Invited- The Influence Issue

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The Influence Issue

A Call to Extraordinary Purpose

Who Influences You?

We are prayer-filled communities who create environments of warm welcome and gracious hospitality, where relationships and leaders are developed so the Gospel can be shared.

Dear Beloved Stonecroft Family, We are so excited to open 2024 with this digital magazine where we will share encouragement, resources, stories and opportunities. We hope it serves you well. We pray it ministers to you as inspiration and affirmation, and also compels you to keep reaching further and more deeply to those around you.

We want it to connect us to one another and offer new ideas and support from coast to coast.

You were made for this- for loving people, for serving God's Kingdom, for standing in the gap on behalf of others, for taking new land, for seeing those who feel unseen, for engaging an eternal purpose, and for knowing and experiencing the love of your Creator that is unmatched.

Our shared aspiration to is to be "prayer-filled communities who create environments of warm welcome and gracious hospitality, where relationships and leaders are developed so the Gospel can be shared."

May we live into that call, together as a united community, every day of 2024.

Your Stonecroft Family

With the Love of our Savior,

Suzy Shepherd

Your Stonecroft Family

Check out our Linktree where you can find all the links in this issue!

in this issue...

Prayer Visioning for 2024 A Call to Extraordinary Purpose The Every Woman’s Bible Who Influences You? Wassail Recipe Valentine’s Blessings The Story Goes on.....

Vision Comes by Prayer Work in Progress Connect With Us!

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Click here to view Dale’s Video

Click here to print outlines by Dale This 2024, start with a focus on hearing from God. Then get creative by capturing what you hear him speak to your heart and expressing it as a reminder in a journal or a prayer board.

Dale Shelton guides you through step-by-step instructions to listening to God's voice and creating this together. You can use this on your own, or you can gather a group of women at your table to share in this fun and inspiring activity.

We can never hope for more than what God has for us!

May your 2024 be blessed.

Dale Shelton has been with Stonecroft for 7 years and is currently serving as the Stonecroft Community Manager. Her greatest joys include family competitions (especially with her nieces and nephews) - and she’s passionate about using her gifts to help unlock the gifts and talents of those around her.

The secret to living our purpose isn’t what we think. In fact, “try harder, do more, give more” only makes us tired.

-Dr. Naomi Craver Overton

A Call to Extraordinary Purpose I hope you’ll join me this year on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Together, we’ll dive deep into conversations about our purpose. We’ll get to know each other, challenge each other, and connect each time. Read on to learn more about what to expect, then use the QR code below to register to join us.

Join our through-the-Bible workshops and craft your “Spark Story,” your message both spoken and lived of being fully alive. In these workshops, Naomi walks with you through practices of people God works through powerfully. It’s based on a study of the Bible and nationwide work with Barna Research and Fuller Theological Seminary. You’ll discover a Believe-Belong-Become pattern to move into your fully alive calling in God’s mission. Let’s workshop the story that brings you fully alive and does the most good. Come learn to write, speak and share your unique best, and discover your story in God’s story.

I am convinced every one of us has a story worth discovering, strengthening, and sharing. There are people who need to hear your story and God’s story through you! I want to see us God-storied, sister-supported, and uniquely strong. #YourStoryMatters.

Monthly Workshops Third Thursdays at 4AK/5PT/6MT/7CT/8ET Discover your story in God’s story and learn to write, speak and share the impact you’re made for.

You will learn: Principles for purpose as we look at themes through the whole Bible Stories of ordinary, yet inspiring, people who illuminate your story A simple way to write, speak and share your extraordinary story through daily habits of ordinary.

Each workshop helps you discover your story in God’s story (the Bible) in three steps: Believe -- Finding your purpose through God’s story Belong – Pray together toward our purpose and learn from each other.

Become -- Finding, and using, your voice to share your God-story.

Through 12 experiences, one each month, you’ll learn to write, speak and share your story. Each month we provide a downloadable to make your “spark” story your own.

What People Are Saying About the Workshop Principles “Learn about the concept of calling and how to put faith principles into action.”

"Start from where you are…not where you want to be. With whom you are… not what you wish you were.”

Get “equipped to be…aware of the needs within… (your) community and the world.”

Click here to Read More in ‘24

Dr. Naomi Cramer Overton has served as Stonecroft’s CEO since September of 2018. Her sweet spirit and genuine love for people echo time spent with the Savior, in the presence of God, and a deep hunger for His Word.

It is not by accident that she lives on mission to share the gospel and make disciples, passionately working so that the church can grow and thrive.

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Introducing the Every Woman’s Bible featuring notes, commentary and application by women, for women. Dr. Naomi Cramer Overton, CEO of Stonecroft Ministries, is the General Editor of the Every Woman’s Bible.

Every Woman’s Bible doesn’t shy away from the questions women ask. In these pages, active and impactful women of yesterday and today share ageold truths with modern relevance. Contributions from more than 100 women around the world―from every continent―explore the heartfelt needs, gritty challenges, and uncommon faithfulness of women of the Bible, throughout history, and today. Serious study and deep reflection will help you clarify your calling through personal stories, insights, inspiration, and study notes that dig into personal needs during your Bible reading―all created by women, for women.

The Bible Bundle available for pre-order here!

Who Influences You?

For the first time in years, I spent New Year’s Day cleaning out my clothes. Every year, I do a brisk inventory. But not this year. I pulled out every drawer, sock basket and storage bin. It was overwhelming!

Bootcut jeans that I never let go. Skinny leg jeans that I never let go.

Threadbare t-shirts I need to let go. There were also things that I couldn’t believe I ever purchased in the first place. What compelled me to buy three neon shirts? Stilettos, at my age? Seriously?

What was evidenced, in piles around me, was late nights, scrolling on social media. Watching other women who looked like me, sized like me, or people I wanted to be, who said, “THIS is the next big thing.” Bags in colors I don’t use with pockets that made no sense.

Fabulous skirts that would be amazing if I’m sailing the Mediterranean, but ridiculous picking up cereal at the grocery store.

These social media influencers had convinced me to purchase something I needed and would never use.

Are these online fashion mavens “leaders” in the traditional sense?

Perhaps. What I do know is they have influence. They used their voice, their resources, their own sense of what they felt was important, and it moved me to respond in a different way.

Even if I hate the fanny pack, I so admire that these ladies leveraged their creativity to be convincing. They didn’t need a title, degree, or formal authority. They showed up as who they are, with what they care about, with what they had. They are influencers.

We all have the capacity to use our voice, our resources, and our sense of what is important to influence those around us. Influence is truly a gift from God given to every single person. If we can influence someone about an outfit, just from a picture on a screen, imagine what we can do when we are in a room, sitting around a coffee table?

We all have the capacity to use our voice, our resources, and our sense of what is important to influence those around us.

-Eliza Bast

Understanding your God-given influence is like being a walking thermostat. You have the ability to change the temperature wherever you go. Whether it’s a college classroom, a board room, or a living room, you can set the tone of the environment and change the atmosphere using your influence. We can respond to what’s happening around us but understanding what God is doing us and wants to do through us.

You don’t have to be the one in charge to change the room. One of the best ways to fully live into your influence is show up right where God has placed you, right as God has made you. This is the amazing beauty of the body of Christ. Romans 12 reminds us that we are all part of one body, each given a role to play. And the part we are assigned has impact and influence on the entire body and the world around us.

As you think about your own God-given influence, here are three prayerful questions to ask yourself: What part do I feel I play, and how can I use my influence there?

What are some things that make you feel, well, uniquely you? They could be obvious talents like playing the piano or shooting free throws. But it can also be things that come naturally to you, like just sitting with friends when they’re crushed by grief. Or noticing when someone in the room looks left out. Using your God-given talents with influence could look like grabbing some girlfriends to come with you and talk to the new person in the room. You don’t need to say, “Hey! We need to create a program to be more welcoming!” You can model the way through influence and demonstrate how God has wired you to notice people on the margins.

How am I using my influence in ways that help? How do I use my influence in ways that hinder?

Part of leveraging our influence appropriately is knowing when and how to show up. In the language of the body, our bodies can be thrown off or even harmed when a part of our body is over functioning. Love to help? Me too. But Ican quickly tell when my desire to get things done or jump all in needs to be tempered by making space for others too. Will it get done if I do it all by myself? Maybe. But I increase my own influence and serve the body well when I say, “How can we get this done together?”

How do I surrender my ability for influence to God? Our influence, just like ourselves, is made by a Creator that designed it thoughtfully and intentionally. In the same way that I read the manual to use my coffee maker, I go to “the manual” to understand how to use my influence and talent the way my Creator designed. God designed you with purpose and influence for a reason. The Bible gives us good guidelines for what that looks like when we’re together and when we are out in a watching world. We can use our influence to shape our families, our schedules, our teams, or just our own attitudes to reflect God’s heart towards us and others.

Ultimately, I believe God has given us each influence so we can share what He has done, and is doing, in our lives for impact. With our own voices, our own resources, and our sense of what is important to share in the moment. Way better than a sweater that is in today and out tomorrow. It is our invitation to change the world. It is our call to be an influencer.

Eliza Cortes Bast serves as the VP of Outreach for Stonecroft. She is a passionate Jesus follower, former pastor, and sometime jewelry maker. She gets most excited about leadership, stories, music, travel and people. She lives and adventures in Michigan with her family.

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Cranberry Wassail Ingredients

Directions

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 3 cinnamon sticks 1 tsp whole cloves (1/2 tsp for less spice) 1/4 pure stevia packet extract or sugar to taste 2 tsp orange extract and/or a few drops of pure essential orange oil

Put cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves into a large pot and bring to a rolling boil over medium high heat. Turn down heat to a gentle simmer and brew for 1 hour while you become completely intoxicated with the “heart and home” - warming aroma.

Fill a 2-quart jar or large jug with a circle of fine cheesecloth, tying it over the mouth of the jar or insert a funnel type coffee filter into the mouth of the jar. Using a ladle, scoop the spicy mixture into your filter to strain it into the jar.

Remove the filter and add very hot water to top off the jar. Add the stevia and orange extract, stir very well and taste. Adjust the flavors accordingly to “own it.”

Brenda Monroe serves as the Sr. Accounting Support Specialist for Stonecroft. She lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, youngest stepson and cat.

Brenda enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and is an avid football and baseball fan.

Valentine’s Blessings You never know what the littlest thing might mean to someone who is hurting.

Who is on your heart this Valentine’s Day?

Click here for Printable Valentines

“In 2019, I was freshly separated and a mom of 2 under 2. February 14th was a day I dreaded more than a root canal. I was hurting, alone, and striving to be the Mom my kids deserve.

Valentine’s Day came and to my surprise, there was a knock at my door. A sweet neighbor knew my situation and came to surprise not just me, but my kids with homemade Valentines.

The amount of hope that brought me in an instant is indescribable. It confirmed in me that I didn’t need my husband to be my Valentine. God sent one to me by way of my neighbor.”

Vision Comes

by Prayer Vision Comes

by Prayer

In prayer, God tells me it isn’t as I see it.

He assures me that life is not random or mystifying and that He orders all of it.

Suzy Shepherd

One of the most precious gifts of prayer is the way it can change the way we see things.

One day I saw a picture that looked like a boulder hanging in mid-air. It stumped me until I realized I was looking at it upside down. When turned right side up, I realized it was actually just a reflection. The rock was sitting in water and not a mystery. My eyes were tricked by an optical illusion.

The same sort of perspective shift happens from our knees, too.

Often I see hardship or frustrating situations upside down. In my own understanding they don’t make sense. They seem personal and like a barrier to what I want to accomplish.

In prayer, God tells me it isn’t as I see it. He assures me that life is not random or mystifying and that he orders all of it. He also reminds me that my life isn’t only about me. Everything and everyone he creates is placed purposefully and intersects with the lives of others. He doesn’t just order my life for my good but also for the good of others and his kingdom.

Jesus called himself the light of the world. He restored physical sight while he was here on earth, both for the individual and so their story would inspire others. He still offers to give us vision when we ask.

God, give us clear sight. Help us to remember that we don’t see things the way you do. May we walk in peace trusting you to make our path plain.

John 9:11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

Suzy Shepherd is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and nonprofit leader. She currently serves as Vice President of Growth at Stonecroft. She loves helping others find their calling and dare to follow God in it. She lives in downtown Tyler, Texas with her 3 sons, ages 14-22, and their gigantic, very sweet dog Waylon. She also loves getting to be close with her bonus daughters, and being "Ewwy" to two grandsons.

s s e r g o r P Work in

For Christ and His Church

Excerpt from January 1956 edition of “Progress”

The Secret of Security

America today is suffering from a sense of insecurity and uncertainty which is without parallel in modern history.

in a wonderful way if you will only come to Him, place yourself in His care, and really give Him a chance.

When God created man, He left a place in the human heart which was intended for Himself. But if there is only an empty void there where God ought to be- it’s no wonder you are in a state of uncertainty and insecurity.

In our natural state we are nothing but sinners; but God loves us, and He is ready to forgive us and save us the moment we come to Him and really trust Him as our Saviour. Remember that “Christ died for our sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:3), and now if you look to Him and put your trust in His sacrifice for you- you will have all the security you need, both now and forever.

For you can depend on Him to guide you and care for you every step of the way.

Have you read about the wild man of Gadara? Nobody could do anything to straighten him out. But Jesus healed him instantly. The neighbors found him , “sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind” (Luke 8:26-35). And people today are not truly in their right mind until they sit at His feet and learn His way of life.

If you would know the secret of real security, you must come to Christ, the Divine Physician. There is nothing wrong with you that He can not heal. Surely He knows your need because He made you Himself. He can handle all your problems

“Come unto Me,” He says, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28,29).

Then come to Him now, trust Him as your Saviour and enjoy that perfect peace and rest which He alone can provide.

Click here to read more from this issue of Progress

“In ordinary life you can have extraordinary influence.”

This article is an excerpt from “The Story Goes On” by Helen Duff Baugh, the Founder of Stonecroft Ministries.

Let me share just a few brief glimpses into lives that have been transformed. FROM NEW YORK: “In the Fall of 1966 I was invited to a fashion show at a Christian Women’s Club luncheon. It was to be held in a fashionable restaurant in our area. I didn’t know what a Christian Women’s Club was, but I love fashion shows, so I went.

Almost immediately upon arrival I realized this luncheon was different. These women had a warm inner glow. I came to the conclusion that they had something I didn’t have and whatever it was, I wanted it, too.

The speaker captured my attention by saying, ‘Do you know God has a wonderful blueprint for your life?’ That was news to me. Later she said, ‘ Christ will only come into our lives if we open the door and invite Him in,’ I had never heard that before. The speaker continued, ‘When you invite Christ into your life, He comes, and great things happen. You become a brand new person!’

That’s what I wanted- to be a new person! Silently, I prayed and Christ became my Savior and Lord of my life. Now I have Eternal Life, a gift from God, and I have God’s Spirit to guide and comfort me.”

Since that day in 1966 Betty’s mother, three sisters, their husbands, and many of their children have also received Christ through Stonecroft Ministries.

Click here to share your Stonecroft story!

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