Jo Marsden shared with us the “Joy of Motherhood”. She talked about the joy her children bring into their lives. They are all different with ‘gifts differing’, and a mother nurtures them and trains them up in the way they should go--using their natural gifts. When they are old enough to make their own commitment to God, then our role as the major influence in their lives ends and God takes over. Joanne’s greatest joys are seeing her children get along, and the joy of selfless sacrifice. Jesus was the ultimate selfless sacrifice so be imitators of God.
The last Vignette was about the joy of organizing and running a Ladies Day/Conference or Retreat, and was entitled “Make A Day Of It”. Daria Fowler listed reasons to host a Ladies Day as, fellowship, things you can learn, sharing experiences and information, trials and joys, discovering your gifts of organizing, speaking, prayer, music, etc., and value of our role as women and self-esteem. We compiled a list of important ingredients of a Ladies Day, including enthusiasm, ladies, prayer (before and during), speakers, food, and feedback. Daria encouraged the ladies to consider the joy of providing opportunities for bringing joy. Daria runs the annual Ladies Day for the Luton congregation, and the next one will be 15 September 2007. All are welcome to attend.
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Helen Francis | 
Marissa Phillips |
After the lunch break, we once again enjoyed half an hour of joyful Worship led by Angela Kiernander, during which Helen Francis read “The Joy Dialogue”, which she had composed for the conference. Her poem is posted on the women’s Ministry pages for you to see and enjoy.   Our next Speaker was Marissa Phillips with “Gateway to Joy”. This was a very entertaining as well a thought-provoking look at values and gifts to help us know when to say no! The Serenity Prayer can help us take control of our lives as we pray, “God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The Courage to change the things I can, And the Wisdom to know the difference.” She illustrated her talk with volunteers--3 ladies came up to hold large cardboard cut-out cars that had personalities of the ‘doormat’ servant of all who can’t say no; the take-charge tyrant who won’t say no, and the balanced realistic person who knows their limitations. Marissa showed that even if you do things for perfectly valid reasons, but resent doing them, you are taking away the fullness of Christian joy that should be yours. We should be using not misusing the gifts God gives. We need to be aware of our physical, mental, emotional and psychological boundaries and set limits for ourselves. Some myths like ‘boundaries are selfish’ can prevent us having the abundant joy that God wants us to have. If your giving is not leading to spiritual joy, you need to examine your motivation. Appropriate boundaries are a gateway to joy. Next page
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