Oklahoma Disciples Women

Disciples Women 2024 Monthly Updates

April – What do we have to guide us in a spiritual direction?

I wonder if God tries to keep us on track and has “recalculating” moments when we take a different direction.

March – ROSES! It Will be BIG!!

ROSES, an inter-regional Disciples Women event June 28-29, 2024.

February – Heart in Your Words

Do your words have heart? Do your words lift others up?

January – Be Still and Listen

Where do I fit into this and the words “Be Still and Listen” keep appearing in my thoughts.

2023 Disciples Women

December

End of the Year Reflection

Sometimes in moving forward, one should look back to review and reflect. In reflecting, do you ever desire to become closer to God or stronger in your walk of faith? Do you wonder how others obtain these attributes? Personally, I find there is an increase in my spiritual closeness with God when there is an increase in the strength of my prayer life and an increase of my Bible-based studies.

Over the years, I have benefited from the Just Women Bible Study which is the official Bible study resource for Disciples Women’s Ministries. If pre-ordered by December 20th, you will receive free shipping. Only a few extra copies will be available after Dec 20th as the pre-ordering is to save costs. The price has increased slightly to $21 but as I look at the description, I feel it will be a worthwhile purchase.

Even if your group is not using it for a study guide, try it for yourself. Maybe it could go on your Christmas Wish List. It is still a guide for women by women. Please notice there are now 12 issues as they are striving to meet the needs of our Disciples Women. Even the title shows the effort in meeting our spiritual needs. See description of this year’s content.

Let your end of the year reflection find you selecting the 2024 Just Women Study Guide, Through the Looking Glass: Seeing the World Through the Eyes of Faith.

~Prayers and Blessings for the Advent season and in the next year,

Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

November

What Are You Thankful For?

Let’s make November our month to look at a ministry based on being thankful. The Blessing Box is a ministry of being thankful for your everyday blessings by putting your coins into the box as you pray and give thanks for your blessings. Think of it as paying forward to the ministries the Blessing Box donations serve. Please read the information on the Disciples Women Ministries website as half is channeled to Disciples Mission Fund and half to Disciple Women Ministries.

Note: If you enter your Blessing Box total donation online, be sure to select Blessing Box from the menu in the DMF form. Be sure to also enter your congregation name so they know Oklahoma women are participating. Contact me, your ODW president, if you have any questions.

I give thanks for all the experiences that have enriched my life through Disciples Women and by serving. Some experiences are humbling when we reach out into the community and encounter those with less resources. It is uplifting to see those who have only the items they can carry having such a positive attitude. Maybe they see God’s love through us. Let many others see God’s love through our Blessing Box ministry

Prayers and Thanks,

Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

October

More than Just S’mores

The Disciples Women’s Fall Retreats in NE Oklahoma have had an advantage by being close to Phillips Seminary with many of the keynote speakers being professors from Phillips who provide quality study for our women.

This year was no different with Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison’s focus on several women of the Bible. Her teaching has a way of keeping us interested and ready for more. She started with the Z sisters and the change they caused followed by the story of Bathsheba. We ended with an insightful question and answer time.

Highlights of retreat were the God connections during the prayerful Labyrinth Walk Friday night and the Saturday walks to Inspiration Point. I made the earliest walk before breakfast where we joined hands, sang, prayed, and listened in a silent moment. It is important that you have quiet moments to be fed by God. Both the Labyrinth walk and Inspiration Point did just that!  “Be still and know I am God…”

Did someone mention breakfast? The famous melt in your mouth cinnamon rolls made by the camp’s Amish cooks were on the breakfast menu and again included in the baked goods auction for camp which brought in over $600.

Singing was threaded through all the activities and truly uplifting. There were spaces of time to make friends between workshops which included crochet and water painting. Yes, do not forget the Friday late evening bonfire, spirits and s’mores.

Last but not least is the service project for Tulsa feeding ministry, Iron Gate. Disciples Women are all about service.

Fall Retreat does not disappoint especially when you see retreat through eyes of the newcomers. The numbers went from almost 50 last year to over 60 women this year.  Let us keep growing!

Many thanks the NEODW Fall Retreat Committee and any others involved who made this possible for women across Oklahoma plus any from nearby states.

Note: Texas Disciples posted this on their facebook, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest.
Sidenote: If you are not following Oklahoma Disciples Women Facebook, please do.

The retreat just made me ready for more gatherings with our Disciples Women. As the NE women emphasized “Let your faith be bigger than your fear!” Step out and attend Disciples Women events. Later in October will be the CADW Fall Meeting in El Reno on Tuesday October 24th. They are also welcoming of women outside their area.

~Marilyn Bohlender ODW President

September

The Missing Sock

You realize that one sock did not not make it to the washing machine so you put it in the next load of laundry. Then you find it at the bottom of the washing machine just as the rest of that load has finished drying. Sometimes the one sock is just missing and the search is on! I think of the parable of the one missing sheep. I have never had to search for a missing sheep but have searched for other missing items.

Think about the excitement when you finally find the lost item. I challenge you to become like the shepherd using prayer and perseverance to find those who might be missing out. Share your excitement and invite them to attend our events with us.
One event coming up soon is a women’s fall retreat hosted by NE Oklahoma Disciples Women. Go to NEODW.ORG for more information.

~Prayers and Blessings, Marilyn Bohlender ODW President

Luke 15:4-5 (NIV) Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders.

August

Invite! Invite! Invite!

We have exciting news for Oklahoma’s Disciple Women!

The Central Area and Northeast Oklahoma Disciples Women’s groups have some wonderful activities. Please see the Events information on this page. Please know these areas welcome women from outside their areas to participate.

Prayers and Blessings, Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

Romans 15:7 (ESV) Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

July

Leap of Faith

Anytime we venture into the unknown or on new adventures, it is understandable to have mixed emotions of anticipation, excitement, and nervousness. When I went to my first General Assembly, I was reassured by seeing many others from Oklahoma. By that time, I had been to events where I knew no one but that changed quickly into making new friendships. These events have been a rewarding experience to step out of my comfort zone and step into new experiences that ultimately brought me closer to God. I realized I was never alone or by myself; God was with me each step of the way.

I encourage you to subscribe to the Disciples Women Connect newsletter. The June issue addresses what to look for as a Disciple Woman at General Assembly. There is also other news including an update of this year’s Woman-to-Woman Worldwide East Asia trip. That is a leap of faith. Whether your step of faith is a leap or small steps, keep going forward. Know God is with you on each step.

Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) When we trust to go where the Holy Spirit guides us in spite of the fear of the unknown, we are taking a leap of faith.

June

You Are What You Eat!

The words “You are what you eat!” keep ringing in my ears. Side joke is that I love my cookies so I must be really sweet! Later when I have a sugar crash and see the results of the cookies on my body, I know it is time to get back on track.

It is easy to find all kinds of information on healthy eating and the benefits. I love studying which foods help your body! On the same note, I am also studying benefits of drinking water on our bodies. It reminds me of Jesus saying I am the “living water.” People could relate as water was recognized as being vital in his day and is still vital.

What you put in your body is important. If you want to be healthy, eat healthy foods. On the same accord, if you want to be spirit filled, you will need to fill your body with that which feeds your spirit. Challenge yourself to start right where you are to pray with praise and worship; open your Bible and open your eyes as you find yourself spirit filled. Yes, it may be difficult for those with busy schedules but the reward will be worth it.

Prayers for your journey in becoming more spirit filled.

Marilyn Bohlender, President

Ephesians 5:18-19 (KJV) …be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord

May

Statewide Spring Meetings

Just like the spring showers reviving the earth, our spring meetings are reviving us.

Rainy weather did not keep Central Area Disciples Women from attending CADW Spring Meeting at West Point Christian Church Yukon with 53 attending from 12 churches; FCC Norman had 14 women attend and FCC El Reno attended with 11 women. Meeting was under leadership of Director Carol Nichols and highlighted nonprofit My Godmother’s House, a women’s prison re-entry ministry. There was also installation of CADW officers for ’23-’24 with incoming Director Susan McCall.

Under leadership of Director Cheryl Pease and Co-Director Ashley Pease, the NE Area Disciples Women, NEODW.org,  after several years break, resumed having a Spring Meeting and Brunch including Mission Project Women’s Hygiene Kits. The meeting was held at Yale Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa, with Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison speaking about two women of the Bible. She was ready to tell of more women and we were ready to hear more; do I anticipate hearing more stories of women from the Bible! Save-the-dates of Sept 29th-Sept 30th for NEODW Fall Retreat and watch for more information.

Psalm 147:8 (NIV) He covers the sky with clouds; He supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

April

God Changed the Caterpillar to a Butterfly

When you see a butterfly, let it be a reminder of how we change when we have Jesus in our lives. An entrepreneur said before he became a Christian he was fearful of trying out his ideas. After becoming a Christian, he was no longer fearful as he knew he had God with him.

Often I see women that are not confident enough to volunteer for the task at hand. Our Lord begins calling them to step away from that fear and serve. Just as the caterpillar becomes a butterfly, they find they are able to do the task as our Lord is with them. With God by our side we are able to fear not and become the creation God planned for us to be.

Pause for a moment and think of examples where you have seen this. An example could be someone who stepped out of their comfort zone volunteering to teach or hold an officer position. Other examples are those who overcame obstacles to attend a meeting or an event. There are also many times that you have seen an event or a fundraiser do better than expected. We give God the credit as we know what can happen when his hand is in it. Is God calling you to become more than you realize? Pray for God’s call on your life.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

March

Bacon in her Purse!

Remember the advertisement where a girl was getting lots of attention and finally reveals her secret hidden in her purse. It’s Bacon! Remember when you were growing up and you just wanted to pull your covers over your head and keep sleeping. Then you would smell bacon!

Pulling the covers over your head can still happen a lot especially this time of year with cold rainy days or even worse with our crazy weather. I began to ponder what gets us out from under the covers. What makes us take that step to volunteer? What makes us go to the effort of bringing ourselves to meetings, Bible Study, or even attend Church. It has to be more than bacon hidden in someone’s purse. Some will say it is because we are in a habit of attending. We saw Covid breaking our habit of being together. As we returned to being together, many treasured the fact that we can be together even more.

As I read articles about how to draw closer to God, there were the usual but important suggestions to pray and read your Bible but several ended their list with being involved with groups for study or fellowship. We see this as Disciples Women when we gather together, study together, and serve together.

In lieu of physically being together we have taken advantage of connecting through other means such as phone calls and internet. I feel we should keep these avenues available as they are icing on the cake as we return together.

We have discovered it is important to be together. So I am glad to pull off the covers and be back in the midst of other Christians. Do I smell bacon?

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

February

Reminder to be Present

My thoughts are interrupted when I saw someone step over this coin on the ground. I find myself thinking of the importance of Lincoln, the man depicted on this coin who is one of two February born Presidents.

Now I am distracted going to the word president. My thoughts had been about writing on just being present. Is there any connection of the word president to the word present? Looking at their Latin origins, one means sitting before and the other means to be at hand. You realize there is a similarity but know president has more prominence.

More research finds that Washington wanted a no frills title and became the first to use the title President. We find that mankind has elevated the word president. Could being present be just as important?

A friend who had gone through past grief said they were comforted most by a person who just sat with them and was just present. They were not trying to answer any why questions but just listening, caring, and being present. Someone just being present can have an important impact.

What are other ways to be present? Definitely, as we serve those in need. Is it also smiling at someone while out and about? Is it reaching out to someone who is alone or to someone overwhelmed? Is it being the present worker bee behind the scenes? God is at work in these and many other situations using us to be present. Pray and listen to where you are being called to be present. Also, when you see a penny, let it become a reminder to be present.

Marilyn Bohlender, President

Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 

January

There’s Something About Meeting In-person

By the time you hear this I will be preparing for a Zoom meeting with women leaders across the United States and Canada. At one time the DWLC Meeting was in-person. This will be our third year for a Zoom conference. It is easy to open my laptop and participate from the comfort of home. No packing a suitcase, no going through airport security, and no spending time in a confining seat.

Then I think about what I lose without being there in person. There is something I cannot describe in the spirit filled conference rooms.  The information we learn is the same but the connections, the songs, and the prayers take on a new level when we all gather together. There are friends made at meals, gatherings, and even in line for the bathroom. There is a personal touch I cannot explain except to say, “God is at work.”

This month there is an in-person meeting  where I hope to see many of you. On Tuesday January 24th is the CADW Winter Meeting at Nicoma Park Christian Church. My circle group has already been talking  about it! No question about going but what time to leave Lawton; we will just have to get up earlier. I already have myself a note to call the RSVP number 495-769-4001 of Tuesday the week before. See the information above for details.

When deciding whether to attend this meeting or any other gathering, do not ask how hard it is to go but pray, “Lord, can I go and help make it possible!”

By the way, this goes for Sunday morning, also. Your presence does make a difference. Prayers and blessing for togetherness in the new year.

Marilyn Bohlender, President

Matthew 18:20 (KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.