Joy in the Journey

Yesterday I shared the celebration of The Crossing's 10-year anniversary.  As the Women's Ministries launched the Lord brought precious cohorts to help me.  One of the first and sweetest was my friend, Joy.  We met shortly before the first Sunday service at a women's Bible study. Joy volunteered to help in anyway I needed, but she wanted to always be behind the scenes.  Ha!  Jesus so had different plans for Joy.

We started the women's ministries with a Bible study. Then to welcome women who were new to the church we  held a newcomer's coffee--Mugs and Muffins.  (Of course, we were all new.  It was a church plant.)  I will never forget that I asked Joy to read a devotional. Her hands were shaking so hard that she could barely read it.

Alas, her husband switched jobs and moved my friend to Phoenix after only six months.  I was heartbroken and a bit angry at God and her husband.  But God saw a bigger vision than what I did.  Joy was only in Phoenix about a month before she became the Women's Ministries director of a new large church plant.  As an obedient servant to the Most High God Joy stepped out in faith.  She led Bible studies. Joy spoke at retreats.  Everything that she feared she faced. 

That was 10 years ago.  Our friendship has endured the time and the distance.  Joy has brought joy to my journey.  I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for the two of us during the next 10 years.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. (Proverbs 27:9 NIV)

 
Travel Mercies,

The Journey Began

Ten years ago, I began a new journey.  Mark and I were part of a church plant called  The Crossing here in Las Vegas.  It's hard to believe that it was 10-years ago, but this past Sunday we celebrated our 10-year anniversary.  (I guess we can't even be called a "church plant" any longer.)

I was on staff for several years as the Women's Ministries director.  I have fond memories of launching Bible studies and MOPs.  We held retreats, teas, and even a Valentine Spa.  Fun stuff.  Jesus showed up and did some amazing things in women's life--miracles actually.

The Lord gave me two Scriptures when we began.

Then will all your people be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. (Isaiah 60:21 NIV)
 
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 NIV)
 
On Sunday I watched women, whose lives have been transformed, worship the Lord God Almighty. He had fulfilled these words of promise, hope, and redemption.  His daughters rejoiced in His faithfulness.


Today I thank God for having had the privilege to journey along side of my pastors, Shane and Scott. Along with my dear friend, Connie and the other women who served on the women's leadership team.
 
Rejoicing,

And God Shows Up

God cares about His girls.  This past weekend God showed up for His 400 girls in Williams, Arizona.  The retreat was held at the Young Life Camp.   The facility is absolutely amazing. 

Lots of girls means lots of laughter.  The shrieks that issued from the zipline and the swinging chair made me crack-up.  (I have to admit I wasn't brave enough to attempt either.) 
Then the music...how do I even begin to describe Hosanna.  Five women who can sing like angels and with the ability to bring women right to the throne room of God.  And God looked down and smiled on us. His Holy Presence enveloped us.

Even in our laughter, especially when I said, "thong of women" instead of  "throng of women" I believe every woman was touched in some new and personal way by Jesus.  He challenged us in so many ways, but especially to go out and share our personal stories, so that others can learn of the grace and mercy of Jesus.  Each of our lives are miracles.  Can I hear an amen?

Women of Arizona you blessed my Vegas heart!

If I Had Nine Lives

One of my favorite movies scenes comes from Little Women (1994)  The scene evolves as Jo March sits with her romantic interest, the professor, and his friends.  The men debate whether or not women should have the right to vote.  Jo enters the debate with a stinging logical retort.  The dialogue proceeds,

Mr. Mayer: You should have been a lawyer, Miss March.

Jo March: I should have been a great many things, Mr. Mayer.

 Every time my husband and I watch this movie, which is every December, we look at each other and say, "I should have been a great many things."  Unfortunately, I have more interests and dreams that I have life.

Here are the things that I should have been. This list is not prioritized in numerical order. Nor does it take into consideration God's calling on my life.  But my heart and spirit whisper that life is such a wonder.  I should've, could've and would've been any of the following. 

1. Cowgirl barrel racer
2. Veterinarian
3. Peace Corp Volunteer
4. World Traveler
5. Train Conductor
6. Dairy Queen Worker  (age 5)
7. Author/Speaker
8. Bohemian Freelance writer
9. Astronomer (not smart enough)

A few of these I have accomplished.  Others were unrealistic for my natural gifts and abilities.  A few were clearly not God's will for my life--life is short. But regardless, I still say that if I had nine lives I would have been a great many things.  What would you like to do in your life?

Travel Mercies,

Geek Envy and my Writer's Heart

I couldn't believe my eyes.  There sitting next to me at the small town rodeo was a girl, around 8 years old, working on an iPad.  What?  My first thought was, "No fair!  I don't have an iPad, why should she?" 

My love for electronic gadgets has been unfolding since the first electronic word processors were launched during the 1980s.   They were so popular that my husband had to stalk Montgomery Ward to eventually buy me the prized possession.  (He earned many man points that day.)  I still say it was one of my favorite gifts of all time.  That was a long time ago -- manual typewriters and Montgomery Ward.  Am I dating myself or what?  

Anyway, I have transitioned over the years from a manual typewriter, to an electric word processor, to a DOS computer, to a PC, to a small Dell laptop.  I have loved every transition and each one has made my writing life so much easier.  So when the iPad released, I thought it was going to be the next step in my geeky writing journey.  But as I researched it, I found it doesn't meet the needs of a writer at all.  It's a great electronic toy for Googling things, playing games, reading books, etc.  In my life it would be just a toy, not a useful writing tool.  And if I was honest, it would probably distract me from my writing.  Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson, said about the iPad, "It's a solution looking for a problem to fix." 

So my iPad envy was so unjustified. (Is envy ever justified?)  I truly do not want an iPad at this point.  But it was just looking over at this tiny kid tapping away that made the electronic geek in me think I "needed"  an iPad.  Really?  Like I would be writing instead of watching the rodeo in St. George, Utah. 

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 14:30 

I do look forward to whatever the next writers' electronic tool will be, but for now it's not the iPad. Are you an electronics geek?   What helps you the most in your writing endeavors?

Writers write.  Keep writing,

Horse of a Different Color--Pink

This week I have rambled about helmet hair and roadway hassles, but the truth is these shouldn't even be considered minor inconveniences.  Not when there is still not a cure for cancer. October is national breast cancer awareness month. In the fight against breast cancer, this past weekend at the local rodeo in St. George, Utah they painted the wall of the arena pink and everyone was asked to wear pink--even the rough and tumble cowboys.  Cool thing was--they did. 

Here's a picture of the arena before the events started.  Can you see the pink railing?  All the pink shirts?  And what about the horse with a special pink coat?  The historic Dixie Sunbowl was filled to capacity with people all dressed in pink to bring awareness about  the need to find a cure for breast cancer.
I have several friends who are currently battling this horrific disease. It breaks my heart every time I hear of someone else being diagnosed.  But my heart is blessed when I see people who care enough to donate to research to  help find a cure and prevent breast cancer. 

This one is for you, Vern.

Think Pink--Donate!

A Zigzag Through Zion

Surprise -- the road was impassable. My husband and I along with another couple rode motorcycles to Zion National Park this past weekend.  We were a pack of two -- two bikes and four riders.  (The two girls, me and my friend, are not "experienced" riders.) We paid our $24 per motorcycle to ride in Zion National Park, and began to wind our way up the incline only to discover the entire road through Zion was under construction--major construction.  The rode was unpaved.  It was only packed red dirt and hairpin turns.  This is extremely difficult and dangerous for motorcyclists.

Did I mention that the girls on the back of the bikes were inexperienced riders?  We clung to our Harley men for dear life until I finally shouted, "No more.  Let's turn around."   I think we made it about two miles before we chickened out.  We slowly poked our way back to the park gate and said we wanted our $24 back.  After a bit of an argument they refunded our money.  The ranger at the gate said, "I ride my motorcycle up and down it all the time.  I told him we were inexperienced.  His facial expression changed immediately and he said, "Well, in that case I WILL refund your money.  No problem." 

So I guess we will travel through Zion next year after the road construction is complete.  But here are a couple of photos to display the glory of God's handiwork.

Psalms 99:2

Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations.   (NIV)

 

 

Travel Mercies,