November 22, 2024

Tonya’s Journey to GCH:decaf!

September 16, 2012 by

Introducing……

GCH: decaf blogger Tonya Elliott

I have always known who God was. I can remember as far back as 4 years old, kneeling beside my bed, with my mom and dad on each side of me, teaching me how to say my prayers…you know how it goes: “Now I lay be down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…”. If my mother and father didn’t do anything else, they made sure that my sisters and I had some form of concept of who God was. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.

You have to understand that my mother and father weren’t avid church goers, but my mother would consistently place my sister and me on the church bus every Sunday to go to church. In a way, I am so glad that she did that, because those wonderful ladies helped introduce Jesus to my sister and I more and more…more seeds were planted…”I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6). Thank you Jesus for the lovely women of Christ who took time out to plant seeds, while others watered and I can now definitely see God’s increase! God is awesome like that!

I spent most of my elementary and middle school years traveling back and forth between Germany and Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Ft. Campbell, Kentucky was my father’s home base. He was a Sergeant First Class in the Army…a Mess hall Cook. I LOVED my life growing up on the many military bases. What my sisters and I didn’t know was that our father’s drinking problem was starting to affect his work, and he was making more mistakes with his cooking.

I can remember coming home from school in the 8th grade, to my mom packing our belongings. I was used to packing and moving, but I knew that my dad was not scheduled to be transferred anywhere else, so I asked her what was going on. She replied that we had to move because my dad was being discharged because of his drinking. I was devastated! My world as I had always known it was coming to a complete halt!

How does a person…a young teenage girl comprehend all of that? To be honest with you, I had a difficult time trying to adjust to the news. I was angry, I was frustrated, sad, confused, all of the above. We ended up moving to Memphis, Tennessee, which was where my parents were from. We moved with my mother’s family and the saga began. I won’t go into details about all of that, but I will say that it was a very emotional time in my life. We went from having everything we wanted, to not having anything at all…well; at least we still had each other, right?

During this time, I met a lady who changed my WHOLE life around! She was my Young Life leader who would take the second baton of my Christian  growth and help me to run with it. She took the time to get to know me, share with me in my time of hurt, frustration, confusion, and anger, through the love of Jesus Christ. She took what was a horrible time in my life and helped me to refocus everything in my life towards Jesus. She loved me in spite of what was going on in my life.

Did my dad ever stop drinking, I am sure that you are asking? Unfortunately no, he did not, but our relationship got better. I loved my dad unconditionally, even through all of the hurt and disappointments. I learned to see him through the eyes of Christ…and believe me, once I truly became a Christian, that wasn’t hard to do at all! My dad passed away in November of 1998 and I miss him so much, but I know that God has him in His care. I have learned so much since then.

Today I am a Young Women’s Coordinator for a ministry called Red Zone, which is under the Memphis leadership Foundation umbrella, here in Memphis. I work with youth in the inner city Memphis area. I work primarily with middle school aged youth, but I have been working with the youth in that particular area for such a long time, that I have youth who are now grown and some married. I know that this is what God was calling me to do. He wanted me to go through what I went through, so that I could see that trying Jesus really does work and that He could work for the youth too.

I was married for 14 years and I have been divorced for 2 years, and I have 4 AWESOME children of my own, who have faced all kinds of odds, which I will share with you a later date. Trinicia (19), Jonathon (15), Justin (14), and Carlia (12).

Smiling is my thing! It is one of my ways of encouraging others. I am crazy enough to believe that if you share your smile with others, especially those who may be having a bad day, you just might brighten up their day!

I found Girlfriends Coffee Hour and it has been the BEST thing that I have ever done! GCH has brought life back into my world, and I feel alive again! My desire is to come alongside teen girls through this new ministry and walk with them and mentor them and share with them the love of Christ.

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Please “like” our Facebook Community page here to stay up-to-date on all we are doing for teens over here at GCH: decaf: https://www.facebook.com/GCHdecaf.

Be sure to email our lead barista, Megan, if you would like to join a small group or if you have any questions about the study or this ministry. She would love to hear from you!  Teens@girlfriendscoffeehour.com .

Our first study will start October 1st!  We will be studying A Daughter’s Worth by Ava Sturgeon.

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Tonya Elliott is a 40 year old Memphis native…  but she was raised all over the world, Germany, Kentucky, Tennessee, etc…Her father was in the military for 16 years. She has 4 beautiful children, Trinicia (19), Jonathon (15), Justin (14), and Carlia (12).

Tonya met Christ when she was 7 years old and really began to walk along beside Him when she was 14 years old. She has always had a heart for youth ministry! She currently works for a faith-based organization called Memphis Leadership Foundation as a Young Women’s Coordinator, working with middle school aged girls, and she loves it!

She was married at 23 and divorced at 37 years old, but she is thankful for that part of her journey because it has helped to shape her into the woman of God that she is today.

She loves to read, read, and read!! Tonya also loves to learn new things and is currently seeking her degree in Human Services. She is eager to see where God is leading her.

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we just LOVE that Tonya is serving with us on our Leadership Team AND with your precious daughters! Please take a moment to leave her a comment and let her know how happy you are that she is answering God’s call eith GCH:decaf!!

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Coleen’s Journey to GCH:decaf!

September 15, 2012 by

Introducing……

GCH: decaf blogger Coleen Hayden

I love this J.J. Heller song.  Take a listen…or sing along.  Wait!  Maybe you should get a tissue or two first…you ARE going to cry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1Kf51ulLEM

Who will love me for me

Not for what i have done or what i will become

Who will love me for me

‘Cause nobody has shown me what love

What love really means

 

<Big sigh!>  wiping away the tears that have splashed onto the keyboard, I pray, “Please, Lord, help me to love ’em!  Please give me YOUR heart!  Lord, please show me how!”

…and I struggle, wondering how I can possibly help a girl living in Montana trying to maintain her purity. “What can *I* really do,” I thought, “for a teenager in Texas who really doesn’t think she is smart enough to pursue honors classes and go to college?”  How can I even begin to be Jesus’ hands and feet to a young lady in Virginia whose parents are divorcing and her heart is being torn apart?  I don’t know how to even start to help a girl in LA see her beautiful self through God’s eyes not the world’s viewpoint… and what do *I* possibly have to say that could bring peace to the heart of a teenager in New Jersey, where gangs and violence make her scared to go to school?

 

Then I remember… I can PRAY!!! For them, with them, over them, and I can show them in the Scriptures that THEY have access to their heavenly Father.  I can teach them how to lay down their worries, fears, cares, and concerns at the feet of Jesus.  I can help them to recognize that God is always listening. I can inspire them to believe that God hears and answers.  I can encourage them to voice their own prayers…simply and with faith.  And, even from a distance, I can pray with them and show them God’s love. This, THIS is why I have committed to GCH: decaf.

 

Thousands of girls all over the world have hearts that yearn to feel safe; to be cared for and wanted ‘just because’ They want to be filled with peace & joy, they desire to feel pretty, and they need to know that who they are is enough.  I know Who knows exactly how to meet their need—my Lord, Jesus Christ. All that they need, want, yearn for, and desire can be met through Jesus Christ. He is the only Way to His Father, the Almighty God.  GCH: decaf is a place to come and meet my Savior, to learn about Him and His Father, to find a relationship with Jesus.  And, if you are privileged to already know this awesome Jesus…to build on and grow in and thrive in your relationship with Him!

 

Perhaps GCH: decaf is the place where you, if that is your heart, can come and be encouraged.  Maybe Girlfriends Coffee Hour is the place where moms and daughters can have a meeting place where they can grow together.  Possibly GCH: decaf is where you will learn about God’s love and all that He provided when He sent His Son to die for all mankind.  GCH: decaf, for me, is where love and compassion and acceptance are found.  Come visit us at GCH: decaf and see if you agree.

 

My name is Coleen Hayden and, with God in Christ in me, I will…

 

Love you for y.o.u…..

Not for what you have done…or have not done

Not for what you will–or won’t–become

I will love YOU just simply because you’re YOU

and, by God’s grace,

we will each be reminded of what love…what love REALLY means.

God loves you…and I do, too. <3

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Please “like” our Facebook Community page here to stay up-to-date on all we are doing for teens over here at GCH: decaf: https://www.facebook.com/GCHdecaf.

Be sure to email our lead barista, Megan, if you would like to join a small group or if you have any questions about the study or this ministry. She would love to hear from you!  Teens@girlfriendscoffeehour.com .

Our first study will start October 1st!  We will be studying A Daughter’s Worth by Ava Sturgeon.

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Coleen Hayden enjoys the privilege of being a housewife.  She and Robert have been married for 18 years and currently live in the Capital District area of New York state. They have one beautiful daughter, Kassia, who is married to the best son-in-law, Matt, and their marriage has produced 3 sweet grandchildren—Elijah, Kaylie Joy, and Levi.  They thankfully live close to these sweethearts and spend much joyful time together.  Her extended family includes 7 siblings and their spouses, 19 nieces/nephews, her mom, dad and step-mom, and her step-granny.

Coleen has a testimony of God’s awesome grace & mercy towards her when Jesus captured her heart 31 years ago.  She was an unwed soon-to-be mother with little hope, but God had a plan for her life and made a way for her and drew her to Him.  She is still growing and changing and, by God’s grace, becoming more like the image of God that He made her to be.

The Haydens have led a home Bible fellowship each week for over 5 years.  The folks who join them share a meal, Bible study, sing praises to God and pray for one another. Coleen also facilitates a womens’ small group which meets in her home.

Coleen has been blessed by God with gifts of intercession, hospitality, and encouragment.  There is not too much that makes her happier than living out Titus 2:4. Well, maybe her grandbabies…. 🙂

Coleen and Robert are thankful that God has allowed them to minister together through praise & worship.

Coleen’s hobbies include sewing, cooking, and playing the piano…. and if you need someone to pray with, she would love to do so!

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As you can imagine, we are so happy to have Coleen working with us on our Leadership Team AND with your precious daughters! Please take a moment to leave her a comment and let her know how happy you are that she is answering God’s call!

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Teresa’s Journey to GCH: decaf!

September 13, 2012 by

Introducing……

GCH: decaf blogger Teresa Bolme

Yesterday was a big day in our family.  My husband David and I “officially and legally” became parents…again! God has given us three beautiful, biological daughters who are now 22, 18 and 16 years old.  Today, the courts gave us three more sisters (18, 16, and 14 years old).  You don’t have to be very good at math to add 3 + 3 = 6 daughters in our household…every day.  The three “new” daughters have two older sisters who have also lived with us.  They are 21 and 20 years old and are working and off at college (but home on breaks).  God has chosen to place eight (8) daughters in our home and we couldn’t feel more blessed.

Most people looking from the outside in cannot understand the work God has done in our family.  We definitely stand out in a crowd.  This family has been years in the making.  Like most stories, the facts don’t add up if you try to make sense of them looking forward.  Only when we look back can we see God’s fingerprints all over our lives.  He placed me on a path at twelve years old that brought me to where He has me today.   That is why teens and teen ministry is so important to me.  God can begin using us as soon as we surrender our hearts and lives to Him.

1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young,

but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Deuteronomy 11:19

Teach them (values, scripture, morals)  to your children,  talking about them when you sit at home

and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

All of my girls have given their hearts to the Lord and have a heart to serve Him.  They have all experienced their own struggles with their worth, body image, social issues, love, finding friends, depression, serving God and learning to live a life of faith.  My girls and I welcome you and your girls to come along with us as we study “A Daughter’s Worth” through GCH:decaf.  We have committed as a family to learn and grow together.  Please come along with us.

My name is Teresa Bolme.  I am honored to be part of Girlfriend’s Coffee Hour: decaf.  I leave you with a quote from Mother Teresa,

“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”

Not everyone can be a Mother Teresa, but I can be a Mama T.  Come on along as we dive into the Word.  Bring your daughters, moms and sisters.  There is always room for one more!

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Please “like” our Facebook Community page here to stay up-to-date on all we are doing for teens over here at GCH: decaf: https://www.facebook.com/GCHdecaf.

Be sure to email our lead barista, Megan, if you would like to join a small group or if you have any questions about the study or this ministry. She would love to hear from you!  Teens@girlfriendscoffeehour.com .

Our first study will start October 1st!  We will be studying A Daughter’s Worth by Ava Sturgeon.

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Teresa Bolme lives in middle Tennessee with David (her husband of 26 years), eight daughters (22 years – 14 years old) and her Rock Dog, Angus.  She has been a not-so-stay-at-home mom for the last 18+ years.  She is her family’s biggest cheerleader, devoted counselor and caretaker.

Teresa is a soccer mom, has been a dance mom, a tutor for all her girls and a volunteer in the school system for the girl’s teachers and administration.  She is affectionately called “Mama T” by those who know her and have been loved by her.  She balances a very diverse household of strong, intelligent, godly young women and supports an awesome husband and father.

God has chosen to use Teresa to reach broken children, teens and women (most who were broken as children).  She has been a ministry planter, a home missionary and a support to ministry families and staff.  She is currently completing her degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Christian Counseling with Liberty University Online.

Teresa has been participating in and leading women in Online Bible Study for about a year now.  She has taught children and middle schoolers in Sunday School and AWANA Truth and Training Director for several years.  She believes her life mission to be to teach others this fundamental truth that has sustained her throughout her life:

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6  In all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your paths.(make your paths straight)

We are THRILLED to have Teresa working with us on our Leadership Team and with your precious daughters.

Filed Under: Teens Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Diane’s Journey to GCH: decaf

September 12, 2012 by

Introducing……

GCH: decaf blogger Diane Meyers

Have you ever had a desire that God has put on your heart that is so strong that you honestly feel like you are going to just die if you do not do something about that very desire?  That may seem a little extreme, but for the last year or so I have been feeling that do-or-die feeling!

At this time the Lord had saved me, healed me, and completely restored me from an abusive relationship that I was miserably trapped in for three years.   I was so beyond thankful to the Lord for the miracle He has done in my life (still am!) that I now wanted to help every single person I came into contact with find Jesus’ love for themselves.  I figured out what I thought was the best way to go about doing this.  I worked myself to complete exhaustion.  I remember hearing someone say that we cannot just do things and expect God to bless us… we have to go where God is ever so quietly calling us to go.  When I heard that, it was like God himself was speaking to my heart.  This is exactly what I was doing.  All along what I really wanted was to come along side beautiful young women and encourage them and help them grow in a relationship with Christ.  I wanted to be there for girls just like so many women were there for me when I needed them.  I wanted to tell them that ultimately we have Jesus always and forever, he is the one that dries all our tears, holds us when we just need a hug, protects us from complete brokenness, saves us when we need a Savior, and loves us no matter what we have done, and no matter what we can ever do-his love is never-ending, never-fading, and the beauty that shines through us each and every day!

I never thought this opportunity would come.  I never thought I would ever be worthy or deserving of doing what I wanted to do…life just doesn’t happen like that, is what I believed.  What a lie from satan!  God was giving me these desires… that is one thing I am sure of.  God does not just give us the desires to watch them wash away.  He has been preparing our hearts for HIS desires since before we were ever a heartbeat in our mother’s womb.  Here I was trying to attempt to make sure I got just what I wanted, just to realize God already had it all along at GCH: decaf!

I knew the moment I saw the first little blurb about GCH: decaf (a ministry all about encouraging beautiful young women, helping them grow in their relationship with Christ, coming along side of them to be an example of Jesus’ love, mercy and grace, witnessing young women on fire for Jesus coming together and simply flourishing in the presence of Jesus Christ, being a support system) ok this is where I am supposed to be!  This is what the Lord has been preparing for me!  GCH: decaf is what I was so patiently (ok, maybe impatiently…) waiting for all along!

Maybe you are reading this and thinking of your daughter……

Do you desire for her to have a safe place where she can grow in her walk with Christ, a place for her to build lasting friendships with sisters in Christ!? 

That is what WE desire for her! 

Maybe your daughter is reading this, and in that case.. I am so excited she is!  I remember being a teenager, I remember how tough it was, I remember desiring to have relationships with Christians who had the same morals and standards that I had adopted from God.  I remember the hurts that went along with lots of things that happened to me from the time I was 14-19.  I remember wanting to grow in my relationship with God…. but I was not sure how to do that.  Our first study will be talking about these specific issues along with so many more!

It is my prayer that you join a small group here at GCH: decaf so that you may be connected with young girls who are going through life just like you are.  It is my prayer that you join our small groups to hear encouragement and enjoy a safe place to share your heart with others!  Maybe you’re like me and all you need to read is a little blurb about GCH: decaf to know that this is where the Lord wants YOU to be too! 

My name is Diane Meyers, and I am where I want to be, in the Lord’s will for me at GCH: decaf!  I am here to encourage young women.  I am here to use the gifts the Lord has blessed me with to share HIM with the world!  I am so beyond excited and thankful to be here, with you!

Please check out many blurbs about GCH: decaf here: https://www.facebook.com/GCHdecaf.  Be sure to email Megan (who just so happened to follow the Lord’s will to put together GCH: decaf) if you would like to join a small group or if you have any questions: Teens@girlfriendscoffeehour.com .  Our first study will start October 1!  We will be studying A Daughter’s Worth by Ava Sturgeon.

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Diane Meyers will be blogging for you right here on the GCH: decaf blog every Monday! She is loving, caring, genuine, and perfectly imperfect.  At almost 24 years of age, she lives in Pittsburgh, PA surrounded by a ton of family and loved ones God has given her to share life with.  To the world, Diane may be single, but to her she has the best date of all… Jesus!  Diane has been touched by so many angels in her life, and desires to be that angel in someone else’s life.  God has given her a huge passion for writing.  Her writings are 100% God inspired and come directly from her heart.   

Diane is very involved with the children’s ministry at her church, and is also a spiritual coach for a ministry aimed toward the youth.  She desires for every single person to know that they do not have to be perfect; they just need to accept the perfect love of their perfect Savior in Heaven.  She knows first-hand how God turns our imperfections into His perfections with His love.  She sees HIS beauty in all of those imperfections. We are honored that God brought her to us as part of the GCH: decaf  Leadership Team!

You can follow Diane’s personal blog here: www.coveredinpink.wordpress.com

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