and a devo-tional book next to the bed.

    Provide space in a dresser draweror closet, with empty hangers, to giveyour guests a place to put their

    things.An alarm clock and a night lightare thoughtful touches.

    In a large basket place bath towels,hand towels and washcloths. Addsome essentials like toothbrushes,toothpaste, razor, soap, hotel size bot-tles of shampoo conditioner andhand lotion.

    Make sure the shower and toiletare in working order.

    Provide your guest with a map

    and list of fun things to do in thearea.

    If you have a pet, make sure yourguests know as they may suffer withallergies.

    Plan activities ahead of time forentertainment. Know what events arehappening around town so you canprovide this information to yourguests.

    If they are bringing a pet or smallchildren, have a child gate handy.

    What to EatE When you have house guests, sim-ple is always better. Do as much of the food preparation ahead of time aspossible. This will allow you moretime to enjoy your company.E

    Set your coffee maker to brew forearly risers. Continental breakfast iseasy and offers a variety. Lunch is agood time for soup and a sandwich.A casserole, salad and rolls are goodchoices for dinner.E Know what beverages your guestslike and have them available.E Learn beforehand if your guestshave any food allergies, are vegetari-

    ans or have dietary restrictions.E Pick up menus from local restau-rants.

    When You Are the GuestArrive and leave when you say

    you will.Bring a small gift upon arrival and

    leave a thank you note when youdepart.

    Dont surprise your host by bring-ing your cat or dog.

    Ask before using the phone or TV.Dont make your hosts feel like

    shortorder cooks; eat whats offered.Offer to help with meal prepara-

    tion, table setting and cleanup. If your hostess says no to your offer,respect her wishes.

    Dont cause controversy by bring-ing up a topic that you know willcause dissension.

    Welcome to Our House

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    FriendshipThe Gift That Keeps on GivingIf someone were to ask you how many friends you have, you might

    have to think before giving your answer. According to the WebstersDictionary, the word friend is defined as: A person you know well andregard with affection and trust; an associate who provides assistance; ora person with whom you are acquainted.

    Gods gift to us, in the form of friends, is one of the many ways that Hetakes care of us. From the beginning in the Garden of Eden, God declared,It is not good for man to be alone. Even though God walked in fellow-ship with Adam, God decided that Adam needed human companionshipand friendship as he journeyed through life.

    In Proverbs 17:17 we read, A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. The whole design of friendship is to avoid being leftalone when the times of hardship and trouble arise. It is said thatthroughout our lifetime we may have many acquaintances, but we may be blessed with only a very small number of true friends. A true friend isloyal and will stick with you come rain or shine, through the goodtimes and the bad. When you suffer, a true friend feels your pain. She iswilling to make the sacrifice of time and effort to be there for you, to dropyou a note, call you on the phone or visit.

    A true friend will look you straight in the eye and tell you when yourewrong about something important, even if you dont really want to hearit. George Herbert, a Welsh poet, wrote, The best mirror is an oldfriend.

    When I was a child, I was very shy; I didnt have many friends. Iremember feeling sorry for myself and spoke with my dad about it. Hesaid, In order to have a friend, you have to be one. I didnt understandat the time, but as I grew older, I realized that he was telling me that hav-ing and being a friend required an investment of myself. Proverbs 18:24(NKJ) says, A man who has friends must himself be friendly. But thereis a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

    Are you the kind of friend you should be to others? Do you alwaysshow love even when your feelings have been hurt? Can people count onyou to be there for them? Has your friendship influenced someone elseslife? Are you always a true friend?

    A Tisket, a Tasket A Very Welcome Basket

    ServiceNovember 2009Major Kathy Whittaker

    Southern Territory

    9

    No Ordinary BasketI found a wicker basket,

    And prayed a simple prayer,Lord, let me find the right things

    To show someone I care.

    Ill decorate the basket,With ribbons, bow, and glue,

    No ordinary basket,Its got a job to do.

    For someones hurting somewhere,Theres someone who needs cheer,Someone may need a Thank You

    For helping me this year.And so Ill take my basket,

    And offer it in love,A gift of my true friendship,And blessings from above.

    Kathy Whittaker

    Program PreparationDecide on one of the service projects

    listed below and ask the women todonate the items needed. Decoratelarge baskets with fall colored ribbonsand bows. If you have a speaker, at theclose of the program present the filled basket to them.

    Service Projects

    Ask the women to put together bas-kets of beauty and health items for theclients at the domestic abuse shelter.Include new small stuffed animals forthe children .

    Fill baskets with paper plates, nap-kins, towels and toilet tissue. Sharethese with shutins in the community.

    Make up baskets with baby items fornew mothers. Have the women takethese to the hospitals maternity ward.Include information about womensministries and other corps programs,

    along with an invitation for thewomen and their families to attend.

    Donations of school supplies can beplaced in baskets fordeliveryto selectedschools in lowincome communities.

    Fire and police departments givevaliant service throughout the year.Baskets filled with snacks, bakedgoodies and bottled water are a won-derful expression of gratitude andfriendship.

    SpeakersInvite the director from the commu-

    nity shelter for victims of domesticabuse to speak about their servicesand how the women can volunteer tohelp.

    Ask the fire department to provide aspeaker on fire safety in the home.

    Contact the police department andsecure a speaker on personal safety,home protection or scam artists.

    Friends GameMatch up the names of these friends.The answers are in italics.1. Sonny Cher 2. Romeo Juliet

    3. Popeye Olive Oil4. Gilligan Skipper 5. Bonnie Clyde6. Adam Eve7. Laurel Hardy

    8. Jack Jill9. Mickey Minnie10. Batman Robin11. David Jonathan12. Bert Ernie13. Hansel Gretel14. Robin Hood Maid Marian15. Lucy Desi16. Wally Cleaver Eddie Haskell17. Nancy Sluggo18. Abbott Costello19. Rocky Bullwinkle20. Elvis Priscilla

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    H O M E Read Revelation 3:20. Use a number of translations so that the Word can convey

    its special meaning to the women.

    How many times have we had opportunities come and go because we

    missed the chance to take them? I wonder how many ways I missed outon welcoming God into my newlyformed life as a young marriedwoman. My husband and I missed out in the simplest and most obviousways.

    As a newlywed couple, we lived in a nice community and were so excit-ed to have our own little place in El Paso, Texas. We worked hard to havethe pleasures of modern material goods such as a gated pool, great airconditioning in the dry desert heat and a guaranteed parking space infront of our home. As I look back, I now realize we missed so manyopportunities for spiritual growth because our time was centered ongaining worldly comforts rather than spiritual growth. Our focus was onthe latest electronic equipment and furniture, rather than the gentleknocking of Christ seeking His place in our hearts. And through thoseactions came complacency, much like the church that John was address-ing in Revelation 3:20.

    He reminded the Laodicean church that though they had all the richesand material comforts the world could offer, their ears were deaf to thegentle knocking of Jesus at their hearts door. As newlyweds, we too fellinto the ritual of working hard for personal gain, but neglected the great-est free gift being offered. This gift would endure and satisfy, giving asense of peace, fulfillment and joy. God offers what we need rather thanthe temporal things we often desire.

    Maybe youve been seeking after things rather than God. Are you justgoing through the motions without really knowing God? Look again atthe acronym on the cover of the invitationsH O M E. H stands for ourHeart where Jesus wants to live forever. Our heart must be the dwellingplace for the King of kings. Do you have something in your heart thatneeds to be removed to make room for Him? O is for openness. Lets seek conversation with Jesus and a meaningful and life changing relationshipwith Him. M is for mirrored, which means we need to be a reflection of His love to others, to demonstrate the love and peace weve foundthough our relationship with Jesus. Lastly, E stands for encouraging. Weare called to encourage one another, to lift each other up as we growtogether in Christs love.

    As we close this time together, let us remember to constantly open thedoor of our hearts to God. Its time we welcome Jesus to His permanenthome, our hearts.

    Welcome To My HomeWorshipNovember 2009Captain Kory AcostaWestern Territory

    10

    Setting the ScenePut a welcome sign on the door to

    the room where the group meets.Place a welcome mat at the entrance.Since this program emphasizes asking Jesus to move in, have boxes andpacking material around the room togive it a moving look.

    IntroductionGive each woman a program. On the

    cover use the acronym H O M EHeart, Openness, Mirrored and En-couraging. This will help communi-cate the message and help the womenfeel the inspiration and anticipation of inviting and welcoming Jesus intotheir heart. On the inside of the invita-tion print the program outline and the

    following poem.For my heart to be His throne,

    That is my one desire,That He see fit to reign and remain

    And instill in my life His fire.That I may serve Him truly,

    Follow closer stillMay my heart be an open door,Content with His gracious will.

    Captain Kory Acosta

    Program OutlineWelcome

    IcebreakerWord Game

    Welcome Wreath Project

    Song #241, Room for Jesus(The Salvation Army Song Book)

    Prayer

    Scripture Reading

    DevotionalH O M E

    Closing Prayer

    Ice BreakerDepending on the groups size,

    divide the women into smaller teamsto encourage greater participation.Have them share their best or worstmoving experience to a new home.Chose one or two stories from eachgroup to share with all the women.Give prizes to those who share thefunniest stories.

    Word GameAsk the women to create as many

    words as possible from the phraseMajestic Homes. So far the recordhas been 51 words.

    Welcome Wreath

    Purchase miniature straw or vinewreaths. You will need one per per-son. Provide small silk flowers, rib- bon, buttons, jewelry and other itemssuitable to decorate the wreaths. Havethe women glue the decorations onthe wreath with a hot glue gun.

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    Angels All AroundHave you ever wondered what an angel looks like? If you ask ten peo-

    ple, you will probably get ten different answers. Angels are usuallythought of as having a human form and wings.

    The Lord sent angels to Abraham to provide food, water and rest beforecontinuing their journey (Genesis 18 35). In Genesis 19:13 we read thatLot saw two angels at the gate of Sodom and invited them to join him inhis house for the night. Lot prepared a feast for them of unleavened bread, and they ate together. Lot described these angels as men.

    These verses in Genesis show that Abraham and Lot did not dream of angels but actually saw them and recognized them as being from theLord. They invited the angels into their homes, shared their food and atewith them. Angels may appear to us in our dreams and sometimes inhuman form during times of need. God tells us that He will never leaveus nor forsake us. Sometimes He will send angels to comfort us, to deliv-er messages and to protect us.

    Hebrews 13: 12 gives us direction and a warning. Let brotherly lovecontinue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some haveunknowingly entertained angels. Have you had an opportunity to meet

    a strangers need for food or shelter? These verses indicate that we shouldthink about being hospitable when we encounter someone in need,whether to provide food, clothing, somewhere to sleep or just a listeningear, for we might be entertaining angels.

    God not only wants us to open our hearts to Christ, but to those in need.He blesses us when we are kind and hospitable to others because we aresharing Christlikeness with them.

    We see images of angels everywhere during Christmas, but God wantsus to see angels every day. Not just as decorations but as messengers andhelpers He sends into our lives. Will you recognize them and respond?

    FellowshipDecember 2009Patt Conroy

    Eastern Territory

    11

    Program IdeasChristmas Party

    Ask one of the women who deco-rates her home for the holidays if shewould host a Christmas gathering.Have Christmas music playing softlywhen the women arrive for this event.

    Angel DecorationsInvite the women to bring their

    favorite angel decoration. Ask them to

    share why it is special to them.Christmas Gifts

    Instead of exchanging gifts witheach other, invite the women to bringgifts for a family in the AdoptaFamily program or for childrenenrolled in the Angel Tree program.

    DiscussionDo you believe in angels?Have you ever felt the presence of

    a angel?Can you share about a time when

    you were comforted or helped by an

    angel?Can you think of a time when you

    might have entertained an angel butwere not aware of it until later?

    GamesCreate a list of names or titles andhave the women match them to thestatements. The answers are in italics.

    Hidden Angels1. City of Angels Los Angeles2. Arctic seaport Wrangell, Alaska3. Sistine painter Michelangelo4. Childrens story The Littlest Angel5. Billy Grahams book Angels,

    Angels, Angels6. Old hit TV show Charlies Angels7. Baked in an oven Angel Food Cake8. Michael Arch Angel9. Broadways Mame

    Angela Lansbury10. Christmas trim Angel Hair 11. Song about wedded bliss

    I Married an Angel12. Spiritual song Angels Watchin

    Over Me

    13. Dale Evans book Angel Unaware14. National Commander who playeda harp. Evangeline Booth15. A boys name Angelo

    Angels in the Bible1. This man wrestled all night withan angel. Jacob2. This angel appeared to Joseph andMary to announce that Jesus would be born. Gabriel3. An angel spoke through this mansdonkey. Balaam4. They were thrown out of a gardenand an angel prevented them fromreturning. Adam and Ev e5. This man was ready to take the lifeof his only son, but God sent an angelto prevent him. Abraham

    6. This man refused to acknowledgehis reliance on God so an angel wascommanded to strike him with sick-ness. He was eaten alive by worms.

    Herod

    7. God spoke to this man through anangel and a burning bush. Mose s8. Angels rescued this man from thecities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot 9. An angel rescued this woman and

    her son when they were forced toleave Abraham and Sarah. Hagar 10. An angel rolled away the stonefrom His tomb. Jesus11. Angels told these people thatChrist would come back to earth justas they saw Him ascend into heaven.

    the Disciples12. This is the only archangel men-tioned in the Bible. Michael13. This individual was once one of the highest angels in heaven, but fellfrom heaven because of pride.

    Satan

    14. An angel rescued this man fromprison. Pau lI5. Angels spoke to this New Testa-ment individual several times indreams. Peter

    Entertaining Angels

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    AnticipationIt has been said that the best thing about the Christmas season is the

    anticipation. The next best thing is the remembering.

    There are many wonderful traditions that we hold dear duringChristmas including the joy of finding a stocking filled with treats onChristmas morning. Clement Moores poem The Night BeforeChristmas, helped to establish this tradition. One of the lines reads, Thestockings were hung by the chimney with care. They were hung withgreat anticipation of good things they would hold when morning came.

    Anticipation is a central theme of the Christmas story. The people of Israel listened with anticipation as the prophets foretold the coming of Messiah. For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the govern-ment will be upon His shoulder. And He will be called WonderfulCounselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).Elizabeth, the cousin of Mary, anticipated the birth of her son, John theBaptist, who would be the messenger of Good News. Mary anticipatedthe birth of her son, Jesus, who would deliver His people. Joseph antici-pated the birth of this baby, the son of the Most High God, whom hewould be entrusted to guide through childhood. Simeon anticipated see-ing the foretold Messiah. Shepherds anticipated finding the baby, thesubject of the angelic chorus, lying in a manger. The Wise Men, guided bya star, anticipated seeing this King of kings.

    There was yet another aspect of anticipation. God the Father anticipat-ed the reconciliation of a sinful people through the sacrifice of His ownSon. Today we often confuse the wrappings of Christmas with the truemeaning of the celebration. The real Gift is forgotten.

    This year, as we prepare for the Christmas celebration, may we antici-pate anew the coming of Christ. May our gift to Him be a heart filled withadoration and love. The songwriter reminds us, Oh come to my heart,Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for You.

    The Stockings Were Hung ByThe Chimney With Care

    ServiceDecember 2009Major Paula PowellSouthern Territory

    13

    Service ProjectOften part of the ministry of The

    Salvation Armys Christmas programis the distribution of filled Christmasstockings. We traditionally think of these being for children, but there aremany other possibilities. Severalweeks before the program decide onthe recipients of the stockings.Ask thewomen to donate suitable items.Purchase the mesh stockings that thewomen will fill during the program.

    Possible RecipientsN Seniorssocks, gift cards, stampsN Shelter Residentssocks, gloves,scarves, toiletriesN Sunday School Teachersteachingsupplies and goodiesN Corps Musiciansvalve oil, lip balm, Army Christmas CDN Foster Childrenobtain informa-tion from the local child protectiveservicesN Homebound Individualssocks,paper goods, lotions, magazines,stamps, sugar free candyN Corps Transportation Volunteersgloves, sunglasses, coupons for fastfood treats, gift certificate for a localrestaurant, CD of music

    History of Christmas StockingsChristmas stockings have become a

    beloved tradition of the Christmasseason. Some say that the Dutch intro-duced the tradition to America. In the16th century children in Hollandwould leave their clogs by the hearthfilled with straw for the reindeer ordonkey. Sinterclass would come andleave treats for the children in theclogs. Later stockings were substitut-ed for clogs.

    There is another legend of a noble-man who lost his wife due to an ill-

    ness. He was so distraught that hesquandered all his fortune. He hadthree daughters who were very kindand hard workers but he had nomoney left for their dowries. St.Nicholas heard the townspeople dis-cussing the dismal plight of the girlsdestined to be spinsters. He decided tohelp anonymously. He rode to thepeasants cottage one night and sawthrough the window the stockings,which the girls had washed and hung

    on the mantle over the fireplace to dry.He had an idea, slipped into the houseand placed a bag of gold in each of thethree stockings. Legend continues thatthe girls were married and lived hap-pily the rest of their days.

    PoemRead Clement Moores poem, Twas

    The Night Before Christmas.You will findthe words on the Internet along withinformation about the author.

    GamesStocking Relay

    Select two teams of evenly num- bered participants. Give the first per-son on each team a stocking filledwith individual sticks of sugar free

    gum and a pair of cotton work gloves.Team members must reach in thestocking, put on the work gloves, takeout one stick of gum, open it and putit in their mouths. They must then

    replace the gum wrapper in the stock-ing, along with the gloves and passthe stocking to the next teammate. Thefirst team to finish wins the relay.

    Miniature StockingFill a miniature stocking with as

    many small items as possible. Thewomen have to guess the number andwhat they are. The person who comesclosest to the correct count and identi-fies the most items wins.

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    WelcomeEagerness, excitement, wonder, thrill, hope and dreamsthese words

    describe anticipation, the waiting for what is to come. What do you look forward to and how will you react to Christmas this year?

    I remember how much I anticipated Christmas in my house when I wasa child. I am the youngest of five, so we were a big group when we gath-ered together. Including all the extended family, we were huge. What funwe enjoyed when the entire family came over to visit at our house.Special food was prepared and the smells of tamales, cookies and pieswere tantalizing. We children would sit close to the Christmas tree won-dering what was in those beautifully wrapped gift boxes.

    A downside of being born and raised in Chicago is that we could expecta very, very cold Christmas. This meant layers upon layers of clothingand wet snow boots littering the entryway of the house, which make fora very awkward entrance for the late arrivals. It also made coming intothe house rather unwelcoming and distracting. Usually it was my duty,though not one I wanted, to make sure the entryway was clear and freeof obstacles. My folks wanted to make sure our company felt welcome inour home during this celebratory time of year, when we rememberedagain the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    In Luke 7:3650 we read about Jesus and the woman who washed Hisfeet. Jesus was an invited guest to the home of a Pharisee. The customaryway of eating during those days was for the guests to recline, prop them-selves up with their elbows and have their heads close to the table. Dirtand dust collected on their sandaled feet, requiring the host to wash thefeet of guests before the meal.

    A host would also give a kiss of greeting and anoint the head of theguests he welcomed into the home. This treatment indicated that youwere welcoming the guest into your entire home, not just at the doorway.Women in those times would never have been invited in or even beenallowed to come close to the table. But this woman felt an overwhelmingneed to give her very best to Jesus. She broke her beautiful and veryexpensive alabaster jar of perfume and anointed Jesus with it. She thenwashed His feet with her hair and tears.

    The reaction of the Pharisees was judgmental and critical. Simon calledthe woman a sinner, not worthy of touching Jesus. But Jesus had verysevere words for Simon. He indicated that he had judged her incorrectlyand he had also neglected to give Jesus a proper welcome: Therefore, Itell you, her many sins have been forgivenfor she loved much. But hewho has forgiven little loves little (Luke 7:47).

    What does that story mean to us? Overflowing love is the natural

    response to forgiveness and the appropriate consequence of faith. Butonly those who realize the depth of their sin can appreciate the completeforgiveness God offers through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

    What might be hindering you from celebrating with your whole heartduring this beautiful time of the year? Do you recognize and welcome the birth of Jesus? What obstacles might be at the entryway of your heart that block Jesus from having every part of you? How do you plan to respondto the excitement of the gift of Jesus in your life?

    May this day be the day you welcome Him with a kiss of greeting andthe anointing of your very best fragrant oilyour life.

    The EntrywayWorshipDecember 2009Captain Kory AcostaWestern Territory

    Program OutlineCall to Worship

    Song #282, O, Come to My HeartThe Salvation Army Song Book

    (Read the words)

    Psalm 100Prayer of Praise and Worship

    Christmas Past(Old Family Pictures)

    DiscussionDevotionalWelcome

    Sing the Chorus of #282, O, Come toMy, Heart Lord Jesus

    Closing Prayers

    Christmas PastInvite the women to bring old fami-

    ly Christmas pictures and share thememories they inspire.

    Scrapbook PageAnnounce this project ahead of time

    and invite members to bring a photoof their children or grandchildren.Provide a blank scrapbook page andthe supplies so that the women candecorate their family pictures.

    Discussion1. What special things does your

    family do to make guests feel wel-come in your home?

    2. What gives you a sense of joy

    when you welcome and care forguests in your home?3. How would your guests feel if

    they were allowed only in theentryway of your home?

    RefreshmentsAsk the women to bring a Christmas

    dessert that reminds them of a joyfultime when they were children. Duringthe refreshments invite them to sharethese memories.