Ladies of SonRise 5/24/23

Can you believe it is June already!  It seems like we just started the school year and here we are kicking right into the summer season.  Summer brings in the desire to slow things down a bit and enjoy the longer days of sunshine.  As we kick off our summer schedules, we just wanted to take a moment to encourage you, arm you with a resource or two, and update you on what our ladies ministry has been working on for our summer series!

Our spring Mapping Mark study has wrapped up.  We are hopeful that you were able to participate in diving deeper into God’s word with other women in a small group.  If you weren’t, prayerfully consider joining us for our upcoming fall study.  We have heard some amazing testimonies of how God has spoken to ladies through their study time with Him. 

Just in case you missed our spring series…..
What is verse mapping and why is it important?

“Plain and simple? Verse mapping is getting real about studying the Bible. All of it. It’s not just reading. It’s researching everything you can in a verse to learn more about Who God is, and how He wants to speak to you through His Word. In short? It’s serious study.”  (Verse mapping with Kristy Cambron.)

The Ladies of SonRise women’s ministry is committed to equipping women with the truth of God’s Word.  Verse mapping has been an incredible tool to use in studying God’s Word.  We hope you continue to use this tool in your personal study time with Jesus!  If you missed out, catch up with us so we can give you some information on how to verse map.

Summer paves the way for sinking in to sun-warmed days and fresh inspired recipes.  Praying that you can take a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the moments the season has to offer.  Here are a few ideas to encourage you!

Join the Ladies of SonRise for their kick-off to the Summer series.  This month we will have a recipe swap! Our recipe swap is all about recipes that are great to take to someone in need. So think easy, portable, and sharable. We can't wait to see you all, be sure to submit your favorite recipe (we are going to be printing cards out for everyone) and bring a  $5 donation if you can to help with upcoming meal trains.

During this gathering we are also beginning the study, "How to hear God" by Pete Greig, we will have copies at Connect for purchase that you can grab prior to the event.  Register HERE.

It’s hard to have a bad day that starts well.  Scripture often calls us to endure.  The Greek translation of the word endure means to “stand under”.  When we position ourselves to start our day in God’s presence we focus ourselves to stand under the King of all creation, under His authority, under His protection, under His provision, under His mercy, and under His grace.  So how do you sit under heaven with the windows wide open?  Worship, reading scripture, prayer?  Here is a song we have been listening to:

Summer brings about the freshness of the harvest.  Recipes overflow with all the available fruits and veggies.  The selection at the farmer’s markets can bring to mind all kinds of ideas to make for a summer gathering or even drop to a friend that may need a meal.  Join us for our first summer series event where we gather together and share our favorite recipes!  Here is one quick and easy recipe to try!

Strawberry Spinach Salad

• 3/4 cup raw pecans
• 1/2 small red onion very thinly sliced
• 10 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1 quart strawberries hulled and quartered (about 1 pound)
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese  

Poppy Seed Dressing

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
Toast the pecans: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pecans smell fragrant and the center of a pecan is tan when the pecan is broken in half. (Do not walk away from the oven in the last few minutes of cooking. This is when nuts love to burn.) Transfer to a cutting board and roughly chop.

Place the sliced onions in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the salad (this keeps their flavor but removes the harsh onion bite).
Prepare the dressing: In small mixing bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients—vinegar, oil, poppy seeds, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper—until well combined. (Alternatively, you can shake the ingredients together in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid).

Assemble the salad: Place the spinach in a great big serving bowl. Add the strawberries. Drain the red onion and add it as well. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat the leaves. Assess the amount of dressing. You want the spinach leaves to be nicely moistened but not swimming in dressing. Add a little more if needed to suit your preferences. Add the feta and pecans. Toss lightly to combine. Serve immediately, with extra dressing on the side as desired.