>> What’s more refreshing than brunch?
Refresh at the Table Brunch
- When: Mar 18, 10am
- Where: social hall
- Tickets: $20, available on Church Center or in the Connect Room in the lobby
- Deadline to purchase: Mar 8
- Speaker: LBBC Women Director, Blair Nodine
- Caterer: Blue Moon
- Childcare is provided. Please sign up for childcare when you purchase your ticket.
Brunch—a meal that lets you sleep in a little and still eat like a queen! What’s even better? A Refresh at the Table Brunch that guarantees you’ll dine well, take a break from the ordinary, meet up with new friends and old, and take time out of your day to refocus, start a new rhythm of life, and refresh your soul. An added bonus is that Blair will be talking to us about biblical community and inclusivity and what that means to her. Join us!
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>> We're headed to Greenville in April, and it's not too late to join us.
Fresh Grounded Faith Conference
- Dates: April 21-22, 2023
- Buy your ticket now: on Church Center or in the Connect Room in the lobby.
- Ticket price: $45 (discounted price for co-host churches)
- Location: Kingdom Life Church, Simpsonville, SC
- Bus transportation available.
Plan to attend this incredible girls’ weekend! Blind from age 15, Jennifer Rothschild gives new perspective on living life being “well with my soul.” Read her story here, and see how God is using her to encourage others.
Jennifer Rothschild: “We’ll serve up a venti-sized portion of fresh, grounded encouragement and biblical wisdom that will freshen up your faith and ground you more deeply in God’s love! Get ready to experience a time of refreshment, learn practical truths from Scripture, and laugh out loud with other women in your area.” |
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Spreading #JesusJoy to anyone who will listen
by Gale Keef
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Blair Nodine is a self-proclaimed work in progress. She’s a competitive person who tends to people-please and purchase way too many shoes (can anyone say Imelda Marcos?), but she loves the Lord with all she has. This year she’s serving as the co-chair of LBBC Women’s Ministry, and we are all going to benefit from the expertise she brings from her life experience and years of women’s ministry involvement. She’s not hard to find. Just listen for the ruckus—she’s usually right in the middle of it. Most of you probably already know her. I thought I did too, but spending an hour with her uncovered layers of a testimony to a life radically changed by Christ.
For starters, Blair didn’t become a Christian until she was 40 years old. She says that God won her kicking and screaming and loves to tell that she’s a walking trophy of grace. “The rawness from the past is there, but I use it as a testament to His goodness, and praise God, I don’t live there anymore.”
Blair is very open about the fact that she has rapid cycling bipolar 1. So many issues go with that; enthusiasm is exacerbated (if you know her, you know), and with that, she says, comes lack of rational thinking, leading to many hiccups that just seem to happen. It takes faith to take the next step, and she came to realize that some things she just must lay on the table and let go. It’s been quite a journey but one that she’s done with God’s help. “God had things for me to do. I knew I was unique. I didn’t fit anyone’s mold—still don’t. I have bipolar, but it doesn’t have me. I must choose Jesus every day, but isn’t that how He intended it?” Blair went through periods of great loneliness even in relationships. “I knew something was missing. I prayed for someone to take care of me. I just wanted to be loved.” After many turbulent years, she met Rick. Even though he pressed pause for a minute, they are now and have been “two peas in a pod” for 22 years. “He’s such an encouragement. It’s the small things, ’Did you take your medicine?,‘ to his hand being on the small of my back, letting me know he’s there.” She has two children, a son and a daughter-in-love, along with five grandchildren.
Blair has been involved in women’s ministry for fifteen years now, leading small groups and Bible studies and even speaking at ladies’ events. When she talked about coming to LBBC last April, she said, “I came to LBBC out of curiosity; never did I think a large church was for me—but God had other plans. When you know, you know.” She has such a passion for women. It’s not hard to understand why after hearing about what God has done in her life. She says God took her to the darkest moment so the only choice she had was to look to Him for redemption and restoration (but that’s Blair’s story to tell, maybe at Refresh?). “I missed out on 40 years of walking with the Lord, and if I’m honest, the blessings that come along with it. I don’t want anyone to miss out. I want the younger women to have that Jesus Joy. I have carried a lot of shame and still do, but to regret would mean I wouldn’t be where I am today. That is not something I want to give up. What He has done in my life I wouldn’t believe if I hadn’t seen if firsthand.”
“Women need other women to walk beside to talk with. They need biblical community, encouragement, accountability—a safe place that is inclusive. I’m pretty needy, so relationship is really important to me and not just the feel-good kind. Honesty, even when it’s difficult. When people don’t have connections, they don’t participate so there is no opportunity to grow those relationships. I want people to have what I have without going through what I went through. I walked through so many valleys without a light, and I want others to know that the choices you make follow you until you take your last breath.”
Blair is a talker who (her words) “could sell ice to Eskimos.” You can picture that, can’t you? She’s always been athletic, in high school playing tennis, cheerleading, basketball, and even field hockey. Have you ever met anyone that tore tendons in her hand from playing tennis on a Wii? Now you have! Some of her answers to my prompts below were moving and some funny—very Blair.
What was your biggest adversity in life?
Me! I got in my own way.
What was the last book you’ve read?
The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers, one of my favorite authors.
What are your hobbies, or what do you like to do in your free time?
Golf, but I’m having to wait on hip replacement to play. I dabble in jewelry, and I can make anyone diabetic by baking, but please don’t ask me to cook—it’s not safe for you or my kitchen. Of course, talking!
Tell us about a life-changing moment.
There have been many. The most profound was April 15, 2002, when I asked the Lord into my heart. My 2009 mission trip to Guatemala was “hand-over-mouth” life-altering. It was a mission trip like most. We built houses, had VBS for the children, and Bible study for the ladies, but we also made a road trip to the dump. The smells, the dogs, the vultures, and in the midst of it all, people. I got out of the van in my cute tennis shoes and coordinating outfit to the horrors of others’ day-to-day life. Needless to say, I was eating humble pie as I played soccer with the kids. I have a picture that is my forever reminder. A baby that had just begun to sit up on his own looked up at me with bright eyes as I cut up his pancake. And if that wasn’t enough, we were feeding eggs to the adults, and we just knew we were going to run out, but we never did. God broke me, taught me, and used me all at the same time. I got it—it’s not all about me.
What else should we know about you?
I lost my best friend of 20years, Donna, to breast cancer on August 11, 2020. Talk about peas and carrots. We were so much alike and so different. We were leather and lace. She lived on a farm and I was a city girl. We met at church, and we were both so noisy, causing more trouble than I care to admit. We just clicked, and it wasn’t long before we were finishing each other’s sentences. I learned from her what the true love of Christ looks like in the best of times and the worst of times. She knew everything about me and never saw me as less than. I know how to love and trust because of my relationship with her. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is speak on having #JesusJoy only two weeks after she had moved to glory. It was another “…but God” moment for me. #friendsmatter
What advice do you have for young moms today?
Love God first and don’t let your responsibilities take the place of your priorities.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Stop! There’s a better way, and joy is involved.
There are so many layers to Blair. Spend a few minutes with her and peel back a few. You’re guaranteed to laugh and at the same time be encouraged. We’re very blessed that she has come on board the LBBC Women leadership team this year. Read her Easter devotional at the end of the newsletter and be blessed.
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Back by popular demand, Ladies’ Bunco Night,
Cinco de Mayo style
- When: Friday, May 5, 6:30pm
- What to bring: Ladies whose last names start with A-L, bring a Cinco de Mayo snack or drink to share if you can. M-Z will be on deck the next round.
- Where: social hall
- Attire: It’s casual, but wouldn’t it be just like us to have a prize for the best Cinco de Mayo garb?
Our bunco rules are a little different and little rowdier than what you’ve done before, but we guarantee you won’t be bored. It’s pure fun, fellowship, and a chance to meet lots of new people.
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Upcoming Bible and book studies
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>> 1. Abigail: Living with the Difficult People in Your Life, 6-wk study
- Sign up now: Church Center app
- Cost: $10
- When—2 choices: Tues., Mar 14, 6:30pm, OR Thurs, Mar 16, 11am
This is one of Revive Our Heart’s Women of the Bible studies by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. “In this six-week Bible study, journey along with Abigail as she uses her influence in two men's lives—with different results. See how the empowerment of the Holy Spirit can help you deal with difficult people…without becoming difficult yourself!” For more information on the study, click here.
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>> 2. Psalm 23, 7-wk study by Jennifer Rothschild
- Sign up soon: Church Center app
- Location: A-10
- Cost: $17
- When: Starting this Spring. Details TBA
“Many women know Psalm 23 by heart but haven’t experienced its power in their lives. This beloved psalm can breathe new life into women who are weary and unsure of their next steps. It’s more than a psalm that comforts in death; it gives confidence in life. In this 7-session study by Jennifer Rothschild, gain fresh insight and encouragement from Psalm 23. Explore the depths of God’s compassionate care while debunking the self-reliance myth. Learn how your vulnerability is not a liability because you can trust the Shepherd’s goodness throughout each season of life.” Watch and listen to Jennifer describe the study at this link.
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>> 3. Free of Me: Why Life is Better When It’s Not about You
"Beginning June 19th, I'll be hosting a 5-week virtual book club for the book Free of Me: Why Life is Better When It’s Not about You, by Sharon Hodde Miller. Wow, even the title steps on my toes! We live in a culture that teaches us to be the best “me” we can be, instead of becoming more like Jesus. This “all about me” message affects every area of our lives. During this study we’re going to learn to unveil our biggest insecurities and focus more on God! I hope you’ll join me in finding our joy for Jesus!"
- Jennifer Malone
- The book study includes a RightNow Media video series and a private Facebook discussion group.
- Information on sign-up TBA in June newsletter
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>> 4. God’s Unbreakable Promises, by Jennie Allen
- 6-wk study
- When: TBA
- Cost: no charge
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Fireflies and Fellowship will be here soon!
Come, see, and taste what being invited to the table of biblical community and fellowship feels like. The atmosphere is casual and laid back. It’s intimate, it’s fun, it’s stirring and heartwarming. Join us under the shelter at the picnic table. Children that can be unsupervised can play on the playground next to the shelter. Optional items are chairs, drinks, and food to share. See calendar for dates.
--Lynn Cole
 Our first ever in-house LBBC Women’s Retreat is on the calendar.
When: Oct 5-7
Where: Ridgecrest
Guest Speaker: Reba Bowman from Dare for More Ministries
Mark your calendars now. More info TBA.
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I was taking a walk…
by Blair Nodine
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The crowds are four deep as everyone is pushing and pressing to get a glimpse of this man, the One they have beaten and flogged and is now being shamed every step He takes. The cries of the horde are deafening—how can one man cause this much of a stir; does His crime warrant such barbaric treatment? I don’t know much about this Jesus, but He must be pretty bad—they exchanged Him for Barabbas, seriously?!
It’s hard to look (but I do); He can barely lift His head. How could He possibly carry that cross? Oh, those centurions are talking to Simon, the one from Cyrene—looks like he is going to carry it for Him—right place for Jesus, wrong time for Simon.
As He makes His way, there are women who are crying as He goes by—He speaks to them with authority and encouragement. How is that possible, where is He getting the strength, the gumption to go? Again, I am taken aback as to why are we watching this? It’s terrible. We shouldn’t treat people this way, but the crowd keeps moving and so do I.
In the distance I see His destination, the gradual slope of that hill, the one they call Skull. No wonder, it’s so desolate and depressing, crosses everywhere, and soon there will be three more. Three? Oh, that’s right, there are two other fellas on the same death walk, but no one is yelling at them or crying either.
I’m a people watcher, so I’m going to pass the crowd and find a good place to see it all. Close, but not too close, if you know what I mean. I want to be able to look away when it gets tough, and I really don’t want to hear the screams—I know there will be screams.
So, as I make my way up Calvary’s Hill, I hear the chants of the parade—no longer are they celebrating this Man. A few days ago, they were yelling, “Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Now there are only chants of hate and “crucify.”
Oh, here they come—I wonder what is going through His head, the one that is holding that bloodied crown of thorns. The pain, the sorrow, the loneliness—it has to be beyond excruciating.
Okay, the cross will be going in the ground soon. Why isn’t He arguing or getting mad...what is He doing? His lips are moving—is He praying? Isn’t it a little too late for that? Now I can’t say what happened next because I covered my eyes—I wasn’t able to watch—but the cries and gasps tell the story. There is a hush, the cheers have subsided, so I peek through my fingers and see what is worse than I could have ever imagined.
They’re hanging there on their crosses. Jesus is so much worse than the others. I have never seen so much swelling, the blood—He’s battered and bruised almost beyond recognition, but I still see Him—how is that possible? Again I ask, how is this happening, why?
I search the masses for hope, for kindness anywhere, but I don’t see it. I still hear voices mocking. There is laughter, curses along with sobs and crying. It’s a mixed crowd for sure, but I would say more are glad than sad.
I can only look at the cross for brief moments at a time. So, as I scan the congregation looking for any distraction, my eyes find Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is devastated but solemn; there is something about her, a quiet strength that I don’t understand, but I am in awe of her. Again, where is this coming from? I could never be capable of watching the one I loved suffer such torment, but she is.
I hear a scream from the onlookers–He is being lifted up and I look away. It’s only a matter of time, and this horrible day will be done. The suffering is unbearable to watch…please die so it will stop…why am I fixated on this? They brought Him drink but He didn’t partake. Why? He has to be thirsty! I don’t understand the happenings, and I don’t understand the storm that is brewing, so I wait…
My mind races, looking for yet another distraction—where are those that have been by His side all these years? The ones He called disciples?
Wait a minute, He is speaking, and His voice is loud. How is that achievable—how does He have breath? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” What, forgive us—wait, what do You mean we “know not what we do”? I haven’t done anything, have I?
Just like me, the people are confused, and what was once a loud crowd has turned into a quiet crew, murmurs here and there, but we are all listening to what’s next. I’m starting to see how this Man turned our world upside down. The leaders act as if He is blasphemy incarnate, but truth be told, they fear Him…but why?
Back to the “forgive them,” how could He possibly be willing to do that, especially hanging from that old rugged cross? He is different. There is something about this Man that I don’t know or understand, but in the same breath I feel a pull—it scares me, but the pull is there, nonetheless.
He’s speaking again, oh wait…it’s the other two doing the talking, arguing really. One seems to be rebuking the Man in the middle while the other is defending Him. The next thing I hear is “remember me.” Remember him, what for? What does that mean? I am really confused—does that swindler think that He, Jesus, truly is the Son of God? Is it possible? Hold on, He’s using His loud voice again, seriously, how— “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit…”
And with that it was finished. It’s over—He suffers no more, but wait, what is happening? It’s the middle of the day and it’s dark—how is this feasible? I need answers.
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Oh, to have been standing there that day—to have witnessed all that our Savior endured. I must admit, I’m glad I wasn’t. Imagining the scene is hard enough; being there would not have been in my wheelhouse, knowing what I know now.
That girl on the hill knew Jesus by name and reputation, but there was no relationship. She didn’t understand what His sacrifice was going to do for this lost and dying world. She only saw the ugly, but in three days, she would see the glory.
Saying all that when all I needed to say was this…
Jesus made a way for us to have access to the Father. No more middlemen, no more blood sacrifices—Jesus was that sacrifice. His death tore the veil, and now all who call upon His name have access to the Father, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. There is nothing like knowing that you know your eternity will be in Heaven. He is waiting on You to take the step. Jesus came to save ALL. That means you too!
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. #JesusJoy
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Make your calendar bloom.
 2023 Refresh Dates
Mar 18 (Refresh at the Table brunch), June 6, Sep 12, Nov 6
 2023 Fresh Grounded Faith Conference
April 21-22
 Cinco de Mayo Ladies’ Bunco Night
Friday, May 5, 6:30pm, social hall
 Fireflies and Fellowship
May 18, Jun 15, Jul 20, Aug 17
 2023 Fall Ladies’ Retreat
Oct 5-7 at Ridgecrest
 Pins and Needles Piecers, hall outside of social hall
Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9—5:30pm
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Hosea 6:3
“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
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