Two weekends ago I was helping my sister with a garage sale and a young mom with a 2 ½ to 3 year old daughter walked up. The mom was inside an area looking at some things and the little girl was within her sight but outside looking through a tub of toys, stuffed animals, little dolls, cars, plastic horses, etc. As I watched the little girl I became significantly amused. She would reach into the tub, bring out an item, and turn it over in her hands as if to check all sides top and bottom and then pause a second as if pondering. Then she would either throw it back in the tub as if to say “Nah” or carry it over to my sister to hold for when they checked out. I sat and watched this child go through this process over and over, again totally amused and chuckling at times. But then I realized what a “REAL LIFE” example of what we try to teach new moms and dads this situation provided……. “Young children model after your behaviors, not your words”. When they get older they have enough education to recognize some of your behaviors do not line up with your words. In this case it causes mistrust in the growing child and positions them to not know what to do in certain situations: “what you’ve told them” or “what you do”.
I wonder as we are in the throws of the Christmas season what you are telling them and modeling for them regarding the birth of our Savior. Do they get excited at Christmas because of the birth of Christ or because of the presents and gifts?
Monkey see, Monkey do...
His,
Vickie
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
How...
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe In Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14
The Strong’s Greek Dictionary defines the word preacher from that verse as….
kay-roos'-so…Of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel):—preach (-er), proclaim, publish.
This week as we are mindful of being Thankful, we at Pure Joy International Ministry want to salute the men and women all over the world that have taken that verse to heart and are proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth!
Thank you Missionaries all over the world for your willingness to go, share, and disciple the Nations!!! May God Bless you in a unique way this Thanksgiving Holiday.
Also, to all of you and yours that pray for this ministry, give on a regular basis, and go! Blessings to you as well!
Happy Thanksgiving from the Ministry Staff of Pure Joy!!!
The Strong’s Greek Dictionary defines the word preacher from that verse as….
kay-roos'-so…Of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel):—preach (-er), proclaim, publish.
This week as we are mindful of being Thankful, we at Pure Joy International Ministry want to salute the men and women all over the world that have taken that verse to heart and are proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth!
Thank you Missionaries all over the world for your willingness to go, share, and disciple the Nations!!! May God Bless you in a unique way this Thanksgiving Holiday.
Also, to all of you and yours that pray for this ministry, give on a regular basis, and go! Blessings to you as well!
Happy Thanksgiving from the Ministry Staff of Pure Joy!!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Dear Moms...
Many months ago a women put an announcement in the church bulletin at Antioch Baptist, my home church. It simply was a request for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, etc. to join her on Monday mornings in her home to pray for our families. This time was just prayer for our families, nothing else unless the LORD led us to it. I have missed very few of those mornings. I have also watched the LORD working in the families of those of us that meet.
I could cover this page with God’s faithfulness to answer prayers regarding each of our families that we have been praying about. But let me just say, PRAISE GOD who Is and Is to come!!!!
A dear friend of mine, as well as one of our ladies we like to take overseas as a speaker whenever she is available, began a ministry called Mom’s Day of Prayer. Below is an excerpt from that organization’s New Vision for 2011! Please take time to read it and check out her web site!
Also, we are gearing up for our next Retreat. It will be in Uganda, Africa. Please join us in praying as we work with potential sponsoring churches and all that God would have for the Missionary Women in that area of Africa.
His,
vickie
A New Vision for the Worldwide Mom’s Day of Prayer Ministry for 2011! 47 Saturdays – 47 MDOP Coordinators – 47 Churches. Yes, we are praying that 47 Saturdays in 2011 will have a MDOP on each weekend! The only Saturdays that we are leaving out are January 1st and all the Saturdays in December.
Please visit the MDOP website at http://www.momsdayofprayer.com to sign up or call the MDOP office at 479-452-6215.
As one MDOP attendee said, "I wonder how many of our precious children will be spared from suicide, rape, abortion, sexual misconduct, running away, loneliness, pain, depression, eternity in Hell, drug and alcohol addiction, etc. etc. etc., because of the Mom’s Day of Prayer."
Can you imagine 47 weekends filled with praying women? Sign up now!
Kathy J. Coleman
Mom's Day of Prayer Founder
http://www.momsdayofprayer.com
http://www.letsgetrealmarriages.com
http://www.kathyjcoleman.com
I could cover this page with God’s faithfulness to answer prayers regarding each of our families that we have been praying about. But let me just say, PRAISE GOD who Is and Is to come!!!!
A dear friend of mine, as well as one of our ladies we like to take overseas as a speaker whenever she is available, began a ministry called Mom’s Day of Prayer. Below is an excerpt from that organization’s New Vision for 2011! Please take time to read it and check out her web site!
Also, we are gearing up for our next Retreat. It will be in Uganda, Africa. Please join us in praying as we work with potential sponsoring churches and all that God would have for the Missionary Women in that area of Africa.
His,
vickie
A New Vision for the Worldwide Mom’s Day of Prayer Ministry for 2011! 47 Saturdays – 47 MDOP Coordinators – 47 Churches. Yes, we are praying that 47 Saturdays in 2011 will have a MDOP on each weekend! The only Saturdays that we are leaving out are January 1st and all the Saturdays in December.
Please visit the MDOP website at http://www.momsdayofprayer.com to sign up or call the MDOP office at 479-452-6215.
As one MDOP attendee said, "I wonder how many of our precious children will be spared from suicide, rape, abortion, sexual misconduct, running away, loneliness, pain, depression, eternity in Hell, drug and alcohol addiction, etc. etc. etc., because of the Mom’s Day of Prayer."
Can you imagine 47 weekends filled with praying women? Sign up now!
Kathy J. Coleman
Mom's Day of Prayer Founder
http://www.momsdayofprayer.com
http://www.letsgetrealmarriages.com
http://www.kathyjcoleman.com
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
His Attributes...
Do not let it be imagined that one must remain silent about one’s feelings of rebellion in order to enter into dialogue with God. Quite the opposite is the truth: it is precisely when one expresses them that a dialogue of truth begins.
PAUL TOURNIER (1898–1986)
We are a strange lot as human beings, aren’t we? I am talking to you and me, the body of Christ! I don’t know when I actually came to the place to “Believe” not just “know” that God knows all, sees all, is all powerful, is incomprehensible and is omnipresent, full of grace, mercy, etc. etc. But getting there was, and continues to be, life changing for me in my walk with God along with learning of all His other attributes.
Those are just a few of the Attributes of God that help me to walk in faith! Those particular attributes are the ones that have taught me to not waste my time trying to hide my sins and faults from Him and/or myself. In fact, those truths regarding His Attributes have provided me with the freedom to be honest with myself, God and others concerning my weaknesses and shortcomings
Why? Because . . . .
*when the God of All Creation can look at this lump of clay with all its faults and shortcomings and yet predestine me to be His child before the beginning of time,
*and through His Word continue to instruct me to run to Him for forgiveness of my sins, faults, and short comings as a child runs to a parent for love and security, worth and value,
*and as The Potter molds this clay daily for His Glory and use - whatever that might be,
. . . .then of course I want to dialogue with this Majestic God that is my only hope of eternal salvation in the future and righteousness in this lifetime.
Psalm 103:14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.You’ve heard the saying, “Get the right perspective on God and you’ll get the
right perspective on man.” Remember…He Knows, He Sees, He is all-powerful, and present 24-7. Get honest with yourself so you can get honest with The One that already knows and still LOVES you with an Eternal Love! Run to HIM!
His,
vickie
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
House or Home...
In a Treasury of Bible Illustrations complied by Ted Kyle and John Todd the following story is told….
House or Home
A cute little girl was sitting on top of a pile of luggage in a hotel lobby. Her parents were at the desk registering for their room. A sympathetic lady asked the little girl if they were visiting relatives in the city. “Oh, no,” the girl replied. “We’re going to live at this hotel until we find a house. My Daddy has a new job and we had to sell our house and move.” The lady said, “Oh, it’s too bad you don’t have a home.” To which the girl replied, “Oh we have a home—it’s just that we don’t have a house to put it in.”
Several weeks from now we will be celebrating the tradition of Thanksgiving.
I wonder how many people will be gathering in Houses and how many will be gathering in Homes?
Hmmmmmmm
His,
vickie
Invite someone to your Home for Thanksgiving! Plan now so they don’t feel like they were a last minute thought! The Holy Spirit of God will be glad to give you direction in this! He cares. Matthew 6:25-34
House or Home
A cute little girl was sitting on top of a pile of luggage in a hotel lobby. Her parents were at the desk registering for their room. A sympathetic lady asked the little girl if they were visiting relatives in the city. “Oh, no,” the girl replied. “We’re going to live at this hotel until we find a house. My Daddy has a new job and we had to sell our house and move.” The lady said, “Oh, it’s too bad you don’t have a home.” To which the girl replied, “Oh we have a home—it’s just that we don’t have a house to put it in.”
Several weeks from now we will be celebrating the tradition of Thanksgiving.
I wonder how many people will be gathering in Houses and how many will be gathering in Homes?
Hmmmmmmm
His,
vickie
Invite someone to your Home for Thanksgiving! Plan now so they don’t feel like they were a last minute thought! The Holy Spirit of God will be glad to give you direction in this! He cares. Matthew 6:25-34
Monday, October 25, 2010
Roses Among Thorns....
This past Wednesday I had the privilege of speaking to an organization called “Roses Among Thorns”. It is a group of women that are Cancer Survivors (or as I like to say, “Overcomers through Christ). They meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month for lunch, fellowship, a guest speaker, fun and discussion of opportunities to minister to others.
One of the most precious things I heard spoken among the group that day was when someone shared with me how they network. They are so mindful of each one’s journey.
Some are just recently diagnosed, some are in treatment, some are Survivors, some are barely hanging on to another month. But this group is so awesome! One of the ladies told me, “Recently she called Linda Dickey, Founder ( http://www.rosesamongthorns.org/ ) and said, “We have a Rose in trouble!” Maybe she just needs a phone call of encouragement, maybe she needs a visit, maybe a surprise, maybe a call, a card, etc. I love that…..We have a Rose in trouble! Can’t you just see everyone rallying to take care of the Rose - that beautiful flower that gives such a magnificent fragrance!
Could we, as believers, have that kind of passion for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ?! Could we realize that it is tough out there in the world as we travel through the day?! Could we recognize that our brothers and sisters are struggling with finances, jobs, marriages, children, etc.?! Yes, some of them are in trouble! Trouble of the soul - the mind, will and emotions. Can we acknowledge “hey” we have a brother or sister in Christ in trouble and then actually rally to make a call of encouragement, send a note, make a visit, buy their lunch, etc.? Maybe it would help if we could see with the eyes of Christ instead of the eyes of our flesh. What if we saw one another as the absolute work of art of the Almighty Creator of the Universe? What if we actually saw our brothers and sisters as genuine works of art, each work the original? God the Artist! Because that is true you know!!! Would we take better care of one another? Hmmmmm
Let’s try this week to become very aware of the original art that God has allowed to be a part of your life and mine. Be willing to call up a friend and say…..”We have a piece of art work in trouble, let’s rally.” Maybe that piece of art is you, your spouse, your children, your job, your parents, etc. Make the call!
His,
vickie
One of the most precious things I heard spoken among the group that day was when someone shared with me how they network. They are so mindful of each one’s journey.
Some are just recently diagnosed, some are in treatment, some are Survivors, some are barely hanging on to another month. But this group is so awesome! One of the ladies told me, “Recently she called Linda Dickey, Founder ( http://www.rosesamongthorns.org/ ) and said, “We have a Rose in trouble!” Maybe she just needs a phone call of encouragement, maybe she needs a visit, maybe a surprise, maybe a call, a card, etc. I love that…..We have a Rose in trouble! Can’t you just see everyone rallying to take care of the Rose - that beautiful flower that gives such a magnificent fragrance!
Could we, as believers, have that kind of passion for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ?! Could we realize that it is tough out there in the world as we travel through the day?! Could we recognize that our brothers and sisters are struggling with finances, jobs, marriages, children, etc.?! Yes, some of them are in trouble! Trouble of the soul - the mind, will and emotions. Can we acknowledge “hey” we have a brother or sister in Christ in trouble and then actually rally to make a call of encouragement, send a note, make a visit, buy their lunch, etc.? Maybe it would help if we could see with the eyes of Christ instead of the eyes of our flesh. What if we saw one another as the absolute work of art of the Almighty Creator of the Universe? What if we actually saw our brothers and sisters as genuine works of art, each work the original? God the Artist! Because that is true you know!!! Would we take better care of one another? Hmmmmm
Let’s try this week to become very aware of the original art that God has allowed to be a part of your life and mine. Be willing to call up a friend and say…..”We have a piece of art work in trouble, let’s rally.” Maybe that piece of art is you, your spouse, your children, your job, your parents, etc. Make the call!
His,
vickie
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tulsa Taste of Pure Joy Retreat 2010 Cancelled...
As most of you know Pure Joy stepped out in an adventure these past several months after much prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our heart was to minister to women in roles of leadership within church staffs. Our deadline for sign-up was Oct. 15, 2010. That was last Friday night. Our threshold for attendance was no less than 50. (Ok, I had this grandiose idea of no more than 350.) I’m like this eternal optimist!
Our final number was 20 ladies registered by the deadline. Now most people would see that as some kind of “did we miss God syndrome?” May I encourage you with a genuine “No” we didn’t miss God. How do you know you might ask? Because we had peace throughout the process. Col. 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart”. The amplified Bible says, “Let the peace of Christ rule like an umpire”. It is either “in” or “out”! There is no I am sort of “in” His will or sort of “out” of His will. You are either in or out! We were “in” throughout the process. So the outcome wasn’t ours but HIS!
God used this to show us that while He is adding some different arms to the ministry it is in regard to overseas not here in the states. This journey was affirmation of the vision He gave in 1999 for Pure Joy International. So Praise God!!!!! However, do not forget that Pure Joy is an inside out ministry and we do work with churches in the U.S. to accomplish the vision.
I want to encourage you to take time to pray about your involvement in Pure Joy International Ministries. I would be honored to come to your church and communities to share about Pure Joy. I enjoy speaking in your Ladies Retreats at your home churches about whatever your theme or desire for a topic is. I love working with leadership and would love to spend time with your women’s leadership ministry. Any way we at Pure Joy can help connect you to Him and the vision He has laid on our heart to minister to our women overseas gives us great Joy!
Keeping Praying, Giving, and Going! And, as we all know, that will be harder and harder to do in these days and the future. But we have a forerunner….JESUS!
Love you all,
His,
vickie
Our final number was 20 ladies registered by the deadline. Now most people would see that as some kind of “did we miss God syndrome?” May I encourage you with a genuine “No” we didn’t miss God. How do you know you might ask? Because we had peace throughout the process. Col. 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart”. The amplified Bible says, “Let the peace of Christ rule like an umpire”. It is either “in” or “out”! There is no I am sort of “in” His will or sort of “out” of His will. You are either in or out! We were “in” throughout the process. So the outcome wasn’t ours but HIS!
God used this to show us that while He is adding some different arms to the ministry it is in regard to overseas not here in the states. This journey was affirmation of the vision He gave in 1999 for Pure Joy International. So Praise God!!!!! However, do not forget that Pure Joy is an inside out ministry and we do work with churches in the U.S. to accomplish the vision.
I want to encourage you to take time to pray about your involvement in Pure Joy International Ministries. I would be honored to come to your church and communities to share about Pure Joy. I enjoy speaking in your Ladies Retreats at your home churches about whatever your theme or desire for a topic is. I love working with leadership and would love to spend time with your women’s leadership ministry. Any way we at Pure Joy can help connect you to Him and the vision He has laid on our heart to minister to our women overseas gives us great Joy!
Keeping Praying, Giving, and Going! And, as we all know, that will be harder and harder to do in these days and the future. But we have a forerunner….JESUS!
Love you all,
His,
vickie
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