Freshwater is our theme for 2009! It has two meanings. 1. Freshwater PEARLS are fine quality pearls. They are actually on the verge of becoming extinct because of the high demand. We, God's women, are also fine quality, but may we never become extinct. 2. Hosea 10:12 "Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, til He comes and rains righteousness on you." Rains righteousness paints a picture of fresh, clean water coming down on you. It is God's grace washing you, cleansing you. Freshwater is also able to quench your thirst. Drink deeply...because God is going to satisfy your thirst.
Our afternoon begin with an encouragement from Pastor Jeff. We are always glad to have him speak at the kickoff and allow him to see what takes place at PEARLS. After him, Felicia asked us all to share what our favorite refreshing beverage would be. The answers ranged from water, to mountain dew, to even milk! There were a lot of laughs.
Next, JeriAnn shared a devotional on Revival. The analogy was given that we all too often fill up our glass with strength from God, only to pour it out in ministry, relationships, etc and then return to God to get filled up again. What we really should be doing is sitting under the source and allowing God to overflow from our lives. Just like a glass sitting under a faucet. Once filled the water continues to overflow. When we have been busy pouring ourselves out, then it is time to renew, refresh, and revive. Revival can be a little scary. It will cause a person to confess their sins, forgive others, and depend on God. It also brings about hope. It draws you closer to God and allows you to return to your first love. God has always loved us. We are the ones who stray from Him.
Psalm 139 23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." This year we are going to be searched by God and we are going to search His Word. We are going to study Humility, Honesty, Repentance, Grace, Holiness, Obedience, Clear Conscience, Forgiveness, Sexual Purity, having a Spirit-Filled life, and how to seek God daily. This is not going to be easy for us. God is going to grip our hearts. He will work through 2009! Maybe only one life will be changed. Maybe that will be your life! Maybe every women who comes to PEARLS will be changed. Maybe every heart at RHC! Maybe every life in P'ville! Maybe every life in Wisconsin! Maybe, this will be a world wide revival! Isn't that AWESOME! God is going to Rock our world this year!
Felicia then talked about String of PEARLS which is the mentoring program! Quite a few women signed up for this! Those who did should hear in the next week or two who their mentor is!
Julie led us in a time of prayer! There were prayer cards handed out to help us pray this year.
*Pray that Jesus Christ will become the first love in each heart.
*Pray that you will have an increased desire to read & obey God's Word & to worship Him.
*Pray that any outstanding conflicts would be resolved.
*Pray that any family conflicts represented in your group will be reconciled.
*Pray that you would be set free from any bitterness, anger, & worry & that each life would be characterized by love, forgiveness, & God-centered trust.
*Pray that each one will cultivate a habit of turning to God first when faced with any kind of trial.
*Pray that God will renew your minds.
*Pray that each member of your group would experience true revival as you "Seek Him" together in the days ahead.
It was a great afternoon! Most of the ladies stayed and talked for an hour after the official gathering was finished! We are looking forward to seeking God this year and for His righteousness to rain on us!
Our next gathering is Tuesday, February 3 at Linda's home! Come and join us for Humility with a cup of soup!
The food table! Hot tea and strawberry smoothies were served along with fruit and dark chocolate! 
Here is Julie preparing the smoothies.
Felicia explaining String of PEARLS! Titus 2 teaches that the older women should teach the younger women. That is the idea of String of PEARLS. 
Fellowship time.
This year there will be a Friendship basket passed around. The idea is for the basket to be filled with something....cookies, loaf of bread, magazines, lotion, something that would encourage the women you will give it to. Then you give it to someone (Felica was the first recipient). They in turn will fill it and give it to someone else! There is a card in the basket so that you can see who has had it and try to give it to someone who has not had it in awhile! Let's do our best to keep this passed around so that we can encourage one another!
Too cute, Felica! 