CCOK301

by Marilyn Bohlender, DW President

Behind the scenes, someone answered God’s call. They answered whether or not they felt capable. They answered whether or not they thought someone else was more capable. They answered yes because God called on them. Many times throughout the Bible someone was called because God desired to see his works done through a person whose heart had faith.

Often in our lives just as it is in Biblical stories God will surround you with others to fulfill the mission. It is not a one and done scenario. When I look back, I see how often God has surrounded me with others to fulfill the job. We find we are better together.

As I look back to Regional Assembly in March, I see many who said yes to bringing this event together. We may only see those in charge. God sees everyone. He sees all the workers. He sees those who attended. He even sees those who prayed for the event. Each person was actually saying yes to God.

As you go through your daily walk of life, know you are saying yes to God’s call and direction on your life. Even praying while washing dishes is a yes to God’s call! Later this month I will be saying yes to attend CADW meeting at First Christian Church Moore, Tuesday April 28th. Go to ODW page for more info.

I am not obligated to say yes. I am not saying yes because it is easy; I will be driving over an hour each way. I feel God’s call to go. God’s hand will be seen in the nonprofit being highlighted at the meeting. Always, I am uplifted by the connections with other Christian women. Behind the scenes, this meeting started with someone saying yes.

Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

How many times do you need to issue an invitation before you hear a yes? In retail sales, I heard it takes 10 times saying no before you hear the yes. Someone once said that it takes an average of 21 seeds of thought planted for a person to become a Christian.

Back to the invite scenario. I have heard a major portion of a sermon on just inviting. Sometimes we expect folks to just magically appear. A family came to church once because they were invited to the church across the street but the directions were mixed up and they ended up at our church instead!

How many of you went to church, an event or group meeting because someone invited you? Now it is your turn to invite. Recently, someone came because she said I kept inviting her! If you love your church, its activities and service projects, spread that love with positive energy! Pair that positive energy with an invitation!

To the “not me” folks, just know with prayer and God at your side that you can say words like, “I love the warm feeling I have when I walk into our sanctuary! Come feel that, too!” or “We had so much fun putting together snack bags; consider joining us next time!”

Today, I am inviting you to participate in Regional Assembly March 6th and 7th. Regional Assembly is for everyone not just the clergy. The organizers have made it a Friday – Saturday event that will be an Oklahoma Regional Assembly to remember! Because of all the generous sponsors, Friday evening dinner followed by a concert and Saturday only costs $35. If you can only make Friday or only Saturday, still come! ODW plans to have an Exhibitor Table so look for us. See you there! Here is the link to learn more and register.

Furthermore, invite others to attend the 7:30pm Friday night concert to have an enjoyable evening with Carrie Newcomer. There is a separate price/registration for those who are only attending her concert. Her concert is already covered for the rest of us under the $35 Fri/Sat cost.

We may never know how many invites are needed. We DO know the power of prayer and we can pray for God to use us to do the inviting.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Are you prepared for a new year? We always celebrate that a new year has arrived. Then comes new year’s resolutions. Did you take a moment to sit back and reflect? I mean really take time to empty the mind of clutter and ready yourself of visions toward a positive new year.

Before this month is over, two of our women will travel to 2026 Disciples Women Leadership Conference (DWLC) to represent Oklahoma Disciples Women at a leadership event with other Disciples Women leaders from across United States and Canada. This event holds expectations for many positive insights.

At the end of January, CADW will hold their Winter Meeting on Tuesday, January 27th at Southern Hills CC, Edmond. Click here for details. This meeting always benefits a non-profit as well as the uplifting of those attending. I anticipate all the good works done by our Disciples Women across the Oklahoma Region.

This year there are already works for an even better Regional Assembly on March 6-7th, an event for all our Oklahoma Disciples. I was excited to hear our General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hold Owens will be at our assembly. What better way to prepare for hearing her than to read her book, Staying at the Table: Being the Church We Say We Are which can be ordered on Chalice Press.

I took advantage of the sunny days we have had this January to read her book and reflect on the emphasis she has on God’s love. Many books I read fade at the end but her book became better and more interesting in the chapters toward the end.

Take time to reflect all of God’s possibilities for us in this new year. Continue the good works you have been doing. Be ready for the paths where God leads you. Remember with faith, prayer and God’s help, anything is possible.

Psalm 20:4 (NIV) May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.