You Wear Me Out ...

How many times growing up have you heard that spoken to you by your parents? Or heard another set of parents saying that to their children? And how many times have you said or thought that about your spouse, or friend, or peers at work and yes even your church family? If you haven’t ever said those words, there is still a good possibility someone has said them about you. ha,ha,ha, ha,ha I’m confident my mom has said that about me even as an adult. Even though she didn’t say it I think she may have thought it once or twice in this past week. Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,   

But, here is where the rubber meets the road. It is when you say it to yourself! I had one of those conversations with myself just this morning. It went something like this... “Are you kidding me? Stop it! How hard is this? You know better! You wear me out.” The Apostle Paul actually struggled with the same things only he said it with a lot more style....

Romans 7:15 (NLT)
“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”

You might ask, “Well, what did he hate?” The same things we do as followers of Christ! He hated sin! He hated those thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions that did not line up with God’s Word and who he was as a child of God! He hated when he didn’t trust God, walk in faith, be obedient, put others first, die to self, and all the other things we struggle with daily. 

And he, like us, had to confess his ways that didn’t line up with God’s word, forgive himself, forgive others, and remember we are overcomers in Christ when we yield to Him daily and allow Him to live through us. Yes, my friend we are never going to be perfect this side of heaven but we are being perfected day by day!

Can I give you a bit of encouragement here...? Praise God for those struggles. They remind us that the Holy Spirit of God indwells us and that we are children of the Most High God. Children of the King. And when we don’t act like who we really are, our Heavenly Father graciously reminds us through the conviction of the Holy Spirit that indwells us. 

If you haven’t been convicted over sin in your life in a while, bow the knee and ask God to shine His light across your heart. Confess, repent, and grow forward!

Ok, so that is my confession for today, at least so far. Ha,ha,ha,ha On to ministry news... (smile)

We are so close into Asia we can almost touch it. I can’t believe we leave a week from Friday. It is all coming together. Thank you so much!! Thank you for the sponsorships, gifts, cards, etc. that you have invested. Hope you are continuing to pray over your M and their family and/or ministry while we are on the field.  

Also, the Mexico Team got their first team letter last night. So they are getting ready to step up to the process of getting ready for the conference in Mexico. I want to ask you to start praying like a mad dog that sponsorships will begin to come in for this conference. We have approximately 30 women signed up as of now. Will keep you, as always, in the loop if that changes. 

Saw a great movie this weekend called “Greater.” If you are looking for something to go see, check it out. Don’t know if it will make it to any places overseas but if it does those of you reading this across the oceans check it out.

Love you all...

His,

Vickie

Timeless.....

This past weekend I got a chance to get away to an encampment with several ladies from my home church. It was a place called, “Shepherd of the Ozarks” and it was an incredible location out in the middle of nowhere. The only thing there besides us were the rattlesnakes, beavers, trout, spiders, wasp, flies, and those were just the things that some of us saw. That doesn’t count everything around us that we didn’t see… and I’m glad about that part. Ha,ha,ha,ha

When I was packing to go I packed my laptop, books for study, and anything else to utilize for helping me to prepare for our trip heading to Asia in a few weeks. I thought, “I will work on Asia during our free time, in the early mornings after my quiet time, at night when everyone has settled in.” (What a stupid thought that was, ha,ha,ha). But something happened as I sat down on the front porch of our cabin after unloading the car. We had no real phone or wifi service to mention. So, I thought, “I’m not working on that other stuff while I’m here. I’m just actually going to enjoy being here.” I thought, “I teach on the importance of living in the present. I teach about how God has covered the past, holds the future but dwells in the present. I teach, if we are going to experience His Presence we must live in the present. So, how ‘bout I actually try it more often?” So I did. (Don’t you love it when you talk yourself through stuff! Ha, ha, ha)

 It is an awesome thing about the LORD’S presence, it is timeless. You are in it and you are doing the things required of you but it’s not moving, it just is. Ok, so now some of you are thinking, “the girl fell off a cliff at the camp!” Ha,ha,ha. Not so. And some of you out there know exactly what I am talking about.  

I share that with you because I wonder what we bring to the table at times like this. Are we experiencing God because we finally “stopped” and got still-- meaning not thinking ahead or not thinking behind. What I need to do or what I didn’t do? Actually, just enjoying the present and BOOM, He shows up! I know scripturally speaking He is with us all the time and never leaves us or forsakes us. So, I am not talking about His Omnipresence right now, which means with us all the time whether we know it or not. I’m talking about His Revealed Presence, when we experience Him.

Living in the present actually causes our brain to shut-up. Most of our thoughts are about the what if’s and when if’s, future or the mistakes, hurts, un-forgiveness, and even laurels of the past. If we didn’t think on the past or future, we would be in the present and His Presence. It is a sweet thing.

If you are like me, you visit there more than you actually live there. I pray for us as His children, that we can learn to live in the present more and more. That we might know His Revealed Presence.

Note: Just a little bit over two weeks from leaving for Southeast Asia. Can’t believe it is here after all this time. So excited to see what God has in store for the ladies and us there. Also, Mexico is on the horizon soon after our return. So, continue to pray, give, gifts and yeah we have our team and will be booking tickets this Friday. 

Love you guys bunches…

His,
Vickie

You guys are the Best and a word from A.W. Tozer

I am thankful to report to you that we already have 5 missionary women sponsored for our upcoming conference in Mexico following our return from Asia. We have 27 missionary women already registered for the Mexico Conference. Please continue to pray as to how God would have you be involved through prayer, going, gifting, and giving. 

We continue to count the days before we leave for Southeast Asia. Pray as we tie up all the loose ends before leaving the country.

This past week in one of my daily devotions with A.W. Tozer, he laid out a truth I believe we absolutely forget about as Christians, which can result in us walking in defeat in areas we should not be doing so. I am including the devotional here and then will comment at the end.

God’s Eternal Work

The creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption. Romans 8:2
Is it possible that some of our brothers and sisters in Christ have forgotten that even though we are Christians, we live day by day in unredeemed physical bodies?

Yes, brethren, this is orthodox Christian theology, given to us by the Apostle Paul in these words: “Even though we have the first fruits of the Spirit, we groan within ourselves, waiting for the redemption of the body” (see Romans 8:23). These bodies of ours will be redeemed, for that is the promise of God. But in this life they are not yet actually redeemed. That is why we cannot do God’s eternal work ourselves, for only the Holy Spirit of God can bring about His eternal purposes.
If we are to successfully engage in the Christian witness God expects of us while we are here on this earth, we must consciously know and experience the indwelling illumination of the Holy Spirit of God. We must depend upon His gifts and His inducement and His anointing if we hope to cope with the universal blight which is upon mankind.

Lord, Your Word says that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). I know from personal experience that I need the power of Your Indwelling Spirit to overcome the influence of the flesh.  [Tozer, by A. W. Tozer]

For devotionals like this one for your iPhone, visit 43rdElement.com

Wow! Don’t forget that we live in an unredeemed body. God’s word is clear about that part. Our soul is redeemed but not this little birthday suit. So beware! The enemy knows that truth, too! And he will tempt you and attack you through sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. That is why God tells us guard our hearts. You do that by not being conformed to this world but being transformed by the renewing of your mind! Know His Word, Trust Him, and Obey Him.

His,
Vickie

News update......

First off, Southeast Asia here we come! We are just over 3 weeks out from leaving the country to minister to the missionaries in that part of the world. All the women have been sponsored thanks to your generous support. Also, lots of fun has been had by women in local churches that have come together to have Pure Joy International Work Days to make gifts for the women. Thank you all so very much. Pray for us now that everything will fit into those trunks! Ha,ha,ha,ha

As we put the final touches on Southeast Asia before leaving the country we are also gearing up for Mexico. We come back from Asia on the 25^th of September and leave with a different team to Mexico November 5^th. So, things are buzzing at Pure Joy International! We are so thankful that God allows us to continue to go!! Which means to all of you don’t let up on praying for this ministry and its purpose, don’t stop going, don’t stop giving, don’t stop gifting, and don’t stop standing beside us in the belief that no matter how crazy this world looks, God will provide and protect the ministry of Pure Joy International for His Glory!

If going as a team member to Mexico is on your heart...I need to hear from you ASAP. Contact me at vickie@purejoyinternational.org  leave a phone number in the email to contact you, thanks. At that time, I can give you details. So, if God is tugging at your heart about the trip don’t ignore it. There is a window of opportunity for anyone else wanting to go but the window won’t be open much longer. 

I apologize for being so long in getting a blog out and for not having more to share right now. I could make something up but I think God calls that lying. Ha,ha,ha,ha

Love you All....

Vickie

 

 

 

 

Does God Have a Phone?

This morning I went by the hospital on my way to the office to check on my Uncle. My Aunt took a phone call, so I was able to talk with him while the nurse changed his wound. On the way out my Aunt said, “My cousin wanted to tell me something.” I took the phone and she proceeded to tell me the following. “We had R (grandson) last night. A storm came over our house that lasted about two hours. Lots of lighting and thunder, lots!” I told her, “Yes I know we got it, too. It was major!!” She went on to say it really scared R even though he wasn’t normally afraid of storms. He finally asked her, “Mimi does God have a phone?” She told him no, and asked why? He said, “Because I want to call Him and ask Him to stop the storm.” She went on to explain to him (of course) that while God doesn’t have a telephone he can talk to Him at any time and used this as a teachable moment.

I absolutely love the simple faith of a child! By golly he knew if you wanted to communicate something with another person that wasn’t there just pick up the phone and call them. Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha (He just turned 6.)

Are you in the middle of a storm right now? How severe does the storm have to get for you to recognize, just like a small child did, that only God is big enough for this particular storm?

2 Samuel 22:4 (ESV)
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:6 (ESV)
In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Psalm 50:15 (ESV)
... and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Psalm 116:2 (ESV)
Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

Psalm 145:18 (ESV)
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Romans 10:13 (ESV)
“everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  

Southeast Asia Update!

First, let me start off by singing God’s Praises as He moved on your hearts to give to the Southeast Asia conference. All the M’s are fully sponsored! We are down to almost 7 weeks out from heading that way. The team is getting more excited and continues to work on preparation details. Gifts are being made for the M’s and Prayers are being lifted up all over the world for this trip.

Specific prayer request regarding the trip:

• Still praying for a keyboard to be volunteered from a local church where we will be staying.
• Pray for team members to all get their resources in for the trip.
• Pray for those that will be speaking and sharing testimonies. 
• Pray for Praise and Worship times
• Pray for a great time of fellowship amongst the ladies during meals, free-time, the conference, snacks, etc.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to encourage and refresh them through the Word of Truth that will be spoken over them.
• Pray for safety for the team and M’s on the way to the conference, at the conference and coming home from the conference.
• Pray above all that we leave the sweet fragrance of Christ in the hearts of the women that will be coming to be encouraged and refreshed!

Please continue to lift up all these prayers and those that God places on your heart to be praying for them and us as well!

Again, thank you all so much for your obedience to Him to give to these ladies! I know I say this to you on each trip but it is the truth ... You are as much a part of this trip as those that will get on a plane and fly over the oceans. We could not do our part if you were not doing your part. Each part equals the whole!

Love you all,

His,
Vickie

Bumping into Christ or Clinging?

The first year of my walk with the LORD I was asked to teach a 12th grade girls’ Sunday school class in our youth department. Obviously, they needed to fill a spot (Smile). Being still immature in the LORD but dripping with zeal for Him I said, yes. The real challenge came when I was asked to address the large group before they broke out into their boys’ and girls’ smaller groups. As I sought the LORD regarding that short opening message to them, the LORD kept taking me back to Luke 8:40-48 regarding a woman that had an issue of blood. I encourage you to read all the passages but for our purpose and space I want to extract ...

Luke 8:45-46
And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”

In the original Greek that word “touched” right there means to cling to, hang on to, hold. Did you catch what caught my attention? It was Peter’s response to Jesus when He said, “Who touched me?” To paraphrase Peter’s response, he said to Jesus, “There are a ton of people surrounding you and pressing in on you, it could be anybody!” But Jesus responded and I paraphrase again, “No, someone in the crowd actually grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let go.” I love that passage. In other words, she approached Jesus intentionally with believing faith that He would make a difference in her life.

Can I ask you a question? Are you just bumping into Jesus, in your quiet times, ministry, church, Bible studies, conferences, summer camps, etc.? Or are you intentionally approaching Jesus believing by faith that HE will make a difference in your life and circumstances?

As this world continues to become more and more unstable daily, it is time to stop bumping into Jesus and start clinging to Him!! 

Southeast Asia Update...
I am excited to share with you that we have all but 9 M’s sponsored for the Asia trip. That is so exciting to us as we continue to make final preparations. For those of you that are giving to these ladies, thank you so much. I saw a picture on my mom’s face book today that I am posting below. It is a great illustration and so simple regarding the importance of the role of giving to churches and missions organizations that pray, go, and give when it comes to our M’s on the field of service all over this world.

Please continue to pray that God will continue to move on hearts to give towards the final 9 M’s.

Love You All,

His,
Vickie

Gum On My Shoe....

I don’t know about you, but it is frustrating to me to be walking along intentionally going somewhere and step in a big wad of chewing gum that someone has haphazardly thrown or dropped on the ground somewhere. It is next to impossible to get off. You dig through the tracks of your shoe with a stick, knife, your key or anything else you can think of to get it off of your shoe. You rub that shoe in the grass or dirt or gravel or pavement just to give it that extra attempt of cleaning those tracks out. Now all along the way while doing this we are having a few good talks out loud with the person that we will most likely never know that deposited said gum. You know what I’m saying is true!
 

Life is kind of like that gum on our shoes. We can be walking along doing fine on our way to somewhere and out of nowhere we step into a mess. May be our marriage relationship, our family relationship, our work relationships/peers, ministry relationships, financial issues, health issues, loss of a loved one, etc., etc. The list could go on and on.

 

If you have stepped into a mess in your life lately, may I suggest we learn some lessons from the experience of “gum on our shoe?”

 

• Stop – we don’t keep walking believing the gum is just going to fall off. It’s gum! It isn’t going to fall off! 
• Stop and assess your situation. If we are sensitive to spirit of God in us we know when something isn’t right. 
• Do your part – get off as much of the gum as you can with your stick, knife, keys, rubbing it on the grass, gravel, pavement, etc. (smile)
• Take the steps to reconcile your part.... confess it to God, seek His forgiveness, admit your part to others and ask their forgiveness. Note: you are not responsible for whether they forgive you or not. You are responsible as a child of God to ask for forgiveness, if needed.  
• Now keep walking – eventually the wear of walking will clean those tracks out.
• Trust God after you have gotten honest with yourself about the mess, confessed and asked for forgiveness.  Now trust Him as you keep walking and He will clean the rest of those tracks out.
• Pray – pray for those that haven’t figured out what a trash can is for regarding gum. (smile)
•  Pray for those in your life that have been a part of the mess, and more importantly choose to forgive them…whether they ever ask for it or not.   

Luke 23:34

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

 Wow! The contrast in the verse is incredible! Jesus is opening the door to eternal life for them as He dies on the cross, and they are gambling for His clothes. What a picture of not assessing your situation. Wow! 

  

Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of all our sins, past, present, future. Yet, many are blinded to their need for His forgiveness because they have not assessed their situation. Pray for salvation for the lost, in our marriages, families, work places, peers, churches (yes, churches), ministries (yes, ministries) and the world. Pray that God will draw them to Himself through Jesus Christ and His love demonstrated toward us.

 

John 6:44 (ESV)

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

His,
Vickie