Dear Sisters, Vancouver, BC (2024)

09/21/2023

Sisters - We are excited to invite you to our Sisterhood Worship Night on Friday, October 20th, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It's a night that you won't want to miss!

Here's a glimpse of what you can look forward to:

Worship: Come ready to raise your voices and hearts in praise to Jesus.

Connection: This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your fellow sisters in Christ. Building and strengthening these bonds of friendship and support is what our Sisterhood is all about.

Speaker: We've got Krista Penner sharing with us, who will drop some serious wisdom and inspire us all. Get ready to be wowed!

Food: You know we don't mess around when it comes to some delicious snacks!!

Suggested $5 per person donation to help cover the event's costs. You can pay online or donate at the door.

08/28/2023

Dear Sisters,
I am reaching out to you with gratitude and excitement as we stand on the threshold of a new chapter for Dear Sisters.

After deep contemplation and prayer, I decided to transition away from our magazine publication. Over the next year, we will be taking a deliberate pause to explore new possibilities and directions. This choice has been guided by a combination of factors; one is my calling as a pastor at Burnett Church—a role that holds immense meaning and responsibility in my life. I recently took on a new role as the Pastor of Discipleship, Missions, and Communications at Burnett Church.

In addition to my pastoral responsibilities, I am embarking on a new journey of growth. I am thrilled to share that I will be pursuing a Masters's in Biblical Leadership, a step that aligns with my commitment to continuous learning and development. As many of you know, I am also a devoted mother to three wonderful teenagers, and I am convinced that this season demands my intentional presence and support in their lives.

Given the significance of these commitments, I feel it is the right time for Dear Sisters Magazine to temporarily pause its activities. While our magazine publication will be on hold, I want to express my gratitude for the connections and experiences we have shared within this community. Each interaction has been a blessing, and I am confident that our paths will cross again in the future as we uncover the path that God has set before us.

I am committed to keeping you updated on our journey throughout this transitional period. I will regularly share insights from my Masters in Biblical Leadership studies and reflections on this season of growth. Our email list will serve as a bridge between us, allowing us to stay connected and engaged even as we take this pause. If you would like to follow along with my personal journey, you follow me over on Instagram .

Your support has been a constant source of inspiration; I am deeply thankful for that. As we navigate this pause together, I am filled with hope and anticipation for the future of Dear Sisters.

08/03/2023

In our summer issue, we're diving headfirst into the wild world of loneliness in our oh-so-connected society. Yes, even with all those virtual friends, we're feeling more disconnected than ever! But fear not, dear readers, for we have the ultimate antidote to this modern-day woe – community and social health!

The article by Elana van Deventer emphasizes engaging positively with people, correlating with desirable physical and mental outcomes. Community involvement is linked to improved mental health, resilience, and better cardiovascular health.

To increase social health, here are practical tips:

1. Have Meaningful Discussions: Listen to others' unique stories without judgment, fostering deeper connections.

2. Switch off Your Phone: Limit technology use to increase face-to-face interactions.

3. Volunteer & Reach Out: Helping others benefits both the community and your mental and physical health.

4. Be Friendly: Simple gestures like a smile or hello can create positive impacts in forming connections.

5. Get Out of the House: Organize activities like book clubs or dinner parties to foster community.

We've got your back, dear sisters! And if you're ever feeling that pesky loneliness creeping in, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Embrace community engagement, and together, we'll unlock our full potential!

Elana van Deventer, a speaker, author, and Neurocycle facilitator, uses scripture and science to restore hope and unlock potential.

Join us in addressing loneliness and thriving together!

07/11/2023

We live in a world that constantly pushes us to compare ourselves with others, striving to prove our worth. But friends, let me tell you this: our value doesn't come from outdoing someone else or being the best. It comes from being fearfully and wonderfully made by our loving Creator. 🌻💖

Our feature article by reminds us of a powerful conversation between Jesus and Peter. Jesus asks Peter, "What is that to you?" and directs him to focus on following Him. 📖🙌 This speaks volumes to our hearts, urging us to shift our attention away from comparing ourselves to others and instead fix our eyes on Jesus, our ultimate example and guide.

When we release the need to compete and instead embrace true community, something beautiful happens. We find support, encouragement, and genuine connections with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Together, we can walk this journey of faith, lifting each other up and celebrating our unique gifts and callings.

So, dear sisters, let's make a choice today. Let's lay aside the weight of competition and choose to love, support, and cheer one another on. Let's celebrate each other's victories and find joy in seeing others flourish.

Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, with a purpose that only you can fulfill. So, let go of comparison, embrace your unique journey, and walk hand in hand with your fellow believers. Let's build a community that radiates love, grace, and unity. 💞✨

If this resonates with you, take a moment to reflect on how you can nurture true community in your own life. Share your thoughts and let's encourage one another in the comments below.

Head over to our website to read all of Kate's article called "The Question And The Answer."

06/29/2023

This summer at Dear Sisters, we are leaning into community and connection! Our friend, Elizabeth, shares her heart about how we are created for connection.

Elizabeth prays this prayer for herself and for you!
In this quiet space, we pray: God, heal my mind, body, and soul so that I can have true community and connection first and foremost with You, and then with others around me who are looking for true authentic relationships.

Read her complete article here:
https://www.dearsisters.org/created-for-connection-by-elizabeth-selinger

06/29/2023

You'll hear us say again and again - our heartbeat here at Dear Sisters is Jesus + Community. Salvation changes everything. What Jesus did for us on the cross changed everything, and we were not created to do this life alone. Growing in our understanding of these two things is radically transformational!

In our latest issue of Dear Sisters, we are talking all things community and connection! Join our writers on a journey of exploring what community and connection mean to them.

Another huge thank you to our writers! They make this happen!!

CaseylWayne

Katrina Bazzoli

Healrestorecreate

elanavdeventer

06/28/2023

It's launch week here at Dear Sisters! Getting to share a new edition of our magazine is always such an exciting venture. In this issue, you will find articles written by women who are honest, vulnerable, compassionate and full of wisdom!!

Enjoy this issue, Sisters!!

Access this issue on the website or with the link in our bio!

www.dearsisters.org

CaseylWayne
bazzoli

06/25/2023

Dear Sisters! We are so pleased to release the summer issue of Dear Sisters! In this issue, we are talking about all things community and connections!
We have 15 writers that have contributed their wisdom, heart, advice and encouragement. Our heartbeat here at Dear Sisters in Jesus + Community, and we hope that this issue will inspire your walk with Jesus and connection with others!

You can read our latest issue at www.dearsisters.org. You can purchase your own copy and help support Dear Sisters on Amazon! https://amzn.to/3XqE5UT

06/13/2023

Thanks for your wisdom !!

06/13/2023

"What if calling is a way to fulfill your purpose, mission, and vision?
As a Christian counselor, the women typically seeking counsel are middle-aged, roughly 35-50, and walking through a life transition. This generation of women is trying everything possible not to become “that generation.” They are seeking medical advice for menopause and paying attention to their diet and exercise habits. They are even searching for the elusive fountain of youth, now known as sunscreen, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. But why are the majority still wandering in the desert, never reaching their promised land of rest in the presence of the Lord?

Could they have missed their calling to live in the promised land?
Could it be that they can no longer recognize a vision, mission, and purpose for their lives?

Together, we can start with a vision.

What has called you out of your past? How are you going to accomplish your dream? What will the world look like when you have completed your mission? Then, how will you travel to the promised land? Are you journeying confident with belief or misguided and wandering with doubt? And, who has God created you to be? Who are you in Christ?

When we allow our vocations or callings to help us fulfill our purpose, mission, and vision, we find the physical and spiritual rest of the Lord’s presence in our lives.

Read all of Kate's article in our Leadership issue!

Dr. Kate Bohannon - Set Apart Pastoral Counseling & Coaching, LLC.

06/08/2023

Remember, Dear Sisters - You are changing the world.

06/07/2023

So much of life seems normal. Mundane. Routine. Boring. Sometimes I wonder where the excitement is. I expected more than I was getting.

Very little excitement sprinkled through my life unless you count me sleeping through my alarm and trying to get ready in two minutes. Which I proved just can't be done. Or our three-ounce green bird was flying through the house, landing here and there because she didn't want to return to her cage. Chasing after her caused my heart rate and irritation to rise, but it didn't count as excitement. Or maybe it is my son not liking any clothes I bought him, except for the shoes. I suppose he could go naked but have warm feet.

Recently there was the heart-stopping news of a new housing development going in just down the road and the neighbors discussing whether this will affect our water pressure.

Yup, my life is normal and mundane. And I am guessing your life is too.

If your life is like mine, there is a lot of regularity and predictability with a few surprises, like your car insurance doubling for the coming year. Your co-worker is getting the promotion instead of you. Or the dog is getting sick in the middle of the living room floor.

Here and there, throw in some tragic news, a family crisis, a health concern, or a death, which is life. At least mine, and maybe even yours.

Years go by, and it seems you are doing nothing much. Unless you count washing dishes and grocery shopping, big things.

One day you figure out how many years you have been changing diapers, and you wonder if your talents have been wasted.

DO YOU EVER WONDER IF THIS IS IT?

Shouldn't you be doing something big? Something radical? Something more important than refereeing siblings during car trips across town and potty training the puppy and toddler. Or you've had the same job for years, and you wonder if you would even be noticed if you quit or if you would be replaced just like that and forgotten in the first month...

~Sisters, you can read all of Theresa's wonderful insights on this topic in our latest issue about Leadership. Link in Bio!

05/24/2023

Today what will you choose? As you go about your day and invest in your roles, relationships, and responsibilities, what kind of leader would you like to be?

Our friend and Dear Sisters' writer has some great thoughts on us stepping into our leadership roles as kingdom leadership in her latest article for Dear Sisters! Check it out on our website!

05/23/2023

Our friend Jessica Grace asks a great question. What type of kingdom leader are you?

Check out her thoughts in our latest issue of Dear Sisters on leadership!

Thanks, Jessica, for sharing your wisdom with us!

05/23/2023

How are you showing up?

Our friend, Colleen Smith, encourages us to show up surrendered with our arms held high to Jesus.

When we do that, wait, watch and see what Christ can do!! We can be expectant with hope for the future as we live fully surrendered to Him!

You can read Colleen's complete article about "The Wait Not Wasted" in our latest Leadership Issue!

05/15/2023

This is such an important question - "Why are we, as women, afraid of leadership?"

Our friend has some great insights in her article "Why Are We Afraid Of The 'L' Word? in our latest issue about Leadership.

Here are some of the practical tips Neshe gives us:

Here are some questions to consider:

1. Who does God place on your heart regularly to pray for?
2. Who do you notice that other people don't?
3. Do you find yourself giving advice often? If so, how is it received?
4. What things seem easy or second nature to you that are difficult for other people?
5. Do you see where things could improve within churches, organizations, or other groups?
6. Have you been discouraged from leadership in the past?

Take some time to ponder these questions. Not all may apply to you, but if something sticks out, ask God why. Maybe pray through these questions next:
1. Where am I currently using these special skills?
2. Have I been asked to fill roles in the past and refused? If so, why?
3. How can I best serve the Kingdom with the gifts God's given me?
4. What is God teaching me about this right now?

Head over to our website to read Neshe Lee Sloan's complete article!

05/08/2023

"A humble leader intentionally influences out of a heart for doing what is right, even when no one is looking or it costs deeply. A humble leader’s purpose is not selfish but seeks to serve others. Seeking to grow into a humble leader is truly to become the change we want to see in those around us. We cannot control the hearts of others, but we can influence them through our actions.

Be humble, not from self-loathing or imposter syndrome, but because Jesus makes you worthy, and you have the privilege to lead and serve others. Humble leaders are the ones we need, and we need to be the humble leader."

How do we do this? Our friend answers this question and so much more in her article titled "Humble Leadership" in our latest issue of Dear Sisters.

Brittany is a certified leadership coach, speaker, trainer, and founder of her own coaching business, as well as a wife, mom, and multi-faceted church and community volunteer. She is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, West Point graduate, and combat veteran and she is passionate about using her extensive experiences and training to help others develop the leadership skills to thrive in today’s challenging world. While Brittany energetically helps new leaders and organizations develop the character, competence, and confidence needed to lead well, as a Christian woman, she also eagerly helps other Christian women develop their leadership skills within a Biblical perspective.

05/02/2023

Do you ever feel stuck? Like, you jumped onto a treadmill and are just trying to keep pace while not tripping over your feet? But you aren’t sure why you are on the treadmill, and someone keeps increasing the sp*ed…

This is how I feel when I am not living with intentionality. It can be easy to slip into a life that is controlling you instead of you walking forward with purpose and intention.

So how do we change that? How do we jump off the treadmill without crashing?

First, we need to know who we are.

What we think about ourselves, how we perceive our weaknesses, our strengths, our habits, our ability to relate to others, all of it - shapes who we become.

All of us have lies that we believe about ourselves. In my life, I am trying to break those lies by looking at what God has to say about who I am in him.

I’ve compiled 94 reminders about who I am in Christ, and we are going to share them here!

Here are the first 4:

I am Christ’s Friend - John 15:15
I belong to God. I’ve been bought with a price. 1 Corthiantians 6:19-20
I am a saint. Ephesians 1:1
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:18

Sisters - this is who you are in Christ!

Pause and ponder.

You are Jesus’ friend. God loved you so much that He paid a profound price to break you free from the slavery of sin.

And now you get to be called saint - wait —what! That’s amazing.

Through the sacrifice of Jesus, you have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.

Again pause and think about that! You have access to the Creator of the universe. Carry this into your days and weeks.

Let this shape your heart and your identity.

You can access all 94 reminders with our free PDF download on our website!
https://www.dearsisters.org/melissa-heerebout

04/30/2023

Beth Collins is becoming a fast friend of mine, and I love her article in our latest issue. You can head to our website to check out the entire article called 'Faithful One.' I know you'll be inspired by Beth's depth of insight in one of the most challenging moments we can face, the death of a loved one.

Thanks, Elizabeth Collins , for sharing your story and reminding us of God's faithfulness! https://www.dearsisters.org/

04/26/2023

Hey Dear Sisters!!

Submissions for our next issue are now open!! Over the summer, we want to explore the ideas of connection and community. We would love to chat with you about submitting an article! So please shoot us DM with any questions you may have!

The deadline is May 26th at 5pm PST.

Here at Dear Sisters, we are about Jesus + Community and helping you to lead with intentionality in the everydayness of life!

We are looking forward to reading your ideas about connection and community and passing your inspiration on to others!!

04/25/2023

Reading Hannah's story about being able to walk through grief and see God's hand at work was so impactful!

I know you'll appreciate it too! Head over to our website to read the entire article in our lasted issue!

"Twelve years ago, my father passed away suddenly after multiple strokes and a week in the Neuro ICU. He was 52 years old, and I was 22 in my last semester of undergraduate college. Calling this event devastating barely covers what his death did to our lives. We have never been the same physically, mentally, and spiritually. You may ask, “how can such a horrible situation bring any hope?” A wise friend of my father taught us that “God is at work upstream.”

My father was a juvenile probation officer and ordained youth pastor. He lived his life answering God’s call to love and guide teenagers. His best friend, Brian, worked with him in youth ministry and eventually became a licensed counselor.

Brian and my father had dreams of forming a church or counseling practice to serve others further, but that dream was short-lived. My father passed away suddenly, and while we lost a father and husband, Brian lost his best friend. Brian was an amazing support for my mother and all of us. Brian volunteered to take on my father’s youth group to help them through this devastating time of losing their youth pastor.

Through the first three months without my father, Brian slowly taught the group that no matter what was happening in the Bible, God was at work upstream. We can see throughout scripture that in any situation, God had a plan to use it for His glory. At the end of the book of Genesis, Joseph was sold into slavery, thrown into prison, and eventually was made second in command to Pharaoh."

Continued over in our latest Issue on Leadership.

04/23/2023

I’m in a season of building. Building my marriage, building the church, building a business, and building into my children.

All of these things, and much more, are building me into the woman I will be tomorrow.

I need to be intentional — Intentional with my time, my resources, and my talents. Because so quickly, I can get off track. I lose sight of what’s important when I’m not living on purpose.

I’m building habits that will help me build with intentionality: first habit - prayer. I need to lean into Jesus. Because my strength is limited, but His is vast!

So I’m increasing my prayer life and my reliance on Him. Before I check my phone in the morning, I get up, make a cup of coffee and spend time with Jesus.

I’ve set this up as a rule of life for me. It’s been so helpful to get me out of bed early and to make sure that I’m taking time before the day starts to connect intentionally with Jesus.

Now there was a season when this was harder. When the kids were little, and I was up half the night with twin babes, my conversations looked different with Jesus. Or when I was working early morning and left the house at 5:45 am, prayer took a different shape.

In this season, I have the time to dive deep, and I am taking it. With the Holy Spirit, I’m building who I am going to be tomorrow.

04/18/2023

I loved reading through Tiffany Gaudin's article in our latest issue of Dear Sisters. She asks some critical questions and embraces the call to leadership.

You can read her complete article in our newest issue, which is all about leadership, growth, and stepping into our callings.

Thanks, .tiffany, for sharing your heart with us!!

04/13/2023

"I've recently found myself in a waiting season. I've been referring to it as the "calm before the storm" I know is coming. In this instance, I don't think the storm will be a tornado. More like a heavy rainstorm before the blooming of beautiful spring flowers and rainbows we can see from miles away. In this season of waiting, I've felt hopeless and hopeful. I've experienced discouragement and encouragement. I've been left wondering why God has left me here in this slow cold drizzle before the storm.

However, I've been reminded that I am also in a season of growth, patiently waiting for dreams to come full circle.

I don't know about you, but I am not good at waiting, and I often struggle to see beyond where I feel stuck. I can tell God has been growing my faith in this season of waiting because I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am not stuck. I am not in this season in vain. In fact, this season, He has taken my faith to a new level."

You can read all of Colleen's article in our latest issue of Dear Sisters!!

Thanks for sharing part of your journey with us, Colleen!!
colleensamantha

04/04/2023

"I love to learn. By most people's standards, I was a successful student and had a strong desire to go to school without missing any days.

If there is something I really want to do but do not know how to do it, I can become determined to figure it out and do it on my own.

Raised to be independent, I can also become unwilling to let people help me or give up control.

So in my early adulthood, while getting a teaching degree, this quote from Socrates stood out to me, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." The importance of humility and that learning is an unending endeavor was planted in my mind.

As I entered my teaching years, my thoughts on learning developed. My heart quickly wrapped around the idea that progress is more important than perfection.

Through my career shift from teacher to stay-at-home Mom and eventually becoming a faith-based writer, God has opened my eyes to how all that applies to our faith walk.

He has drawn me to the significance of being teachable and that we cannot expect Spiritual growth if we do not pursue it. 2 Timothy 3:16-17(NLT) says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

You can read all of Casey's article on our website!!

04/01/2023

My new friend Brittany knows a few things about Leadership! As a retired army officer and now coach, she offers some impactful wisdom in her Humble Leadership article.

You can read the full article by going to our website to have a free PDF copy sent to your inbox or order your own hard copy through Amazon!

We hope this article will be a source of encouragement to you!

03/31/2023

We have 75 pages in this issue and 13 writers who have some pretty amazing words of encouragement for you!! Here is a look at a few more articles!!

03/31/2023

We love launch day around here!! Here is a p*ek at some of the amazing articles you’ll find in our latest issue!!

03/31/2023

Ok, Dear Sisters!! It is launch day!! We are so excited to bring you the latest issue of Dear Sisters!!

You access it two ways!
1. Head over to our website and sign up to receive into your inbox.
2. Get your own hard copy by ordering it from Amazon. The link is on our website!

We are so pleased you are taking the time to journey with us. We want to invest in you, your leadership, and your journey with Jesus.

In this issue of Dear Sisters, you will find articles about growth, leadership, and calling. These are some of the things that help give us direction in our lives.

We need to be intentional about our growth, lean into leadership and step into the purposes and callings God has for us. But how? This question can leave us in circles and not making the progress we want to see.

In this issue, our incredible writers help answer the question, how?

03/25/2023

Cover Reveal!!
Our latest issue drops in April, and I can't wait for you to read it! We are discussing leadership, growth, and calling (some of my favourite things!)

Stay tuned, and we'll let you know once this volume is released!

If you want to know about it first, you can sign up for our newsletter! Link In Bio!

03/24/2023

Our western culture teaches us to look ahead, set goals, and plan to achieve that next thing. As Christians, we look forward with hope to the future. Then how do we live right now if we are always looking toward what is next? How do we teach our children contentment if we always teach them to look beyond right now?

As a mother, I am not confident I have this figured out. This seems to be a daily struggle for me. How do I model working hard towards a goal while being content with what has been accomplished right now? There is always another good thing to achieve, from sports teams to grades or activities at school. There is always some "thing" to reach for just out of our grasp today to reach for tomorrow. We hear them called "reach goals" because they are just that, a goal that we need to reach to achieve.
How do I model working hard towards a goal while being content with what has been accomplished right now?

1. Cultivate Contentment
2. Cultivate Generosity
3. Cultivate Grace

By cultivating contentment, generosity, and grace in our lives, we tend to the "right now" God has given us so we are like Jesus tomorrow.

We become people who trust God for today, knowing He is the Lord of tomorrow.

Living with a content heart helps to break a pattern of always wanting more. By extending grace to others and ourselves, we learn that true freedom in Christ comes from fully understanding what Jesus did on the cross and His forgiveness toward.

You can read all of Michele's article in our Culitvate Issue!

03/20/2023

“Prayer should be a daily thing for us as Christians, and with our to-do lists, sometimes it feels like it gets swept under the rug. Finding time to write down my thoughts and prayer gives me more focus on actually praying. I need to put away all distractions and just take a few minutes to talk to God. Some days the prayers can be nothing but sitting still in God’s presence, and other days the Lord hears your cry with your tears. Prayers don’t have to be a whole sermon. They just have to be from the heart. We have to fully rely on God with every ounce of our being and have faith. There were times our faith wasn’t as big as the grand canyon, but small faith can still move mountains. Even in times of stress, God will make a way. We can still praise God for all we have through our mundane tasks daily in our homes, jobs, and family. Before, during, and after, we go through something that strengthens us.

“So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matthew 17:20

We can be as thankful in the small as we can be thankful in the big. May we never stop praising Him through the blessings and through storms. God deserves our thankfulness, and we don’t deserve even a fraction of what we have.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I challenge you to reflect on what you’ve been through and what you have now, then give Him thanks for it all. Everything that we have, our home, our jobs, our money, our family, the list goes on.”

You can read Jenny’s complete article called an Unfiltered Faith in our Gratitude issue found on our website. Link In Bio