Easter is only a few weeks away ...

As we begin our journey to remember the cross this Easter we will see the normal things that take place every year. People that have not been to church since Christmas and/or Easter of last year will come through the church doors. Church people will put their signs out in their yards inviting people to the Sunday Easter Service. Others will verbally invite someone to church because for some unknown reason it is ok to invite people to church on Easter Sunday and/or Christmas without feeling uncomfortable about doing so. Children, along with many adults, will be dressed up in the colors of spring. A sense of celebration will be in the air. Grills will be fired up with hamburgers and hotdogs accompanied by Easter Egg hunts in many parks and back yards.

However, Monday following Easter life will go back to usual for most and the celebration will be over till next Easter. Why? Why is this so true for so many in the body of Christ! Because, we lose sight of what the power of the cross and the resurrection means to our daily lives! 

Just to remind us... Here are just a few of the basics: Eternal life, a new heart, a new identity, a new foundation to build our lives on, a bank account of forgiveness, and the list is endless! Please consider, for a believer Easter should be a climax celebration of living out these truths that proclaim the victory and hope that are ours daily from year to year.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

 John 3:16 (ESV)  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 

John 1:12-13 (ESV) But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,   who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV) For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

John 1:9 (ESV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Thank you to those that I have talked with about where God would lead us in the fall. We will be meeting as a staff the second week of April to talk more about the opportunities and to seek His will.

Have a Great Week!

His,

Vickie

Would you consider...

Earlier this week on the way to the office, I was deeply impressed to pray for a friend that I had not really had much contact with in a while. She attends my church and I see her from afar on Sunday mornings. We smile and say hi, and move on.

After lifting her family up in prayer, I sent her a short text message telling her that I felt impressed by God to pray for them and wanted her to know He had led me to pray for them.

She quickly wrote me back sharing with me that I had no idea how timely that text was. I am reminded how much the enemy tries to keep us distracted with the things of this world so we are not sensitive to the person of the Holy Spirit giving us direction through the day. How many times during the day would God use us to step up and walk alongside someone, if only for a few meaningful steps to encourage them because He see and knows their struggle, journey, needs, etc.

How amazing that God sees all and directs us, His vessels, to show up on His behalf. Nothing is more exciting than to know we are being used by Him, for His Glory.

Take time to quiet your soul (mind, will, and emotions) today from the distractions of this world so you can hear His voice through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Someone may have a need that God would like to meet through you, His vessel.

Praying that we walk beside one another more often instead of running ahead or behind.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

Also, would you join us in praying about where He would have Pure Joy International to serve Him in the Fall of this year? Thank you so much. And if you sense it is in your part of the world, please contact me.

Blessing to you this upcoming week.

His,
Vickie

No Words...

What an incredible time we had with all the ladies in Central Europe! Everyone always ask about the trips and how they are different. Wish I could explain that to everyone but I can't. Each is uniquely its own entity. 

What I personally enjoy is the different themes God gives us for each trip. He Knows All and the messages prepared around the theme touch many lives.

Thank you all 600 plus people that were part of the Central Europe trip!  Praying, gifting, giving and going!

Now, we look ahead to where He is leading us for our next trip. I know it is hard for some that we don't just pick a country and go. However, God has seriously taught us He will lead. His timing is perfect! Our next trip on the books is Spring Eastern Europe 2018. I do believe we will be in one or two other locations before that but we are waiting on Him.

I want to give a big shout out for all our contact people in our local churches! Thank you for doing your part so well!

Have a great weekend and remember to "Consider Your Ways"! Haggai 1:7.

His,
Vickie

Day 8 Athens Greece...

We are on the last leg of our flight from Atlanta to Arkansas as I write this blog (Sunday Night). The other team members are headed to Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee respectively. 

For those of you reading this, that attended the conference, what a sweet time we had with our LORD.

I have asked Mary to post some more pictures of our last day with the women. Enjoy!

His,
Vickie

Day 7 Athens Greece.....

We finished up our last day with the ladies. It has been an incredible week! It is always hard to leave the ladies at the end of the week wherever we are! Only God can knit hearts together so quickly and sincerely. 

We are all packed up and waiting for the bus to the airport to pick is up at 2:30 a.m.

Everyone is excited to get home to families! Please pray for safe travels for all!

Below are some picks if our final time with the ladies.

His,
Vickie

Day 6 Athens Greece ...

Hello Pure Joy International Friends,

Mary B. here. Vickie asked me to write the blog tonight and send more pictures.

I am always amazed how God meets us all right where we are and He is doing that mightily at this conference! We have heard powerful messages from Sharon, Vickie and Nikki today. The worship and prayer has moved us closer to our Lord and the fellowship and gifts have been encouraging to each of us.

Thanks again to all our partners back home. Please keep praying that we finish strong tomorrow morning and carry all He has blessed us with home to bless others.

Counting it all Pure Joy!
Mary B.

Day 5 Athens Greece ....

Wow!!! God is so showing up in our time together with the ladies. The spirit is incredible!!

Today, Sharon, Jerry Anne, Debbie M., and Aleksey shared with the ladies! They all did such an incredible job!! 

And friends so much has been said about the gifts you have made and given. Robin and Rona are doing a great job keeping them wondering what will go on the table next.

Worship continues to grow stronger towards Him!!!

Thank you for your prayers for the three ladies trying to catch a flight from another country! They arrived late this morning so excited!!!

Pray for us as we head into Friday. It is our tough day because we are all getting a little physically tired.

His,
Vickie

Enjoy your pics for the day.