A Good Chuckle…

Saturday morning, I found myself laughing at my great niece and nephew (I have a handful of them, these two just happen to live close) as we played in the living room floor. She is just over 2 ½ years of age and he just turned 7. I will let you try and figure out what it might have looked like as my great nephew charged at me with these words, “Cannon Ball!” Only to hear an immediate backup version coming at me from another angle, “Cannon Ball!” We were all piled up in the floor playing and laughing out loud. I’m not sure I needed the “Cannon Ball” hits but I did need those good laughs.

Today, I attended the funeral of a friend that I graduated with back in the years. (smile) I promise you, to know him was to just laugh. His home-going was every bit as full of laughter as his life reflected. The pastor that did the service told of a phone call he received from the deceased the day he took the pastorate at one of the local churches in the community. He said, Pastor, I want to give you a good piece of advice. The Pastor said, ok. The deceased said, “Don’t ever fry bacon in the nude”. The funeral home erupted in laughter. That was what my friend did, he encouraged people, prayed for people, and made people laugh. And above all, he loved “Jesus”.

I walked out of that funeral thinking; I need to laugh more. I used to laugh all the time. I could be wrong, but I suspect all of us could use a little more laughter in our lives.

Sao Paulo, Brazil –
We are 7 weeks out from heading to Sao Paulo, Brazil. Please continue to get the word out to the missionary women serving Internationally there. Also, please pray for the area. The fires that are burning from the Amazon caused a dark out (smoke) in the afternoon one day last week.

We still have spots available and the team continues to be diligent in their prayers and preparation on this side of the waters.

Have a Great Week!  (Laugh a little or a lot!!)

His,
Vickie

Sao Paulo Just Over 8 Weeks Away...

Absolutely cannot believe we are just over 8 weeks away from leaving the country to head to Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The team is getting more excited weekly.  Trunks are being ordered, sponsorships of missionary women are coming in, gifts are being made, prayers are being lifted up, worship music is being prepared,  team assignments are being prayed over, and all the other many details that go into the trips when Pure Joy International travels overseas.  Please continue to pray for the team and our time with the LORD daily.  If you asked me, what is the most important thing for the team in the preparation process?  My answer would be that we are spending time with the LORD in Spirit (Prayer) and in Truth (His Word).   You know the enemy hates that!  So, the spiritual battles are difficult in the preparation process for our teams.  If you plan on attending the retreat and or know someone that needs to be attending the retreat go to www.purejoyinternational.org  and get yourself/selves registered as soon as possible.  Get the word out.  So many times, people say, “no-one told me about it until it was too late”.  Please don’t assume ladies know about this opportunity, make sure they know. (smile)

Well, school has started back this past week for many families all the way from kindergarten to college.  Lot’s of momma’s and Dad’s out there with wet eyes.  However, probably just as many doing headstands and cartwheels.  Ha, ha,ha,ha,ha,ha   Please take time to keep our kids and their respective schools covered in prayer this year.

Today, my great-nephew (2^nd grade) informed me when asked, “What did you learn at school today?  Nothing, this week we are just getting to know each other.  We don’t start working till next week. Forget the math worksheet he had completed in his folder. Ha,ha,ha,ha   A big shout out to Mrs. Chelsea Kienol that she finds it important for the kids to get to know each other!

Hope each of you have a good week and please continue to pray with us about all things Sao Paulo!

His,

Vickie

Ever So Thankful…

This morning as I finished up my quiet time, I took some still moments to just listen to the words of the song “Christ Alone” stir my spirit. As I watched the sun rise, the shadows on the still lake reflect the picture-perfect tree line, butterflies and birds moving about it was all glorious! I was deeply reminded of what a Great God we serve. If you have not paid attention to those words in some time…may they encourage you today.
 
Also, just an update on Brazil. To registration go to www.purejoyinternatiaonal.org Dates of Retreat are October 16-19, 2019. It will be in Sao Paulo, Brazil. If you are or know a missionary woman serving internationally in South American or surrounding countries, don’t miss the opportunity. The only thing you/they must do is get to and from the conference, your hotel and meals are taken care of by those that have a heart to support missionary women. We have just over half of the missionary women sponsored as of today. Please continue to pray and give as He leads.  

His,
Vickie

IN CHRIST ALONE
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand  

Online Registration for Brazil is off and running…

Registrations for Brazil October 16-19, 2019 are coming in. Please if you have a sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, cousin, etc. serving overseas as an international missionary woman single, married, widowed, and/or divorced in that part of the world send them to www.purejoyinternational.org to register for the Retreat/Conference.

This week has been full on my end of preparing for several upcoming events. Life remains crazy and our God remains faithful, so, there you have it.

Love you all and please continue to pray for all things Sao Paulo, Brazil. And if God is tugging at your heart to give towards the sponsorship of the missionary women, please do. And thank you to those of you that are already giving towards this trip.

His,
Vickie

Sao Paulo, Brazil Registration Open

Registration for the Pure Joy International Retreat to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, October 16-19, 2019 is open. If you are a missionary women serving in this part of the world cross-culturally, outside of your country of origin, with a sending missions organization and or church and want to register Click here.  Remember, first come first serve, up to 50 then we go to a waiting list. If you have  questions, contact me at vickie@purejoyinternational.org.

Several of you have wondered if I have fallen of the edge of the world. Ha, ha, ha Not really, but I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I was hanging on the edges of it. Let’s just say it has been a crazy summer. However, these things I know always and continue to grow deeper in understanding, God is Good, Faithful, and Sovereign. Just no way around it! And He is everything else He says He is through out scripture. So, if you are like me and life is just a little crazy this summer, hold on to the truths of God and who He is and know this, He is holding you!

His,
Vickie

p.s. Also, all you prayer warriors, givers and gifters get those hearts and minds to work on how you want to be a part of what God will be doing in Brazil. We have almost half of the missionary women already sponsored with just over 25 to go. Please start praying about how God wants you to be a part.

Unforced Rhythms of Grace...

A lot has been going on the last couple of weeks with family, extended family and friends in my world. Having said that, I am reminded of a verse that I run to when I am feeling overwhelmed and tired of the craziness of the things of this world. So thankful, that this is not our home and we are aliens passing through. It reminds me that no matter what is going on around me, He cares for me.

May I encourage all of us today? No matter the journey going on around us, whether it’s our journey or others’ journeys, that impact our journey, He cares for you. Look up, and Rest.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I really like the way “The Message” Bible says it.

Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion (running to false gods – my words)? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Also, wanted to share with you another takeaway from our Quito, Ecuador trip by Linda Roach, our Pure Joy International Staff Consultant...

After 5 years of not traveling with the ministry and only being involved with the preparations for the trips from stateside, I was blessed to be part of the team on this 20th anniversary trip. It was a blessing to see the ministry from the “front lines” and experience it first-hand. I had forgotten how quickly the hearts of God’s children can bond and how special those sisters become in that short time you’re together.

My constant reminder is to always be looking for that person God would have me to connect with. To not wait till someone reaches out to me but take the first step and begin to build a relationship as God leads. We need each other!!!

Continue to pray as we work on preparations for Brazil starting with dates and hotels. Thank you in advance for getting on board with us in prayer!!

His,
Vickie

A Lesson from the Walmart Parking Lot….

This past week I made my begrudging trip to our local Wal-Mart store. I am not a big shopper of any kind. I am one of those “get what you need and get out people”, unlike my mom and other family members. I won’t mention your names but you know who you are (ha,ha,ha). You know the people that wander down every aisle for that “just in case” bargain. Anyway, I was in there much longer than I desired, getting groceries and yard supplies, so that should give you a picture of my state of mind. (smile)

And of course, the one day I would really like to go through a checkout line, which have been reduced to a few lanes, because they want you to check out your own groceries, (ugh) it seems everyone wanted to use the lines. So, I head over to the personal checkout lane, my favorite place with a full cart of groceries, ugh!

Oh, did I mention it was their Grand Opening after spending months remodeling and moving things to parts of the store that require you to ask a worker where something is every 3 minutes? Are you capturing my heart disposition at this point? Ha,Ha,Ha.

So, finally I make it out to the parking lot and pull up to the back of my car only to look up and see a Blue Bell Vanilla ice cream container (empty) laying smack dab behind the car next to me in the middle of the road. And for whatever reason (which I came to understand) God magnified its size to seem like it was taking up most of the road, at least in my mind. To which I responded out loud, “I’m not picking that up, it’s not mine!” But there it sat, bigger than Dallas, looking right at me!! So, I headed towards it, complaining, “I’m picking this up even though it’s not mine!” The minute I reached down to pick up the cup, in my spirit I sensed the LORD saying, “Your sins weren’t mine, but I picked them up.”

God has such a sense of humor about how He humbles us, doesn’t He? And how He reminds us of His love for us. What a symbol of love the cross is to our lives as Christians. Never lose sight of that love that picked up (took on) our sins, past, present and future. And, along with that remember, “True love is sacrificial”.

Ok, so I had a few more team members from Ecuador send in their take-away from the trip. Enjoy!

Brenda was a first-time team member with us on this trip. What a blessing she was to me as she provided counseling as well as speaking to issues with children/parents to the missionary women.

Takeaways from Brenda:
Standing on the hill and overlooking the city (we don’t get the chance to do that in the flat lands) God reminded me in a personal way, that He knows every single person out there. He knows the masses and yet, He knows how many hair follicles are on each person’s head. 
Rooming with Linda helped me understand what a Godly woman is like. How joy and peace in the midst of pain only comes from a deep walk with God. Also, how investing in younger women produces fruit unimaginable. 

Also, Julie Kerr one of our staff members that heads up the hospitality side of our ministry, sent me the following…

Here are two of my takeaways for the retreat.
1. Before the retreat I had thought of the theme verse as God calling me to a ministry or service for Him, but it was explained that God is calling me to Himself, to a deeper relationship with Him.
2. My worth in public FOR God is only worth what I am in private WITH God.

Hope to hear from more of the team by next week so I can share their takeaways with you as well.

Please pray as we continue to do the initial leg work for our Brazil trip. Specifically, pray for a contact person in the city of Sao Paulo. The person we thought might be able to help us had to decline because of a little one that will be coming into this world about that time. (smile) Also, please begin to pray for all the team members God will put together for this trip, missionary women that He would have attend, and sponsorships for those missionary women. What a “joy” to watch Him at work in this ministry He has called us to.

Have an incredible week!

His,
Vickie