Sweet Monday

Reaching women for Christ one sweet invitation at a time

You are here: Home / Archives for ministry

ministry

Nothing is Everything

by

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence. 1 Peter 1:3

Have you ever felt woefully inadequate for a task? Unqualified. Nothing to offer. Like a nightmare where you had to do a presentation in front of a class on a topic you knew nothing about knowing there would be someone present who knows more than you. Way more than you.

That’s how I was feeling this weekend. I’d signed up to teach the 4th grade Sunday school class on Sunday morning and I was getting cold feet. My confidence was quickly waning as I played the scenario in my head over and over. We have several great and very experienced teachers for this class, what am I doing trying to teach this week’s lesson? I’m not a Bible scholar, I’ve never been to seminary. I can’t stay on track in my Bible reading and fall off the wagons of prayer, Bible study and quiet time on a regular basis.

Not only am I unqualified to teach 4th grade Sunday school, I have no business writing devotions for Sweet Monday either. Sorry about that, but this week it’s my turn. While sometimes I feel God impressing something on my heart, this week I’ve got nothing. I was supposed to send this devotion to Jamie last week before she left for her vacation. I didn’t forget about writing it, I just didn’t have anything to write.

As I lay in bed Saturday night asking God to use me in spite of myself as I prepared to teach the next morning, I remembered what our dear founder Kim Newlen often said to me, “You have everything to offer in Christ.” As I let this thought permeate my mind and heart I felt a sweet nudge from the Holy Spirit. As I decreased, He increased. Truly I have nothing to offer except Christ, but in Christ, I have everything to offer.

My Savior, my Rock, my salvation, my peace, it all comes from Jesus.
I woke up early Sunday morning to review our Sunday school lesson with a renewed spirit and confidence, not in myself, but in Christ, knowing that His word wouldn’t return void and that He can speak through me, in spite of myself.

Day was breaking in beautiful shades of pink as I sipped my coffee and meditated on God’s faithfulness and His word. The message was simple – salvation is through faith alone. Christ plus anything is nothing. Nothing plus Christ is everything. Like the hymn says, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling.”

“Hallelujah, all I have Is Christ” to offer you. And He is enough. The glorious sunrise reminded me of Easter morning.

Sweet sister, you have everything to offer in Christ … and every morning is Easter for those who are in Christ.

Building Your Team of Believers

by

“Work smarter not harder.” This is a phrase we often hear when it comes to being efficient. What we may not realize is that this principle is actually biblical. Moses was advised to select capable leaders to help him bear the load of governing the people of Israel (Exodus 18:13-26). Jesus selected 12 disciples to carry out the mission of spreading the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 9:1-2), and then He gave the Holy Spirit to empower all believers to do the very same thing (Acts 2).

As leaders/hostesses of Sweet Monday, we want to encourage you to delegate responsibility and empower those who are faithful to your group. If you are single-handedly trying to invite people, lead and host, it could be a little overwhelming. Encourage your women to pray and ask God to reveal the women they should invite each month. Possibly, partner the women so they can pray together each week and hold one another accountable. Maybe consider asking a friend to be the host and open her home each month so all you have to focus on is leading the lesson. Give another person the responsibility of preparing the dessert. These are a few simple ways to lighten the load and engage the others.

When those who attend your Sweet Monday have a small role, they will become more invested and take some ownership of the group. In time, you will find the task of being a leader less overwhelming. And the best part is that you’re gradually building new leaders. When your group gets to the point where it is so filled with people, you can encourage one of the faithful to start their own Sweet Monday! This is a way we can guarantee our hostesses won’t get burned out and Sweet Monday will continue on for years and years to come. Being a great leader means sharing the load and empowering others to become leaders themselves.

If you would like to learn more about Sweet Monday – who we are, what we do and why we do it, visit our About Us page.

Sweet Succulents

by

I was first introduced to succulents a year ago. I still remember the first time I heard the word and thought, “What’s that?” So as not to appear clueless, I picked up my computer and did my research. A succulent is defined as any plant that stores water in leaves, stems, or both.

I was overwhelmed by all the things I found online about succulents. There were succulents planted in dishes for decorative centerpieces, succulent baby shower favors, succulent gardens made out of picture frames, etc.

In true Sweet Monday fashion, a succulent planted in a teacup.

Did you know there are classes on how to care for succulents? I even made the mistake of signing up to receive emails about succulents. Who knew they had enough information to email me more than once a week?

From the time I was first introduced to succulents, I knew I needed to incorporate them into one of my Sweet Monday themes. This month I was able to do that. The theme was spring related, and I decided to have my guests create a small succulent gift that could be given away for Easter.

I headed to my local garden center and picked up a pot with multiple succulents. This was the cheapest way to buy them at this particular store, so they ended up being less than $2 each. Then I replanted them in these cute mini tin buckets I had purchase a while back. I believe I bought them at Hobby Lobby, but I’ve seen them at Target and craft stores as well.

Tin party favor buckets.

I had a lot of scrapbook paper so this looked like the easiest craft I could find online. I also create these tags to cut out and put on the succulents. I always love it when I have the majority of what I need for my Sweet Monday just lying around the house.

The finished product.

The conversation among the ladies at my Sweet Monday about succulents was interesting. My older guests, who were not familiar with the word “succulent” were able to identify each plant by name. They talked about how they reminded them of their childhood homes and grandparents’ homes where these particular plants adorned the yard and porch. I was reminded of my own mother’s terracotta pot of succulents that sat on our back porch. My younger guests talked about the ease of caring for these unique plants and the many varieties you can purchase online.

I shared with the ladies some tips for caring for their succulent, like using coarse potting soil and a well draining container. If you plan to send your guests home with a succulent they will need to repot, separate a large bag of succulent potting soil into smaller take home bags.

Another tip is to give your succulents plenty of light and just the right amount of water. These and other tips are available online.

There are so many sweet and simple things to do with succulents and so many resources available. I hope you’ll find a new and fun way to use these plants in a future Sweet Monday.

If you are not a Sweet Monday Hostess, but would like to attend a Sweet Monday social, visit our Find A Sweet Monday page to find a meeting near you.