Issue link: http://lawtonfirst.uberflip.com/i/1466470
4 spring/summer 2022 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. Spring always reminds me of an afternoon, years ago, when the LFA Girlfriends gathered in my front yard with flowers ready to plant for me; I was too weak to plant them on my own. I will never forget that simple act of kindness. As I began to prepare for our 2022 spring event for the Girlfriends, BLOOM, I couldn't help but think of the many seeds of friendship that have been planted in me. Flowers come in all different colors and sizes, fragrances and textures, and so do friendships! Flowers can bloom and thrive in a variety of circumstances, so can our lives. Our lives are full of challenges and triumphs. We have easy times. We have fun times. We have difficult times. And we have really hard ones. If we choose, we can thrive even during difficult times. Can I encourage you to make the most of your life experiences and enjoy the journey? Live your life abundantly by putting your heart and soul toward the things that are most important to you! Maybe you are asking, "How do I do that?" One way is to maintain relationships with your friends and family and to even establish traditions with your loved ones that will last a lifetime and beyond – for the generations that will follow. Another way is to nurture yourself spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. is is something you must do intentionally. Allow time to develop your interests. Allow time to soak – both in the Word of God and in the bathtub! Intentional quiet time is good for the soul. ose who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. Psalms 92:13 Find a place where the soil is rich in nutrients, where you can build a strong spiritual foundation. Find that place where you can grow spiritually, and before long you will find yourself BLOOMING in a way you could have never imagined. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Be intentional about what and who you allow to speak into your life. Fill your heart with love. Serve those around you, and as you navigate all of life's demands, BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED. Let's bloom together! What a beautiful garden we will be! You are LOVED! Lawton First Assembly Women's Magazine Women's Pastor Debbie Pratt Assistant Amber Stephens Art Director Heather Chatterjee Publishing Consultant Laura Clevenger Contributors Lilee Shreffler, Mollie Defibaugh, Jodi Detrick, Heather Chatterjee, Family Features, Culinary.net, Upsplash, eLivingtoday.com, coleswildbird.com 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 2022 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 2022 All Rights Reserved Volume 16, Number 1 girlfriends@lawtonfirst.org lawtonfirst.org/girlfriends facebook.com/lfagirlfriends twitter.com/lfagirlfriends Connect With Us welcome