Lawton First Assembly

4 spring/summer 2021 I f you are new to GLIFE, I would like to extend a huge WELCOME and thank you for opening the pages of our magazine. Our desire and purpose for GLIFE Magazine is to offer inspiration by sharing real-life stories and articles from women who may provide just the encouragement that you are seeking. Each story is unique, genuine and real. Each story shared is evidence that the Creator of the Universe is not distant or removed; rather, He is nearby and intimately involved in our lives. As you read each story shared in GLIFE, I trust that you will sense the heart of each writer to be vulnerable as they reflect on their journey to finding wholeness through an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. At the end of the day, that's what is most important – a relationship with Jesus. A season of transition is a time where you experience sudden or significant change. It's a time where new things are happening spiritually, naturally, mentally, or emotionally. ese changes can either be by choice, circumstances, the enemy, or God. Whatever the cause of the transition, one thing is for certain: the transition is often an uncomfortable place filled with many unknown factors. I was reading in Joshua 1:2, When Joshua heard the word from the Lord that, "Moses My servant is dead," it presented a moment of transition for him that must have been quite unsettling. at is how we felt when we received the word that Bethany Kuehny, our friend and Administrative Assistant had passed away. Joshua had been a great warrior, a right-hand person to Moses. He was a great friend to Caleb who, like himself, believed in what God has promised. However, this moment of transition was different for him. He was solely leaning on the Lord. Like Joshua, as we are going through transition, we are remembering that we do not face it completely alone. We have a God who hears and will keep us in peace as we lean on Him at times of uncertainty. While the ground beneath us may feel unstable, He is our rock of stability and a sure foundation that will sustain us when everything else around us is shaking. He is our light when all around us looks dark and uncertain. If you too are in transition, I encourage you to let this be a time where you become courageous. Dare to step boldly toward the place of God's leading. He has never failed you before, and He will not leave you on your own. It is a new day and a new opportunity to see what lies ahead. With each transition, it is an opportunity to go higher, dig deeper, stand taller, be bolder, be more courageous, and become more fearless. Wherever you are in your life's journey and whatever God has called you to during the transition that you are facing, know that God is by your side and ready to lead you through it. I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to a new face, to many of you; however, she has been a part of our staff on a part-time basis. Amber Stephens has served in our office for the past seven years. Her focus of ministry has been the Compassion Ministry and the N.A.M.E. Center. She worked very closely with Bethany. When Bethany let us know that she would not be able to return to her full-time position, we were grateful that Amber stepped in to be our Administrative Assistant. We welcome Amber as she helps us to navigate and transition to a new normal. Still Trusting, Lawton First Assembly Women's Magazine Women's Pastor Debbie Pratt Assistant Amber Stephens Art Director Heather Chatterjee Publishing Consultant Laura Clevenger Contributors Debbie Pratt, Signe Rain Boutch, Melissa Hogan, KD Photography & Digital Marketing, Lindsay Dryer, Melissia Flores, Family Features, Celeste Brandli Photography Advertising Opportunities (580) 536-9325 E-mail: girlfriends@lawtonfirst.org G-Life Magazine Lawton First Assembly of God 2201 NW 82nd Street, Lawton, OK 73505 G-Life magazine is published by Lawton First Assembly. It is distributed free of charge throughout Southwest Oklahoma. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. G-Life magazine is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to G-Life magazine will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. For information on where to find G-Life magazine, or how to become a distributor, call (580) 536-9325 or e-mail girlfriends@lawtonfirst.org. Copyright 2021 by Lawton First Assembly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is forbidden. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchaser, user, or patronage. ©Lawton First Assembly 2021 All Rights Reserved Volume 15, Number 1 girlfriends@lawtonfirst.org lawtonfirst.org/girlfriends facebook.com/lfagirlfriends twitter.com/lfagirlfriends Connect With Us welcome Amber and Pastor Debbie

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