Grace Moments

Submitted by Debbie on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 14:57

 

Ever found yourself in a moment of grace (unmerited favor) that you can’t explain? Well, Pink is in one of those moments. First of all, Pink Impact at Southlake sold out. And yes, I mean really sold out. I can’t do you a favor to get you a seat because there simply are no more seats. Selling out Southlake is a grace moment. 
 
Here is another grace moment. Several weeks ago, I looked at the speaking schedule and realized I need another speaker. In the privacy of our car I told Robert that I really wanted to ask Andy Andrews. Andy is a New York Times Best Selling Author and a gifted communicator. We agreed he would be amazing, but then I talked myself out of that thought because we didn’t know Andy. So I opted to send an email to someone that you would have also loved to hear. Later that afternoon Robert was a guest on Glen Beck’s television show. Here is where another grace moment started. Guess who was also a guest… it was Andy Andrews!  We ended up spending the evening getting to know Andy. During the night I mentioned that I wanted him to come to Pink Impact. He checked the date and it appeared clear with a speaking engagement the following day in Dallas. I am no genius but I can recognize God’s favor. Within days the other speaker declined and Andy accepted. I know you are going to love Andy’s personal, often humorous and always thought provoking style.
   
Are you sensing God’s grace on us? I believe God has something so special for us this year. I hope if you haven’t signed up you will, because you will be so sad to miss Pink Impact this year. God extends grace on purpose!
 
In case you haven’t heard. Almost everything will be live at North Richland Hills. Beth Moore will be simulcasted. She just can’t be in two places. Friday night Holly Wagner and Andy Andrews will both speak live at NRH. 
 
Frisco we heard you! Pink Impact is coming to you. We are offering a simulcast venue with parties, limited childcare, and surprises with a much-reduced price of $50. You will want to be apart of it all from the welcome party all the way to the final goodbye.
 
Now some of you have asked if Kari will travel to other locations. I am sorry but the logistics won’t allow us to do that. But remember there is a free night of worship on Wednesday night that you can come to even if you are not registered at Southlake. Pink women are going to be heard in heaven. It will be a special night and our very own Elaine Fisher will speak. 
 
So, in a nutshell, here are the grace moments: One amazing conference in three locations, an all-star lineup of speakers, Gateway worship at all venues, and you (hopefully). 

 

Pink Impact Expansion

Submitted by Debbie on Fri, 02/03/2012 - 15:21

Have you ever encountered a right now fulfillment of Ephesians 3:20?  In case you don’t remember right off the top of your head what Eph. 3:20 says, let me refresh you, “NOW to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (emphasis mine).

Well, right now we are. I prayed for God to fill the building for Pink Impact, but as we just read God does abundantly and above all that we ask or think.  Since we have sold out we are going to expand the conference to NRH and Frisco!  Please help us spread the news!

Here are the details:

  • We are adding New York Times Best Selling Author, Andy Andrews! Andy is an exceptional teacher, and we are excited to have him.
  • NRH- everything will be “live” with the exception of Beth Moore.  Don’t worry - you won’t miss her, she will be simulcasted.  The rest of the speakers will rotate to be “live” at all the evening services.  As some of you will remember we did this a few years ago and everyone who attended the NRH experience of Pink Impact loved it. Registration costs remain the same.  Please don’t delay in registering because seats are going really fast. There are volunteer opportunities for any Gateway member. One thing you do need to know is there is no childcare. 
  • Frisco- we are going to simulcast to Frisco.  Worship will be amazing and live.  Pastor Adana and the Frisco Pink team will host parties just for you.  Every effort will be made to make Frisco a similar experience.  The good news is the cost is only $50.  And if you volunteer it is only $25.

We are really excited about this expansion and are praising God for His faithfulness.

5 Secrets for a Lasting Marriage

Submitted by Debbie on Tue, 01/24/2012 - 09:32

Advice from a sage can often keep us safe if we adhere their instructions. In December, I had the unique opportunity to attend an event at the home of Shirley and Pat Boone in Beverly Hills, California. After the event, several couples gathered in the foyer of Pat and Shirley’s home. Graciously they allowed us to probe into their lives. 
 
In case you are too young to really know Pat Boone, let me give you a few facts:
  •  He sold over 45 million albums, had 38 Top 40 hits and appeared in more than 12 Hollywood movies.
  •  According to Billboard, Boone was the second biggest charting artist of the late 1950s just behind Elvis Presley.
  • He still holds the Billboard record for spending 220 consecutive weeks on the charts with one or more songs each week.

The Boone’s have been married 59 years, which is an eternity in Hollywood. Marveling over that major milestone we asked what is the secret. Shirley without hesitation rattled off five things it takes to have a marriage that endures time. Wouldn’t it be great if I could remember? I thought it was such great advice that when I got back to the room I wrote it down.

  1. Pray always
  2. Love unconditionally
  3. Forgive completely
  4. Laugh un-controllably
  5. Work tirelessly
That is good advice for anyone wanting a marriage that last. 

 

The Old is Gone and New Has Come

Submitted by Debbie on Fri, 12/30/2011 - 08:37

 

New. Never used. New to me. New. I like new! 
 
It is weird how three little letters strung together reek promise and breed excitement. Put the word “new” in front of anything and it makes whatever better.
 
New Year! Close the chapter on last year. It is old now but it was once new! At one time what is now old was fresh. It held opportunities that we squandered or capitalized. Yet the mystery of what would be has now been chronicled… but wait there is a New Year.
 
New Year! New- re do! New- improved! New-never done before! New-fresh chance!
 
I really like New!
 
I pray we are wise with the New Year. Our time is to be stewarded. Our new year will offer us much. New opportunities. New challenges. New growth. New friends. New revelations. New! I really like new!
 
It is going to be a good New Year! 
 
Love,
Debbie

 

Christmas!

Submitted by Debbie on Wed, 12/21/2011 - 10:06

Christmas!  It really is here!

I have already hosted two Christmas family gatherings.  Our house overflowed with family members, wrapping paper wars, sweets galore (a short break in the healthy thing), and laughter.  This is one of the only times in my life that my computer search has been on a quest to find the perfect elegant recipe in the easy category. I wanted it to look good and taste yummy but I am no chef and can’t say I enjoy the whole kitchen thing, but I love how family gathers for food.

I hope you have family, or people like family, to be with this holiday.  But if you are so blessed to be with family might I suggest a few holiday tips.

  1. Don’t stress about what is not important.  Share the love even if you can’t buy the gift you would like.
  2. Do wrap up your attitudes and tongue.  Both can drain the fun.
  3. Hang up your light.  If Jesus is the reason in your life let it show- so let the lady cut in line.
  4. Baby it is cold out there! Slow down and enjoy the moment.
  5. Appreciate the gift!  Jesus gave us the greatest gift of all by leaving his throne to bring us new life. 

Merry Christmas Sweet Friends!