Are you looking for a way to make friends and study the Word of God? Join us for this 4 week study as Beth discusses how some people are a joy to love, some are difficult to love, and how we all deal with some people who are humanly impossible to love. In all of those relationships one truth endures: We will never be able to love others well until we have been loved well. And only God can ultimately give us the complete love we so desperately need.
If Thursday's at 10 don't work for you, we will also be offering a group Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm starting May 19th. 


Childcare will be provided!

I am issuing a challenge- to me, to you, to whoever would like to join! Random Acts of Encouragement! I challenge us to take time to deliberately encourage others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to encourage each other and build each other up!  I have compiled a list of some ideas. Some are on the spot, and some require some planning. You never know how much your act of encouragement will do in the life of the person who receives it. God can use you in ways you could never imagine if you allow Him.  


If you have any other ideas let me know and I can add them to the list! I'd love to hear your stories of how you have encouraged someone or how they have encouraged you.  

• Tell your spouse that you appreciate them. 
  
• Tell your children that you are proud of them. .
  
• Leave a positive post-it note on your coworker’s computer.
  
• Give the waitress a double tip.
  
•  Take the neighbor’s trash cans off the curb and place near home.
  
• Take time to listen intently.
  
• Notice the good things your spouse does and thank them instead of nagging or nitpicking
•  Surprise pay for the car behind you in the drive through.
  
• Write a thank-you note and give it with some candy.
  
• Make a meal for a family with a newborn.
  
• Send a random text of encouragement to one of your contacts.
• Do a task that your spouse usually takes care of- dishes- ironing etc. 
  
• Bake cookies and share them with a nearby nursing home.
  
• Pick 5 people and leave an encouraging comment on their Facebook wall.
  
• Ask someone how they are- and really listen when they answer. 
  
• Pack small necessity bags and keep them in your vehicle for the homeless.
  
• Offer to babysit for a friend who needs a night off. 
  
• Pray for that request and then let the person know you prayed.
  
• Send a small gift card and thank you note to someone.
  
• Give a sincere compliment. 
  
• Smile at the cashier.
  
• Keep your cell phone in your pocket when someone is talking to you.
  
• Pray for someone when they request prayer- right on the spot. 
  
• Take a flower to the hospital, even when you don’t know anyone who is a patient.
  
• Take a selfie with the “I Love You” sign and send it to your loved one.
  
• Write a letter to someone who has made a difference in your life. (ie: pastor, teacher, etc.)
  
• Allow the person behind you to go first.
  
• Call the oldest living relatives you have.
  
• Send anonymous flowers to someone
  
• Write a note and send it in the MAIL..
  
• Put an encouraging note in your child's lunchbox. 
  
• See a need and fill it.
  
• Give hugs freely. (I would recommend this only to people you know ;-))
• Hold the door open for someone.
  
• Tell a mom that she is doing a great job. 
  
• Make a cup of tea or coffee for a public service employee.
  
• Offer to replace someone’s shopping cart when they’ve unloaded.
  
• Let someone else make the choice.
  
• Compliment someone on social media.
  
• Give up your seat on the bus or shuttle.
  
• Give someone the gift of laughter- tell a joke.
  
• Round up a box of items to donate to a shelter.
  
• Talk to someone who appears lonely.
  
• Post an encouraging Bible verse for your social media status. (I have listed several below)

I hope that you’ll be blessed by reading and sharing the following encouraging Bible verses.

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:27

May God, who gives us patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5

If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25

Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering. Isaiah 49: 13

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5: 7

If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. Mark 9:23

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33


Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Rom 8:37

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:2-3 –

No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22

Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

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

For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:18 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.  2 Timothy 4:7

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

In the day of my trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me. Psalm 86:7

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Do you have a favorite devotional or Bible study? These are a few of my favorites. 

Unglued- Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions by Lysa TerKeurst
This book and video study is so real and down to earth. If you struggle with anger, or coming "unglued" then this book is for you. 

Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry Blackaby
Every Christian needs to read this book at some point along with the video study. It is such an amazing guidebook. It will change the way you think about your relationship with God, the Bible, and how to hear from God. 

Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind by Joyce Meyer
This book was a life changer for me. She challenges you to think about what you think about, and deal with your negative mindsets.

Creative Counterpart: Becoming the Woman, Wife, and Mother you Have Longed to Be by Linda Dillow
This book is so encouraging. It makes you look at your responsibilities as blessings rather than burdens. She gives creative suggestions on how to be an encourager to your husband and grow as a woman of Godly character. 


These are just a few, but definitely my favorites so far. I LOVE Bible studies! If I could spend every day participating in a Bible Study group, studying the Bible, and reading devotionals I would be a happy girl! Wouldn't it be great if life were a Bible study? It is easy to live for Christ in the safe confines of your Bible study. It's when the book is closed or you leave your group that real life begins. It's the application to your real life that is the hard part. I don't know about you, but I have caught myself blowing up at my kids because they continuously disrupt me while I am trying to have my devotional time. Talk about not putting the words into action. :-\ Whoops. There comes a point when the head knowledge has to be lived out in the real world. 


What are your favorite studies? 

Right now the plan is pretty simple; connecting women to Christ and to one another through daily bible study (discipleship), discussion (fellowship), community outreach (ministry), and supporting local Christian businesses (service).  Each month I will feature a different ministry or business so that we can pray for them as a group, volunteer our time, and give financial assistance. 
My prayer is that the daily Bible studies and discussion board can be a safe zone where we can talk to one another about things that matter. We may not know one another, but we are all sisters in Christ. We don't all have the same story, but our stories can help one another. So, I encourage you to introduce yourself, talk about what is going on in your life, family, work, or spiritual walk, and let us encourage one another, grow together, and pray for each other. 

The verse I have decided on to represent the heart of this ministry is 2 Corinthians 13:11 Be Joyful, grow to maturity, encourage each other, live in harmony and peace. Then, the God of love and peace will be with you. 

I am excited to get this started, I ask for your prayers as I step out in faith and see where God leads, and I invite you to join me. Together we can share God's love and make a huge impact in our families and communities.  Over the next week I will get more aspects of the website up and running, and begin posting the daily devotions, so keep checking the site! 

Would you like to show your support? You can buy a t-shirt here: teespring.com/alaska-dragonfly-ministries

I had so much fun this past weekend at the Palmer Church of the Nazarene Christmas Bazaar! There were so many talented and amazing vendors there. I really enjoyed looking around at everyone else's  set-up. For me, it was a first time, so everything was trial and error. I feel like it went very well for my first time! I met some great people, made some contacts, and even had some sales (yeah!) I wish I had time to do a few more shows this season, but I just did not get in on them early enough. I will definitely be attending a few more, they are so much fun! 

A big congratulations to Laura Marcantel Rees, the winner of the hoodie giveaway! I used an random name picker website and entered in over 300 names! I can't believe that in just a few weeks you all spread the word that much! I couldn't be happier! I was able to meet up with several people already and drop off some of my first orders. 

My vision for Alaska Dragonfly is so much more than just hoodies. I would love to create a brand that stands for something! I hope to be able to use this company to give back to the needs of the Valley. I am looking into different causes and needs where I can make a difference. I would love some ideas here. I will start by donating a portion of profits each month to  a different select cause/charity for now, but eventually I  would like to find a need that is not currently being met and see what can be done to meet it.   

While out for a walk, my daughters handed me a little bouquet of flowers and a leaf that had fallen to the ground. They were just weeds, but when I looked down, it was shaped like a heart! It was just a little thing, but it was so beautiful that I remember it. Our lives can be so hectic and busy, packed with big important things that we are responsible to take care of every day. It is so easy to overlook the seemingly unimportant little things in life, but those are often the things that make life beautiful!  In a child's eyes, the little things are still so big. They still have wonder and amazement. They can appreciate fun and beauty in ways that we as adults have somehow forgotten. When the kids come running to show me something, or tell me about something "so awesome," I can brush them off because I am busy and have more important things to do, or, I can take a moment to enjoy the little things, and try to see the world through their eyes. In the end, it will be those little moments that we remember so much more then paying the rent or cleaning the kitchen.
Take time to enjoy the little moments with your loved ones, don't let them slip by unnoticed. Stop for a minute and enjoy the beauty around you! Here in Alaska, the summer is quickly turning into fall. The leaves are starting to turn yellow. It is a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty of God's creation, but also a great reminder that things change so quickly...so, "Enjoy the little things!"

To be entered to win a free AK Dragonfly hoodie, just like us on Facebook! You can also share the post from our Facebook page to have your name added multiple times. The contest will end at 12:00am Alaska time on October 12, 2014. A name will be chosen at random and the winner will be notified via email or Facebook! 
Don't have Facebook, but still want to enter? Comment on this post with a link to show that you have spread the word about AK Dragonfly (pinterest, twitter, blog, etc.) and your name will be entered in the drawing!

The free hoodie is for local pick up in the Anchorage or Valley area only. Shipping is not included. If you are not local and would like to enter the contest please be aware that there will be a shipping fee. 
 
Liking and sharing begins.....NOW!!!