Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The difference a mountain can make...

This past weekend the Pure Joy Board and Staff met for our annual retreat. It was a time we could pull away and evaluate the ministry and ourselves and make sure we had not moved away from His plans for Pure Joy International. It was also a time of reflection for us as board members and ministry staff to make sure we are following Jesus in our service to Him.

The retreat was held not far from Scotland, AR or Clinton, AR depending on how you want to look at it. But no matter how you look at it, we were imbedded in a cabin on top of a mountain that, had it not been for the fog, would have allowed us to see forever and ever. Fog is an interesting thing, isn’t it! It comes in density levels. It can be so thick you can only see what is right in front of you or it can come in such a way that you can see for a distance but not necessarily clearly. Unless the fog disperses itself, the only way to get out of it is to rise above it. I know I am going out on a limb here, but I am comfortable in saying that most people live in a fog. The density levels might be different but they are in a fog. And most people are not living above the fog…they have just learned to live with it to get some relief. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been there. And this I know: if we would discipline ourselves to go to the top of the mountain more frequently, I suspect we would rise above our circumstances (fog) more often. Rising above doesn’t mean they go away, because you can’t control other people (and most circumstances do have to do with others). It just means you have gotten away from it all to ‘be reminded’ of Who is in control and Who allows you to breathe, regroup, focus, and replenish for the journey of life. So, if you haven’t done it lately, go to the top of the mountain and wait and watch. Things may not clear up down below, but you sure get reminded that you are not alone!

This past Monday night I had the privilege of meeting with a ladies’ Sunday School class from First Baptist Church, Conway AR. We actually met in the home of John and Joyce Magyar, a couple who served as missionaries in Cali, Colombia for 35 years before returning to the Conway area. I don’t believe I have had a more appropriate introduction to a group than I received last night as Kim, their daughter, introduced me to the group of ladies by stating, “This is Vickie and the reason I like her ministry is…as a missionary kid (MK) I saw my mom working alongside my dad in ministry while raising 6 kids, ministering to the local women, and doing many other things. I wish she would have had something like this to pull away from it all and get refreshed and renewed.” As I listened to Kim’s introduction as she sat next to her mom, my heart leapt again as it often does when I think of God’s faithfulness to make provision for those He has called to the front lines and to leave their families and friends in service to Him. I look forward to watching His hand among these ladies who have stated a desire to join us in some fashion in the days ahead.

If you are thinking, “WOW, Vic has had some kind of awesome time with the LORD the last four days!” that would be a right answer!

Details are coming together for the Dominican Republic trip. We should have the location settled by end of this week or first part of next. Then registration for the missionary women will open. If you have been to a Pure Joy Retreat and know ladies in this area or countries close by, pay it forward by letting them know. Also, we are still putting the team together, so please prayerfully seek God in this if you are interested and/or your church is interested in being a part of this trip.

As always, love you all!

His,
Vickie

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Such a Sweet Spirit...

Last night I had the sweet privilege of meeting with a group of pastors and their wives at FBC Vilonia, AR. It really was a sweet time of being able to share with them the need for the ministry of Pure Joy to missionary women overseas. Several of the missionary women from our Peru trip in 2011 are supported by some of the churches represented last night. Once again I was reminded of Jesus’ love for His girls! I have already heard from one of the wives this morning interested in being a part of what God is up to through Pure Joy! I already know some of the churches that were represented last night will be part of what God desires to accomplish with our Dominican Republic Retreat in May. How they are involved is in God’s hands and will be revealed. I can’t wait! I love watching Him work!

Wow! It just dawned on me. When was the last time someone told you that they loved watching you work…someone besides your spouse who expects it from you for other reasons! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! One of the ladies said to me as I was walking out, “I can see your passion.” She probably doesn’t realize it, but what she really said to me was, “I can see Jesus.” Why? Because Jesus drives our passions when we yield to Him.

For example, I went to a conference over the weekend and listened to Lisa Harper speak. I saw her passion for the world. I saw Jesus! And many of our college and young people just got back from The Passion Conference in Atlanta, GA (http://www.268generation.com). They came back on fire for the things of God. Why? Because they listened to worship and teaching from people who are passionate about Jesus. He drives them!

When is the last time you where so passionate about Jesus that someone else could see Him? If it’s been a while maybe the lyrics from the song “Give Me Jesus” by Jeremy Camp will stir your heart back to what is of the utmost importance. I know it does me.

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus
When I am alone
When I am alone
When I am alone, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus
When I come to die
When I come to die
When I come to die, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus

Keep praying for all the details of the Dominican Republic Retreat to come together!

Love you!

His,
Vickie

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Aliens (Sojourners)...

When we think of the word alien don’t we conjure up some little guys with bug eyes and a head shaped like an upside down tear drop, and/or things that look like monsters with tentacles coming out of its head from spaceships?

The law defines an alien as “a person owing allegiance to a country other than that in which he lives; also known as a foreigner”

Eastman Bible Dictionary defines alien/sojourner as “a foreigner, or person born in another country, and therefore not entitled to the rights and privileges of the country where he resides.”

1 Peter 2: 11-12 (ESV)
11. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners/aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Sunday night during our celebration service at my home church we sang a new song that has come out on the radio recently called, “Where I Belong” by a group called Building 429. You can listen to the song in its entirety at YouTube if like by clicking HERE.

The thing that captured my heart that night as we sang the song was the chorus.

All I know is I’m not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong

May I have the privilege of encouraging you right now? If you are reading this blog you ain’t home yet, sister! So you are not where you belong! And let’s just be real…there is nothing worse than being somewhere you don’t belong. Think of the many uncomfortable moments you have experienced in this life and what it felt like to be somewhere you didn’t really belong. Yuk! It is a yucky feeling! We will NEVER FEEL YUCKY WHEN WE GET HOME!

I like the way Eugene Peterson writes out his interpretation of 1 Peter 2:11-12

11. Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. 12. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.

In summary, don’t get cozy in this ole world. It ain’t your home. And live for Jesus among the natives (those who don’t know Him) so they will be drawn to Him and away from this world as well!

Love you all! Continue to pray for the Dominican Republic as we work on details.

His,
Vickie

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Enter at Your Own Risk...

Today I want to let you into my mind to have a glance into a little of the intimacy between God and me; therefore the warning: ‘Enter at Your Own Risk.’ Each year since my salvation in March 1990 I spend the last thirty minutes of the old year and the first 30 minutes of the New Year in prayer and in the Word with God. During that time I am looking back and forward with Him as the filter. During that time I always ask Him to give me a verse and direction over my life for the New Year. This year I began reminding Him several weeks out that I would need the verse and direction from Him soon. (I know He knows me but I just wanted to get the ball rolling. Ha ha!) On New Year’s Eve during the time of prayer and reading I never really felt like God gave me anything specific. I did sense that He was leading me to an awareness of not letting myself get entangled in so many everyday life issues that draw my attention away from the things of God. As you  know, New Year’s Day fell on Sunday this year, so that morning off to church I went to our first morning service. The message was on Philippians 3:12-16. Verses 14-16 are the verses that God through His Holy Spirit hung on my heart that morning.

14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

I love that passage as many of us believers do! But this time as I sat and listened to the Pastor, a very clear picture was building in my mind. It was like God was allowing me to not only hear the message, but He was also impressing upon me that this passage would be His Word and direction for me for this year. A picture that I have witnessed in my coaching days and in sports’ pictures came to my mind: a runner. He is in the last leg of a distance run, he has started to move away from the other runners, he is picking up the pace, he is coming out of the last corner headed down the home stretch, his mind is fixed on the finish line, his sprint is smooth and determined. He doesn’t look back at all to see where the other runners are because he knows when he stepped away from them. His mind has shifted from merely running the race to the goal. He sees nothing but the goal at hand. His eyes and heart are fixed! NOW is the time! Run!!!! I have no idea how all this presses out in the physical. What I know is that when it is done, I will know Him more! Amen. So if you see me anywhere around this year you will know this intimate truth between God and me: I’m running because His Love compels me to.

In our ministry staff meeting today we spent some of our time discussing our upcoming opportunity to minister to the missionary women in the Dominican Republic. We are looking at dates at the end of May 2012. Yesterday, we received a check for $300 as our first donation towards sponsoring one of the possible 50 missionary women who will be there. Even as I write these words I ask you to ask Him if you should be a part of giving to this retreat. If so, then just do it my dear followers of Christ.

We are looking to an awesome year of ministering to our missionary women overseas.  Please remember to pray for them, their families, ministries, health, finances, etc. Stand in the gap for them in prayer this year as often as God brings them to mind. Pray for me as I travel more and more to tell others about Pure Joy and the opportunity individuals, organizations, and churches have to partner with us.

I pray as you start your New Year that you have sought God for His direction and Word.  If not then please, please, stop the bus and wait on Him to move you through His Spirit.  He knows and He cares! Don’t leave home without Him!

Love you all, and I am exciting about serving Him with you this year!

Running,

His,
Vickie

p.s. I felt so strong about how God spoke to me I contacted a friend this past week to do me a pencil drawing of that runner.  I’ll share it with you when she is done.