Live like it's real, because it is!

Were you in Waterloo this past weekend??

We had an incredible weekend with speaker Debbie Alsdorf, worship leaders Colleen and Grace, and singer Deborah Klassen. Breakout speakers addressed key issues facing women today - like how to parent adult children, deal with anger in a God-honoring way, marital struggles and divorce, happiness, thriving through change, and going deeper in prayer.

It was one of those weekends where you see God's hand on all of the little details, tying together the thoughts and scripture shared on stage in ways that no one could have planned but Him. :)

Going back to 'real life' after a transforming weekend away can sometimes hit us like a brick wall - we feel as though we've gone through a heart makeover, though our life situations often haven't changed a bit. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

And let's remember the words of keynote speaker, Debbie Alsdorf who exhorted us all in our faith to "Live like it's real, because it is!"

Transformed,
Michelle

Women's Lives Changed

It's here! The week of our Brandon and Waterloo conferences! It has been an incredible spring season, seeing God at work in lives of women across the country.

Margaret and I had the opportunity to travel to Grande Prairie, Alberta for our 10th Annual Women Alive conference in that city. Hearing women share their stories of how the past 10 years of conferences have impacted their relationship with God and how they have grown in their faith was a tremendous encouragement. We made new friends with women right from Grande Prairie, and many who had traveled through the snow -- up to seven hours! And we continue to lift up in prayer the families of several youth who lost their lives in an unrelated car accident not too far from Grande Prairie the same weekend as the conference.

The following weekend we were back in Brantford, Ontario (the home of our National Office) for our "Just the Word" conference with Precept Minstries. A woman there attended Margaret's sessions on Nehemiah and accepted Jesus Christ into her life just days later as a result!

This past weekend, Women Alive was at Missionfest Toronto. Thanks to everyone who came by the booth to say hello and share how God has used Women Alive to touch your life. Many of you shared that our annual Waterloo conference is the highlight of your year and a much-needed spiritual refreshment!

We're looking forward to this week ahead, with both Waterloo and Brandon conferences. And we're excited for all that God has in store - far more than we could ever ask or imagine!

Won't you join with us in prayer? That women attending these next two conferences will be impacted by the Truth of God's Word, the Hope of Jesus, and Joy of living for Him!

With love,

Michelle

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful ...and a cheerful heart is good medicine” (Prov. 15:13; 17:22).

What is so important about fun and relaxation that I would write about it three times? In the first two blogs, I shared experiences that were both fun for me and and relaxing at the same time. Both stories involved people, talking, laughing, sharing dinner and telling stories. Did you ever notice how much more fun you can have when there are others around? Being alone is not fun - you need someone to share it with.

Scientific studies have proven that “hanging out with friends for fun and relaxation actually counters stress that women experience on a daily basis.” Dr. Laura C. Klein, of Penn State University, says that engaging in friendships and relaxation reduces stress and produces a calming effect in one’s life. This fact has significant implications for our health. Dr. Klein and associate, Dr. Shelly Taylor found in their research that social ties, friendships and relationships “reduce the risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol.”

If having fun and relaxing with others is so good for us, why don’t we do it more? What is the stumbling block? Most of us are so busy, we think we don’t have time and we put our friends on the back burner, promising them and ourselves, “We’ll try for next week.” If only we could remember the source of strength our friendships provide, we would not be so quick to put them on hold. Is there a friend you need to call today and set up an uninterrupted time just to be together, to talk and share as friends do? It will be a healing experience.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about fun and relaxation. Why not take a moment to share some of your experiences with us.

Eileen