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The Story of Roses and Thorns

Over 20 years ago, I sat with a girlfriend; dreaming. We were energetic, ambitious young women who loved God and sisterhood.  We determined that we were going to develop an organization to uplift women. We planned to call it The Total Woman because it was our goal to discuss the broad range of issues women face. We were going to write books, host conferences and provide resources.

Well, that was the plan anyway, but life happened. The plans for establishing the organization took up residence in my rear view mirror. There it sat; taunting me, reminding me of all of the commitments and promises that I had made to God to be obedient to His plan for my life.  There were so many things that I allowed to take priority over my purpose.

Over the years, I would revisit the thought of The Total Woman organization and would develop outlines and put to paper ideas and plans, but I never seemed to make it out of the draft phase. It seemed as if The Total Woman was not to be.

In 2006, I moved to Texas through a job transfer.  Fortunately, moving to Texas was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.  My daughter thrived, and we were able to develop friendships that grew into a community of support; our Texas family.  In 2015, I was feeling inspired to establish The Total Woman organization. I was ready to define and document what God had given me so that I could communicate a clear vision, so I prayed for direction.    I was a different woman than that 22-year old who received the vision. I had experienced things that the 22-year old me wouldn’t have imagined.  As a result, I was inspired to change the name.  This organization would not be called The Total Woman.  The organization should be called Roses and Thorns.

So why Roses and Thorns? When my daughter was in grade school, we shared our days with one another by speaking of the “roses” and “thorns” of our day.   The “roses” were the parts of our day that were good or exciting.  We would share the things that went well rather it was getting an “A” on an unexpected quiz or having a productive meeting at work.  We would also report the “thorns” that occurred; sharing the parts of our day that were challenging and hurtful. This communication tool was an effective method for me to peek into the day of my daughter and to hear her heart.  I was able to learn the things that were important to her and recognize the triggers that made her hurt, upset, excited and happy.      

These experiences; roses and thorns, well describe the state of existence of the lives of most women.  We have the rose petal experiences of life that are beautiful, fragrant, and glorious to behold.  In contrast, there also exists the painful, hurtful, conflicting experience in life.  It is my prayer that you gain strength and sisterhood as you connect with other women of faith.

Janel Barksdale,
CEO & Founder

Janel Barksdale,

CEO & Founder

Before there was a Roses and Thorns

The Roses and Thorns Before there was Roses and Thorns

I received the picture with the following message from a Facebook friend that I attended college with. 

Wow, look what I found....this was a long time ago.   You have been encouraging women for some time now. 💕  I loved attending these meetings on campus.  Those were some great times spent ministering to those young hearts.   Keep being a blessing to others and continue to be used by the Father to touch the lives of others. 


Roses and Thorns 1 Year Anniversary

The Roses

When We Pray Together...

1st year anniversary - Yaeger Building - Plano, TX

When We Pray Together...

When We Pray Together...

The Roses

 

 

 

Roses and Thorns 2 Year Anniversary

Roses and Thorns 3 Year Anniversary

The Roses

Gifts anyone? Couldn't let anyone leave with an empty bag.

Gifts anyone? Couldn't let anyone leave with an empty bag.

The Rose's of Roses and Thorns celebrate the 3 Year Anniversary in their Roses and Thorns apparel.

Gifts anyone? Couldn't let anyone leave with an empty bag.

Gifts anyone? Couldn't let anyone leave with an empty bag.

Gifts anyone? Couldn't let anyone leave with an empty bag.

Memory Jar

Pen

Placemat

Popcorn 



Women who pray together...

Gifts anyone? Couldn't let anyone leave with an empty bag.

I will restore unto you...Joel 2:25

The Titus 2 Women of Roses and Thorns.  Joycelyn and Sylvia.

Sylvia Collins and Joycelyn Johnson opened and closed the first Roses and Thorns session in prayer and have prayed at almost every Roses and Thorns session since...the POWER of Prayer!

I will restore unto you...Joel 2:25

I will restore unto you...Joel 2:25

I will restore unto you...Joel 2:25

When God turns your thorn into a rose.

Thank you!

I will restore unto you...Joel 2:25

Closing comments and prayer

Honoring Roses...

Showing appreciation to the women who support Rose's and Thorns. (The picture on the monitor  in the background was taken from the first gathering 9.23.16)

Closing comments and prayer

I will restore unto you...Joel 2:25

Closing comments and prayer

Closing comments and prayer.

Sisterhood!

Roses and Thorns 4 Year Anniversary

The Roses

Due to COVID-19, we had a limited number of Roses on site.  Everyone else attended virtually. 

Anniversary Recap Video

Anniversary REcap Video

Joycelyn and Janel

Joycelyn and Janel

Chanelle and Janel

Stephanie and Janel

Joycelyn and Janel

Stephanie and Janel

Stephanie and Janel

Stephanie and Janel

Roses and Thorns 5 Year Anniversary

Roses & Thorns 6th Anniversary

Check out this great video from the 6th Anniversary Celebration.

Roses and Thorns 6 Year Anniversary

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Roses and Thorns 7 Year Anniversary

Thank you for your Donation

Roses and Thorns is a 501C3 non-profit organization. Your tax-deductible donation will enable us to serve women in a variety of impactful ways. We appreciate your generosity. There are several ways for you to donate:  

Mail: Roses and Thorns; P.O. Box 6023, McKinney, TX 75071

Cash App: $RosesThorns or 

PayPal (Link below)

Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

Roses and Thorns 8 Year Anniversary

 

 

 

 

 

 

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