First things first then a "covenant"...

First let me share with you that we have 11 of our 50 missionary spots sponsored so far for the Dominican Republic (DR)! Praise God from whom all blessing flow!  Keep that support for the DR coming in as God moves on your hearts! Nothing is more exciting than to watch God bring in the resources for each one of the trips! I have to say watching His hand move is so totally awesome! Keep praying!!! We still have some team slots open. If you are interested, contact me.

Today when I was reading through my Chronological One Year Bible, there were a couple of verses from Exodus 34:10-26 that hung on my heart. Before I share the verses with you, I want to put them in context. These verses come following chapters 32-33 where the children of Israel made a golden calf because of their impatience with Moses being gone so long on Mt. Sinai, Moses return and the smashing of the tablet, Moses asking the children of Israel to decide who was on the Lord's side, and Moses asking for God’s forgiveness and mercy for the sin of God’s people.

By the time we get to chapter 34, Moses has been instructed by God to cut/chisel stones and engrave them with the covenant God made with him before. Moses then went to the top of Mt. Sinai again and it was here that God’s glory passed before Moses. God then began to speak again the truths of the covenant to Moses in Chapter 34:10-26.

Now my heart hanger verses...34:12,15...

¹²Take care, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which you go, lest it become a snare in your midst. (ESV)

¹⁵lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and when they whore after their gods and sacrifice to their gods and you are invited, you eat of his sacrifice... (ESV)

I like The Message Bible translation on these because they are relational. 

¹²Stay vigilant. Don’t let down your guard lest you make covenant with the people who live in the land that you are entering and they trip you up. (TMSG)

¹⁵Be careful that you don’t make a covenant with the people who live in the land and take up with their sex-and-religion life, join them in meals at their altars... (TMSG)

The word that stuck out to me in those verses was "covenant." Don’t make a covenant with the people who live in the land. 

A covenant is also translated as a contract or agreement between two parties.

God was saying to the children of Israel that He did not want them making a covenant, a contract or agreement with the people He would be driving out of the land. He knew if the children of Israel did so, it would position them to worship false gods.

Can I ask you something today?  Who have you positioned yourself with?  Has doing so put you in a place where you are now worshiping false gods? Has money become your god? Has position and power become your god? Has your business become your God? Has power of influence become your god? Has a person become your god? Has an area of lust of the flesh, eyes and/or pride of life become your god?

Have you entered into a land and made a covenant with the people God isn’t fighting for but is actually removing from the land? If you have … RUN to God just like Moses did. Confess your sin. Receive His grace, mercy, and love. Let Him reveal Himself to you again.  He wants to! But, He is a gentleman. He will not bust your door down, but He is patiently waiting.

I love you guys…Thank you for loving and supporting Pure Joy!

His,

Vickie

You Gotta Love the Word of God...

Do you ever just kiss your Bible? I do! Not in front of anyone (well, maybe that isn’t true because I have before). But, have you ever wanted too? Because if you haven’t ever kissed your Bible or wanted to, then I have to question NOT your salvation, but your maturity in the LORD. Ha, ha! That is an oxymoron isn’t it…kissing your Bible and maturity. Seriously, though. I was thinking of all the verses and stories and situations in the scriptures that God brings to my mind, those that absolutely can change my whole perspective on things and give encouragement when I’m dealing with or going through something or counseling someone or a family.

This morning as I sit here asking the LORD what to share with you this week (what you need to hear), I found myself reviewing my week. I actually started chuckling out loud to myself and have been sitting here with a stupid grin on my face for about 30 min.

My last few days have been a little crazy. I have had to deal with some issues that, like they would you, wear me out and make me want to pull my hair out. Yesterday I wanted to pull other people’s hair out! Ha, ha, ha! Oh, and there are several stories in scripture regarding hair issues, so I’m ok and encouraged! Ha, ha, ha!

Also, we are having siding put on our house and the workers have been hammering from light to dawn for the past five days. On top of that, the cat has a thyroid problem and is all emotional and crying pretty much nonstop. Hammer – Cat, Hammer – Cat...No stop it! What am I thinking.

Anyway, I remind myself that Noah was on the ark with the pounding of rain non-stop for 40 days and nights and more than one cat whining around. So, I’m good!

I did get away from my home corner office with windows (cubby hole in my mom’s bedroom) and went to Patty and Kenny’s (friends) to work in their conference room on Monday all day. It was nice. Remember Jesus had places He went to rest.

But, above all else, I just flat love Jesus, and He makes me smile. And the Word of God keeps me grounded! So, if you are not kissing your Bible, you are probably not reading your Bible. Because if you are really reading and catching the truths of His Word then you are probably madly in love with Him! And you probably have kissed it once at least. Come on admit it!! Don’t be afraid that people just might find lip prints on your Bible instead of dust (smile).

Starting next week, we will begin meeting weekly for prayer time for our Dominican Republic trip in May. So please join us the next four months as we pray for the women who will register, the resources to sponsor each missionary, the team that God will put together to go, etc. Our theme is Endless Love, and our verse is Psalms 103:12

"As far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

Love you guys!

His,

Vickie

Home from Alabama...

Left last week for Albertville, Alabama where Pure Joy had the great privilege of being a part of First Baptist Church Albertville’s first mission’s conference ever. I must sing the praises of those precious folks in that church! They absolutely did an incredible job of putting the conference together. The hospitality from the homes we stayed in to the conference itself was top notch. It was so awesome to be around other missionaries who came in for the conference. Of course I was in ‘hog’ heaven (woooooo pig razorbacks) hanging out with my people group: missionaries. I was able to make two contacts for trips next year in 2013. We are looking at Ghana, Africa and Belize Central America. So, as you read this, hide those places in your heart. Let me know if God is speaking to you about going! I also had the chance to speak to several different Sunday school departments in different homes. The people were receptive and loving as could be! There was a dear retired pastor at my second house who wanted to know if anything good could come out of Arkansas! Ha, ha! They take their football serious!!

The thing I loved about my time in Albertville is the church family was actively involved during the entire weekend. They were in attendance when opportunities were available for them to meet with us (the missionaries). I am confident that I will be seeing several of the women from the church sitting across from me someday as we are headed overseas somewhere. Again, great time! Thanks FBC Albertville, AL if you are reading this!

Well, we are in the process this week of locking in our hotel/resort area for the Dominican Republic retreat in May of this year. We still have some team slots open if you are interested, but you need to be getting in touch with me pretty soon if you feel like God is putting it on your heart to join us. Also, start praying for all the details of the trip and begin the process of praying for the support to come in for the missionaries who will be in attendance. We already have our first missionary paid for. So don’t just sit back and watch God move on behalf of these ladies, but also be a part of it! If you can’t go but are interested in how your church can do some of the little detail things that make a big difference, then get in touch with me as well.

I want to close with this one thought for the week. Randy Gaither, one of the missionary men who spoke to us during the Sunday services made this comment:

“Every morning I get up and stand at attention and say ‘LORD,
Randy Gaither reporting for service today!’”

You may read that and say, “I can do that.” But, I would challenge you. Yes, anyone can stand up and say those words, but can you really MEAN THEM? Will YOU really report for service or will your lips just show up? Hmmm think about it.

Love you all so much, and I covet your prayers as God is stretching us for His Glory!!

His,
Vickie

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

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

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

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.