Reflective Life Ministries

Reflecting Him News

2010-06-24T00:50:00.000-07:00

The Reflecting Him book signing at Chick-Fil-a was a great success last week! Thank you Chick-Fil-a for hosting our favorite author, Carla McDougal. We also want to thank everyone who came to support Carla. Whether you are a long time friend or a new friend your presence was greatly appreciated. We have some very exciting news for you and all Reflecting Him readers!

Carla started a new Facebook group called, Reflecting Him Bible Study Group! The Lord’s creativity is so awesome. The birth of this happened in the blink of a second. Carla thought about all the women working through the study on their own and how they might have questions. This idea emerged in hope of providing a place to share ideas, insights, and testimonies, ask questions and more. It is a great way to provide encouragement for one another!

This is what Carla has to say about the new Facebook group:

“This is exciting! I am Carla McDougal, founder of and author/speaker for Reflective Life Ministries - www.reflectivelifeministries.org. And, yes the author of Reflecting Him. I am praying for each of you to hear from the Lord as you begin this study and for the veils to be removed, so you can experience a daily living and breathing relationship with Jesus! The Reflecting Him Bible Study Group is designed to help us learn and grow from one another. God calls His children together to encourage and spur one another forward in becoming more Christ like. We see this in the NT with Paul... the best example of encouraging other believers to live for Jesus. The Facebook group allows you to post comments, insights, ideas, questions, and testimonies of what God is doing as you move through the Reflecting Him Bible study. 

Here is our first question... ‘Why are you choosing to do this Bible study... Reflecting Him?’”

If you are interested in joining, here is what to do:

· Join Facebook

· Search… Reflecting Him Bible Study Group

· Click… Join the Group

· Click… “Discussions” at the top of the page

· In the “Discussions” section there is a list of options. Click on “Reflecting Him Book in Hand” and tell us your name, where you live, and how you heard about the study.

· After you finish each day or week of Reflecting Him go to the “Discussions” and search for the day; for example, Week 2—Day 1. Connect with other women around the world, share ideas, thoughts, testimonies, listen, meditate and more!

· If you don’t have a Reflecting Him book you can order through www.reflectivelifeministries.org

· Anyone can join at any time. Invite your friends and family. Work at your own pace.

If you have any questions please contact Carla at carla@reflectivelifeministries.org. This is going to be a fun and exciting new adventure together!

Hola!

2010-05-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hola!

For the second summer, Reflective Life Ministries is leading a women's retreat for some very special ladies in Guatemala City, and we could use your help. The event is for the wives of seminary students at SETECA, the Latin American Theology Extension University of Dallas Theological Seminary, and also for the single women working on theological degrees from SETECA.

Carla and her seven member team will conduct two back to back retreats over an eight day period for approximately 70 women, representing 20-25 different nations. The intent of the retreat is to provide them with models for ministering to women when they leave the seminary. The retreat offers a time of refreshment and encouragement, to help them in their service and commitment to God.

RLM would appreciate your prayers for the preparation and fulfillment of this retreat. If you would like to make a monetary donation for the women from SETECA attending the event, you can be assured your money will be put to good use.

Jenny Adams, wife of the SETECA president recently sent a letter to RLM. Parts of it are reprinted below.

The cost of the retreat is $50 per person and it covers housing, 3 meals, 2 snacks, and study materials. The women will be covering the cost of their own transportation to Antigua (we'll be renting a bus). $6 is as much as each woman can pay to attend, and without the help that you are giving, this retreat would not even be something they could consider going to. Reflective Life Ministries' financial help will make it possible for these ladies to attend.

We are not only grateful for the financial help, but also for Carla McDougal to minister to the women through her teaching. She was here last year and the Lord spoke through her (across the cultural and language barriers), straight to the hearts of these lovely women. Our prayer is that through this experience they would be strengthened in their walk with the Lord, they would be refreshed emotionally and physically, and they would experience what a dynamic and exciting ministry for women can look like. These are the future women leaders for Latin America and the things that they learn while at seminary will be multiplied in churches and on the mission field in Latin America and around the world.

I commend you for your vision which looks beyond the borders of the United States, and I pray that we will be able to continue to partner together in years to come.

If you feel the Lord leading you to donate please go to www.reflectivelifeministries.org and click on donate. Designate funds to be used for SETECA Women's Retreat.

Friends, Friends… Read All About It!

2010-04-30T06:09:00.001-07:00

What are people saying about Reflective Life Ministries? Do retreats make an impact on the women who attend? Read a few comments from recent attendees…

“Thank you, Carla, for such a bonding time this weekend with all our sisters! You brought meaning and truth and encouragement to God's Word and our lives. Thank you for writing about our weekend (on your blog). Family & friends have asked me about the retreat, and you described it perfectly! God bless you!”

“I wanted to say, how much I enjoyed your fellowship and prayer at the retreat this past weekend. Taking time out of your schedule to pray for me was so wonderful.”

“If was so nice to meet you and I truly enjoyed the weekend. So much love came from that retreat and we have to say thank you.”

—Northwest Bible Church Women’s Retreat

“I wanted to tell you thank you again for a wonderful retreat this past weekend with Cornerstone. We are just a bunch of crazy women who go from acting silly and crazy to deep Bible study and prayer to boohooing all over the place. You spoke to me more than I had ever dreamed.

“Confession time: I had no intention of attending and then when my daughter found out about the retreat she started after me about going. Then she called my husband and they had one of those Daddy/Daughter conversations about Mommy not wanting to do things with the ladies from church. I am thankful they won the battle for me to attend. I am so thankful for the small groups and how God put us together. We have committed ourselves to encourage and pray for each other daily.”

“I also had no intention of sharing about taking off my mask that I've worn for so many years. But your little smile kept saying to me "come on, you can do this". I am so glad that I did because this week I have NEVER felt so much peace with myself as I have since Saturday. God is so amazing. I think that was the final act of obedience to God that I go before these women and let them see that I can't live behind that mask any more. I realize more than ever how much I need that fellowship with other Godly women.”

I could go on and on but I wanted to say thank you again. I will add you as one of my ladies in my small group and lift you daily in prayer. Thank you so much again.

-Cornerstone Baptist Women’s Retreat

I am blessed beyond words by these emails! Reading them spurs me forward to accomplish the purposes God has for Reflective Life Ministries. I lift my heart of praise to the Lord for the grace and mercy He bountifully pours out on each retreat. RLM is a team of women with one purpose—to love and serve the Lord with all our hearts, souls and minds. Over the next few weeks we will reveal some new additions to the ministry. If the Lord leads you to pray for us we would appreciate the prayers.

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

Founder of and Author/Speaker for RLM

Did you know?

2010-04-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some things you should know about Reflective Life Ministries...

Reflective Life Ministries is on Twitter! Click here to become a follower and find RLM updates.

You can become a Fan of RLM on Facebook and stay connected.

You can read an excerpt of Reflecting Him on reflectivelifeministries.org. Click on the link to find out what this unique Bible Study is all about.
We are in the process of creating skits to accompany Reflecting Him. These skits will follow characters throughout the 10-week Bible study as they learn what it means to become a reflection of Christ!
A “Leader Guide” will be available for individuals leading groups through Reflecting Him.
The date for Share Fair 2011 has been announced! Mark your calendars for February 26th!

Personal Perspective - Open Door Retreat - Windy McCall

2010-04-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

I started working as the Personal Retreat Consultant for Reflective Life Ministries in May, 2009. While I worked with Carla to learn the heart and business part of the ministry, she shared a vision from God with me: a retreat for small churches and individuals who don’t have the opportunity to plan or attend one. This event would be hosted by Reflective Life instead of an individual church. So we both started praying, although Carla had already been praying for the fulfillment of this vision for a long time.

The next thing I knew, the vision became a reality! Reflective Life came in contact with two small churches who became very excited about the idea. The next question: what to name the retreat? Honestly, I searched the word community in a thesaurus. After sifting through terms like district, neighborhood, area, etc., I found a much better phrase that means accessible and welcome, Open Door. Matthew 7:7 may come to your mind. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” It is definitely Reflective Life’s desire to provide retreat opportunities for all; but, I was thinking more along the lines of how we have an open door policy with The Almighty. I couldn’t find the scripture that backed that idea, until one day, while driving, I heard Jeremy Camp sing This Man. He sang the lyric, “And the veil was torn so we could have this open door.” That was it! I was pointed to Mark 15:38, “And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” What does that have to do with Open Doors? Hebrews 9:3 tells us that in the temple, behind the second veil, was a tabernacle called the Holy of Holies. The veil was a curtain separating us from God.

Back in Mark, we read that the veil was torn right after Jesus breathed His last. Only God could have torn it from top to bottom. Jesus’ death led to an open door between God and man! Halleluiah! Reflective Life’s heart is to help women come closer to the Father, to help women walk through that open door, and the Open Door Retreat is just one way we do that.

The first Open Door Retreat took place in January of this year, and it was an enormous success. Everyone learned about the full armor of God, connected with many different women, and had lots of fun! The Reflective Life staff learned a lot, came up with some new ideas, and was motivated for next year! God gets all the credit and the Glory. If He’s nudging you to come to next year’s retreat, please get in touch with us!

Amazing. Inspirational. Encouraging!

2010-04-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Amazing. Inspirational. Encouraging!

I must share with you an email I recently received from my brother-in-law who is a youth pastor in The Woodlands, Texas. It touched my heart and opened my eyes to God at work around the world. Get ready for a God moment!
“I (Mark) received an email today that blew me away...check it out below...

Hi pastor Mark,

my name is Evans, i live here in Uganda. am a second year university student. on 5th march 2009, in a local market, i bought a tshirt with writins “ the psm.com., are ready to see what GOD want u to become?” i really did not know what the message meant, i have always tried to think about this several times, and now i have come to understand that God has made me unique. Please help read and understand what God requires of me and to help others to. am so much willing to learn more about God , and Jesus Christ.

Evans
(Ugandan college student)

Wow! How amazing is our God?

Let's break this down…one of our student ministry shirts from DNow 2008 makes its way to a local market in Uganda. A young man buys a shirt with a statement that God uses to make him think. God reveals Himself to this man and then sparks his hunger to know more. The young man gets on the internet, looks up our website and sends a message asking how to learn more about Jesus. Coincidence? Not a chance.

Look at 2 Corinthians 9 (as Paul refers back to Isaiah 64): "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him..."

As we live this life we often can't see or hear or even imagine what God has in store. We never know how our lives may be used for His glory. Think about it...

- You never know how God may use the words you say today to make a difference in someone's life.

- You never know how God may use your actions to reflect His grace and love today.

- You never know how God may use your simple statement or kind act to remind someone of His presence.

- You never know when God may take an old DNow t-shirt and grab someone's attention, halfway around the world...

Give grace today, live truth today, reflect Jesus today...you never know what our great God will do as you live life today.”

May blessings flow from this email to you.
Carla McDougal
Founder of and Speaker/Author for Reflective Life Ministries

God is Good

2010-03-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

As I sat down today to write a new blog entry, I struggled about what to write. I thought about some of the blessings God has bestowed on me: an amazing marriage, a husband who adores the Lord, a family unlike any other, a job, and a new chapter on the horizon. How easy it is for me to say GOD IS GOOD! And then I saw this video of Zac Smith:

The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

After watching it I realized again that it is easy for me to say my God is good right now. But am I going to say it if I am diagnosed with cancer? Will I be able to say it if my loved one dies, or when nothing in my life seems right?

Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Yes, our God is good. He is Almighty. He is in control. Although, I do not understand why Zac Smith, a loving father, husband, and disciple of Christ, has cancer, I do understand that God uses all things for his glory. I do understand that our God has a purpose and vision beyond anything we can see. So yes, today I will rejoice, because today is the day the Lord has made. And yes, I will rejoice and worship our Almighty God when darkness falls because it too is the day the Lord has made.

We all have something in our lives that is challenging to us right now - physically, spiritually, mentally, or emotionally. I encourage you to trust God. Trust that He has a bigger purpose and plan. Trust that he made this day. Rejoice and be glad.

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

You can follow Zac's blog here: http://www.hellorighton.com/

-Breanna

Personal Perspective - Kitty Self

2010-03-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

Heeding God’s Nudges

They came frequently over a period of months. We both felt them. It was nudges from God that caused my husband and me to join one of our church’s small groups in 2006, and I am so thankful He kept prodding until we listened! The group was small; in fact there were just nine of us when everyone came, plus God. Later that year my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and a year later he went to be with his Lord and Savior. Carla McDougal and her husband, Fred, were in that small group, and our friendship grew through a year of doctor’s visits, chemo, surgery, and finally a diagnosis that there wasn’t anything else to be done. That small group sustained me and George, and eventually just me, helping in so many ways.

During the year following George’s death, Carla told me she was working on a ladies’ Bible study. I always liked to write, so I asked her if she would like to me read her chapters as she wrote them, and do some editing. It’s hard to believe that the study, Reflecting Him – Living for Jesus and Loving It! is with the publisher now! Working with Carla gave me a focus when I quit my job to adjust to a new life without my husband of 40 years. She and I both learned a lot about writing along the way, and it was a wonderful experience for me to watch this energetic, God loving woman heed the Lord’s call with her writing and speaking. She is the heart of Reflective Life Ministries, and although many of us work beside her, it is Carla’s vibrant willingness to share the truth and message of Jesus Christ to women everywhere that sustains us.

This blog is a new tool for RLM. I hope you will read it regularly to see what God is doing through this ministry. And please, don’t ignore the nudges God gives you!

Looking Back at Share Fair 2010

2010-03-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

The fourth annual Share Fair took place this past Saturday, and what a day it was! Over 125 women, representing more than 85 different ministries, came from four states, to learn, grow, and encourage one another. The way God worked throughout the day was incredible!

This was my first Share Fair, and I didn’t really understand what I was going to experience; but, within the first few minutes I realized God had incredible plans for us. He set divine appointments for each of us to be there. A woman at my table shared her calling to form a support group for women recovering from abortions. I quickly shared with her the name of a dear family friend who has the same ministry! God knew this woman needed some guidance and He put me at her table to make a connection. God bonded women together like this all day!

I was very encouraged to see so many women faithfully following God’s calling on their lives. We know how quickly and easily Satan can distract us from God’s plans and purposes. Spouses, kids, jobs, bills, appointments and other responsibilities sidetrack us even though God has called us to follow His will for us. Looking around the room I saw women taking leaps of faith, following God, and trusting Him. This is what He wants from us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to “trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight.” Reading that verse reminds me that God is bigger than any “what ifs” or “how”. He is God! He is sovereign! He is the ruler of this universe and He has a plan for each of us. God kept whispering in my heart, “I have a plan for you, Breanna. Trust me.” Share Fair was a great refresher for me because it reminded me to trust God unconditionally and follow His calling on my life. I encourage you to do the same.

Much Love,
Breanna Hansen
Director of Public Relations

Personal Perspective - Audra Lewis, Share Fair/Events Coordinator for RLM

2010-02-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, I learned the neatest lesson. We received some pears that were supposedly "the best ever", so when they came I could not wait to dig in! I took out the best looking pear, cut it open and took my first bite. I was so disappointed. It tasted okay, but I was certainly not impressed. I put them aside with much disappointment, and did not intend to try them again, but...a few days later I changed my mind and cut another one. Oh boy, juice started to drip everywhere. It was so good! It really was the best pear I ever ate!

In the parable of the sower, Luke 8:11 and 14 says, "Now the parable is this, the seed is the Word of God. And that which fell among the thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to perfection." We may have fruit in our lives but over time the fruit can be "choked out by cares, riches and pleasures of life.” We must remain in the Word and allow God to bring our fruit to perfection. We are not perfect but God can work through us, if we are willing, to accomplish His good and perfect will. (Romans 12:2). Reading God's Word regularly helps renew our minds. We may read or hear the Word and the seed may be planted, but what do we do with it? Our purpose in life is to allow God to bring our fruit to perfection so His will may be accomplished, and He will receive all the glory! We must persevere and strive to know God in order for the seed to grow. 2 Peter 1:6-8 says, “for this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God wants us to continually seek Him so that we may grow in "increasing measure". If we have fruit but it is not ripe, we need to seek God in order for it to reach its potential. Only God can bring the fruit to perfection, through our willing hearts.

Share Fair is this Saturday!! Did God give you a dream, but you aren’t sure what direction to take, or how to begin? I encourage you to attend this one day conference, where you will be refreshed and encouraged to fan into flame your God given gifts. You will receive ministry tools and ideas to move forward. Learn how to bring forth the fruit (the gifts God gave you) and perfect them. God is working in each of our lives. We serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Come and see what He has for you and your team this Saturday!

Photo courtesy of Breanna Hansen

Share Fair is this Saturday! For more information go to sharefairministry.org.

Personal Perspective - Carla McDougal, Founder/Speaker/Author of RLM

2010-02-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

On the Horizon for RLM in 2010

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! AMEN.” (Eph.3:20-21)

Excitement… Anticipation... We’re sitting on the edge of our seats, experiencing the movement of God through Reflective Life Ministries. Who would have thought we would be in this position, at this time? Two years ago, two people made up RLM, and now we are a team of 18. I stand amazed! What a picture of the body of Christ coming together to accomplish His purposes.

I would like to introduce the RLM team to you. Our hearts beat as one for serving Jesus. One of our mottos is “Are you still having fun?” We love to laugh as we work together. Sisters arm in arm, serving our Lord and Savior together… What a blessing! Drum roll, please, as I present to you the RLM team:

Board of Directors:

Carl Williams (my dad!) - Chairman of the Board
Jan Oberholtzer – secretary
Evelyn Hicks – board member

RLM Staff:

Executive Director – Carla McDougal
Business Administrator – Robin Rudderow
Director of Public Relations – Breanna Hansen
Personal Retreat Consultant – Windy McCall
Editor/Advisor – Kitty Self
Accounting – Peggy Andrade
RLM Photographer – Melinda Trawick
Playwrite – Robin Murray
Director of Share Fair/Special Events – Audra Lewis

Share Fair Team:

Monica Greenstreet
Alice Miller
Pam Scott
Caroline Miller

The RLM Prayer Team

What a privilege and a blessing it is to work with each of these ladies (and my daddy). I thank God for them and look forward to what God has in store for us in 2010. During the next few weeks, different members of the team will write entries for the blog. It will be fun to hear their hearts for this ministry!

A special reminder… Share Fair 2010 - Connect… Equip… Encourage Women is almost here! You don’t want to miss this incredible one day event.

For more information go to www.sharefairministry.org.

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

Founder/Speaker/Author for Reflective Life Ministries

carla@reflectivelifeministries.org

Photo courtesy of Melinda Trawick (melindatrawick.com)

Reflecting Him - Living for Jesus and Loving it!

2010-02-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

Reflective Life Ministries is excited about the future. First and foremost, the ministry is expanding beyond our greatest expectations! God is opening many doors, and we can’t wait to see where He is taking us. RLM’s speaker and founder, Carla McDougal, is in the process of publishing her first Bible study, Reflecting Him - Living for Jesus and Loving it! Presales of the book, at a discounted price, will be available in mid February, with actual publication in June.

Reflecting Him is a 10-week women’s Bible study that will motivate you to look for God in everyday experiences. It encourages you to open your eyes to God’s daily life lessons. Learn about man’s creation through a detailed look at a potter and his wheel, and compare physical workouts with spiritual exercise. The more you ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to comparisons like these, the more you recognize God’s hand on your life. As a result, you become His reflection! Get ready for an exciting adventure that holds laughter as well as tears, as you journey through Reflecting Him—Living for Jesus and Loving It!

For more information about what is going on in RLM or about the book, please visit reflectivelifeministries.org.

What is Reflective Life Ministries?

2010-01-30T11:20:00.000-08:00

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

2 Corinthians 3:18

RLM exists for the sole reason to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ! We have been brought together, as a team, to connect women by sharing the truth and message of Jesus Christ. We have had the privilege of accomplishing this purpose through speaking at events, enouraging women in ministry, praying together, and loving women of all ages around the world.
Carla McDougal ( carlamcdougal.blogspot.com ) is the founder and speaker of RLM. Carla has traveled the world doing retreats and other speaking events for women. Carla's first book, Reflecting Him, will be released in June of 2010. To find out more, visit our website at reflectivelifeministries.org. The book will be available at a discounted price for preorders starting Febuary 2010. Check out the website for further details.