Monday, April 28, 2008

Keeping Up With The Jones

Well, I have always heard that we should not try to keep up with the Jones's, but in this case, I have given in! Blogging seems to be the way to go these days, so here I am! I am looking forward to sharing my life with my friends and family and all those who visit my blog from around the country through their involvement with Proverbs 31. It is a blessing and an honor to be able to communicate with you, and I hope that many of you will take time to read my entries and post your comments and feedback.

Being a mother of an active eight year old son, and having two daughters in middle school, there is never a dull moment in our household. Not a day goes by that we don't have a sports practice to go, or several practices to juggle, cramming in dinner before we have to leave, nursing minor injuries when we get home, and facing a little dose of sibling rivalry over who the gets the first shower, although no one wants to be the first one ready for bed. All this after long days at school, problems with boys, issues with friends, who said what to who and when and why, homework, and 423 text messages. Isn't life fun!

God has blessed me immeasurably with a wonderful husband and three beautiful healthy children, so to be perfectly honest, I treasure each one of the things I mentioned above. Life is full of seasons, and I am thoroughly enjoying this busy but rewarding season in my life of being a wife, mom, and servant of Christ.

Until tomorrow........

Keeping Up With The JonesSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Teaching The Called

The call to ministry is an invitation to unequalled privilege and excitement, and none of us would argue that. It is an invitation to unsurpassed blessing as well, however, it is often an invitation to discouragement, disappointment and stress.

Teaching The Called is a motivational and informative experience for anyone who has been called to lead, support or be a part of the womens ministry program at their church. There are many unique opportunities and challenges that present themselves that come alongside of being involved wiht ministry, and this conference has been structured to meet those needs for encouragement and inspiration.

Leaders will walk away from this conference excited, re-energized and passionate about serving Jesus Christ through ministering to women in their local church and community. Whether you are a bible study teacher, a pastor's wife, a missionary, or a women's ministry leader, you will benefit from attending this conference!

The all day seminar includes the following six 45-minute sessions. Praise and worship, meals, skits, etc. can be incorporated into the day by the church event coordinator as desired. This conference can be customized to meet your needs within a church, or to foster an attitude for passion for womens ministry throughout your community and surrounding cities.

For a detailed description of the below session topics, please visit the speaking topics page.


1. TAKING OFF THE MASKS: Learning to live a transparent life for Christ
2. EMPOWERED BY A WHISPER
3. CULTIVATING A HEART FOR SERVANT LEADERSHIP
4. EMBRACING THE CALL
5. STAYING FILLED UP SO YOU WON'T BURN OUT
6. BUILDING A STRONG WOMEN'S MINISTRY PROGRAM

This conference cannot take place without you! If you are interested in being a Host Church for a Teaching The Called Conference, please email traciewmiles@carolina.rr.com to request an information sheet, or contact Tracie at 704-975-1958.

Teaching The CalledSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Retreat Ideas For Event Planners

Having served as a leader in women’s ministry at her home church for six years, in addition to working with dozens of retreat planners over the years, Tracie knows first-hand how difficult it can be to plan a successful women’s retreat. The stress that comes with making all the decisions, from picking a date and overall theme, to the speaker, decorations, music and group activities, can often seem overwhelming.

So if you are an event planner or women’s ministry leader trying to begin planning an event, this information is just for you!

*Below you will find 15 suggested retreat themes and ideas, and suggestions for how Tracie’s topics can complement each other to make for a memorable retreat weekend. Keep in mind that these are simply suggestions, to give you some ideas, but that Tracie will be glad to work with you to customize an event that meets all of your expectations and the spiritual needs of your attendees.

*Each weekend retreat idea below includes multiple suggested titles, theme verses, decorating ideas, etc., in order to give you several ideas to consider. Retreats can include two, three or four topics (please see the Topics tab for full session descriptions). You will notice that some retreat sessions have been re-titled to reflect a suggested retreat theme, but the standard session title will be noted in parentheses.

*The “Speaker solo” suggestion is only applicable if you would like for Tracie to sing at your event. In addition to the suggested songs, she could also sing a song of your choice, either traditional or contemporary, if given enough time in advance to prepare. (This is completely optional, just a special offer for those who are interested or in need of a soloist.)

IDEA #1
Retreat Name: In Living Color; Reinventing Your Rainbow; A Weekend To Get Real; Colors of the Heart; The Color of Life
Goal: This retreat encourages women to see how God has been painting a rainbow in their lives through all of their good and bad experiences. They will glean a new perspective on how the colors of the rainbow actually symbolize our life experiences, and how God’s covenant promise impacts our lives today. Women will experience healing and forgiveness, and be inspired to begin living a transparent life, through gaining confidence and courage to be real with themselves, with God, and with others. Women will leave with an increased understanding of how God can use all things to His glory, and how He can turn our past into our purpose if we are willing to step out in faith and answer His call.
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 147:3; Genesis 9:13
Decorating Ideas: Mardi Gras masks; Rainbows; Colorful streamers; Pots of gold; Gold linens/all colors of linens; possible centerpieces - water pitchers with colored dye in each one; colorful flowers; paper mache’ rainbows;
Praise & Worship Song: The Revelation Song
Speaker Solo: The Real Me; Heal Me
Session Titles:
1. Letting Your True Colors Shine Through (Taking Off The Masks)
2. Reinventing Your Rainbow (Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose)
3.Glorifying God With Your Rainbow (Embracing The Call)

IDEA #2
Retreat Name: The Woman God Sees; The Woman In The Mirror; Seeing God’s Reflection In You; A Woman, God’s Treasure; God’s Treasure Box Weekend
Goal: This retreat will help women stop the self destructive pattern of comparing ourselves to others, and learn to see the treasure that we are in God’s eyes. It will help women to release feelings of shame and guilt, and realize how much Christ loves them despite their mistakes or shortcomings. Women will have the opportunity to embrace a new sense of identity, as they recognize that their value lies in who they are in Christ, not in the eyes of the world.
Theme Verse: Exodus 19:5; Isaiah 43:4; Luke 12:34
Decorating Ideas: Mirrors; silver mirrored paper for activities; Possible centerpiece ideas include shaped mirrors with elegant candles; black and white elegant theme; Or a beauty theme, with makeup/hair accessories, spa themed items; Or Treasure theme; jewels/jewelry boxes; faux pearls.
Speaker Solo: The Real Me; Heal Me; This One’s With Me: Who Am I
Session Titles:
1. Taking Off The Masks
2. Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life
3. Learning To Love the Woman In The Mirror

IDEA #3
Retreat Name: Out with the Old, in With the New; From Rags To Riches: Embracing Your New Life; Prescription For A New You; Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose
Goal: This retreat is focused on helping women discover that they can hear from God and strengthen their walk with Him as they learn to build an intimate relationship with Him through focus and prayer. They will hear Tracie’s testimony and embrace how God can use all things to His glory, and that He has the power to turn our past into our purpose when we are willing to step out of our comfort zones and into a life of faith and dependence on Him. They will leave with a greater understanding of how we truly are a new creation in Christ.
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Luke 12:34; 2 Peter 3:18
Decorating Ideas: Rags to riches theme; spring flowers; new growth; healing; pharmacy/medical theme;
Speaker Solo: Come Just As You Are; Mercy Said No; This One’s With Me; Because I’m Forgiven; Who Am I: Fly Away
Session Titles:
1. Empowered By A Whisper
2. Taking Off The Masks
3. Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose

IDEA #4
Retreat Name:
Woman to Woman; Leaving A Legacy Weekend; Making Your Mark
Goal: At this retreat, hearts will be healed and spirits restored as women realize that the key to true joy in life, is living a life sold out for Christ. Women will embrace a new sense of peace as they let go of the past, and embrace the future, recognizing their worth and value in God’s eyes. They will be encouraged to step out in faith and allow God to use them for great things, as they step out of their comfort zones and into the faith zone.
Theme Verse: Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Jeremiah 29:11
Decorating Ideas: friendship/girlfriend time; antiques/vintage theme; goal setting; mentoring; books; story telling
Speaker Solo: I Want To Leave A Legacy; Who Am I; The Real Me
Session Titles:
1.Taking Off The Masks
2.Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose
3.Embracing The Call

IDEA #5
Retreat Name: A Princess At Heart; Embracing Joy; The Call To Joy; Living With Joy
Goal: This retreat inspires women to take an inward look at their heart, and their attitude, and examine if their thoughts and actions are God-honoring. It will encourage them to embrace the opportunity for a joy-filled life, even amid difficult circumstances and hardships. Women will gain a renewed sense of self worth and identity as they recognize that their value comes from Christ alone and that He has selected them as His priceless possession.
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Chronicles 16:27; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 51:12
Decorating Ideas: princess themed items, shiny papers/decorations; crowns, high heels, feather scarfs; dress up; castle prop; mirrors; Disney items; antiques, vintage theme
Speaker Solo: Fly Away; Come Just As You Are
Session Titles:
1. Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life
2. Forever A Princess
3. Loving The Woman In The Mirror

IDEA #6
Retreat Name:
Woman Overboard; Ultimate Stress Makeover Weekend: Stress-less, Live More; Discovering A Life of Peace; Embracing A Stress Free Life; Learning To Get Out Of the Boat;
Goal: This retreat helps women grasp the reality that they can hear from God on daily basis as they embark on a new journey of walking more intimately with Him. They will be reminded of how our attitude not only affects or life, but also our faith walk. They will walk away understanding that Jesus sincerely understands how they are feeling in the situations they are facing, and that He is the only source of true and lasting stress relief.
Theme Verse: Matthew 14:28; Exodus 33:14; Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 145:18-19; Psalm 46:10a; Matthew 11:28-29
Decorating Ideas: various styles of Bibles, items that symbolize peace (crosses, clouds, blue skies, peace symbol); spa themed/relaxation items; soothing sound-scapes or relaxation music; ocean themed items; boats or marine theme; beach/sun-fun-surf theme.
Speaker Solo: Come Just As You Are; Praise You In This Storm; Jesus Take The Wheel; Held; He Will Carry Me
Session Titles:
1. Empowered By A Whisper
2. Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life
3. Woman Overboard: Finding A Ribbon of Calm In A Sea of Stress

IDEA #7
Retreat Name: Absolute Devotion; Life With A Purpose; Living A Life That Matters; A Weekend For Worship; Friendship And Faith; A Passionate Pursuit of Faith & Friendship; Friendship Matters.
Goal: This retreat is focused on helping women discover a renewed understanding of the importance of an intimate friendship with Jesus, found through prayer, worship, God’s Word, and time with Him. It is a weekend that can be focused on the importance of friendships in our life, and with Jesus. Women will walk away encouraged to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be attentive to how He speaks to their spirits, and to embrace the joy found in a passionate pursuit of Christ.
Decorating Ideas: bibles or religious themed items; items that symbolize peace (crosses, clouds, blue skies, still waters, nature, peace symbols) ; girlfriend theme; if event is in February, consider a valentines or heart theme;
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:13; Psalm 46:10a; Proverbs 3:5-6
Speaker Solo: Come Just As You Are; Heal Me: The Real Me
Session Titles:
1. Empowered By A Whisper
2. Absoloute Devotion
3. Embracing The Call

IDEA #8
Retreat Name: A Journey Worth Taking; An Adventure of Faith; In His Steps
Goal: This retreat is focused on helping women discover a renewed understanding of the importance of an intimate friendship with Jesus, found through prayer, worship, God’s Word, and time with Him. It is a weekend that can be focused on the importance of friendships in our life, and with Jesus. Women will walk away encouraged to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be attentive to how He speaks to their spirits, and to embrace the joy found in a passionate pursuit of Christ.
Decorating Ideas: bibles, devotional items, running shoes, pathways, luggage pieces, airplanes, cars
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:13; Psalm 46:10a; Proverbs 3:5-6
Speaker Solo: Come Just As You Are; Run To Jesus; Find Your Wings
Session Titles:
1. Empowered By A Whisper
2. Taking A Walk To Remember (Absolute Devotion)
3. Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zones (Embracing The Call)

IDEA # 9
Retreat Names:
Daughters of the King; A Royal Weekend; An Indigo Retreat; Women of Royalty; His Princess
Goal: This weekend encourages women to see themselves as ordinary people, in the hands of an extraordinary God. Women will leave with a renewed sense of their identity in Christ, and a new perspective on who they are, and where their personal worth comes from. Attendees will also experience a new perspective on how to hear from God in their life, and how to live a life that is intimately connected with Him. Women will walk away feeling royal and empowered to be all God created them to be and to live a life that exudes His power within them.
Decorating Ideas: crowns, jewels, faux jewelry and necklaces, linens and decorations with royal colors, such as purple, indigo, ivory and red.
Theme Verse: Psalm 46:10a; 1 John 3:1a; Job 4:12
Speaker Solo: Who Am I; Fly Away; Come Just As You Are
Session Titles:
1. Forever A Princess
2. Empowered By A Whisper
3. Loving The Woman In The Mirror

IDEA #10
Retreat Names: Transforming the Mind, Reforming The Life; A Weekend of Transformation; Heart, Mind and Soul Restoration;
Goal: This retreat gives women an opportunity to purify their hearts, minds and souls and get right with God. It is a reminder that our joy comes from Christ, not from circumstances, and that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us, and that He is our safe place of refuge.
Decorating Ideas: spa themed items; relaxation theme; places of peace (oceans or mountains)
Theme Verse: Psalm 51:10-12 ; Matthew 22:37
Speaker Solo: Heal Me; The Real Me; Because We Are Forgiven
Session Titles:
1. Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life
2. Absolute Devotion
3. Empowered By A Whisper

IDEA #11
Retreat Name: Women Under Construction; A Work in Progress; Divinely Designed
Goal: This retreat gives women an opportunity to purify their hearts, minds and souls by getting real with God, themselves and others. It is a reminder that our joy comes from Christ, not from circumstances, and that we can do all things through Him who strengthens. Women will leave inspired to live an authentic life for Christ and allow Christ to work through them to do extraordinary things, while realizing that we are continually being molded and built into the woman God created us to be.
Decorating Ideas: ladders, saw horses, plastic drip sheets, paint brushes, tool boxes; construction masks or hard hats; tool aprons; buckets as centerpieces with building tools in them; orange/yellow construction color themes; floral arrangements in paint cans;
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13; Proverbs 14:1
Speaker Solo: The Real Me; Come Just As You Are
Session Titles:
1. Shedding The Hard Hats (Taking Off The Masks)
2. Designed by God (Loving The Woman In The Mirror)
3. Stepping Off The Ladder (Embracing The Call)

IDEA #12
Retreat Name:
The Sweet Life: Satisfying Your Craving For A Sweeter Walk with Christ; A Candy Coated Faith; Jesus and Chocolate
Goal: This retreat puts a fun spin on the sweet, savory goodness that Christ brings into our life when we make Him a priority and foster an intimate friendship with Him. Women will learn how to hear from God in the unique ways that He chooses to speak, and be inspired to take a leap of faith in serving Him, allowing Him to do extraordinary things with us ordinary people.
Decorating: Candy themed decorations and giveaways; Candyland items; Fondue fountains; Old-timey candy store appearance;
Theme Verse: Psalm 73:28; Ephesians 3:20-21
Speaker Solo: open to suggestions
Goal: This retreat is focused on helping women understand the importance and necessity for spending time with God and building an intimate relationship with Him. They will be encouraged to deepen their walk with Him through daily reflection and prayer. Women will feel a new hunger and thirst for being passionate about serving God and others with their life.
Session Titles:
1. Food For the Heart (Absolute Devotion)
2. Savory Moments (Empowered By A Whisper)
3. Nourishment for The Journey (Embracing The Call or Turning Your Past Into Your Purpose)

IDEA #13
Retreat Name:
Winter Women’s Retreat / From The Mall To The Manger / Holiday Makeover Workshop; Celebrating The Reason for The Season; All I Want For Christmas; Home For The Holidays; The Wonder of Christmas;
Goal: This retreat will inspire women to keep their priorities straight and their hearts focused on Jesus as they kick off the busyness and chaos of the holiday season. It will remind them how to keep Christ in the holiday celebrations, to celebrate the gifts that God has promised us, and to focus on remembering that our lives are meant to be a reflection of Him not only at Christmas, but all year round.
Decorating Ideas: holiday / Christmas theme; or fall/winter/Thanksgiving/Christmas themed tables; Consider having women volunteer to be in charge of decorating one table each with their own holiday ideas;
Theme Verse: John 3:16; John 10:10
Speaker Solo: Mary Did You Know?; Breath of Heaven; Christmas Jubilation Medley
Session Topics:
1. A Cup of Christmas C.O.C.O.A.
2. The Gifts Under God’s Christmas Tree
3. Christmas Angels - In - Training

IDEA #14
Retreat Name:
Going MAD (Make A Difference); Woman Overboard; Sold Out For Jesus
Goal: This retreat focuses on helping women realize that God is in control, even when life seems out of control, and that He calls us to get out of our boats and trust Him. It will encourage them to examine their hearts for traits of leadership and how God has gifted them to lead, and to step out of their comfort zones to make a difference in God’s Kingdom. This is a great retreat to encourage women to get involved in local ministries within the church, or missions opportunities.
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 25:40
Decorating Ideas: crazy faces/masks; leadership roles/hats people wear; boats/marine themed items; missions focus;
Session Titles:
1. Woman Overboard
2. Cultivating A Heart For Servant Leadership
3. Embracing The Call

IDEA #15
Retreat Name: Teaching The Called
Goal: This all day or weekend workshop is intended to equip, inspire and encourage women’s ministry leaders and team members, or any group of people who serve in ministry leadership roles. The series of sessions provide encouragement for living an authentic Christian life, listening for God’s voice for clarity and direction, cultivating a servant’s heart, being excited about embracing God’s call on their life, and how to avoid ministry burnout. For women’s ministry workshops, an additional session will be included which equips women to build a strong women’s ministry program and offers tips and ideas for events.
Decorating Ideas: any seasonal-themed decoration; ministry/religious themed items;
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13; Psalm 25:4
Speaker Solo: to be discussed
Session Topics:
1. Taking Off The Masks
2. Empowered By A Whisper
3. Cultivating A Heart for Servant Leadership
4. Burning Out vs Fueling The Fire
5. Building A Strong Women's Ministry
6. Q & A Session / Information & Idea Sharing

Special Note:
Before you even begin thinking about planning your retreat, spend some time in prayer, and ask God to give you clarity about every decision you will be making. Also, make sure you know the needs of your group before choosing a speaker, or a retreat theme. It is so important to be in touch with the women being served, and keep in mind the issues they are facing, the concerns that they may have expressed recently, or common difficulties that many are dealing with in their relationships, work, community or faith walk. Doing this will help you to plan a women’s retreat that will be most successful, because topic of the retreat will addresses key issues that they are facing. If women can see immediately “what’s in it for them” and how they can be spiritually, emotionally and physically restored, they will be motivated and excited about participating in your weekend retreat.

Retreat Ideas For Event PlannersSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Resources


My first published book is entitled Reinventing Your Rainbow, which was published in October 2006 by Publish America. This book is for any woman who needs to be reminded of God's sovereignty and that He is in control of all events in our lives. This book will motivate women to seek God's forgiveness for past mistakes, forgive themselves, rest in His peace and mercy, and yearn to discover their divine purpose for their lives. They will be encouraged to step out in faith and follow the calling that God has placed in their life, and recognize that all things can be used to the glory of God.



To purchase this book, please visit the Proverbs 31 online library, http://shopp31.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=151

There are so many resources available to you at the Proverbs 31 library! Please visit our online site to check out the categories of resources available, for audio CD's, DVD's, and a multitude of books to encourage you in your Christian walk and empower your spiritual growth. http://www.proverbs31.org/
I am also a contributing author to the 7th book in the Refined By Fire series, published by GMA Publishing. This book can be purchased through http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ .

ResourcesSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend