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.

What a Year!!!

Tuesday as I was on the road, I began to Praise God for the many things in my life I have to be thankful for! In the next few days in magazines, newspapers, television, and Sunday services, you will hear people talking about 2011 and looking back. You will also have people (myself included) talk about looking ahead (as is something I discussed in our ‘End of the Year Letter’ which most of you received in the mail and or email. If you did not get it and want a copy please contact patty@purejoyinternational.org.) Before I share anything further with you, I would ask you to consider a story from the Old Testament regarding looking back and going forward.

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah stirs up lots of topics of discussion for the issue of the sin of homosexuality. Most people are so busy looking at it from that standpoint that they lose sight of the fact that the story has a lot to teach all of us about sin, God’s mercy, and time.

Without going through all the passages right here, I would ask you to pull out your Bible and read for yourself Genesis 19:1-30. We will focus on verses12-30 for the purpose of our blog today and the principles I would encourage you to take away from this reading.

Things to be mindful of…

• God realizes we are in over our heads before we do (v. 12). - Remember He has a bird’s eye view of all things.
• People are praying (crying out to the LORD) for you and your situation when you don’t even realize they are carrying it to God (v. 13a)! - Praise God for intercessors.
• He sends help to us even when we don’t realize we need it (v.13b). - Sometimes we are just too close to the situation.
• The help sent caused Lot to see the seriousness of his circumstances (v.14a). - Lot was willing to listen.
• But just like some of our very own family members, his son-in-laws did not listen to or believe Lot (v.14b). - Some individuals we love and even we ourselves at times, refuse to yield to people God puts in our paths to bring us out of danger!
• Maybe Lot himself wasn’t setting too good of an example of taking the angels seriously either, since they had to urge Lot to leave (v.15a). - Isn’t Lot like us…we listen, but when the ‘feeling’ of crisis is over we start to settle back into hesitation regarding change.
• The angels also made it clear that punishment was eminent for the city (v.15b). - God has NEVER withheld the truth from us that Judgment is eminent regarding this world!
• Knowing what has been told to him…LOT still lingers (v.16a)! - Really! Hmmmmm we are sooooo like Lot! 
• But, because of God’s mercy the two angels took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand and the two daughters and set them outside the city (v.16b). - Note: The word hold in that passage doesn’t mean they gently guided them out. It means in the original Hebrew language to seize hold of them. To put in terms we can relate to, they jerked their behinds up and got ’em out of there!  Just like we would jerk a child out of the path of an oncoming car.
• Once they got them out of there the angels tell them, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plains. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed!” (v.17). - In other words RUN!!!! FLEE!!!

In verses 18-20, there is a simple dialogue of Lot whining because he is continuing to trust in his own lack of abilities instead of God’s to get him to safety. 

In verses 21-23, we once again see God’s favor, patients, and love extended to Lot in spite of Lot’s lack of trust.

In verses 24-25, we see God keep His word to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, all the plains, and all the inhabitants of the cities and what grew on the ground. (God does what He says He will do!)

And verse 26, “But his wife looked back behind him, and became a pillar of salt.”

I hope I can bring this full circle for you as I close out.  Many of us will look back over 2011. For me personally the past year has been like the wildest ride since forever. There are some really great things that have happened and some really hard things that have happened. But, presently they help me be all that God is continuing to work out in me regarding my salvation. Where it all takes me in the future remains in His hands. 

Many of you will be tempted to live in the past of 2011. Because of people that have left you behind through death, divorce, circumstances, etc. Some will be tempted to live in the glory of things magnificent that took place in 2011. In either case spending your time looking back or riding the laurels of past accomplishments will harden your heart and keep you from the present. Believe me when I tell you that His blood has covered the past whether it was good, bad, or indifferent. And know that He holds your future. If you read on, you will see that Lot still ended up where the angels instructed him to go: the mountains. Wonder what he missed out on by not doing it in God’s timing. 

Precious ones, He has the past covered, He dwells in the present, He holds the future.  Living in the past will harden your heart; living in the future will cause you to forfeit His presence revealed in your life today.

Let us make a commitment to heed his warnings regarding our sin, accept His Grace and Mercy to set us free, and Trust His Timing is Perfect!!

He has the Past covered, He dwells in the Present, He holds the Future!

Rest and Blessings to you in this New Year 2012!

His,
Vickie

From: Vickie

To:  

• All our missionary women and their families ( my "people group", smile)
• Every woman that has traveled as a team member
• Every woman that has written a prayer card and or filled a goody bag and or both
• Every woman, man and child that has donated gifts
• Every individual, couple, child, church organization, and business that has given financial and other resources
• Every prayer warrior
• All the Friends of Pure Joy
• The Board, Advisors, and incredible Ministry staff!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

I flat out love you guys!!

His,
Vickie

My Savior's Not a Baby...

Last week I received the following writing from a dear friend who is also one of our Costa Rica team members from this past summer.  As I read it I thought, “This is so true, this is good.”   I asked her permission to share it with you this week.  It has not been edited in detail. Enjoy and ponder…                 

                              My Savior's Not a Baby

If Christmas is Jesus' birthday, the birthday of a King,

My mind keeps tossing and turning over what present I should bring.
Maybe a blankie, some teething gel, or perhaps a rattle… maybe,
Because it seems to me that every Christmas we pretend that He’s a baby.
I’ve heard I could give Him my talents, my time, or even a song,
But, aren’t those the very things I should be giving Him all along?
If I passionately love Him then the gift that I should bring,
Shouldn’t be an easy gift that doesn’t cost me anything.

Because my Savior’s not a baby, He’s the risen King of Kings,

And I think on this Christmas He might want some other things.
Perhaps He wants my anger and that seed of bitterness,
Or the hurt I’m holding deep inside where no one else would guess.
Maybe He wants my loneliness or the addictions I hold tight.
Perhaps He wants the tears I’ve cried and the wrongs I’ve not made right.
My worry, my shame, and my heart so prideful and so wild,
They’re not exactly gifts you bring to lay before a child.
 
But my Savior's not a baby, He is Jesus, Immanuel,
Who battled Satan on his turf and conquered death and Hell.
He didn’t save my life just to leave me in my sin,
He freed me from my shackles and gave me joy again.
He died to take my anger and He suffered in my place,
To heal my broken, tattered heart and offer me His grace.
The part that takes my breath away, the amazing part you see,
If I were the only one, He would have done it just for me.

You see, my Savior's not a baby, He’s Creator of Heaven and Earth,

Who set aside His Godhood to experience human birth.
It’s not about me or the gifts that I could bring,
It’s about a Marvelous Savior who gave me everything.
He understands my heart and the problems that I face,
And He loves me far too much to settle for second place.
An Infinite, Incredible God who hears me when I pray,
How could I not fall to my knees and praise Him every day.

Praise God He’s not a Baby; He’s sitting at God’s right hand,

He’s both God and Man. He’s the Risen Lord.  I hope you understand,
I’m not saying we can’t remember, that we shouldn’t celebrate His birth,
And spread the story angels proclaimed all throughout the Earth.
The prophecies of old fulfilled, set the stage for God’s great plan,
So let's remember baby Jesus' birth, but worship the Savior of man.
So this Christmas I think I‘ll give Him every hidden, dirty part,
And accept His peace, His healing, and a clean and softened heart.

                                                                        Kathleen Jones - 2011

His,

Vickie