BrokenCrayons StillColor
By Charlotte Johnson

 Greetings from your second vice-president of the Texas Women’s Missionary Auxiliary.  The theme for 2024 is Broken Crayons Still Color and the theme verse is Psalm147:3 “He health the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

One day my children and I were shopping in a store.  One of them accidently broke a glass vase.  As it fell to the floor, I thought “Oh, no.  How in the world am I going to be able to pay for that?”   I had the choice to walk away and act like nothing happened, or be honest and tell an employee.  I knew I had to do the right thing, so I went and found an employee. When the employee came, she said, “No ma’am, we have insurance for this, you do not have to pay anything!” What a relief I felt. Wherever you are, close your eyes, and imagine God doing the same for you! Collect the pieces of your broken heart from all the blows life has thrown at you. God will heal all your wounds, and I assure you that your sins and mistakes will be forgiven.

You see, we all have the same insurance, and it’s called Grace. When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and ask for forgiveness, the Manager of the universe, GOD, will say to you “Everything has already been paid for, now go on your way, all is forgiven!” We all at some points have been broken, some more than others. Trials and unexpected tribulations have warned us out, leaving us feeling depleted with nothing left to give. And, that subconscious childlike thought can creep up again, making us feel useless and unworthy.

But in my personal experience, even when I had hit rock bottom, God somehow met me in that dark broken place. He patiently spoke worth in me, building me over again. And in hindsight, I now realize the value of brokenness. That there are some things God can only do in us when we are broken.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.

When we are broken, we are open and more willing to listen to God. God uses this moment to reveal defects in our character, that would otherwise be difficult to see. And because we are willing to see those flaws, we are now able to ask God to help us have victory.Have you ever noticed that test and trials, tend to draw us closer to God? That’s because subconsciously we realize, we cannot overcome it, in it of yourselves. Our power or intellect cannot make our current struggle, pain, anxiety go away completely. It can only offer temporary relief.   We need Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 

The Texas Ladies retreat that is sponsored by the Texas WMA will be held at Northside Baptist Church, Conroe, Texas on Friday night and Saturday, July 19-20, 2024.  Find information sheet enclosed in packet.  You don’t want to miss this great time of fellowship with ladies across the state.  It also a great time to get to know ladies that come with you to the meeting from your church. 

May the Lord use this theme to help us realize we can do nothing in our own power, but if we give the broken pieces to him then He will carry us through.  So, ladies keep coloring with those broken crayons and let Jesus design the perfect picture for your life.

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News and Views

                                                                                                                                                          HAPPY NEW YEAR!

If you are thinking it isn’t New Year yet you are correct, BUT we have begun our new WMA year.  We had a great meeting at Crossroads Church in Rowlett.  There was a sweet spirit of unity in the meeting and the hospitality extended by the church was wonderful. 

Before I tell you about the meeting, let me tell you about myself.  My name is Cindy Allen and I am the new (well, kind of new) Texas WMA president.  It has been my priviledge to serve you wonderful ladies before and it is an honor to once again serve in this capacity.  My family attends Cornerstone Baptist Church in Jacksonville.  I am a RETIRED teacher/librarian😊  and I have the most supportive husband, Greg.  We have two grown sons.  They have attended as many WMA meetings as many of you have.  Kyle (our oldest is an Ag teacher) and Colton is a firefighter (following in his dad’s footsteps). 

If there is anything I, or any officer, can do for you or your group, please reach out to us.  My contact info is at the bottom of this page.  Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve with you.  May God richly bless our efforts for his kingdom.

Now back to the meeting. On Monday afternoon, two breakout sessions were presented by the Texas WMA.  Diana Morris led a session on fellowship and hospitality that was enjoyed by several ladies.  Charlotte Johnson led a round table discussion for pastors’ wives.  These ladies enjoyed the time of sharing. Our WMA meeting theme was “Taste and See that the Lord is Good”.  And we sure did see his goodness!  66 ladies were in attendance with 35 churches represented.  We not only reached our project goal this year for the Texas Missions Department but we went OVER.  Our total given was $21,958.  Give yourselves a round of applause!!  Of that money, a little over $20,000 went to the missions efforts.  Bro. Heith told us, with much excitement, about the Bibles they were able to purchase for distribution as well as material to help the church planters as they work in their fields.  10% of the project goes to the youth fund and to the general fund. Thanks to every one who helped reach our project goal!!

We voted for our new project to be the air conditioning system in Buckner Chapel at Jacksonville College.  Dr. David Erickson explained to us the need to restore the Chapel and the expense it would involve.  Our project promoter set the goal at $25,000.  This seems like a large amount but it just a fraction of the much needed funds.  Please be in prayer for Dr. Erickson, the board, and the staff of JC as they have a huge task ahead of them.  But as I watched people in our meeting and the general assembly respond to Dr. Erickson’s reports, I think God is already working in the hearts of his people.  Remember we serve the God who can do abundantly more than we can ask or think.  As Tammy Wood challenged us, “If our dream is not bigger than we are, we need to dream bigger.” We had two great speakers.  Paige West spoke to us about David’s life.  He trusted God and God saw him through many things. Tammy Wood shared with us concerning prayer and its importance and power.  Lindsie Burchett did an great job of leading us in worship.

During our business meeting a new slate of officers was elected.  These ladies are excited about the new year and already have some great plans in the work.  The theme for our new year is “Broken Crayons Still Color” based on Psalm 174:3, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”  We already have a date and place for our retreat this year.  There is more information in your packet.  Please make plans now to attend this great meeting, July 19-20 in Conroe.

Our Sunbeams and GMAs shared information about their year.  These auxiliaries are so wonderful and give our kids a great foundation in the Bible and the BMA.  If your church has an interest in either of these programs, please reach out to their promoters (their information is on the officer list).

I would invite you to visit the Texas WMA webpage, texaswma.com. It is full of information and resources.  Also, like us on facebook, Texas WMA.  Both of these will keep you up to date with our latest information.  Again, please reach out to any officer that can be of assistance to you.  We love you ladies and pray God’s blessings on you as you serve him. 

Love, Cindy Allen, Texas WMA President

cindylynn90@gmail.com

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      If you are a WMA lady, you probably love WMA. You love the Lord, studying HIs Word, and sharing the gospel message. You also love to work with the children and youth in your church. Often we don't understand why every other woman in our church doesn't share that same love. 

     The truth is, they probably do, but the women you may be thinking of could be feeling overwhelmed with life. I know I felt that way for a while: three kids in school; schoolwork every night; preparing three meals a day; grocery shopping; finding the money for new jeans and tennis shoes (even before cell phone bills); a full-time job.

     Let's consider some ways we might enlist these ladies in WMA (or maybe, church). 

​Encourage. Paul said, in Romans 1, he was anticipating mutual encouragement because of "each other's faith, both yours and mine." Pray that God will show them our faith, as we pray for them, asking God to show us their faith. What a great way to show encouragement - praying for our mutual faith. 

Notice. In Exodus, God took notice of the plight of the people of Israel. (His chosen people) while they were in Egypt. In our mission to let Christ live through us, we should be noticing what His children are going through. God had a plan for the children of Israel, and He has a plan for His children today. Shouldn't we pray that God will use us and the we would wholeheartedly participate in His plan?

Love. Between the letters of John and James, we know that we are supposed to be showing our love to our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we do not visibly love fellow believers, then our belief comes into question. Let's pray for opportunities to demonstrate God's Love, allowing it to flow through us. 

Include. Sometimes there is nothing more hurtful to an already fragile personality than to think that you've been left out. Make every effort to include all the ladies, whether they attend or not, in activties of the WMA or ladies' group. Communication is so very important. Keep everyone informed. 

Stand. No matter what, stand firm in belief, conviction, and the teaching of the Word of God. Remember, we are examples to the world (and our fellow believers). We are to exhibit maturity in Christ. What an admonition for us to be what Christ expects of us to be!

Teach. The book of Titus tells us that we are to teach the younger ladies, and tells us what to teach, "so that the Word of God may not be reviled." Fellow WMA ladies, we need to be teaching our younger ladies, even if we have to step outside the walls of the church to do so. Again, pray that God will grant us opportunities.

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                                                                                                                              You are the Potter, I am the Clay

            In my quiet time on New Years Day, God led me to thoughts of the potter and clay.  Isaiah speaks of this metaphor several times:  26:16, 45:9, & 64:8. The first two references speak of the clay not questioning the potter.  The clay does not have the right to question the potter about design, beauty, or usefulness.  The clay just accepts the potter’s purpose, the potter’s redesign, the potter’s control.  But it was Isaiah 64:8 that got me to thinking.  “Yet Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay, and you are our potter, we all are the work of your hands.”  I am not an artist and have never tried to craft anything out of clay, but I have done a Playdoh sculpture or two in my life.  So that is what I am basing my knowledge of clay on.

            For the clay to be useful, it has to be pliable.  While the potter is creating a work of art (just like God is creating you) he sprinkles water on the clay.  The water makes the clay useable.  God does the same things for us.  He splashes a good sermon over us on Sunday, during our quiet time a scripture jumps off the page and speaks right into our situation, a friend sends a text of encouragement at just the right time.  God uses these splashes to help us be useful in his kingdom, to help us be created in to the image he has for us. If the potter’s clay sits out in the air for too long, it becomes dry and is not useful for the potter.  If he tries to use this dry clay it will just shatter.  We, as God’s clay, do the same thing if we are left drying in the world too long.  We can let the cares of the world suck all the goodness out of us.  We get weary in well doing, our energy is drained by situations and circumstances.  Just as there is proper storage for the clay, there is proper storage for our hearts, minds, and souls.  Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”  Our minds need to be placed in the container of God’s word, prayer, Bible reading, and communion fellow believers.  Being filled with these things will make us pliable for his use.  But it takes effort.  I am sure after a long day of molding and sculpting the tired potter would rather just walk away from the shop, but if he doesn’t put things in their proper place, tomorrow will not go well. If we do not allow God to pour in to us, if we do not make our time with him a priority, church attendance a priority, fellowship with other believers a priority, we will find ourselves useless to him.  We have to put forth the effort.

            The good news is there is hope for old, dried out clay.  Remember the water the potter sprinkled on the clay.  In copious amounts, water can restore the clay to a useable form. The same works with us.  If we return to the word, to church, to prayer, to fellowship, our clay becomes malleable again.  Useful in the hands of our great Potter.  As Veggie Tales taught our boys a long time ago, “Our God is a God of second chances.”  Psalms 51 clearly shows this.  We can never become too dry or too brittle for God not to restore us and use us, for his honor and his glory.  No one can.  You may not be the dry piece of clay, it may be someone in your life: a child who has strayed, a friend who has become hardened with circumstances, a loved one who is allowing another potter to shape their destiny.  Don’t give up on them or God.  He is the potter; we are the clay. 

Lord, as we enter a new year help us to accept your molding of our lives, our thoughts, our desires.  Help us to allow you to create a beautiful thing out of our lives.  The creation you envisioned from the very beginning.  And let us fulfil your purpose in our lives.  If we begin the new year not being moldable, splash us with your resources, renew a right spirit in us, and shape us for your kingdom’s work.  In Jesus’ name, Amen

Cindy Allen

 Texas WMA President

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