Well, the first full week of school is almost finished, and it has been a great time for me to get back into the swing of a full work week. My book is flying along (3 chapters complete and one in the works). I have finished putting the final touches on a the Women's Retreats I am leading in October and November and am gathering up the supplies I need for my booth at the Northwest Arkansas Business Women's Conference which is just around the corner. Woo! No wonder I am dragging a bit today!
I want to take a minute to tell you guys about my latest brain child, though, because I am soooooo excited about it! It's called "Strings Attached." And much like the story behind the meaning of Company Girl, it is all about developing deep, lasting relationships with one another. One thing that I have noticed in the churches and groups that I have spoken to over the last year is that their is a great disconnect. People spend a lot of time connecting online and through FB and Twitter, but have stopped taking the time to form deep, meaningful connections face to face. We are relational beings and are, whether we realize it or not, seeking ways to connect to one another. I believe this is the driving force behind our need to be involved in activities. We are trying to connect, but because we don't get deep with our connections, we continue to feel incomplete and say yes to more activities. I believe that developing trusting and intimate relationships with the women in the pew next to us can help to break the "I'm to busy to breathe" cycle. I know it seems counterintuitive. I promise it works. I have seen it turn churches around!
Ask me about "Strings Attached: An Adventure in Connecting, Communicating and Conquering." I would be happy to share it with you. For more information about it, comment here or send me an email at cari@gps4life.net.
I agree with you---there is a great disconnect between women in our churches. I'm a part of the Sovereign Grace churches and they make a real effort to promote relationships. I find that it takes a lot of work to be that intimate with others, especially as a working mom, but those relationships are so sweet and fullfilling that all the work is worth it. I'm now friends with people I would have never thought that I had anything in common with, but they have ministered to me, and vice versa.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog and for your prayers for my sister.
ReplyDeleteI totally relate to all you posted about Strings Attached--please tell me more! I am on church staff, my mom is in leadership in women's ministries, and I too fight the busyness and finding ways to develop those meaningful relationships. I have made huge strides this last year...but it is still an effort.
I have some "girls" I try to keep up with...we are all busy (hate that word) so email and texting is part of the mix. I'm not willing to give up...so long coffee/diet coke dates are super important.
Looking forward to hearing more.
So cool that you are writing a book :) Maybe one day I will...not sure what I'd write on though.
ReplyDeletePeople are disconnected! I'm so happy that to get my bible study started so I can connect with the ladies in my life group on a deeper level :)
How very true...I know as a mom of nine children, and I still have 4 teens at home,...that I have little in common with other women my age...when we agreed to adopt so many kids, I never realized that it would be so lonely at this time of my life...so I blog.....it make me feel connected...but it doesn't give you hugs when you need it.
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic idea. It's true...I find out so much about my friends through online networks, that when we get together, sometimes (those who update their status A LOT) I find myself not having anything to talk to them about.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
Dawn, I would be happy to send you some print material if you will send me your email address.
ReplyDeleteThe churches I have worked with so far have experienced a great "revival of relationships" as one of the Women's ministries I worked with called it. Strings Attached starts as a 2 day retreat to take some time out to spend time together.Facilitated by a personal coach (me), trust and willing vulnerability are explored within the group. What we have found is that a core group of women will set the standard for the rest of the church. I could talk about this forever, but would love to send you some more info or talk to you on the phone about it. My email is cari@gps4life.net
It is ironic that we spend so much time "connecting" on-line, and can be so neglectful of "real life", face to face time.
ReplyDeleteThe wonderful part about being a Christian is that our connections don't necessarily have to be based on shared life situations. I'm a life long single, in a professional career, with virtually nothing in common (at least on the surface) with most of the women in my church. But the things that are common to all Christians - struggling with obediance, finding time to time with God, working out our salvation in our daily lives - those things form the basis for deeper relationships. Sometimes having someone who's never faced a certain situation give you input on it can lead to unexpected solutions.
Bless you for helping women make those connectins, Cari!
Wow! what a great idea! I agree that we live very disconnected lives! I would love to hear more!
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteHow true...Being sisters and brothers in Christ is certainly a unifying connection. I had never really thought like that before. Thanks for your blessings and for your comment!
Cari
I SO agree...our thoughts were in tune this week when I talked about meeting my old friend, LOL! I'd love to hear more about what your doing...I'm intrigued!
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