AHW MINISTRIES NEWSLETTER 

 About His Work with Janet                         May 2016   

Sharing Hospitality


Are we passing down to the next generation the concept of hospitality? Are they ready and eager to open their homes and their hearts to others? I hope so. And I would ask the same question of our generation.

Those of us who believe in practicing Titus 2:3-5 with the next generation of women must not overlook that one of our jobs as Christian women is to help younger women "keep a good house" (vs. 5 The Message). What does that mean today? Probably keeping our house clean and sanitary, cooking meals, and I would add . . . ready to receive visitors. Of course, that's really hard when we have young children who leave their toys all over; but not so hard when we teach them to pick up their toys each night, right?

My point: Are we open to having a visiting missionary or pastor stay with us in our homes? Do we invite our small group or Bible study group or friends over often for fellowship or a meal? Do we stress like Martha over what we will feed guests and how our house looks? Or do we spend time with Jesus, like Mary, asking Him how to have quality time visiting with our guests instead of fussing in the kitchen or worrying over details?

Often we hear hospitality referred to as a gift that some have and some don't; but the Scriptures tell all Christians to share hospitality, whether we think we're gifted or not. When you do a word search on "hospitality" in the Bible, you find verses like:

Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
1 Peter 4:9 NLT

Share with the Lord's people
who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it
. Hebrews 13:2 

It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.
We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. 3 John 7-9.

For some of you, hospitality comes easy and for others you need to "practice" at it as Romans 12:13 says, but in a world that is often cold and hostile, God's people should be known for our warm hearts and open homes. Don't you think?
 
You might enjoy reading more about how I learned to share hospitality in Face-To-Face with Mary and Martha: Sisters in Christ and the blog post Thompson's B&B and Ministry Retreat.  

About His Work,
Janet
 
Did you miss any of these Monday Morning Blogs? You can sign up on my website to have them come into your email on Monday mornings. Here are the latest ones:
PS: Southern California friends, hope to see many of you at LifeWay's You Lead in Ontario, CA July 14-15.   I'll be training on Mentoring and Team Building!

PSS: I'm writing a new book Mentoring for All Seasons: Women Sharing Life's Experiences and God's Faithfulness.  Do you have a mentoring story to share?
Contact me ASAP.  

PSSS: We are the only source for all your Woman to Woman Mentoring Resources available on our website. Every book signed by Janet.

PSSSS: If you've read  Forsaken God?: Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten, could I kindly ask you to leave a comment on Amazon. It really helps prospective readers. 
     

PSSSSS: Read the
Author Interview with Lynda Young about her book, HOPE for Families of Children on the Autistic Spectrum, and a chance to win a free copy.  
    
   
FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Face-To-Face with Mary and Martha:     
Sisters in Christ       
      
    $8.99       
Available at  Amazon, online bookstores, and signed copies in our website shop.
 
 Through the story of Mary and Martha of Bethany, women will learn to embrace their diversity as sisters-in-Christ. With relevance for life today, Face-to-Face With Mary And Martha: Sisters in Christ guides women to apply biblical principles in their relationships. There is so much to learn from the Lord's relationship with these two sisters. This book will give you a renewed heart for serving joyfully and a godly perspective of your priorities as you learn to choose the "better way."
  
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Upcoming Speaking
 

July 9
North Coast Calvary Chapel
Carlsbad, CA
Janet will be speaking on "Mentoring tips for Mentors and Small Group Facilitators"
Contact: Rebecca Dobbins


July 13
Comm. Church Idyllwild, CA
Women's Luncheon 
Janet will be speaking on
"Praying For Your Prodigal" 
Contact:  Linda Young   

July 14-15
YOU Lead Ontario, CA 
Hillside Community Church
Rancho Cucamonga, CA  
                
        
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TALK TO US 
  
Our  testimony this month: 
 
HI Janet!
I'm so excited about what's been happening here with women's ministries. In just a few weeks we will be having our first potluck celebration. I've sent out invitations and recruited help to pull off something really special. My question to you is, what type of recognition do you give the Prayer Warriors? It is so evident that prayer is the real power behind this ministry.

I'm aware that these do not look for an earthly, but a heavenly reward, yet, when we are celebrating and acknowledging the mentors and mentees, it seems as though these dedicated women should also be acknowledged in some way, if for no other reason than to encourage them to keep serving in that role, or let the others consider this as a role they might want to try.

Also, we have been fortunate so far, because our coffees have been small, that we have one PW for each M&M pair for the most part. These I recruited personally through the congregation as the need became apparent. With such small numbers, I think this works well because more women get to say, " YES! I'll help", even if they don't think they can mentor another woman. What are your thoughts?

Thanks for your listening ear and encouragement.
In His Service,
Suzy. B.

Hi Suzy,
Thanks for the update. We invited the prayer warriors to the Six-month Potluck Celebration and they were part of the M&M's testimony. As you grow, you will probably need to assign more M&M's to a Prayer Warrior. We did up to four. You can recruit from former M&M's as your ministry grows.
About His Work,
Janet

  
               Mentoring Tip            
Never fail to address sin in your mentee's life. Speak the truth in love, but speak the truth.    
grammie  
   "GRAMMIE'S CORNER"    
  
      
Those of you with grandkids graduating from high school or college this year, do you remember when that precious child was born? Our first grandchild graduated from high school this year, and I cried as we watched the ceremony live stream. It was amazing because we could see so much better than from the stands. We saw his broad smile and glowing face as his principal gave him a hug. It was so emotional because we were proud of what a godly, intelligent, loving young man he has become, but also my mind flew back to the first time we saw him and held him. How could it have been seventeen years ago?

I remember when he was born, my hubby Dave saying that he wasn't sure how to be a Grandpa, and I assured him it would come naturally. And well it has with the birth of each of our eleven grandchildren. And while I know we will feel the same when each one walks across that stage to receive his or her diploma, there is something trailblazing about the first one. I'm already thinking the eleventh one will bring closure to an era in our life, and by then, we might even be great- grandparents. But since the youngest grandchild just turned six, I guess that will be a while. I just pray the next twelve years don't go as fast as the first seventeen.
 
 
 
  author2Meet An Author
         

What is one of the main concerns from parents of children on the Autistic Spectrum?

"I wish my child just had one friend."
As a parent, you have to plan ahead. When your child is preschool and school age, set up play dates with one other child--somewhere your child is comfortable (probably home). As your child gets older, find a child with similar interests as your child--this may be easier if the friend is somewhat on the spectrum. Boys many times are into trains, techy games, and mechanics. Girls are into animals, techy games. and anything that isn't what other girls their age like. Boys and girls relate to younger children rather than peer group.  
 
What do you do for your child's siblings who feel left out or invisible?

Try to carve out time for each one alone. Ask him/her, "What do you want to do today?" Make sure it is what he/she wants to do, not just what you think they want. Your life is full as your special needs child's advocate in school, therapists, church, medical--actually, anything involving your child. It takes extra energy to meet the needs of the others in the family; but so important in the long run.

How can you deal with a meltdown in public?

Keep a journal each day. Forewarned is forearmed! When a meltdown hits (this is different from a temper tantrum), it is because your child is overwhelmed with his five senses: lights too bright, noise too loud, smells too strong--anything that is too much for him. See what his triggers are just before it hits--try to prepare or avoid if you can. You may have to leave your cart of groceries, scoop up your child thrashing around on the floor, and head to the car.

What do I do about my stress level as the parent?

Take care of the caregiver. If you go down, the family goes with you. Depending on your personality type, your emotional tank may empty fast or slow--but all empty. In my book, there is a chapter on You-niquely Made Personalities--what fills your emotional tank and what empties it? Some of us need to be alone, and some need people around--some want to fix things, and some depend on others. Stop and think what works for you and each member of your family. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Make time for exercise (walking works), get enough sleep (cat naps during day if your child doesn't sleep well at night), watch funny videos--laughter gets the endorphins going, and mainly--spend time with your Heavenly Father--let Him hold you as you read His Word and you talk to Him.

How can I help my friend who has a child with Autism?

Be available to her needs. Most parents want someone to come and sit with them. They are cut off from the outside world and want someone to talk to who won't judge them on their child's behavior. Offer to go to the doctor, dentist, anywhere they need an extra set of hands with their child/and siblings. Bring over a hot meal, offer to clean house, take siblings to games--but mainly just be there for them. Pray with them and for them.
   
To learn more about Lynda, her ministry, and her books visit her website.

If you would like to enter a drawing to win a copy of Lynda's book, please contact me.
 
 
About His Work,
Janet
 
  
AHW Ministries 
www.womantowomanmentoring.com
Copyright © 2016 Janet Thompson. All rights reserved.  
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