Compel 2010

WOW!!!  What a weekend!  Ladies, I am trusting that you were blessed as much as I was this weekend! 

Today I am filled with peace.  Joanna moved me and made me laugh.  More importantly, she made me think.  Where am I still holding things?  I am praying for new revelation of the things that I'm not realizing that I'm holding on to.  I am also praying that happens in each of you in the weeks to come.  This life we live is a process.  (Praise God!)  I want to process this piece completely.  I want to work through it over the next few months; not just say well that was good and move forward. 

I encourage each of you to share with us through your comments on this blog or via e-mail.  We'd love to support and help you process.  That is what the sense of commnity is all about! 

I want to savor this year, before we move onto next year.   Will you do so with me? 

BE NEAR...

Lysa Terkeurst, president of Proverbs 31 Ministries had this on her blog today.  It was a reminder of prayer, and of our theme of nearness.  How can we feel near to those miles away?  Yet our heart is torn and aching for these people.  I sit and watch the news of Haiti and want so much to help.  My heart breaks and my tummy churns. 

Be Near

Each time I turn on the TV, my heart is stirred like I'm sure yours is with the tragedies being experienced in Haiti. My heart stirs and I wish I could get on a plane headed there right now. I want to help get food and medical attention to those who need it right now. I want to speak hope into the bleak realities right now.

But at the same time I feel paralyzed right now.

The situation feels beyond me. Chaotic. Overwhelming.

I can send money and I will. But is that enough? As a Jesus girl, is that really enough?

I guess the thing that tugs- rips- at my heart is the strong correlation between what these precious people are facing and what my two sons lived for many years. It's hard for me to see the kids starving, confused, hurting, and helpless. During the civil war in Liberia, that's the way my boys lived.

My boys.

The ones I care for, love, buy Christmas presents for, plan their birthdays, and make sure they go to the doctor for even the slightest ailment.

But there were years before I met them where they were in desperate need while I sat paralyzed in oblivion here in a land flowing with provision. It's not that I didn't care. It's that I didn't know how to care. The orphan problem in Africa seemed so big. So beyond me. Overwhelming. Chaotic.

I felt small. Insignificant. Helpless to make any real difference.

I sent money. I sent a few Christmas shoe boxes. But the orphan problem was a far removed social issue for other people to handle. Until.

Until that far removed social issue came to stand in my kitchen one day. Two boys. Two boys who put a face with real tears on this issue and ruined me for good in the best kind of way.

I don't know what my assignment will be for Haiti. But I know there is one.

Knowing this, compels me to do what I can do for today while I let tomorrow's assignment unfold and make its way to me. I'm not going to manipulate this assignment or rush ahead of where I'm supposed to go. I'm simply going to lift up my willingness and watch with eyes wide open to see where God directs.

In the meantime, I am praying for specific people whose names I may never know. I am asking God to put a person on my heart each day and let that be my assignment. Until I know what to do, I am committed to be... be available, be aware, be faithful to pray.

Right now I am praying for that young man sitting on the side of the road wondering if anyone in the world is thinking or caring about him.

God, let him feel a rush of hope right this second. God, let him see the next thread of hope to cling to. God, help him to hear of place he might go today to get food and medical attention. God, be near to this young man on the side of the road.

Be near.

What do you feel called to do? How do you feel called to be? Please share.

Hoe Does God Talk to You?

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  - John 10:27

I have been looking through Joanna's book again, getting ready for the conference.  This part stuck out to me, and I thought I would ask you to ponder it in preparation for the conference. 

While we know God speaks clearly to us though the Bible, many of us are unceratin how to hear God's voice in our spirit. "How does God speak to you?" someone asked the aurthor and speaker Carole Mayhall.  I have found her answer immensely practical and helpful: 

For me, He speaks by a distinct impression in my heart.  He's never spoken to me aloud, but smpoetimes the thought that he puts in my soul is so vivid that He might as well have!  Many times it is just a thougth or an idea that flashes into my mind and I know it is from Him...

Sometimes a thought pops into my mind - a thought so different from what I was thinking, or so creative I never woul dhave thought of it, or opposite to what I wanted God to say to me.  When that happens - and it lines up with God's Word - I know I've heard His voice in a distinctive way...

I pray frequently that I will hear His voice more often and more clearly.  When I don't I know He hasn't stopped speaking; rather, I have stopped listening. 

Wow - certainly made me sit down and reevaluate!  I praise God and continue to pray that He would give me eyes to see, give me ears to hear, and give me lips to Speak his will! 

Girl Time - Fellowship

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

                                                        1 John 1:7

Oh...... how sweet is fellowship.  True fellowship.  It makes me just smile and sigh at the same time. 

I had the opportunity to have coffee tonight with a dear new friend.  As we learned more about each other, my heart was so touched by how God can bring people together.  Our circumstances and lives and stories are so similar.  I have lived in this small town for nearly 11 years and am just now connecting with someone who shares so many exciting things.  Most of all, a love and passion for Jesus and for prayer and for the poor, and fellow believers.  I thank God for our time together and look forward to many more. 
This time together also made me think about each woman who is considering signing up for the Compel Conference.  The time of fellowship they will have whether they come alone and meet new people, or come with a group of girlfriends and enjoy the time together.  As women, many of us long for dear, sweet relationships and connections.  I know that I made one last year at Compel, and am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me this year!  In my efforts to draw near to him, wanting him to become my best friend - I mean really, not just to say that! For REAL best friend - like the first person I think about.... 

Will he bless me with new friends to know and love and pray for?  I'm certain that he will.  You too....  if you open your heart to him, and to new encounters.... 

Looking forward to "girl" time!  Next weekend!!  Can't wait!!!  See you all then!!!  (OK - so you get what I'm asking for? - sing up if you haven't already!)

For He is Good!

Last night we prayed over the conference.  God was there with us and He is sooooo Goood......  As you prepare for the conference, it is my prayer that He is good to you.  Sign up now!  We are anxious to pray for you by name!  He is going to do great things! 

Can't wait to see you then!