Good News: We launched our first BLAST online mentorship program for aspiring writers and speakers last fall with a completely full class of 40+ participants from all over the world! With another overwhelming response to the Spring 2010 class, we definitely want to continue offering the 12-month online program each semester, kicking off new classes each March & September. (For more information, see the BLAST Brochure at www.shannonethridge.com/blast)

Not-So-Good News: The success of the BLAST program has created more administrative demands than our small ministry staff can possibly keep up with! As we’ve prayed for God’s guidance, we’ve clearly heard Him respond with ONE word: INTERNSHIP!

GREAT News: In response, we’ve developed a NEW Residential Ministry Internship Program -- so that we can continue growing as a ministry, and so that a group of ministry-minded women can gain some invaluable experience that could help them prepare for an incredibly bright future!

We’re praying for a total of EIGHT incredibly sharp, self-motivated single women who’d be willing to relocate to Cross Creek, our ministry headquarters in Lindale, Texas, for a minimum of one year to both participate in and help administrate the BLAST program. If you know of single women who aspire to be writers, speakers, teachers, counselors, life coaches, or serve in youth or women’s ministry, please pass this e-newsletter along with the following links:

Thanks for joining us in prayer as we effectively push through these growing pains!

Ask Shannon

Carrie asks, “Even though I’m happily married, I occasionally think about what it would be like to look up an old flame (or five!) on Facebook. Then I feel incredibly guilty about even having the thought! What’s your take on such thoughts?”

Dear Carrie -
This temptation is very normal and certainly doesn’t indicate that anything is wrong with your marriage. In fact, we get this question often, or we hear the horror stories of what happened AFTER a woman goes looking up her old lovers online. Very sad. I was just thinking the other day that it would be fun to look up an old flame on Facebook just to see what he looks like. Then I caught myself. “Is THAT what I'd advise another woman to do? NOT! Take your own advice, Shannon! Don't go there!" I'm glad to say that I didn't go there, nor do I intend to in the future.

Bottom line: Thoughts and actions are two completely different things. Most people who’ve had the idea of robbing a bank or eating their weight in rocky road ice cream have never actually done it, proving it’s possible to have an unhealthy thought while keeping your actions on the up and up. Don't let Satan feed you false guilt by making you think you’ve already crossed a line just because certain ideas pop into your head. To experience this kind of temptation is NOT a sin! Even Jesus himself was tempted, but never sinned. Simply do what you're doing -- refuse to act on these thoughts, no matter how much Satan tries to candy coat them.

Mark Your Calendars - Shannon Is Coming To...