Sweet Monday

10/06/2024

Watching the World Olympics is invigorating. Being an “armchair athlete” can be almost as exciting as participating, minus the gold medal. This may sound like a stretch, but you understand my point if ever you have ever watched a sporting event either in person or on television. Every sport has an end goal – finish well. Read more of the Weekly Devotion, ONE MORE LAP, by Sweet Sherry Sharp, here: https://sweetmonday.org/one-more-lap/

03/06/2024

The story line about having a poor sense of direction is nothing new in my writing, as I have shared this personal deficiency many times. As the saying goes, “It doesn’t make me a bad person.” (Ha Ha). However, having a poor sense of direction does require my full and complete attention when driving in new territory and sometimes, even driving in places where I am very familiar. Now, let us get personal—perhaps many of you also have a less than stellar built-in direction finder? Read more of the Weekly Devotion, GETTING LOST, by Sweet Sherry Sharp, here: https://sweetmonday.org/getting-lost/

27/05/2024

This time of year, I do a lot of a weeding. In other words, I engage in the arduous task of getting rid of unruly plants that pop up where I do not want them to grow. These wild growths may appear healthy – and even attractive – but they are taking over the soil, sucking up nutrients, that is designated for other plants.

Sometimes, I even find weeds in the cracks of my driveway or between stones in my garden border. Despite their unsightliness, I can’t help but marvel at the determination of these feisty plants. In seeking light, they defy all odds. Read more of the Weekly Devotion, WITHER THE WEEDS, by Sweet Anna Billingsley, here: https://sweetmonday.org/wither-the-weeds/

20/05/2024

It’s that time of the year when school yearbooks arrive.
Those books filled with school pictures of faces that have aged since the beginning of the year school pictures. The scenes of classmates, teams, teachers, activities, clubs, celebrations…school life! Writing end of the year notes and laughing at goofy things.

It’s all fresh for students this year. But if you are like me, you have a few years in the bank since your last high school yearbook signing. We have memories - awkward, fun, tender, and treasured. Read more of the Weekly Devotion, REMEMBER, by Sweet Cindy Gaskins, here: https://sweetmonday.org/remember-2/

17/05/2024

Sweet Harriet Chestnut is a Sweet Monday Hostess. She shared that the May tea party tradition lives on in Colonial Heights, VA. This past Monday, May 13, she hosted a Sweet Monday tea party in her home for the neighbors. In fact, this September-May her Sweet Monday monthly gatherings have all been for the women in her neighborhood. It included women who didn't previously know one another, and some who have not known the Lord.

"I thank the Lord for Kim who the Lord used to start it all. And I thank the Lord for each of the Sweet Monday staff who are continuing to lead this sweet ministry. Blessings to each of you!" Harriet

Thank you Harriet for sending the picture of all you beautiful ladies! 🥰😍😘☕🫖

17/05/2024

Yesterday, we celebrated the 19th anniversary of The World's Largest Tea Party that was held on Sweet Monday, May 16, 2005 at the University of Richmond, Robbins Center in Richmond, VA. Sweet Monday set a Guinness World Record that evening with 7,250 people in attendance! It was an amazing night with a sea of women wearing pink as we enjoyed delicious pink Ukrop's Bakery Butterstar cookies and Southern Sweet Tea. It was an evening of great excitement as our Founder and President, Kim Newlen, shared God's Word and about His faithfulness to Sweet Monday. For those of you who attended and helped us reach our world record that evening, we are still praising God for your participation. There were so many people behind the scenes who helped make this possible. Special thanks to Sweet Hostess Harriet Chestnut who sent the picture of the tea party poster. We also included a picture of Sweet Kim and a picture from the event showing a large portion of those who attended the record-setting event.

13/05/2024

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1, NKJV.
Someone asked me, “When you pray or think of God, what image comes into your mind?” I must admit, the question made me scratch my head as I have never thought about my personal image of God. However, with the thought clearly planted in my mind, strangely, I realize that I do not have any image of God. Fast forward to a few days ago, when reading The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer. He wrote,
Read more of the Weekly Devotion, BULGING AT THE SEAMS, by Sweet Sherry Sharp, here: https://sweetmonday.org/bulging-at-the-seams/

06/05/2024

On a recent trip to the eye doctor, the news is I am ready for cataract surgery. When my parents went through the process of having their cataracts removed, I could not relate to their dilemma. However, today I understand all too well how they felt frustrated with not being able to see clearly. No longer does it help putting on glasses because my vision is always blurred. Imagine always feeling as though you have “socks” on your eyeballs. Yes, I said socks! The above Scripture passage comes to mind as I consider my current visual state, “seeing through a glass, darkly…” Read more of the Weekly Devotion, ON A CLEAR DAY, by Sweet Sherry Sharp, here: https://sweetmonday.org/on-a-clear-day/

05/05/2024

Don't Forget To Register for Sweet Monday Online. Then join us TOMORROW, May 6 @ 8:00 pm EST/7:00 pm CST. The theme is Earthly Treasures and is part of our GodReads curriculum.

Our special guest, Amanda Maynor from the National Christian Foundation, will be sharing her insights on the important topic of generosity and sharing our earthly treasures.

Register today to receive Zoom login information for an unforgettable evening at www.sweetmonday.org/sweet-monday-online.

03/05/2024

Thank you to everyone who made last week's The Most High Tea in Richmond, VA possible. Again, it was a beautiful time of fellowship and praising The Most High God for His Story.

Thank you to Heaven Sent Photography for capturing these beautiful pictures. ❤

01/05/2024

Join us for our last Sweet Monday Online of the season on Monday, May 6 @ 8:00 pm EST/7:00 pm CST. The theme is Earthly Treasures and is part of our GodReads curriculum.

Our special guest, Amanda Maynor from the National Christian Foundation, will be sharing her insights on the important topic of generosity and sharing our earthly treasures.

Register today to receive Zoom login information for an unforgettable evening. Register at www.sweetmonday.org/sweet-monday-online.

29/04/2024

The neighborhood in which I live is marketed as “55 and ‘Better.’” When I moved in a little over a year ago, the immediate realization hit me that my new community is one of active seniors who enjoy being on the move. Every morning as the sun begins to rise, men, women, and dogs are out walking up and down the sidewalks in winter, spring, summer, and fall. The activities list for owners is long and varied from bocce ball to pickleball. Whew…in my younger days, I might have been vying for a place on “the team,” but today I am only a spectator and cheerleader for those with more energy. Read more of the Weekly Devotion, STILLNESS IS GOLDEN, by Sweet Sherry Sharp, here: https://sweetmonday.org/stillness-is-golden/

22/04/2024

The Most High Tea in Richmond, VA, has finally arrived! We've been setting up today, and we can't wait to welcome our sweet guests tomorrow.

Please join us in praying for this event, as we share God's story through Sweet Monday's story.

22/04/2024

Unlike August of 2017 when I was situated in the path of a total solar eclipse, I witnessed on my TV screen the full majesty of the 2024 event.

Seven years ago, I heard only the oohs and ahhs of family and friends gathered near me. This time, I saw and heard exclamations of wonder from folks all along the path, from Mexico to Maine. Nearly to a person, they peered heavenward. Read more of the Weekly Devotion, PBJ OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS, by Sweet Anna Billingsley, here: https://sweetmonday.org/pbj-of-biblical-proportions/

19/04/2024

Thank you to everyone who made last week's The Most High Tea in Nashville, TN possible. It was a beautiful time of fellowship and praising The Most High God for His Story. We are so excited to do it again next week in Richmond, VA.

Photos by J.Mathis Photography.

18/04/2024

Thank you to our Richmond Royal Majesty Presenting Sponsor Lane Homes & Remodeling Inc. Your generous donation makes it possible for us to inspire and equip Christian women to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in their community.

To learn more about The Most High Tea, visit www.sweetmonday.org/themosthightea.

16/04/2024

Show your support for Sweet Monday! Bid on one or more of our 2024 The Most High Tea auction items! Fine art, jewelry, gift cards and more have been donated by our generous supporters.

All money raised supports our mission to inspire and equip Christian women to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in their communities.

Welcome to The Most High Tea Auction benefiting Sweet Monday! Just in time for Mother's Day or Father's Day. These items make great gifts for birthdays and anniversaries, too.

15/04/2024

In the month of April, when “life” begins waking up all around us, praising the Creator comes as natural as breathing in oxygen. Seeing God’s beauty in the colors of springtime reminds us that if He cares so much about the flowers and trees, how much more does He care for you and me? In the Book of Genesis during the creation process, after all other life existed, God did the most amazing thing—He created humankind in His image. How awesome was that moment in time, as God chose to reveal His likeness in humans solely for “His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13)? Read more of the Weekly Devotion, A WORD OF PRAISE, by Sweet Sherry Sharp, here: https://sweetmonday.org/a-word-of-praise/

09/04/2024

Our The Most High Tea Nashville, TN has finally arrived! We've been writing thank you notes and preparing flowers, and we can't wait to welcome our sweet guests this morning.

Please join us in praying for this event, as we share God's Story through Sweet Monday's story.

08/04/2024

Imagine being isolated on a deserted island with no watch to tell time, no smart phone (heaven forbid!), and nothing but nature to guide you. The sun, moon, stars, and tides of the ocean would, in fact, lend much information to help you navigate the situation. Okay, you may come off “the island” now. You may also have your watch and smart phone back. (Whew!)

In the introductory Scripture verse written by Luke, Jesus was talking to His disciples about “The signs of the times and the end of the age.” No man-made twenty-first century smart device can predict what God alone knows, but Jesus said, long before technology was even a word, that there will be visible and tangible signs—signs of which all people should take note. Read more of the Weekly Devotion, PREPAREDNESS, by Sweet Sherry Sharp, here: https://sweetmonday.org/preparedness/

05/04/2024

Show your support for Sweet Monday! Bid on one or more of our 2024 The Most High Tea Nashville, TN auction items! Vacations, concerts, gift cards, and more have been donated by our generous supporters.

All money raised supports our mission to inspire and equip Christian women to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in their communities.

Welcome to The Most High Tea Auction benefiting Sweet Monday! Just in time for Mother's Day or Father's Day. These items make great gifts for birthdays and anniversaries, too.

04/04/2024

Thank you to our Crown of Beauty Sponsors, Churchill Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1591, Elan Hair, and Spruce Brentwood. Your generous donations make it possible for us to inspire and equip Christian women to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in their community.

To learn more about The Most High Tea, visit www.sweetmonday.org/themosthightea.

03/04/2024

Our 2024 The Most High Tea Nashville, TN Auction is live! Be sure to check out and bid on these amazing items donated by our generous supporters - vacations, concerts, gift cards, and more!

Welcome to The Most High Tea Auction benefiting Sweet Monday! Just in time for Mother's Day or Father's Day. These items make great gifts for birthdays and anniversaries, too.

02/04/2024

Our first of two annual fundraising events to benefit Sweet Monday, The Most High Tea, will be held next Tuesday in Nashville, TN.

Thank you to our Royal Majesty Presenting Sponsor, SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville. Your generous donation makes it possible for us to inspire and equip Christian women to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in their community.

To learn more about The Most High Tea, visit www.sweetmonday.org/themosthightea.

01/04/2024

Last Friday, the day Christians acknowledged as “Good Friday,” Jesus was remembered for having been beaten, tortured, crucified on a cross, died and then buried. Resurrection Sunday was yesterday. Christians all around the world for twenty-four hours celebrated the empty tomb, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the Bible, after the women encountered the risen Jesus on Sunday morning, they ran to tell the disciples that their dearest friend, Jesus, was not dead but alive; they must have been breathless from running and excited to share the amazing, good news. Banging hard on the upper room door and after identifying themselves, the door was opened only long enough for the women to enter before being slammed shut again. Read more of the Weekly Devotion, TODAY IS MONDAY, here: https://sweetmonday.org/today-is-monday/

27/03/2024

Don't forget to register for our April Sweet Monday Online! Then join us this coming Monday, April 1 @ 8:00 pm EST/7:00 pm CST.

The theme is I'm a Survivor and comes from our GodReads curriculum. Join us as we welcome Stephanie NeSmith to share her story of God's faithfulness and healing after her son Will suffered a massive brain hemorrhage over 10 years ago.

Register today at www.sweetmonday.org/sweet-monday-online.

25/03/2024

Much hullabaloo is made around the word “peace.” We hear cries for world peace, individual peace, family peace, peace in the Middle East, and the list is endless. Every person, even those who suffer from forms of mental illness (perhaps they especially) long for peace though one may have a difficult time expressing their need; such expressions are seen in our drug-ridden communities across the globe. Recently, I heard a wise person say, “Peace is not an entitlement.” I must admit my ears perked up. Maybe like me, you have considered peace, like oxygen, as something that exists until being disturbed by some outside agent. Read more of the Weekly Devotion, SEEKING PEACE, by Sweet Sherry Sharp, here: https://sweetmonday.org/seeking-peace/

18/03/2024

Several things have had me thinking about this:

● Hoola Hoops! We ended our quarter with elementary students in a hula hoop contest. Amazing ‘hoopers!” I never learned how to do this so I am always in awe of the rhythm, stamina, balance and fun they have in this movement.
● Surfing! Another sport I love to watch but do not participate in. Living in Hawaii provides lots of great scenery of water and these water riders.
● Movement! I heard a guest on a podcast say your best balance is always in motion.
Read more of the Weekly Devotion, HOW'S YOUR BALANCE?, by Sweet Cindy Gaskins, here: https://sweetmonday.org/a-call-to-balance/

11/03/2024

Growing older, like most challenges in life has its ups and downs and pros and cons. Like I say at the end of my email correspondence, “If we live long enough, the wisdom of winter experienced through aging is priceless when compared to the springtime of youth.” However, physically speaking, a decline in some areas can be an annoyance at best. For example, my hearing, well, let us just say it is not what it used to be! When trying to hear in a crowded noisy room, I have learned the art of reading lips, or just smiling when that fails.

For those of us who follow Jesus Christ and read the Bible in search of His will, we do not need a hearing aid to “hear” Him “speak.” Sometimes, when I seek direction while facing a difficult situation or decision, God quickens me to recall instructions He has given through Scripture I have read or studied at some point in time. Read more of the Weekly Devotion, LISTEN UP! by Sweet Sherry Sharp, here: https://sweetmonday.org/listen-up/