"Here and Now . . . There and Then"
a Series on Revelation by Beth Moore (11 week study) Childcare provided.

 This Co-Ed study begins Wednesday, September 15 at 6:30 pm

Beth Moore presents many points of view, allowing participants to decide for themselves when the interpretation varies among scholars. She teaches that God is as specific about what He does reveal as He is about what He does not reveal. You don't want to miss this exciting study!

Put these dates on your calendars now and plan to attend some great times of fellowship and Bible Study!

Women's Retreat - 'Peace In His Presence'

On April 23 - 24, approximately 35 women of all ages attended Trinity's 8th Women's Retreat which was held at Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center in Olive Branch, MS. Despite the threat of bad weather, (and even a short time without electricity that turned out to be a great time to visit and get to know one another better) everyone who attended was blessed by the fellowship, worshipful music and shared personal stories. Many women related how God has brought them peace by His presence during specific, and often difficult times in their lives. His presence gave them strength and resolve and brought about lasting change.

Other women discussed various topics including their quiet time with the Lord, the meanings and names of God, and how to praise Him - not just for what He has done for them, but who He is.  There was also time filled with games, delicious food and even an unforgettable rap song complete with costumes and creative bling.  Watch for information about upcoming Women's events this summer and through out the year.

"Soup"er Chick Nite at Trinity
Approximately 70 women from Trinity and other Cordova area churches enjoyed lots of hot soup, cornbread, fellowship and information on decluttering our homes at the January Chick Nite Event.  Our guest speaker was Lesley Adams of DeClutter DeSign.

     


Taste of Trinity Missions Banquet
Hosted by Women's Missionary Union. Fellowship and celebration of mission opportunities throughout the world.

Parable of the Tree

 











Ever wonder why Jesus always used parables when He talked to people? Why didn't He just say, 'Ok, listen up. Take out your papyrus and stylus, number from 1 - 10 and write this down. These are the most important things that I want you to know. Now go out and apply them to your lives.' - - Not very engaging, huh?

 

No, Jesus was a master communicator, so He used stories full of everyday imagery that people could relate to. Remember the old saying, 'a picture paints a thousand words? Jesus knew that stories put visual flesh and bones on concepts. He knew that if He used pictures to illustrate His ideas, people could put them into the context of their own lives. They could remember stories better and pass them on to others. You see, Jesus wanted them to taste and see and touch His messages. Brilliant!  Just brilliant!

 

I am convinced that the Holy Spirit still uses parables to teach us today. Sometimes He even uses a theme to reveal multiple truths. As a matter of fact, He has been using trees over the past several months to speak to me.  I'd like to share an example with you:

 

We have several trees in our backyard that had ivy planted around them years ago. Consequently, that ivy has now grown and wrapped itself around some of the highest branches. A friend told me that it could actually kill the tree, so my husband cut the ivy off at the base of the tree and then stripped it off as high as he could. The next morning when I looked out at the tree, I was struck by how completely different it looked.

 

So, here comes the parable: The Lord showed me how our minds are like that tree when it was covered with the ivy. Our minds are covered with endless distractions and they are literally choking the life out of us. We are bombarded from every direction, 24/7. When the ivy was taken off the tree, it was as if the tree could breathe again. It could feel the warmth of the sun again. It looked like a tree again, like what it was created to be. Just like the tree, we have to rid ourselves of the ivy/distractions that keep us from being what we were meant to be. We have to refocus on Jesus, spend time with him, expose our hearts and minds to Him. Then we, too, can feel His warmth again. We can look like and be what we were created to be.

 

Did I mention before that He sometimes uses themes? Well, a few weeks ago as I was driving, I turned the corner and saw the most breathtakingly beautiful bush in full bloom. It immediately made me think of the burning bush that Moses saw in the desert. God spoke to him from that bush and told him to take off his shoes because he was on holy ground. As I have thought about that, I realized that God was using another parable. I realized that whenever God speaks to us, through a tree or anything else, we should realize that we, too, are on holy ground! Stop and pay attention! The God who still speaks in parables has something personal to say to us!

 

How about you? What parable has God used to speak to you? Share it with us . . .

 

 

Rachel Roberts