The Watermelon Whisperer   Summertime in the Ozarks brings anticipation for the first crop of red, juicy watermelons. Some of my dear friendz (one we’ll call Kathy) and relatives begin advising me how to find the perfectly ripened watermelon.   My grandma told me that a “thump, thump, thump” sound indicated its completed growing season. While a friend recently told me that you should flick it and listen carefully for some sort of echo-y sound. Still yet a well-meaning stranger showed me how to toss one up in the air to get the “feel” for its ripeness.   If you lived near me you might find me at our local grocery store bent over a bin of melon produce flicking, thumping and tossing while hoping that I have become the consummate “Watermelon Whisperer.” What do watermelons and friendships have in common? Well, if you’ll indulge me the analogy...We think we know what’s inside a person and determine if we want to “pick” them as a friend by sometimes rather unproven methods. Do they look right? Do they have the markings of a good friend? This summer as you pause to choose just the perfect melon, ask the Lord to help you see those around you who are ripe for friendship! Good to be friendz,   Pam & Kathy       Musings of a Maraschino Cherry: Reflections on the Role of a Minister’s Wife       Peggy discusses the minister’s wife’s role by sharing personal experiences. Some women assume active roles in the church. Others simply give the gift of presence “like a maraschino cherry on a hot fudge sundae.” A walk with Peggy as her understanding emerges, will help all women on a similar journey. by Peggy Musgrove (2004, ACW Press, Eugene, Oregon, 128 pp.; paper)       *Recommended reads: Anonymous: Jesus’ Hidden Years and Yours by Alicia Britt Chole If It’s Not One Thing It’s A Mother by Anita Renfroe Musings of a Maraschino Cherry by Peggy Musgrove    Free shipping in August! That’s right, you pay NO shipping when you try Creative Friendzy risk-free for 10 days in August. It’s simple, just purchase the Trial Pak and you have 10 days to look it over. If you absolutely love it, as we believe you will, keep it and start planning your own friendzy! The Trial Pak includes everything you need for an 8-week Bible study for 7 ladies and 1 leader. If you have more than 7 ladies, no problem. You can easily add Student books later. They even come in affordable 6-book sets. If you want to go longer  than 8 weeks, no problem. Check out the other books and resources for leaders in the Creative Friendzy series.   That’s only $1.56 per week, per lady! Check out the other books	Valid on web, phone or mail orders only and may not be combined with any other offers.    • • • • • • • • • • •   welcome friendz Welcome to these new friendz: Brandy P , Waynesville, MO Cindy H , Uniontown, OH Wilma T , Dennison, OH Karen W , Cambridge, OH Ginny D , Clinton, OH Phyllis B , Spring, TX Lorieann G , Rocklin, CA Leopoldi P , Watertown, CT LaRel D , Centralia, IL Beth B , Macon, GA Lynn R , Champaign, IL Matilda M , Newbury, VT Kathy D, Belfair, WA Jane B , Phoenix, AZ Drop us an email and tell us about your group so we can welcome you, too! Email us!   • • • • • • • • • • •   travel report   Bentonville, Arkansas— In June, Pam & Kathy had a ball with their new friendz in the Bentonville area. They were “Cookin’ Up Creativity” in the land (and home office) of Wal-Mart.     September 2006 September 14-16, 2006 Statewide Women’s Conference Omaha, NE   Wenatchee, WA* E. Wenatchee, WA* Bothel, WA*   October 2006 October 26-28, 2006 Women’s Retreat Hot Springs, AR   Vancouver, WA* Port Angeles, WA* Sequim, WA* St. John’s, WA*   November 2006 November 9-11, 2006 Women of Purpose Hershey, PA   Quincy, WA* Deer Park, WA*   December 2006 Pasco, WA*   *denotes Kathy’s missions services   • • • • • • • • • • •   Coming to an event near you? Pam and Kathy are planning their 2006-2007 travel calendar. If you have a multi-group or multi-church event that screams for creative fun, check out “news and booking” on the website.   • • • • • • • • • • •   website info...   FYI—Watch for a totally redesigned website and shopping cart coming in late August or early September. If you experience any difficulties, let us know.