Welcome!
Hello, Ladies, and WELCOME to Illinois Baptist Women’s new PriorityNOW blog where we help each other become better disciples of Jesus.
Like David said in Psalm 122:1, I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” And although this isn’t the house of the Lord, this is a place where two or more are gathered, so God is here and we are rejoicing and praising God and yes, celebrating because this is something that God has done. We’d love to have you join us because things–life–is so much better when done with others. We’re not made to, nor meant to do life alone. Community encourages us, strengthens us and helps us shoulder the load of responsibilities and life.
One of our goals for the PriorityNOW blog is to be a meeting place–a place we can stop by for a glass of iced tea, a cup of coffee or tea, or, if you’re like me, a glass of koolaid, and preferrably, a bottomless glass of koolaid. And because we’re friends, I can admit that and still feel included, accepted and loved here. Thank goodness! More than just stopping and sipping, this is a place to visit and interact with others. We want to hear from you! Your voice is what will transform this place and make it transformational.
Your voice will help us
welcome in those who are
lost,
overwhelmed,
weary,
hurting,
in need of a safe harbor to refuel in
before they go back into vast ocean of life.
…to equip His people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up…
Ephesians 4:12 ESV
Along with community, here at PriorityNOW we are all about equipping and helping you do what God has called you to do. We understand that sometimes you don’t know where to start or what your next step is. We want to help you with that. And if you do know those things, we want to cheer you on and connect you with others along this journey because we aren’t meant to do things alone.
Now, we all know that a party needs to have a game and we’d hate to disappoint you–yes, even you ladies who groan over every party game you’ve played through the years–birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers–you know who you are and I heard you groan. We also know that the best games have prizes, so we’ve lined up a string of prizes for you. The more people participate, the deeper we’ll dig into the prize vault.
Here’s the scoop…
- This game is played in the Comments section of this post. Simply click the REPLY button at the end of this post, put it the pertinent information, then leave your answers in a comment.
- One answer per comment–the more questions you answer, the more comments you leave, and that adds up to more entries for you, and the more entries you have, the more chances of winning a prize. (wink, wink)
And here’s the fine print, because you know there’s always fine print. If it doesn’t look fine to you, put more distance between you and your screen.
- You have between now and midnight Sunday, August 7, 2022, to enter this game/giveaway.
- Winners will be announced in Monday’s post and you are responsible for contacting us to receive your prize. We’ll explain how in Monday’s post.
Easy, right?
Easy enough that everyone can join in this game.
So, here we go…
Wait!
I hear you whispering over there. You don’t like giving personal information online. I get it!! And I totally understand it! You can answer some of these questions without giving any personal information–just be sure to leave a way for us to differentiate between you and someone else–like a screen name or initials or…
You’d like an example? Sure! My name is Patty but often online I’ll use the name Patterly. I have a friend who uses the name Madelyne instead of her real name. I live in the Benton area–it’s close enough without pinpointing where I am, but before I was comfortable with even that much information, I said I live in the corn fields of Southern Illinois. You can be as specific or NONspecific as you like, we just need a way to know that YOU left the comment in case you win, AND so that we can get to know each other.
Questions…that aren’t all questions. (remember, leave your answer in the comments below, one answer per comment)
- Who are you? Tell us your name and a little about yourself. We really want to get to know you.
- Where do you live? (town, county or even region, ie: Southern IL)
- What church do you attend? Or, if you’re church-hunting, or between churches, let us know that too.
- When you leave your answer in the comments, be sure to click to be notified of new posts via email, and let us know you have.
- Share this post with a friend. One share = one entry. Ten shares = ten entries. You get the idea.
- If your friend stops by, have her mention your name and you’ll both get an entry. Because yanno, sharing is caring.
- Subscribe to our podcast! Every Friday our fearless leader, Carmen Halsey, talks with an ordinary woman who is serving our extraordinary God. Join us there to be encouraged and hear how one of our sisters is living her calling.
- Reply to other people’s comments. We all know how it feels to walk into a room and have no one talk to us, so reply to as many comments as you can. Be part of the conversation, even if you’re one of the quiet people.
- Share this post on Facebook. Yes, I know not all of us are FB friendly, and that’s okay. If you’re a FB person, share us on there.
- Check out our Priority tab and our Help Wanted tab. Let us know you did and if you’re interested in something you saw there.
- What verse has meant something to you recently? Why?
Phew! That’s quite a list! Surely there’s something there for everyone, even if you’re squeamish about putting personal info in a comment.
And now…
Let the games begin!
Awesome! Love this and you!
(((Sarah))) Thanks for stopping by! Love you too!
Sarah E L Brown
Hi Katie! So glad to see you here! Sarah is awesome, isn’t she?! 🙂
Norma from cornfields in Southern IL., Psalm 53:6 when I am afraid I will trust in You.
(((Norma))) The cornfields of Southern IL are awesome, aren’t they?! Thanks for stopping and visiting! <3
I need reminding of this too often
I’m Joanne, and I live in your “almost-next-door neighbor” state of Michigan (Grand Rapids, to be more specific). I have known Patty/Patterly for about 15 years – and I’m SO excited to see her back at writing/blogging. I also writing and reading, am the nursery coordinator at my church, among other things, My youngest is starting college in a few weeks in your ACTUAL next-door-neighbor state of Ohio at Cedarville. Life is pretty crazy, but VERY good. Looking forward to getting to know you Illinoisans (which is a new word to me LOL – we are Michiganders). I’m definitely asking to be notified of new posts by email (cuz I’d never remember to come back otherwise). You, Peej!
(((Jo))) Welcome!! Love you, girl. Thanks for visiting! Now to get you to MOVE to IL. 😉
Hi, Joanne 🤗
Hello Joanne… good to see a neighbor from Michigan here.
I’m Yvonne, and I’m a Mainer, living way up in the Northeast corner of the country. (Patty’s childhood home)
I’m also so happy to see her getting back into the blog “business.” She taught me so much about the tech world. (Thank you, Peej.)
((Yvonne)) LoL. Thank you for stopping by! You guys mean a lot to me! <3
Hi, Yvonne 🤗
WOW! Have you always lived in Maine? What’s your favorite thing about your area?
Hi, Jeanette No, I haven’t always lived in Maine. My family moved around a lot when I was a child, but I married a guy who grew up here, and I’ve been in the same spot since we were married, 45 years now.
I moved around a lot growing up, too, Yvonne… then I married a pastor so more moving around. That’s okay though – I actually love to move. i’ve visited Maine, it’s a beautiful state!
This is Laury-a true blue Central illinoisian and another Peejers friend. I love seeing you write again!!
((Laury!)) Hooray for Central IL!! Welcome! Thank you for stopping by!! <3
Hi, Lauryn 🤗
MY fat fingers are killing me today, Laury.
Hello, I am Mom and have loved Patty her whole life! Happy she is back blogging and using her gifts the Lord has given her.
LoLoL. Mom!! Thanks for stopping by and visiting! I know you’ve enjoyed the Podcast and it’s great to see you here too. Love you!!!
Hi, I’m Tzigane. Married to Josh and momma to six blessings- S(22), M(14), R(11), Z(10), E(4), J(3).
I love Jesus, photography, crafting and reading
Welcome, Tzigane! I’m so glad you stopped by! I have five kids and it’s always nice to run into other larger families! Did you see that we’re looking for pictures for the blog? Be sure to check out the Help Wanted tab (top right corner). I’d love to have you send some pictures!
Hi Tzigane… it’s good to see you! I hope you and your family are doing well!
It seems weird not putting all the info in one comment but I’m trying to follow directions 🤷🏻♀️🤣
I live in Central Illinois. About 2 1/2 hours south(ish) of Chicago and 2 1/2 hours north(ish) of St Louis
LoL. I understand! It’s more to help me on the clerical end of the giveaway. 😉
We currently attend BCC
I also checked the boxes to be notified of new comments/posts
I browsed through the Priority and Help Wanted tabs. I may submit an article or photos. Thanks
Please do!! This blog is for us, BY US. Looking forward to hearing from you!!
Hi, I’m Nancy
Hi Nancy! Welcome! We’re glad you’re here!
Thank you 🌹
Hi! I am Elaine. Five months ago I became a pastor’s wife! That is wonderful, challenging, and scary all at once.
Hi Elaine! Welcome! We’re so glad you stopped by! Pastor’s wives are very special people.
Elaine, welcome to the sisterhood of ministry wives. Be sure to check out information about the Minister Wives luncheon at the annual meeting in the fall… and Carmen will have a MW element at Priority, too. Always great times together.
I live in Springfield.
I attend FBCE. It is a wonderful church.
Elaine, what does the E stand for? I’m guessing First Baptist Church ______?
I have requested to be notified of new posts.
I’m so excited to see you back, Party. I am Nancy. Thanks to Patty’s graciousness and patience my blog became a reality. Not sure I can post that link. I’m happy to do so with permission. A hint: My user name in many places is A Softer Voice.
(((Nancy))) I’m so happy to see you here! I was thinking of you just the other day, my friend.
I love that. We had such a sweet sisterhood with FW and JoE.
Ugh. PATTY Oops. 🥴
I live in the Great Sooner State where championships are won and God gets the glory for them. Boomer?
LoLoLoL. Oklahoma, Illinois, Maine, Michigan… we love you ALL!!
I attended First Southern Baptist Church.
That should read “attend”.
That should have read “attend”..
Benton
The most recent verse that is encouraging me is Isaiah 43:19. My sweet husband, Bud, of 48 years lost a two-week battle with COVID on October 18, 2021. This verse tells me that God isn’t finished with me yet. I lean fully on Him each and every day. He is faithful and His presence is very real in my life.
Nancy, this still chokes me up. Still praying for you and another friend whose husband died the month before Bud.
Thank you. ❤️
How heartbreaking. I am so sorry. I will keep you in my prayers.
I am 4years in recovery and I work with people who struggle with. addictiona and homelessness
This always makes me smile, Sarah!!
That is great!
Romans5:3-5
Romans 5:3-5 says
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Love that, Sarah
Hi I’m Pam!
Hi Pam! I’m so glad you stopped by! Welcome!!
I’m also from the cornfields of Southern Illinois!
I hope I’m doing this right! I really enjoyed the conference it was my first time. That’s how I got connected here.
Yes! You’re doing it right! 😍 (but any way you do it is fine 😉 we flex and roll here!) Isn’t the conference great? I was hooked after my first time too. I love it!
Yes I loved the conference and I’m looking forward to the next one!
Pam, I am always excited when I hear someone new to share that they liked the conference. YAY! I’m hoping you’ll attend again next year and bring friends!
We attend Church of the Word in Fenton MO. We love our church!
Oops! I just saw the be notified of new posts. Also I am Pam and Pam Bogard. I wasn’t sure if you needed my full name. 😁
Your full name isn’t necessary but it’s nice. I look forward to seeing you around here! 🥰
I stopped by the website and I’m so excited for another conference! This one was just what I needed!
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phil 4:13 is my favorite verse and has helped me through some serious health issues.
Oh what fun! I love parties… and games, too, as long as they aren’t too intense. My name is Jeanette (an unusual name so you likely know who I am already). My claim to fame is I am Brock’s mom. 😉 I live in Fairfield, where my husband Brent is the Associational Mission Strategist of Greater Wabash Baptist Association.
Jeannette! I’m so glad you stopped by! Welcome! Parties ARE fun! And this is one of those “the more the merrier” parties 🥳
Oops. My face is red. I already answered question #2 (with question #1). I live in Fairfield.
LoL. No worries about that! We just want to h
Get to know each other AND have fun. 😉
My husband is an AMS, so we attend all 25 churches in our association. Our membership is at North Side in Fairfield.
I shared on my Facebook page as well as on the GWBA Facebook page. I also sent a PM to a friend.
Yay! Thank you so much for sharing the post! Sharing is caring. 🥰
I am super excited about Priority – even though it is a long time off. And WOW the Help Wanted tab is awesome… so much helpful information.
Isaiah 43:19 spoke to me during a really painful time in our ministry. God definitely has used that verse again and again since that time, too. One of my many favorites of Scripture.
I’m so happy you are blogging again!
Love you Patty!
((Amy)) It’s so good to see you here! Love you, too!!
Hello 🙂 I am Leah. I work part-time at IBSA and am momma to Owen.
Leah! It’s so good to see you here! Welcome! It was fun meeting you at the Priority conference this year! Can’t wait for next years’!
Hi Leah… good to see you here!
I live in Jacksonville, IL.
I attend Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church.
This sounds great! My name is Donna. I live near west Frankfort and attend First Baptist Church. Looking forward to seeing exactly how a blog works!
Donna! It’s so good to see you braving the waters of a blog! LoL. Welcome! Blogs can be fun and informative and encouraging. And every now and then they can step on your toes…as you’ve stepped on mine a few times. 😍
Hi Patty! It’s the one and only Melody from WF.
LoL. Definately the one and only Melody from WF. Welcome and Thank you for stopping by! I’m still waiting for the other snake story…
Thrilled you are writing here!
((Cheryl)) Thanks for stopping by and saying hello! I miss your blog…
Howdy! My name is Ailee and I am from Net Community Church in Staunton! I have never commented on a Blog before, so I am secretly hoping impress the right buttons.
Hi Ailee! Welcome to the PriorityNOW blog. We’re so glad you’re here!! You’re not the only one here that’s new to the blog world so don’t worry about a thing. 🙂
And I had a typo. Nice. That should say, “I am hoping I PRESS the right buttons.” I did. And it posted my typo. Lol. And also, Staunton is in Illinois.
LoL. Typos happen to all of us here, we’re just glad you’ve joined us! 😍