December Devotional: Messiah, God With Us

"Last Tuesday, I had a "God with us" stop. I stopped at my mailbox to get my mail, leaving my car running. When I returned to my car, it had malfunctioned and locked all the doors. There I was, at 7:30 at night, in 24 degree weather, locked out from my purse, cell phone, and all that connected me to my world. I felt alone and cold and tired and frustrated. Then "God with us, Emmanuel" came into my thinking and I began to pray and ask God what to do."

Read the rest of this inspiring story and devotional, as shared by our chapter's Spiritual Life Chair, Karen Marion, HERE.

SPS Chapter Makes Christmas Stockings for Local Children

Christmas is such a wonderful time of giving! In that spirit, this year our group prepared and donated stockings for the children of New Phoebe House, in Tacoma.

The recipients are mothers and children challenged by homelessness and drug use. Recovery is beautiful! We are thankful for this opportunity to serve.

November Devotional: Thankful for our Veterans

Every American soldier has a story.

Robert, a Korean war hero clad in a medal covered navy suit jacket, shared his story with a high school classroom - a story of unquestioned obedience, sacrifice and integrity in the line of duty. At his superior officer's command, Robert remembered picking up a machine gun and charging blindly, or climbing a muddy mountain, slipping and falling continually; or instantly crawling under fire delivering a message to the front. The students were captivated by the testimony of the older gentleman. The world map was unrolled and Robert pointed to Korea half way around the world, and declared that he was honored and proud to leave his home and serve his country in war.

As Christians, we too are solders. We are in a war against darkness. We need to remember Jesus who paid the price for our freedom. We need to follow His example and His Word with unquestioned obedience, sacrifice and integrity as we minister in our generation.

The darker the darkness the fiercer the fight. As Women of Vision we are not just a group of women raising funds for charity; we are mighty warriors against darkness and we can count on fierce opposition from the darkness. As we begin to mobilize for this year of outreach locally, nationally and globally, may we remember these promises from Psalm 121 - used in the lyrics of Casting Crowns' song "Praise You in this Storm.

"I lift my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?
He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shad at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

May we remember not only the brave men and women in harm's way who serve in the Armed Forces, but the One who died so that all might be free. May we be inspired by the faithful men and women in the Armed Forces past, present and future, to serve Him as they serve: with integrity, sacrifice and obedience, as we stand against the darkness on behalf of marginalized women and children around us, through Women of Vision.

Watch Video Here 
Read Additional Thoughts on this Devotional Here.

Borders Gift-wrapping to benefit women & children on Sunday, November 29 - in Puyallup

Bookworm Alert!

Contribute to the support of women & children in need in Tacoma, Appalachia and Cambodia when you visit Borders in Puyallup, and have your purchases wrapped by our chapter members!

Borders graciously supplies the paper, and we supply the gift-wrapping elves. In exchange for gift wrapping, customers can donate in the amount of their choice, with their donations benefiting Women of Vision / World Vision projects.

Hours:  10am until 9pm
Date:  Sunday, November 29th

Borders Bookstore - across from South Hill Mall
3829 S. Meridian, Puyallup  MAP

Movie Screening: At the End of Slavery - Nov. 14th

Join the fight against modern-day slavery at a screening of International Justice Mission's new documentary, At the End of Slavery, narrated by actor Danny Glover. The Battle for Justice in our Time takes you inside the violent and ugly business of modern-day slavery and is a clarion call to every viewer to join the movement to end slavery in our lifetime.

Screening will be held Saturday November 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm, in Gig Harbor. All Women of Vision partners and friends are invited to attend. Call Julie at 253.905.9991 to RSVP and for location, or email wovsouthpugetsound@gmail.com