Need all the help we can get . . .

Walking shoes? Check. Sweat socks? Got ’em. Pedometer? Yes, siree. Now, nibble on a few of these before your power walk: raisins.

A little raisin appetizer before your workout may work as well as a sports drink in helping you keep pace and could crank up your fat-burning engines to boot.

Same but Better
In a study, endurance athletes ate either sports gel or 2.5 to 3 ounces of raisins before doing 45 minutes of cycling. Blood samples were collected before and during their workout. Results? The raisin eaters had no problem keeping pace with the gel takers and had higher blood levels of free fatty acids. Translation: Raisins revved up their metabolisms to burn more fat. Try this fat-burning preworkout drink, too.

More Reasons for Raisins
Raisins are loaded with antioxidants and good-for-you nutrients like fiber, iron, and potassium. So keep a stash on hand to help you meet your fruit intake needs when your fruit bowl runs empty. They’re super easy to sneak into most meals:

§ Sprinkle raisins on hot cereal, like this slow-cooker Overnight Oatmeal, or on crusty whole-grain bread smeared with peanut butter.

§ Toss raisins into your favorite lunch salad. Or make this easy salad with raisins right in the dressing: Mango Salad with Ginger-Raisin Vinaigrette.

§ Use raisins in Indian-inspired cuisine, like this Curried Chicken and Pasta Salad.

§ Put ’em on pizza! That’s right -- this recipe will show you how: Greens and Gorgonzola Pizza.

RealAge Benefit: Exercising regularly, expending at least 3,500 calories of energy a week, can make your RealAge 3.4 years younger.

-------

Stay healthy through the holidays!

Steppin' Out Concert

Sunday night was a great night with the SSWH women and Susan Duffield!  We worshipped, relaxed, danced, cried and had a memorable time together.  We confirmed through Susan's song, "Wake Up As Deborah", that it's time to move into what God has for us.  What a great time line-dancin' to "Steppin' Out" too!  On Sunday the 23rd of November, the discussion of Soulful Study will focus on preparation for the holiday season.  Healthy eating, exercise and faith to create meaningful connections with family and friends.

Susan Duffield is returning!

Susan Duffield - accomplished singer/songwriter will be with us again on Sunday, November 16th! We were blessed by her ministry last spring (mini-concert in person) as well as last week (she wrote and recorded our line-dancing song! - Steppin' Out). Tell your friends and make sure to join us. You will be blessed! Watch the Connections in the bulletin and here on the blog for details as they continue to unfold.

Steppin' Out!

Last night we were encouraged to "step out" of our comfort zone. For some of us that was participating in the line dancing! We sure had fun.

Remember that the Lord will strengthen you for all that he calls you to do. Step out in faith!

Singers of New Possibilities: Study notes for 10/26 lesson

Singers of New Possibilities:

Hannah (1 Sam. 2: 1-10)
Mary (Luke 1:46-55)
Miriam (Exodus 15) esp vs. 20-21
Deborah (Judges 5)

Common themes:

God is in control- God’s Providence
God’s victory over chaos
God’s reversals of grace
God’s transforming power on behalf of the powerless

For consideration and discussion:
What are modern day oppressors of women?

Save the date!

Soulful Study of Women’s Health meets on Sunday nights at 5:00 p.m. This fall we are talking about faith and families.

Last week, while discussing the story of Hannah’s Hope from I Samuel 1, we all became of aware of areas of barrenness in our selves. Thank you to the women who shared their personal stories and testimony to God’s sustaining power and purpose in their lives. This week, October 26, we will focus on songs of Hannah (1 Sam. 2: 1-10), Mary (Luke 1:46-55), Miriam (Exodus 15), and Deborah (Judges 5). We will be looking at the common theme in these songs in the context of a panel discussion. These women knew how to approach God and intercede for their families. We will learn from them. Hope you can come and join us.

"We Haven't Been Together for A While Brunch"

Fifty women gathered for a delicious brunch and time of fellowship. Mary Clark, RCA Women's Coordinator spoke to us regarding the ministries of "Sister Share". The mission effort of "Sister Share" is changing the lives of women around the world. At our brunch we raised money for 13 sewing machines for women in India. A sewing machine will enable a woman to support her family and extended family. Thanks to Shelia Miner, who coordinated the brunch.

Happenings with Soulful Study

What does it mean to be a very wise woman? In the early culture of the Israelites? And today? Working from the story of Abigail, found in 1 Samuel 25, we gained insight into the life of a very resourceful woman. Abigail’s story is one of courage and action. She is another woman that was prepared to hear from God and save the lives of her family and community. In the language of Judges 5, she was very Awake.

October 19th , we looked at the life of Hannah. Hannah was a woman of faith and she touched God with her prayers. Her family was forever changed and so was the life of Israel. Hannah’s story is found in 1 Samuel 1 and 2.

After Soulful Study, we have been walking together around the church property. It is great exercise and fellowship as we talk about our lives and commit them to God.

“Give It Away Days” picked up steam for the weekend too. The barn was full of blessings that were given away to families in need.

Sister Share Program

Beechwood Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, hosted coordinator of RCA women’s ministries Mary Clark for a meeting on the Sister Share program. Sister Share, an initiative of RCA women’s ministries, seeks to connect women to each other and to global mission by raising the visibility of specific projects that serve women and children. “As we brainstormed, the women talked about a number of issues, including the generational differences in women’s preferences and the role of RCA women in local and global missions,” said the Rev. Dawn Vagle, Beechwood pastor for wholeness ministry. (Article from The Church Herald, November 2008).

Welcome October Soulful Study!!!

This week's Soulful Study (Sunday, beginning @ 6 PM, Oct. 5th) lesson will be from 1 Kings 17: 7-24, about Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. What a great story of faith and trust. We'll also have a nutritional tidbit on food allergies. A woman will be sharing about a child who came back from a terrible sickness. We'll continue to look at our family roots too. 6 PM begins with the prayer walk; last week we discussed Deborah and how we can remain to be conscious and to be "awake". Let's "WAKE UP AS DEBORAH!"

The "We Haven't Been Together For A While" brunch will be at 10am, Saturday Oct. 4th, in the atrium at the church. It's a free brunch and our special guest will be RCA Women's Ministry Director, Mary Clark, presenting "Sister Share". Come expecting encouragement on how we can change and inspire the lives of women.

Soulful Study - This fall - 2008!

Hi Everybody,

It has been a long time since we met for Soulful Study. Hope the summer was great for you. Soulful Study for Women’s Health begins on this Sunday, September 28, from 5:00-6:00 in room 115 at Beechwood Church, Holland, MI. We had such a precious time of connection in the spring and I look forward to the ways the Holy Spirit will move in our group and lives this fall. The series this fall is from the Old Testament and deals with Faith and Family. Our first story is about Deborah found in Judges 4 and 5. Deborah is identified as a Mother of Israel and a national leader. Her story has many truths that apply to us as we build our faith and nurture our families. I hope you will come and join in the conversation with us as we explore family challenges and our faith in God. Part of each Soulful Study Session will highlight a exercise segment. This week I will be sharing on my weight lifting routine. Through out the weeks, many others from our group will demonstrate from their work out programs. This fall we will also have nutritional segments. If you have something you would like to share, please let me know. I’m looking forward to the time and fellowship with the women of Soulful Study. At 6:00 pm, there will be a prayer and fellowship walk around Beechwood Property. It is a 45 minute walk for exercise, to invigorate your soul and enjoy connection with your sisters.

April 27th

The topic will be Women and Finances, at the next SSWH. See you there!

Next SSWH - April 20th

We'll be having a discussion on "Aging and Adult Children" with Judy Beltman. Also - "stand up" comedy on aging with Elvira Kern. No Pilates on this date. The next session with take place on April 27th, "Women and Finances." Janet TenBrink will be leading in worship. Have a great spring break!

Fun Fotos From Sunday Night