Jet Lag!!

If you have taken part in international travel, you know about jet lag. I relate jet lag to a fuzzy cloud that hangs around for a couple of days. You long to come out of the clouds but you do not know how. Thankfully, the clouds are starting to lift in my life and my body is responding to central standard time. PTL!

Last week I had the amazing chance to travel across the world and take part in another culture. My life was changed from this experience. Words escape me as I try to assign value to this experience. I was completely changed by the people I met, the things I learned, and the hand of God moving in me and around me. The Spirit of God fanned a flame inside of my heart that keeps me longing for the time when I can return to that place and teach more and more people about Jesus.

During my visit to this far off place, I sat in a church service that was not my own. As I sat, I felt tears gathering in the corners of my eyes. As these dear people sang the song At The Cross, in a language I could not begin to speak, clarity made its way into my heart. All believers in Jesus Christ serve the same God. All believers in Jesus Christ place their hope in His death and resurrection from the grave. And as a result, all of us find our great need for Him at the foot of the cross. Listen to these words--- "At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!" Thank You Lord.

Truly my life was changed. I thank you for your prayers and kind support. The body of Christ is an amazing thing and we need to know that it is much larger than what we can see or measure. I can testify that God is at work around this world. As Americans we need to know this truth--- even when we think things are falling apart, He is in control. Today, I want to challenge you to join me in living every single day of your life for His glory, His Name, and His Kingdom alone. Let's pray.

Father,
Grant each of your children a heart that beats to the sound of Your voice. May we know that You are big and that You are in control. Lord, give each of us a heart that desires to go in Your name--- whether that is in our neighborhoods or around our world. May our lives be about You and You alone. Lord, take us to the next level in our love and devotion to You. Lord, make us effective in the mighty name of Jesus! AMEN.

Upcoming Week

Hello!

Please pray for me this week. I will be traveling and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ! Pray for safety, good health, and God's amazing presence every step of the way. Thank you so much for being a part of True Vine Ministry!

Weekend Retreat

This weekend I will be leading a retreat for Red River Baptist Association. The theme for the retreat will be, "Walking With God." In this retreat, the ladies are challenged to view their lives as a journey--- a journey home. Please pray for the ladies to have an open heart to the Word of God. Please pray for me to remain sensitive to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit.

The prep for this retreat has been a challenge. That is okay. I know God will get all the glory as He has faithfully reminded me that it is never about my ability but always about His mighty power accomplishing His mighty work.

As the Lord leads, please ask the Lord to speak through each session. The titles include--- A Prompted Heart, The Anything and Everything of Life, and Rejoicing All The Way Home.

Last Week

Hey!

I thought I would take a minute and catch everyone up on happenings from last week!

On Thursday night, I attended the fifth anniversary party for Women's Inc. I have not taken the time to blog about Women's Inc, so I will do so now. Almost a year ago, I received an email from Lori Quinn, editor of Women's Inc. Lori had received my name from her mother, Kathy Windle, as a possible candidate to write the magazines spiritual column. I was truly honored by the request. Before I accepted, I knew I wanted to talk to Marilyn Mathis. Marilyn had written the column in the past and out of respect for our friendship, I wanted to run the idea past her. I decided I would talk to Marilyn and then get back in touch with Lori. About an hour after that decision, I ran to Target to pick up a few items. I pulled into a parking space and right in front of me sat Marilyn Mathis. I jumped out of the car and talked to Marilyn. Marilyn was so very supportive of me writing for the magazine. With that conversation behind me, I accepted the offer from Lori.

Over the last year, I have loved every opportunity Women's Inc. has provided. I have talked to women I might never have talked to. The Lord has allowed me to share His Word with women who might not read the Bible for themselves. I am always amazed by the fact that women actually read the column! It is not uncommon for me to receive a phone call, email, note, or encouraging word from a reader. I am so thankful for Women's Inc. and the commitment the magazine displays to have a spiritual column.

On Sunday night, I had the great opportunity to return to Second Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Arkansas for another celebration. Joe Francis, the minister of music at SBC, celebrated 25 years in ministry. Joe is a dear friend and a wonderful servant leader. I have many fond memories of working on staff with Joe.

As I walked around the fellowship hall greeting dear friends, I was reminded how much I love and miss the Second Jacksonville Family. SBC Jaxs will always be dear to me. My heart was changed in so many ways while I served the Lord at that place. The people were so gracious to me and loved me even when I made mistakes. I am glad that I am close enough to visit the dear people of SBC Jacksonville. May God continue to bless that Church for His Glory alone.

That wraps up my week in review. I pray you had a wonderful week too!