Newsletter

October 2011 Newsletter

Thankful for Memories of My Mentor by Linda Sweeney

There are just some things you just never forget...even if they didn't seem so important as they were happening. Elizabeth Young was my Sunday School teacher when I was a young married woman with two small children just starting our journey as a family. What I learned from her example helped shape my role as a wife and mother. Looking back I realize it was invaluable, and it instilled in me a desire to do my best where God had placed me...as a wife and mother. When I look back on things I am very thankful for, I definitely see Mrs. Young's example. She went to be with Jesus a long time ago, but when I think of her today, I smile at the memories.

Quite often she would invite her "Sunday School girls" over for a "sit-down" lunch she had prepared, and it was always delicious! I wanted to cook like her so badly as I didn't know much about food preparation, and what I knew was pretty hit and miss. Mrs. Young encouraged us all with easy recipes and would give us copies if we asked. Today I still use several of them and often receive requests for copies too. Not only did she cook well, but she loved Frank, her husband, so much! Each time she spoke his name it was with joy and excitement. I wanted to be just like her because I could see that he was totally in love with her too! I had never seen another couple so happy!

As I grew into being 'the older woman', I realized that there are lots of young married women who need encouragement in the area of home. Having completed The Amazing Collection Bible study and wondering "Now what?", we feel God leading us (Big Dream Ministries) to show the younger women how to APPLY the scriptures we've learned to our homes and families!

We're concerned about the lies young families believe today regarding self-worth, careers, priorities, etc. Each woman God created is so special, and following His plan makes her even more so! Maybe we just need a few more "Mrs. Youngs" around. Proverbs 14:1 tells us "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands." 14:12 states "There is a way which seems right to a man (or woman), but its end is the way of death." We want to help BUILD THE HOUSE and lead today's Christian women along the path as God directs.

I am SO very grateful this Thanksgiving season for God's Word that continually teaches me the things He wants me to learn and for every mentor I've had along the way. Look back into your "book of memories" and see if you can find a mentor or two to thank Him for this year!