(RSS)02/09/10: Chronicles - Leaving a Legacy
Posted by: lprater
Cafe' Menu for Tuesday
Today’s Special: Chronicles of Your Spiritual History
Carefully prepared Just for you by our friend Kathy
Main Ingredient- 2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Entrée-From Luke 9:28-36: One day Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Moses and Elijah, prophets from the past appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They were talking about Jesus’ death and resurrection.
When Peter and his companions who were very sleepy, became fully awake, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him. Caught up in the amazing joy of the moment, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
Just then, a cloud appeared and surrounded them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. God’s voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone.
I can definitely identify with Peter, wanting to put up shelters and stay in that place with Jesus, as close to Father God as he had ever been. Not wanting that moment, or day or “season” of life to ever end or change. Have you ever had that “mountain top” experience? A period in time when you felt like you were so close to Jesus and God that you never wanted it to end. A time when every time you picked up your Bible or attended a class you heard God speak to you and you felt His presence everywhere you went?
When the disciples saw Jesus transfigured before them and Moses and Elijah appear from nowhere, it confirmed for them what they already believed about Jesus. That He was the Christ of God. This event was a confirmation to them, but it was also meant to strengthen them for the trials they would face in the future. Clearly their experience on the top of the mountain was a pivotal moment in their lives, one on which they would look back and draw strength. The very next day they would go down into the valley where they would experience doubt, confusion, disorder and hopelessness. Their faith would be shaken but thanks to this experience it will not be snuffed out.
God may provide mountain top experiences for us in order to inspire us and prepare us for the trials of our everyday world. Are you, right now, in the valley, experiencing trials of suffering or challenge? Reflect back on your mountain top experience. What lessons did God have for you then? Did you journal? If so, go back and read your journal. Discover how God prepared you for this very moment. Reach out and grab hold of His promises and don’t let go!
Take Out – Heavenly and gracious Father God, thank You for the times when we are closer to You than we have ever been. Thank You for times of strengthening. Thank You for the mountain top experiences. Thank You also, Lord for the valleys in our life which teach us and stretch us and show us Your faithfulness and goodness. Thank You Lord for letting us know that You are with us, no matter where we are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dessert – check out this youtube video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ6AdMNrxfo&feature=player_embedded&safe_search=on
Do you journal? I like to use a three section journal with one section for scriptures, one for prayers and one for journal. I don’t journal every day but whenever the Lord speaks to me or when I am struggling, I pull it out and pour my heart out to the Lord on the pages. It’s great to go back to when I’m stuck or lost or just want to reflect on my year.
Today’s Special: Chronicles of Your Spiritual History
Carefully prepared Just for you by our friend Kathy
Main Ingredient- 2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Entrée-From Luke 9:28-36: One day Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Moses and Elijah, prophets from the past appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They were talking about Jesus’ death and resurrection.
When Peter and his companions who were very sleepy, became fully awake, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him. Caught up in the amazing joy of the moment, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
Just then, a cloud appeared and surrounded them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. God’s voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone.
I can definitely identify with Peter, wanting to put up shelters and stay in that place with Jesus, as close to Father God as he had ever been. Not wanting that moment, or day or “season” of life to ever end or change. Have you ever had that “mountain top” experience? A period in time when you felt like you were so close to Jesus and God that you never wanted it to end. A time when every time you picked up your Bible or attended a class you heard God speak to you and you felt His presence everywhere you went?
When the disciples saw Jesus transfigured before them and Moses and Elijah appear from nowhere, it confirmed for them what they already believed about Jesus. That He was the Christ of God. This event was a confirmation to them, but it was also meant to strengthen them for the trials they would face in the future. Clearly their experience on the top of the mountain was a pivotal moment in their lives, one on which they would look back and draw strength. The very next day they would go down into the valley where they would experience doubt, confusion, disorder and hopelessness. Their faith would be shaken but thanks to this experience it will not be snuffed out.
God may provide mountain top experiences for us in order to inspire us and prepare us for the trials of our everyday world. Are you, right now, in the valley, experiencing trials of suffering or challenge? Reflect back on your mountain top experience. What lessons did God have for you then? Did you journal? If so, go back and read your journal. Discover how God prepared you for this very moment. Reach out and grab hold of His promises and don’t let go!
Take Out – Heavenly and gracious Father God, thank You for the times when we are closer to You than we have ever been. Thank You for times of strengthening. Thank You for the mountain top experiences. Thank You also, Lord for the valleys in our life which teach us and stretch us and show us Your faithfulness and goodness. Thank You Lord for letting us know that You are with us, no matter where we are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dessert – check out this youtube video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ6AdMNrxfo&feature=player_embedded&safe_search=on
Do you journal? I like to use a three section journal with one section for scriptures, one for prayers and one for journal. I don’t journal every day but whenever the Lord speaks to me or when I am struggling, I pull it out and pour my heart out to the Lord on the pages. It’s great to go back to when I’m stuck or lost or just want to reflect on my year.
02/08/10: Chronicles - Leaving a Legacy
Cafe' Menu for Monday
Today’s Special: Passing on Our Faith
Carefully prepared Just for you by our friend Kathy
Main Ingredient: Deuteronomy 11:18-21 “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”
Entrée- This past Sunday was Baby dedication day at our church. You could say that it is a tradition at our church. The third Sunday in January, every year, we bring all the babies that were born the previous year, up on stage with their parents. It’s always fun to see the babies all dressed up in their cute little outfits, doing their own thing. Let’s face it, I love babies! But I like this tradition for other reasons as well. It serves as a reminder for me of my responsibilities as a parent and the “job” that I have been called to do by God Himself.
I am reminded that my children don’t “belong” to me, that they are God’s children. I am simply a temporary custodian of them. My responsibility to them is not just to feed them and provide for their physical and emotional needs, but I am responsible for their spiritual learning as well. This can be an overwhelming responsibility!
I am thankful that my pastor also reminded me that I am not in this alone, and that while children don’t come with an “instruction manual”, I DO have help. Help from the Bible, my spouse, my in-laws, my friends and family and my church as well. As a church body we pledge together to stand by these parents and support them in their job to raise these kids to know the Lord. We support them to teach them to “fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13. It is our duty and our children’s duty. Never forget that when this responsibility becomes heavy or difficult you can turn to the Bible, and to your church family for help.
Take Out –Lord, thank You so much for adopting us into Your family and for giving us an instruction manual for life “The Bible”. We are so thankful to know that we do not have to raise our children all by ourselves. Thank You for reminding us that You are our greatest help and that You also send help in the form of our church family, our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Dessert –Want to document your children’s journey through childhood or your own journey for them to have in the future?
Check out http://www.schoolkidchronicles.com
A school chronicle is a yearly interview in which a professional interviewer and videographer asks the kids questions about their year and what important things have happened. My 9 and 11 year olds love this! They get excited when I tell them it’s time for their chronicle. They start pondering over their year and their accomplishments and begin planning what they will say. It makes them feel important and special. It also helps them to stop and take an account of their lives. Not only what they have accomplished in the past year but what they hope to accomplish in the next.
The company also does adoption chronicles, legacy chronicles, and anniversary chronicles. Check out the website to learn about all their services. You don’t want to miss this!
Today’s Special: Passing on Our Faith
Carefully prepared Just for you by our friend Kathy
Main Ingredient: Deuteronomy 11:18-21 “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”
Entrée- This past Sunday was Baby dedication day at our church. You could say that it is a tradition at our church. The third Sunday in January, every year, we bring all the babies that were born the previous year, up on stage with their parents. It’s always fun to see the babies all dressed up in their cute little outfits, doing their own thing. Let’s face it, I love babies! But I like this tradition for other reasons as well. It serves as a reminder for me of my responsibilities as a parent and the “job” that I have been called to do by God Himself.
I am reminded that my children don’t “belong” to me, that they are God’s children. I am simply a temporary custodian of them. My responsibility to them is not just to feed them and provide for their physical and emotional needs, but I am responsible for their spiritual learning as well. This can be an overwhelming responsibility!
I am thankful that my pastor also reminded me that I am not in this alone, and that while children don’t come with an “instruction manual”, I DO have help. Help from the Bible, my spouse, my in-laws, my friends and family and my church as well. As a church body we pledge together to stand by these parents and support them in their job to raise these kids to know the Lord. We support them to teach them to “fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13. It is our duty and our children’s duty. Never forget that when this responsibility becomes heavy or difficult you can turn to the Bible, and to your church family for help.
Take Out –Lord, thank You so much for adopting us into Your family and for giving us an instruction manual for life “The Bible”. We are so thankful to know that we do not have to raise our children all by ourselves. Thank You for reminding us that You are our greatest help and that You also send help in the form of our church family, our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Dessert –Want to document your children’s journey through childhood or your own journey for them to have in the future?
Check out http://www.schoolkidchronicles.com
A school chronicle is a yearly interview in which a professional interviewer and videographer asks the kids questions about their year and what important things have happened. My 9 and 11 year olds love this! They get excited when I tell them it’s time for their chronicle. They start pondering over their year and their accomplishments and begin planning what they will say. It makes them feel important and special. It also helps them to stop and take an account of their lives. Not only what they have accomplished in the past year but what they hope to accomplish in the next.
The company also does adoption chronicles, legacy chronicles, and anniversary chronicles. Check out the website to learn about all their services. You don’t want to miss this!
02/06/10: Welcome to Encouragement Cafe'
Posted by: lprater
Hi and welcome to Encouragement Cafe' with Luann & friends. We've been sitting round the cafe' table discussing the various ways we can leave a legacy. The Bible commands that we take every opportunity to remember God's gracious work in our lives and the responsibility we have to teach and explain God's goodness to those that come after us.
Our special guest today, Dawn Bland of School Kid Chronicles will be sharing many exciting ways we can leave a legacy. Click here, www.schoolkidchronicles.com to learn more.
Click on our STATIONS button to get find a station near you or click on the LISTEN LIVE button at
2:05 EST.
Call in today between 2:05 and 3:00 to ask questions or if you have used this service, call our toll free line at 866 34TRUTH (866 348 7884), or comment here.
There's always room for you around our table, come'on we've been waiting just for you!
Our special guest today, Dawn Bland of School Kid Chronicles will be sharing many exciting ways we can leave a legacy. Click here, www.schoolkidchronicles.com to learn more.
Click on our STATIONS button to get find a station near you or click on the LISTEN LIVE button at
2:05 EST.
Call in today between 2:05 and 3:00 to ask questions or if you have used this service, call our toll free line at 866 34TRUTH (866 348 7884), or comment here.
There's always room for you around our table, come'on we've been waiting just for you!
02/05/10: EXTREME Review
How can I put into words what God did last weekend in Greensboro, NC? Last year, He gave us the opportunity to join Him on this ride we call Encouragement Cafe. It's a radio show that airs for an hour each Saturday from 2-3 (ET) We sit around a cafe table talking with women from across the country about life.
This summer He placed in our hearts the concept of actually bringing these women together for real hugs, real coffee, real laughs and real tears. We prayed over when to have it and felt that January was the time when we all feel the gloomiest. There are generally very few things competing for a woman's attention in mid-winter, so we set the date. Of course there is a REASON no one else books things in mid-winter - it's called SNOW!
North Carolina doesn't get much of the white stuff and when it does, I tell my northern friends, "We have very well-behaved snow. It knows when to come and knows when to go." We've had a pretty mild winter here in the south...until last weekend.
The weather man warned us that the storm was coming and it arrived on cue Friday night as we began our first session. In my mind it was God wrapping a nice fresh blanket of white around us to snuggle us in with Him for the weekend.
Women flew in from MN, TX, FL, WI and drove hours to gather around this Encouragement Cafe table. And the Head of the table, the Host of the Event, the Bridegroom, showed up in style!
He didn't disappoint His girls. I think I speak for all of us when I say it was the most intimate setting I've had with Him and my friends for a very long time. It was as if He pulled up a chair and joined us. There was nothing stiff or contrived about it, just real.
Girlfriends sharing life. We were challenged by Carol to recognize that we all have issues, but we can ABSOLUTELY turn them over to a God who can heal us and make us whole.
Ramona represented the way the world wraps us up in bondage but Jesus longs to give us a BOUNDLESS life when we walk with Him.
I encouraged us to ABANDON our safe life and live each day expecting. Live with both eyes open and a heart turned over completely to do the uncomfortable, the risky, the uncharted.
Dallas welcomed us to the communion table, from a Jewish point of view, to share a meal with the Bridegroom. It was riveting, PASSIONATE love!
Pam and Helen ushered us to the throne with their sweet songs.
And Betty? Well, Betty WOWED us all with her ability to show us moment by moment how God moves our world and changes our life in order that we might see Him.
Through each moment of this weekend, God showed Himself personally to each woman. He whispered to hearts, broke down walls, revealed truth, opened doors, performed miracles and provided hope. The stories cannot be captured on this page, but they are forever etched in our hearts and minds.
Thank you for believing that God was willing and able to meet us in the middle of our obedience.
Will you join us next time? If you have a story from the weekend to share please leave a comment.
In His grip,
Luann
This summer He placed in our hearts the concept of actually bringing these women together for real hugs, real coffee, real laughs and real tears. We prayed over when to have it and felt that January was the time when we all feel the gloomiest. There are generally very few things competing for a woman's attention in mid-winter, so we set the date. Of course there is a REASON no one else books things in mid-winter - it's called SNOW!
North Carolina doesn't get much of the white stuff and when it does, I tell my northern friends, "We have very well-behaved snow. It knows when to come and knows when to go." We've had a pretty mild winter here in the south...until last weekend.
The weather man warned us that the storm was coming and it arrived on cue Friday night as we began our first session. In my mind it was God wrapping a nice fresh blanket of white around us to snuggle us in with Him for the weekend.
Women flew in from MN, TX, FL, WI and drove hours to gather around this Encouragement Cafe table. And the Head of the table, the Host of the Event, the Bridegroom, showed up in style!
He didn't disappoint His girls. I think I speak for all of us when I say it was the most intimate setting I've had with Him and my friends for a very long time. It was as if He pulled up a chair and joined us. There was nothing stiff or contrived about it, just real.
Girlfriends sharing life. We were challenged by Carol to recognize that we all have issues, but we can ABSOLUTELY turn them over to a God who can heal us and make us whole.
Ramona represented the way the world wraps us up in bondage but Jesus longs to give us a BOUNDLESS life when we walk with Him.
I encouraged us to ABANDON our safe life and live each day expecting. Live with both eyes open and a heart turned over completely to do the uncomfortable, the risky, the uncharted.
Dallas welcomed us to the communion table, from a Jewish point of view, to share a meal with the Bridegroom. It was riveting, PASSIONATE love!
Pam and Helen ushered us to the throne with their sweet songs.
And Betty? Well, Betty WOWED us all with her ability to show us moment by moment how God moves our world and changes our life in order that we might see Him.
Through each moment of this weekend, God showed Himself personally to each woman. He whispered to hearts, broke down walls, revealed truth, opened doors, performed miracles and provided hope. The stories cannot be captured on this page, but they are forever etched in our hearts and minds.
Thank you for believing that God was willing and able to meet us in the middle of our obedience.
Will you join us next time? If you have a story from the weekend to share please leave a comment.
In His grip,
Luann
02/04/10: Encouragement EXTREME Event
Posted by: lprater
Click here to see women experiencing EXTREME 2010 !
CDs and DVDs will be available next week.
Wow! Thanks for sharing what God spoke to your hearts through Encouragement EXTREME! It was an honor to experience this event with you all!
What a blessing I have experienced in an extreme way....AMEN! WOO HOO!
Betty
Carol Davis spoke from Luke 8. The subject "I Am A Woman With Issues". I too am a woman with issues and deeply connected with the words that Carol spoke. Betty depicted the painting of Jesus and I began to cry as we were called to literally "touch the hem of his garment". He was in the room with us that night and it will forever be a moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
May God continue to bless the Encouragement Cafe Ministry and I pray that more women will be able to share the Encouragement Extreme experience.
Love in Him,
Paula
CDs and DVDs will be available next week.
Wow! Thanks for sharing what God spoke to your hearts through Encouragement EXTREME! It was an honor to experience this event with you all!
What a blessing I have experienced in an extreme way....AMEN! WOO HOO!
Betty
Carol Davis spoke from Luke 8. The subject "I Am A Woman With Issues". I too am a woman with issues and deeply connected with the words that Carol spoke. Betty depicted the painting of Jesus and I began to cry as we were called to literally "touch the hem of his garment". He was in the room with us that night and it will forever be a moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
May God continue to bless the Encouragement Cafe Ministry and I pray that more women will be able to share the Encouragement Extreme experience.
Love in Him,
Paula
02/03/10: Video of EXTREME 2010
Posted by: lprater
Click here to see women experiencing EXTREME 2010 !
CDs and DVDs will be available next week.
Additional Comments about the Event:
Hi guys. I am still basking in the warmth of all the good things that God did this weekend at Encouragement Extreme!!! It was such a privilege and blessing to spend my weekend with sold-out ladies who love HIM. I have been challenged and encouraged in so many ways.
Thanks again for blessing me and others with your life stories, faithfulness and passion for Him.
Mary Herndon
I feel God brought sisters together who have been sisters at heart to finally meet each other face to face, as we met Him face to face, and that bond will be forever there. So many behind-the scenes-happenings that only God could orchestrate. It was a very special experience that I believe He will continue to bless year after year.
Margaret
Wow, what a weekend! It was more than I ever expected. I knew that I would walk away being glad that I was a part of it but I never anticipated how inspired, challenged and lifted up I would feel.
I never want to be lukewarm again and most importantly, I want others
to notice that I’m not lukewarm.
Betty’s artwork touched my heart and soul. Just to know that I, too, have touched the edge of his
cloak and am no longer bound to anything. What a gift! I love the fact that Betty didn’t paint his hands or feet, so that we would get the message that we are his hands and feet.
Let’s get busy; our Bridegroom may come soon.
I must admit that it was hard to jump back into the world after being on such a spiritual high. I want to encourage those who wanted to attend and couldn’t make it, to consider ordering the DVD.
To Luann, Ramona, Carol, Dallas, Betty, Helen, Pam and Pat, a great big THANK YOU for letting God use you in a mighty way this weekend.
Love to you all,
Weeta
CDs and DVDs will be available next week.
Additional Comments about the Event:
Hi guys. I am still basking in the warmth of all the good things that God did this weekend at Encouragement Extreme!!! It was such a privilege and blessing to spend my weekend with sold-out ladies who love HIM. I have been challenged and encouraged in so many ways.
Thanks again for blessing me and others with your life stories, faithfulness and passion for Him.
Mary Herndon
I feel God brought sisters together who have been sisters at heart to finally meet each other face to face, as we met Him face to face, and that bond will be forever there. So many behind-the scenes-happenings that only God could orchestrate. It was a very special experience that I believe He will continue to bless year after year.
Margaret
Wow, what a weekend! It was more than I ever expected. I knew that I would walk away being glad that I was a part of it but I never anticipated how inspired, challenged and lifted up I would feel.
I never want to be lukewarm again and most importantly, I want others
to notice that I’m not lukewarm.
Betty’s artwork touched my heart and soul. Just to know that I, too, have touched the edge of his
cloak and am no longer bound to anything. What a gift! I love the fact that Betty didn’t paint his hands or feet, so that we would get the message that we are his hands and feet.
Let’s get busy; our Bridegroom may come soon.
I must admit that it was hard to jump back into the world after being on such a spiritual high. I want to encourage those who wanted to attend and couldn’t make it, to consider ordering the DVD.
To Luann, Ramona, Carol, Dallas, Betty, Helen, Pam and Pat, a great big THANK YOU for letting God use you in a mighty way this weekend.
Love to you all,
Weeta
02/02/10: Encouragement EXTREME Event video
Posted by: lprater
02/02/10: Encouragement EXTREME Event
Sweet Encouragement EXTREME Sisters,
We're on Day 2 of our Daily Devotional Guide - Honesty in Prayer
Some of us have some issues we've been keeping "under wraps" for a long time, don't we? We've kept them "hidden away from God" or have been obstinate enough to refuse to think about them because it just hurts too much.
Don't go another day without getting real with God. Let it all out. All of it. Cry, scream, He's big enough to take it.
Oh how He listens with complete love and compassion. When you finally get honest with HIm (and yourself) He will move in mighty ways to change your broken and aching heart.
We're praying for you every step of the way. Will you pray for us as we take the next EXTREME step?
Read the following comments we have received regarding the Encouragement EXTREME Event!
I was very encouraged and my faith strengthened by the events of this past weekend. The Lord spoke to my heart many times. The main message I heard was no matter what "issues" I may have I am not "bound" by those, as satan would have me think, yet I am to wait upon the Lord, trusting Him to be my strength to press on to that which He has called me to "go" and do.
I learned very early in life that it was better to go "unnoticed" than to risk being noticed and made fun of or hurt in some other way. Being unnoticed feels safer but in reality I am much safer when I follow God's plan for my life. His plan is for me to step out in faith, trusting Him for each step along the journey. I am not to be afraid to be noticed anymore because He that is in me is greater than he who is in the world. What I want people to see in this no longer unnoticed girl is HIM.
~Amanda
Having stayed in NC one day longer than I had planned (due to snow) I bear some time to sit before the shuttle leaves. Time alone, but for Nellie who sleeps beside me in the make-shift stroller that I've used all weekend (her car seat set across the arms of the hotel's wheelchair.) I'm one of the last conference attendees still at the hotel, the only one in the lobby, and when finally stripped of anyone to talk to, I can reflect.
So many steps were taken leading up to this Extreme Event. (What did I expect for an event so named!?) For me there was recording a song, packaging a CD, packing for a baby and for myself, getting to the airport, getting onto (and off of, and onto) an airplane (with a v-e-r-y h-e-a-v-y car seat), setting up my International Justice Mission resource table with wonderful books about literal captives set free indeed; not altogether unfamiliar territory, but definitely not things that reside in the center of my comfort zone, especially all at the same time! And along the way, as each step was completed, I kept thinking that this was just *part* of what I was doing and that much more lay before me. "This isn't it, but IT is coming."
And it came. And it was wonderful. I will write more about that later. But since I'm a flibberty-gibbet, I'm just going to jump to the end.
I'm at the airport now, with still more time to think. And what I realize is that IT is happening all around me all the time. The preparation *was* IT. The conference was IT, too! His Kingdom comes with each act of obedience, each woman ministered to, each heart opened... Each is another step to a country I'm already a citizen of; being made fit to occupy a home I already own. I didn't come to sing at a women's conference. I came to do His will; which is to bring Him glory. I exist to do His bidding, to walk His road, to be His hands, His feet. And do you know how much I want to be His breath of fresh air?
Just Thursday night my beloved and I went to bed far too late and I asked him, "Why am I doing this? Why am I going? What do I *possibly* have to offer that could not be accomplished by someone else, and so much better, at that?" His answer was short and sweet—probably, "Because you're wonderful" or something—and then he went to sleep.
My question didn't. It rarely does, and tends to come to me often; and this weekend has once again reminded me that the answer is:
"For you are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared ahead of time *for you* to walk in them." Eph. 2:10
I don't officially have a life verse—don't know if I want one—but I know that that verse has been a strong theme for the last several years of my life. It doesn't matter what His reasons are for what He does, and who He choses for whatever He wants to get done. When you are called, you are equipped. When you are chosen, You become what He has decided you will be. The day dawns and the light reveals what was always intended to be there. Because He willed it. Because He's creating it.
It has not yet been revealed—to us—what we will become. But He's already seen it. And it was beautiful.
Helen
We're on Day 2 of our Daily Devotional Guide - Honesty in Prayer
Some of us have some issues we've been keeping "under wraps" for a long time, don't we? We've kept them "hidden away from God" or have been obstinate enough to refuse to think about them because it just hurts too much.
Don't go another day without getting real with God. Let it all out. All of it. Cry, scream, He's big enough to take it.
Oh how He listens with complete love and compassion. When you finally get honest with HIm (and yourself) He will move in mighty ways to change your broken and aching heart.
We're praying for you every step of the way. Will you pray for us as we take the next EXTREME step?
Read the following comments we have received regarding the Encouragement EXTREME Event!
I was very encouraged and my faith strengthened by the events of this past weekend. The Lord spoke to my heart many times. The main message I heard was no matter what "issues" I may have I am not "bound" by those, as satan would have me think, yet I am to wait upon the Lord, trusting Him to be my strength to press on to that which He has called me to "go" and do.
I learned very early in life that it was better to go "unnoticed" than to risk being noticed and made fun of or hurt in some other way. Being unnoticed feels safer but in reality I am much safer when I follow God's plan for my life. His plan is for me to step out in faith, trusting Him for each step along the journey. I am not to be afraid to be noticed anymore because He that is in me is greater than he who is in the world. What I want people to see in this no longer unnoticed girl is HIM.
~Amanda
Having stayed in NC one day longer than I had planned (due to snow) I bear some time to sit before the shuttle leaves. Time alone, but for Nellie who sleeps beside me in the make-shift stroller that I've used all weekend (her car seat set across the arms of the hotel's wheelchair.) I'm one of the last conference attendees still at the hotel, the only one in the lobby, and when finally stripped of anyone to talk to, I can reflect.
So many steps were taken leading up to this Extreme Event. (What did I expect for an event so named!?) For me there was recording a song, packaging a CD, packing for a baby and for myself, getting to the airport, getting onto (and off of, and onto) an airplane (with a v-e-r-y h-e-a-v-y car seat), setting up my International Justice Mission resource table with wonderful books about literal captives set free indeed; not altogether unfamiliar territory, but definitely not things that reside in the center of my comfort zone, especially all at the same time! And along the way, as each step was completed, I kept thinking that this was just *part* of what I was doing and that much more lay before me. "This isn't it, but IT is coming."
And it came. And it was wonderful. I will write more about that later. But since I'm a flibberty-gibbet, I'm just going to jump to the end.
I'm at the airport now, with still more time to think. And what I realize is that IT is happening all around me all the time. The preparation *was* IT. The conference was IT, too! His Kingdom comes with each act of obedience, each woman ministered to, each heart opened... Each is another step to a country I'm already a citizen of; being made fit to occupy a home I already own. I didn't come to sing at a women's conference. I came to do His will; which is to bring Him glory. I exist to do His bidding, to walk His road, to be His hands, His feet. And do you know how much I want to be His breath of fresh air?
Just Thursday night my beloved and I went to bed far too late and I asked him, "Why am I doing this? Why am I going? What do I *possibly* have to offer that could not be accomplished by someone else, and so much better, at that?" His answer was short and sweet—probably, "Because you're wonderful" or something—and then he went to sleep.
My question didn't. It rarely does, and tends to come to me often; and this weekend has once again reminded me that the answer is:
"For you are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared ahead of time *for you* to walk in them." Eph. 2:10
I don't officially have a life verse—don't know if I want one—but I know that that verse has been a strong theme for the last several years of my life. It doesn't matter what His reasons are for what He does, and who He choses for whatever He wants to get done. When you are called, you are equipped. When you are chosen, You become what He has decided you will be. The day dawns and the light reveals what was always intended to be there. Because He willed it. Because He's creating it.
It has not yet been revealed—to us—what we will become. But He's already seen it. And it was beautiful.
Helen
02/01/10: Encouragement EXTREME Event
Posted by: lprater
Wow! Wow! and Wow!
The snow storm that hit at the same time The Encouragement EXTREME Event began may have prevented some of our sisters from coming, but God showed up in BIG, EXTREME ways!
How can I adequately express watching God Who moves in so many marvelous ways all at the same time? Its like trying to catch every snowflake that fell, with one hand.
I know I can't do it justice at the onset, yet I am so compelled to write! Others are as well. So as you read our comments this week, please understand that so many glittering unique snowflakes of His miracles floated by us. Yet, we know they were there.
There weren't any storm chasers there but plenty of God-chasers!
Betty Shoopman, better known as just "B" painted a beautiful beach scene on a large canvas in the corner of the room. Over the course of the event, she kept painting and that picture changed and morphed into so many different specifics. All relating to the messages!
I was so blessed by B. She is a godly and powerfully creative woman who has abandoned her creative gifts completely to God. Her work is powerful worship!
Pam Allen came forward for worship. You see, the enemy wasn't too happy about that and we had some problems, but we were encouraged by Luann to give "Grace, Grace, Grace". Her worship came from her heart though, and we were led into worship.
Carol Davis then blessed us all with her ABSOLUTE message about the woman with issues and how she touched the hem of His garment and was healed. She could then no longer go unnoticed. She encouraged us all to push through the crowd and touch the hem of His garment and live for Jesus in such a way that the changes in us can no longer go unnoticed.
Carol is a beautiful woman who kept us laughing and smiling all weekend. She has a big ole gregarious and tender heart. I am so honored and blessed to serve along side her.
The beach painting morphed into Jesus hanging on the cross. The waves on the shore were transformed into His garment. We were all led to dip our hands into paint and "touch" the hem of His garment. It was so worship-full. Then Luann and I washed the hands of our sisters. I was so humbled. Even now it brings tears to my eyes.
The "Cafe' Hour" afterward was fun! Our sweet friend, Helen, from MN sang a couple of BEAUTIFUL songs she has written and we were further led into worship! Helen has such a pure and transparent heart, we were all captivated.
MaryKay and the prayer team transformed a hospitality room in the hotel into a sanctuary. I went there and found my name on one of the Names of God. I fell apart. God spoke so sweetly to a place in my heart that no one else knows. MaryKay's prayer ministry is absolutely vital!
I spoke Sat. morning about being Boundless. Jesus encourages us to come to Him and let our bindings of issues, sin and bandages fall off so we can be Boundless in Him Who is Boundless! We were encouraged and challenged to commit to being in God's Word and prayer on a daily basis.
Luann blessed and encouraged us all to let go and be abandoned to Him even when we don't know where the next step is! She led a "train" of blindfolded women around the large room by their hands to demonstrate that it is not easy to take the next step not knowing where you are going but when we put our hand in His and trust Him, He will lead. She encouraged and inspired us to let go and GO!
Luann is a beautiful woman with an abandoned heart to Jesus. She is a Spirit-filled woman who runs hard after Him. She listens to Him and obeys. God has given her the gift of vision. Through her obedience, faith and tenacity, Encouragement Cafe' and Encouragement EXTREME have come to fruit.
Dallas led us all into the most beautiful communion I have ever experienced. Her knowledge of Jewish history and Jewish culture coupled with her deep and abiding love for Jesus was shared as she taught us then served us the Holy Emblems. To be in her presence is calming. One can tell that she sits at His feet.
I'm so honored and grateful to know, love and serve with these women!
Ramona Davis
Will you join me in saying, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen"
Now if you were with us we want you to comment and share how God moved in your heart. To all of you who were there...we love you, we're praying for you. Please pray for us and for the next step He wants to lead us in.
The snow storm that hit at the same time The Encouragement EXTREME Event began may have prevented some of our sisters from coming, but God showed up in BIG, EXTREME ways!
How can I adequately express watching God Who moves in so many marvelous ways all at the same time? Its like trying to catch every snowflake that fell, with one hand.
I know I can't do it justice at the onset, yet I am so compelled to write! Others are as well. So as you read our comments this week, please understand that so many glittering unique snowflakes of His miracles floated by us. Yet, we know they were there.
There weren't any storm chasers there but plenty of God-chasers!
Betty Shoopman, better known as just "B" painted a beautiful beach scene on a large canvas in the corner of the room. Over the course of the event, she kept painting and that picture changed and morphed into so many different specifics. All relating to the messages!
I was so blessed by B. She is a godly and powerfully creative woman who has abandoned her creative gifts completely to God. Her work is powerful worship!
Pam Allen came forward for worship. You see, the enemy wasn't too happy about that and we had some problems, but we were encouraged by Luann to give "Grace, Grace, Grace". Her worship came from her heart though, and we were led into worship.
Carol Davis then blessed us all with her ABSOLUTE message about the woman with issues and how she touched the hem of His garment and was healed. She could then no longer go unnoticed. She encouraged us all to push through the crowd and touch the hem of His garment and live for Jesus in such a way that the changes in us can no longer go unnoticed.
Carol is a beautiful woman who kept us laughing and smiling all weekend. She has a big ole gregarious and tender heart. I am so honored and blessed to serve along side her.
The beach painting morphed into Jesus hanging on the cross. The waves on the shore were transformed into His garment. We were all led to dip our hands into paint and "touch" the hem of His garment. It was so worship-full. Then Luann and I washed the hands of our sisters. I was so humbled. Even now it brings tears to my eyes.
The "Cafe' Hour" afterward was fun! Our sweet friend, Helen, from MN sang a couple of BEAUTIFUL songs she has written and we were further led into worship! Helen has such a pure and transparent heart, we were all captivated.
MaryKay and the prayer team transformed a hospitality room in the hotel into a sanctuary. I went there and found my name on one of the Names of God. I fell apart. God spoke so sweetly to a place in my heart that no one else knows. MaryKay's prayer ministry is absolutely vital!
I spoke Sat. morning about being Boundless. Jesus encourages us to come to Him and let our bindings of issues, sin and bandages fall off so we can be Boundless in Him Who is Boundless! We were encouraged and challenged to commit to being in God's Word and prayer on a daily basis.
Luann blessed and encouraged us all to let go and be abandoned to Him even when we don't know where the next step is! She led a "train" of blindfolded women around the large room by their hands to demonstrate that it is not easy to take the next step not knowing where you are going but when we put our hand in His and trust Him, He will lead. She encouraged and inspired us to let go and GO!
Luann is a beautiful woman with an abandoned heart to Jesus. She is a Spirit-filled woman who runs hard after Him. She listens to Him and obeys. God has given her the gift of vision. Through her obedience, faith and tenacity, Encouragement Cafe' and Encouragement EXTREME have come to fruit.
Dallas led us all into the most beautiful communion I have ever experienced. Her knowledge of Jewish history and Jewish culture coupled with her deep and abiding love for Jesus was shared as she taught us then served us the Holy Emblems. To be in her presence is calming. One can tell that she sits at His feet.
I'm so honored and grateful to know, love and serve with these women!
Ramona Davis
Will you join me in saying, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen"
Now if you were with us we want you to comment and share how God moved in your heart. To all of you who were there...we love you, we're praying for you. Please pray for us and for the next step He wants to lead us in.
01/31/10: Welcome to Encouragement Cafe'
Come back Monday and all this week as we share the Encouragement EXTREME Event with you!
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