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Faithful Fridays 🌿

One of our goals as a community is to create opportunities in which to share our hearts, taking care to base them on the word of God. The If:Dayton Leadership Team will be sharing their hearts with you. They will share tidbits of their time in the word and about what God is teaching them. Here is an encouraging word from Catherine.

Loss. Life. Mourning. Joy

"Blessed be the God our Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

On July 13th my aunt went to meet her maker due to cancer. She had been suffering in pain for at least a year, if not more. She LOVED Jesus, and I am so deeply grateful that she has found complete healing in His Arms! She showered people in His love, even when it was hard. His light shone through her and touched those around her in so many different ways. 

My Aunt, was a teacher, she loved her students dearly. She was a master gardener, and could make anything grow. She lived creatively and accomplished so much in life. I was blessed to know and love her and see the life and love she had for all people! She was sweet and kind with a stubborn flare. She loved fiercely and used her whole life to show others love. From the kids she taught for 29 years, to those she met at various hospitals seeking treatments, and of course those closest to her heart, her family. All of them. I am still learning from her even after she has gone. Mourning is hard. I don’t want to have to experience the grief and emptiness that accompanies mourning.I can now empathize with those navigating through grief as well. For me the hardest part is to come to terms with is her young age. I think and imagine that she had more life to live and more knowledge and love to give. But I do not get to dictate that. We asked and prayed for healing and she has received full healing! She is with family and angels worshiping in the presence of our God! 

I have to remember Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Grief I am learning, is a process through which I can only go through leaning into Jesus. If you are experiencing grief right now I am praying for you. Know that you are not alone and that my prayers are holding space for you before the Lord. We all grieve in different ways and we all find comfort in it differently. I find solace in worshiping God, letting down my barriers and just giving him what is in my head and in my heart. I give him all that is beyond my control and things that have made my heart hurt and even harden. He so graciously takes it and unconditionally loves and helps our hearts to heal. He knit us together in our mother’s wombs and so he continues to knit our hearts to His even in grief. Thank you Jesus! He gives us all exactly what we need everyday to live life well.

Maybe you can also take time to spend some time in worship as I leave you with the lyrics to a song I was able to play for my aunt before she passed.

Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone) By People and Songs The Lord is my Shepherd He goes before me Defender behind me I won't fear I'm filled with anointing My cup's overflowing No weapon can harm me I won't fear Hallelujah, I am not alone He's my Comfort Always holds me close He always guides me Through mountains and valleys His joy is refreshing Restores my soul Mercy and goodness Give me assurance That I'll see His glory Face to face Hallelujah, I am not alone He's my Comfort Always holds me close Hallelujah, I am not alone He's my Comfort Always holds me close Your Spirit lives within me So I will walk in Your peace Your Spirit lives within me My victory, My victory Your Spirit lives within me So I will walk in Your peace Your Spirit lives within me My victory, My victory Your Spirit lives within me So I will walk in Your peace Your Spirit lives within me My victory, My victory Your Spirit lives within me So I will walk in Your peace Your Spirit lives within me My victory, My victory Your Spirit lives within me So I will walk in Your peace Your Spirit lives within me My victory, My victory Your Spirit lives within me So I will walk in Your peace Your Spirit lives within me My victory, My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory My victory Hallelujah, I am not alone I am not alone I am not alone I am not alone 'Cause He's my Comfort He's my Comfort Always holds me close Hallelujah, I am not alone He's my Comfort Always holds me close Hallelujah, I am not alone He's my Comfort Always holds me close Hallelujah, I am not alone He's my Comfort Always holds me close

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Tuesday Thoughts

‘I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ‘John 16:33 

Dear ones,

 I want to say so many things to you! That  we got this! To hang in there! That it will all be ok! I want to be positive but I don’t want to send out hollow words. A few days into the stay home order I began to sense the tension mounting as the little things began to become big things in my eyes. The tightness in my shoulders a sure reminder that I had not processed my feelings through the word with Jesus. 

 So, when I turned to his word I found The Word of God come to me as a challenge and as peace. I went straight to find Jesus direct words. I will be sharing with you how John chapter 16 has set the tone of my day to day in this season.  I was given a reason why these phrases have depth. They can be spoken with confidence because of the the Word. Jesus’ words to His disciples in a very uncertain time ring true for us today in this uncertain time.

I found four things Jesus wanted His disciples to know before he asked them to have peace in Him and to take heart.

 studying this chapter has given me the confidence to do as David said in Psalm 27: 14  

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. 

I have spent the weeks leading up to Easter in this chapter, I read it frequently meditating on it. How sweet and tender of Jesus to make this chapter come to life for me, during lent. In this time of Lent I  follow the timeline of his life as He set his face towards Jerusalem yearly. These words seem to have so much weight and importance because He was heading to His death, He knows what’s to come and continues to prepare their hearts as He goes before them to prepare the way for Salvation. 

The first verse that came to mind was John 16:33. Here again from the Amplified version.  

‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] Peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]’ John 16:33 AMP

 In it of itself this verse can be so encouraging, and it’s been quoted many times, but I didn’t want to take it out of context when I was coming to it daily. I wanted to know What things had He told them? 

These are the four things I found He told them.

1.  The suffering that would surely come.  “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, ‘John 16:1-4.   

2.The promise of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-15) -He would be in close fellowship with us to help navigate life convicting us of sin and leading us to all truth. Holy Spirit-in greek,  is Parakletos which means -called to ones side for help.  So Jesus again preparing the way for them promising that the Holy Spirit Would come. In fact from chapter 14-17 He repeats to the it is imperative that I go so that the Holy Spirit can come. What a Savior, He was revealing to them what they didn’t even know they would need yet.  And I say that because He first revealed to them the sure promise of the Holy Spirit before reminding them that He would surely die and that He would leave them.

 3. He explained to them that He would die and rise again (Jesus death and resurrection foretold)   This is The hope on which our faith is  founded but it came at a great price. 

 ’So for now you are in grief; but I will see you again, and [then] your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away from you your [great] joy. ‘ John 16:22AMP

Hallelujah! And as if that wasn’t enough He also explained to them that He would give himself up so that the throne of God would be accessible to them directly. 

4.  He instructs them to PRAY: Because now in His name they could approach the father’s throne directly and boldly. And so can we.

 ‘Until now you have not asked [the Father] for anything in My name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete. ‘ John 16:24 AMP

Do any of these resonate with you? How do you relate to the disciples as they listen to the Lord?  Doesn’t it feel like we are in the midst of uncertainty so thick we feel lost? It feel as if we are alone and gripped  with fear that threatens to paralyze our entire being.  Yet, I hear Jesus’ words reverberating in my being and waking me up from the stupor of shock and grief. I can have peace, perfect peace, because Jesus has overcome and His Victory is abiding and true! Can you hear them, even if they are muffled and seem far away they are still true.

‘I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ‘John 16:33

Will you rise then and take heart? Not because you are strong and can pull yourself up by your boot-straps, no. But you can rise and take heart because your Savior, Jesus, has prepared the way for you to endure suffering with joy, He has fought the battle and the Victory is sure. You are made alive , undaunted, and confident through the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in you.

Surrender your burdens of anxiety and fear to Him. In prayer, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection to strengthen your faith. Seek His presence believing as the young men in Daniel believed, “ Our God will save us, “But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”” Daniel 3:18 NIV

We will remain faithful to Him and will not bow our knee to anxiety, fear, insecurity or even comfort. Instead we will remain stead-fast as we trust Jesus with our whole lives! Will you  pray with me now?

 Dear Lord,You are faithful and true you are the Christ, the Faithful Witness and the First born from the Dead. You are the one who loves us and has freed us from our sins by your blood, You are the alpha and the Omega, Who is and who was,  and who is to come! It is because of your unchanging nature that we are able to come to you in the midst of uncertainty. The trials, tribulations, and pandemics don’t get to have the last word. You do! I surrender to you my anxieties, my desires, the uncertainty, and all that threatens my peace. You have conquered the world and even if these times may seem overwhelming you are bigger. I thank you that You have given me the Holy Spirit to literally come to my side to help me! I am not alone and you have prepared the way for me! I will walk in your way and put my trust in you. Help me to remain faithful to you as you remain faithful to me. Amen 

Love you and praying for you, 

Daisy Dronen

IF:Dayton Team Lead

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Consider the Wildflowers

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!” Luke 12:27-28

One of our goals as a community is to create opportunities in which to share our hearts, taking care to base them on the word of God. The If:Dayton Leadership Team will be sharing their hearts with you. They will share tidbits of their time in the word and about what God is teaching them.

Catherine invites us to step outside and see how God draws close to us in nature.

“During this season I have been able to take peace and comfort in going outside  and take in the beauty of Spring. I have seen the buds turn into flowers and then fresh green leaves. Flowers popping up and dotting the landscape with fresh color, is just one of the reasons why Spring is my favorite season. It surrounds me with new life and new growth. It reminds me every year of this passage in Luke. 

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[b]? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:22-31

This awe and wonder that I feel when I see the beauty of the earth He created,  does not compare to the way He delights over us! That You and I are cared for and loved more deeply than we know. There is not a single shred of good that comes from worry, instead we are left heavy with anxiety, doubts, and fear. In my heart of hearts I know my God is bigger than all of those things but routinely I forget. I forget because sometimes I’m overwhelmed by the stress that seems looming, and the mundane that seems never ending. I think we all have these moments where we feel so alone, broken, and unable to express what we are truly feeling. 

But God hears us and God sees us despite our short term memory He does not forget us. 

It’s a daily fight to hold onto the promises that God has given us especially in these times of uncertainty. So, will you step outside with me and breath in grace in the fresh air? Take a walk around the block, your neighborhood, or go to a park and just breathe. As you allow yourself to be in nature find a quiet place and close your eyes and breathe in the peace of God.  When you breath in and say, “ I accept your peace Lord” and when you exhale name the worries that you are giving over to God.  Do this a few times and you will feel your body rest and relax.

Listen to the birds, for they do not worry about their next meal. Look at the flowers and trees, and enjoy the beautiful colors that you've been gifted through them. Recall to mind that in midst of all the crazy Jesus is with you, holding you and guiding you. You are Loved.

Love, 

Catherine 

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Weekends are for reflection right?✨ ‘And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ' Acts 2:42 Join us as we reflect on God’s goodness over these last 7 years! We are honored to have sat around the table with many of you! We would love to hear from you! comment your favorite time around the table. share with us a prayer or verse about rest. can't wait to hear from you! #iftable #ifdayton #ifdaytonequippedintruth #ifdaytonwomenintheword #daytonwomenintheword #gather #thetable #simpleliving #slowliving (at Dayton, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfzD2l4OG3J/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Tuesday Thoughts: Women of the Table

This the third installment of our current series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace if:table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. —Acts 2:42

Heidi’s beautiful and gentle demeanor is delightful. When you are with Heidi you feel heard, seen, and loved. She exudes life and draws you in by leaning into hospitality even if she’s not at home.  At home she is a wife of 9 years and with her husband they raise two beautiful children. She loves cozy, you can find her by the fire under a blanket with a good book on any given day. But winter, winter has her heart especially when snow is involved! The winter season finds her celebrating many things but one event that we also join in celebrating with her is her birthday! We are so glad you were born Heidi our lives are richer because you are in it.

As a local Daytonian her love for this city is inspiring! She knows so many intricacies of the city and of course the best places to get coffee-Ghostlight, Reza’s and St. Anne the Tart to name a few! Here are some favorite Dayton Spots for her and I hope you check them out too!

Some of her favorite spots: Smith Gardens, Dorothy Lane Market, 2nd Street Market, Lookout Point in Woodlawn Cemetery, local libraries

She is a creative woman who loves to create, study, move her body,  and encourage women. Heidi is fierce in her embrace of the Word of God and you can see that transfer to how she cares for her body as well. 

She is enjoying finding new ways to move every day-here are some examples yoga, TRX , and boxing! Yes! Go Heidi! Her favorite way to study the Bible is using the study tools from Jen Wilkin’s book, Women of the Word; annotation is her favorite because it reveals areas in which she needs to grow in understanding and helps her see the attributes and promises of God more clearly. You can find her teaching with Dayton Women in the Word, serving in her local church, Fairhaven, in Mom to Mom ministry, and in her neighborhood through Acorn Collective. All of these are ways of doing life with other women and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord.

Here is in her own words how IF:Dayton has impacted her life.

My first impression of IF:Table and the community surrounding it was so comforting.  I remember my very first IF:Table a couple summers ago— the moment I walked into the door I was welcomed with open arms. I was nervous walking into a stranger’s home and joining a bunch of women I didn’t know for dinner, but once we started answering the four discussion questions, I was immediately comforted by the fact that we are all members of God’s family and are not strangers as a result of our faith in Christ Jesus.

 What made me come back was the intentionality and vulnerability I witnessed during that first IF:Table. It was a beautiful time of discussion and prayer that I realized I had been missing. The community surrounding IF:Table is beautiful, generous, kind, and diverse. I love how IF:Table brings women of all walks of life together around a common love for the Lord. I’ve even developed friendships through IF:Table that I wouldn’t have made if it weren’t for this ministry!

The most encouraging thing about being a part of IF:Dayton is the  encouragement I receive from my fellow sisters in Christ! At each IF:Table and IF:Gathering I walk away stronger, encouraged and more confident to follow the Lord’s leading and pursue His Word. The intentionality to discuss the Lord at work in our lives each time we meet is so powerful! Getting to hear how the Lord is at work in sisters’ lives moves my heart to worship God for His faithfulness, love and redeeming grace.

My biggest take away from the IF:Gathering is that the Lord is at work on such a grand scale, and it’s exciting to be a part of it! 

Each IF:Gathering reminds me to look up and around at how awesome and big our Creator is. Knowing there are fellow Christians around the world watching the same encouraging messages and praying at the same time as us in Dayton reminds me of God’s omnipresence.

In the future I know I will continue to attend IF:Tables and IF:Gathering. I love to  help out behind the scenes as needed. I’m excited to see how the Lord will continue to use this ministry to sharpen my faith and to create opportunities to meet more sisters in Christ in 2020!

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IF:Dayton Notes turned 5 today! What a blessing to mark a reminder of this here! Lord Jesus, may your will be done over If:Dayton as we meet you around the table. Amen

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Friends

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 NIV

Every June we get together to celebrate the team of volunteers that helps put on the If:Dayton gathering in the winter. It is hands down one of my favorite dinners. I love being able to highlight the way that I see Jesus in sthem. I love to acknowledge their hard work and then build them up with truth that speaks to their gifting and beautiful love for others.

I encourage you this week to send that card, send that email, leave a voice mail, send a text, or meet up in person. Tell each other how you are the seeing the Lord at work in their life. Tell them what you love about them and how their love for the Lord spurs you in to do good as well.

We just concluded the “Not Alone” a study on friendship with @ifgathering and it was so encouraging. It challenged us to speak truth to each other but also to care well for each other! You can find it on their app or on ifequip.com One of the final topics was how friendship gives us a forestaste of eternal community- how wonderful is that?!

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Chase

 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭51:10-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What or who are you chasing?

If you were to ask me that question, I would want to answer it in a christian way. I would want to say the right the things and so I would ignore the opportunity to truly answer the question. But if you were to ask me that question and then had me pause and think before I answered-I would have trouble replying. Shame would want to creep in. My thoughts would cloud with doubt am I really chasing God or am I lost yet again?

You see, every day  my actions represent who my heart is chasing. Some days though I wouldn’t want you to know. I wouldn’t want you to see the selfishness that propels my actions. I would want to hide behind the facade that I am chasing after the heart of God, when in fact it has been hours since I have thought about him. It has been days since I have invited him into my circumstances but instead I have chased after my own security, comfort, and self worth. I have chased after myself. Thankfully this is not where the story ends.

For when the still small voice breaks through and reminds me who I am and who my soul is longing for, I have to pause. I pray Psalm 51, I remember a brother who has gone before me. I remember that his pursuit of the Lord’s heart was not always pure. I hear his lament and his true desire to have a pure heart. I believe that in the times when I expand my energy chasing after myself He continuously pursues me. He remains true to me through his Holy Spirit and longs to restore me to the joy of His salvation. So, I take heart and I answer the question I am chasing after the heart of God. I believe Him when he says, “I am your Shepherd, I lead you.”  I trust his process and I surrender yet again my fruitless chasing in exchange for a steadfast spirit, who’s eyes are fixed on Jesus.

What about  you? Have you asked yourself this question recently? Will you take the slow days of summer to slow down and unpack your heart? We have a place for you to come and safely do just that. IF:Dayton will be hosting a summer study, consider it check points throughout the summer  for rest and reflection. A place where you can breath in grace and exhale doubt, as we remember and remind each other that He is good!

 IF:Dayton Summer Study  Chase By Jennie Allen   Chasing after the heart of God.  Thursdays at 7pm  June 6th  June 27th  July 11th  July 25th  August 1st

Immerse Photography Studio 4 West Franklin St. Centervile, OH 45459

Register here

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Tuesday Thoughts: Women of the Table

This the fifth installment of our current series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace if:table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.

/All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. —Acts 2:42/

It is an honor to introduce you to Johanna. Her name means "God is gracious". She is a beautiful soul married to David and together they are raising three young men of God! She blesses her family through homeschooling, blesses her church with her gifts, and inspires the world with her words.

Hear from her own words how the Lord has used If:Dayton to bless her and build her up.

“How true the meaning of my name has been in my life. God in HIS abounding love and grace for me stooped down and lifted me out of the miry pit. He set me on the ROCK of HIS foundation! He came to set this captive free, friends!! Thank you, LORD!He has set me free from the penalty of sin and death but he also set me free from the strongholds that have held me back from being free in Jesus. To be the person HE has called me out to be. His WORD does not return void - ever! When we declare the promises of the LORD it makes a difference in our lives and our children's lives!

At the IF:Table monthly dinners, we gather around the table  and love each other. We listen, we speak God’s Word over each other, and we encourage each other through prayer!

 Oh, the prayers are so beautiful! Uplifting those who are downcast and discouraged. You are not alone - God is with you - and yes, the women at the table are with you -  won’t you come and see?.

The yearly IF:Gathering just passed and this is a local event prepared for us to meet with Jesus. Not only is it an amazingly beautiful weekend, but there is great coffee, lots of authentic conversations and if you allow it, the Lord speaks profound truths to YOU!

These are some fo the ones he has spoken to me over the years I’ve attended. 

 You matter to the Lord. 

 You matter to the KINGDOM! 

 You matter to this WORLD!

I pray you will keep your eye open for next year. IF:Dayton also offers an IF:Relive in the summer I know you will be blessed immensely by the multiple speakers, amazing worship as they set the stage for you to have an encounter with YOUR MAKER. He is in the businesses of setting us free  from anything that is holding us back from living the LIFE abundantly He desires for us!

 "For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations." “ *Psalm 100:5*  

Isn’t she wonderful? You will be so blessed by Johanna as soon as you meet her. She smiles with her whole being and she gives the best hugs. It is an honor to have her grace If:table with her genuineness and heart after the Lord. You can find her on instagram @johanna_devotedtomaker and on her blog devotedtomaker.com go follow her, I know her words will encourage your heart!

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Women of the Table: NicolaThis the 10th installment of our series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace IF:Table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.⁠

This week we are introducing you to Nicola. Nicola has been coming to the Table for about a year. She is a woman daring to dive deep into the calling that the Lord has laid on her life! We can't wait to see all the good things that He will do in and through Nicola as she starts her next chapter in Africa. 

If: Dayton has been a time of being refreshed in the word of God while eating a bite of food around a welcoming table of lovely ladies.When I first heard about this women's gathering I was looking for a Bible study in my local area. I was looking for a group of women that I could be real with about life, Jesus and just girl stuff in general.

These women have been such an encouragement to me. As a woman in ministry it can be difficult to find those who celebrate you. These ladies have supported me through and through, and I am so thankful that they have opened their hearts up to me.As I write this letter while in Zambia, Africa I am grateful to say that If: Table, without a doubt, had a part to play in me being here in Zambia and fulfilling the call of God on my life to spread the love of Jesus to the Lozi people.I am thankful that I chose to go to that one dinner a year ago that led to another and now to a lasting friendship with a group of ladies who have shown me so much kindness! God always knows what He's doing."We can make our plans,but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9Until the whole world hears,Nicola

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A Time to Rest

Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Every night when I get in bed, and almost always after Josh. I get in and instead of snuggling in and letting go I instantly start listing the things I forgot to do, or the I ought to have done, or I should haves … Josh recently pointed this out and now I pay attention to my nightly unwind,  what my brain and heart are speaking, and if I will choose follow it down the I should road or if I will take them captive and redirect them to gratefulness. This led me to then pay attention to the rest of my life and am I choosing to let it happen to me or will I choose to live it?

Jesus said to his disciples many times, come away alone with me. This next passage is beautiful paraphrased invitation extended to us from Jesus. 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced /rhythms/ /of/ /grace/. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28 MSG

So the Lord, continues to call me into His rhythm. I mean everything is cancelled and yet I feel like I have been running harder. Do you? I thought so, collectively our minds have been racing, anxiety has been on overdrive, and fear has pushed us down paths of busyness as a survival mechanism to deal with the unknown. So, I come out of agreement with fear and instead I am paying attention to the still small voice that keeps whispering “come away with me and you’ll recover your life.”

In his book , The Way of the Heart, Henry Nouwen states, “ Our calendars are filled with appointments, our days and weeks filled with engagements, and our years filled with plans and projects. There is seldom a period in which we do not know what to do, and we move through life in such a distracted way that we do not even take the time and rest to wonder if any of the things we think, say, or do are worth thinking, saying, or doing. We simply go along with the many “musts” and “oughts” that have been handed to us, and we live with them as if they were the authentic translations of the Gospel of our Lord.”

Wow, what an accurate description of my life for so many years but I declare it will not remain this way. Now I choose to take up agreement with the truth that the Lord has prepared the way of rest for me. I must come to him and get away with Him so I can learn it.

Starting August 17th the If:Dayton team will begin two weeks of rest and refreshment. I will be a time set aside to meet with the Lord and to live the life He has given us.  Will you join us? Will you take some time to get away with your Lord as well? Don’t overlook his invitation it will save your life.

Follow his way to rest, 

Daisy

P.S. stay tuned for the announcement of how we will do If:Relive this year. Keep your eye out for the newsletter, if you don’t receive them yet leave your email in the comments and we will get it to you.

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May If:Table

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you so much for being brave and showing up around the table. It was a beautiful time full of wisdom, warmth,  and encouragement. We were vulnerable about the thoughts we struggle with when it comes to spiritual mothering. We dug deep into our hearts and spoke aloud those fears and found freedom in each others faces. The ones that shine Jesus through the compassion in their eyes. 

We were honored by the presence of the younger gals that bring so much life around our table. They teach us so much, they make our hearts beat wildly with excitement, in anticipation for what the Lord is doing through their generation.

We finished up the evening in prayer for those around the table and for the generations after us. For the ones we are raising, for the ones that are heading out into the world, and for the ones crawling, and the ones yet to come.

‘ “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.’

Isaiah 43:18-19,21

There is always room for you around the table, won’t you join us?

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Tuesday Thoughts: Women of the Table

We are so excited to start a new series introducing you to the women that grace if:table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption. 

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. —Acts 2:42 

 For our first introduction I’d Like to present you Anna Collier, here’s a little glimpse of her full yet beautifully devoted life here in Dayton. If you attended IF:Pray she led us in worship and helped our hearts prepare for prayer.

Anna is Married to her best friend Kristopher. They currently leave in a 1920s fixer upper where she homeschools her 5 earth side kiddos ranging from ages 1to11. She also is mama to 3 heavenly babies: a stillborn son  named Johnny, and 2 miscarried little ones in Heaven with Jesus.

Singing is one of Anna’s passions, especially when she is worshipping her King! Because of the gift of singing she also directs a christian homeschool theater group, Stage LeFters. She loves the opportunity to invest in her students, to build them up in confidence unto whatever calling the Lord has for them. In her spare time she runs  a small business called Earthside Treasures. She’s a master at hunting, repairing, cleaning and selling vintage housewares and other lovelies.

When you first meet Anna you feel heard, seen, and cared for in her presence and attention as she converses with you. It is no wonder she is  also a certified labor doula. She is a loving companion and helper to women and families as they birth. She has worked as a donation based doula in our area for almost 8 years and also as a volunteer bereavement doula for 6 years.

Now from her own words her first impressions of IF: Table and how IF:Gathering 2019 reminded her that she serves  the extraordinary and gracious God who invites her to find her life in Him.

My first impression of the Dayton If:table was the wide variety of women. I have met women of different ages with different styles and backgrounds, of different ethnicities, from different Dayton area cities, and from varying churches. Although I was new I felt at home, our mutual faith in Christ uniting us and making us sisters and not strangers. I loved the structure of discussion, we are invited to participate and share what the Lord is doing our lives. For me, the most encouraging aspect of if:table is that the women really want to go deeper in their conversation and in prayer together. I am reminded at the table that each one is walking through something and by taking time to pray for one we don’t feel alone but supported.  

If:Gathering this year could not have come at a better time for me. My biggest takeaway was that it doesn't matter how ordinary or how imperfect I am when I serve an extraordinary God who is gracious. This beautiful and reminder is what it is really all about, isn't it? I mean, what does it mean to be a Christian? It means that  when we surrender ourselves and give ourselves away then our life is found IN HIM! I also learned a lot about my relationship with God and my relationship with myself at If:Gathering. It prompted growth in me and I know that God was working through all of the men and women who served to make If:Gathering happen here in Dayton.I have already gone through my planner and marked If:Table for the coming months. I have also set aside the first weekend in March for IF: Dayton 2020 featuring the If:Gathering. Moving forward, I hope to remain a regular face at the tables and help make other newbies feel welcome. I hope to come alongside the leadership of IF:Dayton in serving the women of Dayton, through the gifts the Lord has given me. 

 When we first moved back to Dayton about 3 years ago, the city seemed filled with hope. I felt God's people moving in ways they had not been in the years prior. I know that IF:Dayton is part of that movement and newness.  God's people meeting together in His name, praying, and growing together is powerful!

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May If:table is this Tuesday May16th at 6:30pm This month, the conversation is based on the question: “Who is Jesus?” Join us in talking about what surprises us, intrigues us, and draws us closer to the person of Jesus. • So excited to meet with you guys again! Message for the address. #ifdayton #iftable #iftabledayton 📷 @echobydesign

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Women of the Table: Lynn

This is the 12th installment of our series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace IF: Table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.

This week we are introducing Lynn. Lynn has been apart of IF: Dayton from just about the beginning. She is a willing servant of God and is so faithful in the callings on her life. She is unafraid to be herself and share the wisdom she gained throughout her life.

Hi, I’m Lynn McCoy and I currently live in Xenia Twp. I am living for the day when I can retire with just my side business and enjoy even more time with my 5 grandchildren and helping others to become their best self.

I am currently a Skills Lab Facilitator at Main Elementary where I help students learn keyboarding, digital citizenship and other “skills.” You may also see me driving a school bus in the wee hours as subs are in demand these days and in the summer with the canoe bus pulling a trailer as well! Wednesday nights you can find me at Bethel Christian AG, Dayton, leading their Girls Club.

I’m multifaceted when it comes to interests and love outdoor adventure as well as time with family. I also compete alongside my husband in SASS Cowboy Action Shooting where I get to dress up in Old West attire and shoot old style, single action pistols, rifle, and shot gun. It is a lot of fun and also provides an opportunity to be a witness for God. For the past several years we have been hosting Cowboy Church on Sunday morning at the Annual Regional event.

I am also establishing a Health & Wellness business to help people “do life better” and would love to share more with anyone who is interested.

I have been attending If:Table since Daisy began it in our area. From the first time, I felt a welcome connection and enjoyed that women of all backgrounds could come together, feel God’s presence, and glean from each other’s experience. If I can be honest, sometimes the discussion questions are tough for me to answer, and because of my past it can be uncomfortable to go deep, but no one is ever forced to share, and I have become more confident hearing the struggles of others and learning I’m not the only one. Even though I attend rather sporadically (due to above schedule) I still feel the connection even with new faces every time I am there and always leave with a greater sense of God’s love and look forward to the next time.

#ifdayton #womenofthetable #iflocal #daytonwomenintheword #ifequippedintruth #tuesdaythoughts #womensupportingwomen

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Evening of Prayer

"Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.” Jeremiah 29:7 

There is an aching in our souls, an emptiness that sometimes causes tears to spring and we are unsure why- I feel it strongly when I walk through the city. It’s the longing for another world- a holier, more beautiful one where suffering is but a distant memory, and separation is replaced with unity. I have discovered this aching to be eternity placed in our hearts-we are homesick for God. Prayer has been the soothing balm that allows me to use that longing to propel my heart open for the city of Dayton. We are invited by the Lord to pray without ceasing. The Lord clearly modeled for us the importance of prayer and the regularity with which he prayed to the father. 

"He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God]--yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end." ECCLESIASTES 3:11 

On May 25th we gathered for prayer at the St. Elizabeth Anne Seaton Chapel located in the Good Samaritan Hospital.This has been the fourth year for IF:Dayton to host an evening of prayer but the first time to partner with Dayton Women in the Word and to host it in a public venue. 

It was a beautiful evening resting in his presence and full of his grace. We used John 17 the Lord’s High Priestly Prayer as a guide. We prayed in Thanksgiving for our Savior, we lifted up the church across the world and in Dayton, we prayed for the world, and urged the Lord to bring us together in unity. 

We are so grateful that If:Gathering creates resources for us to use in our local spaces-they provided the prayer journal based on John 17 that we used during the evening of prayer. We are also grateful for the community leaders that came to the evening of prayer and led us in prayer and in worship. Dayton Women in the Word posted a recap of the evening here.  

Our hearts are encouraged to continue to seek Him more and more in prayer. It is not  without purpose that we live in Dayton. His heart for the city of Dayton is what we long for-prayer is the catalyst that transforms our hearts to desire the city of Dayton to thrive. 

Will you invite Him to teach you to pray? Will you take steps of faith in the discipline of prayer? Remember that prayer is a discipline be patient with yourself as you purpose to exercise it in your life. 

"if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14  

This is our prayer Lord, we humble ourselves and pray seeking your face- hear us from heaven and heal our land-the city of Dayton. Amen

Daisy Dronen leads IF:Dayton. Gathering women around her table to seek God and creating real community makes her heart beat wildly, because she believes that we know Jesus more intimately when we know each other well and this leads to making disciples who make disciples.