Ladies Retreat

Watching God Work.

After a weekend of seeing the work of the Holy Spirit in many ladies lives, it is a complete confirmation of the value of stepping outside of the business of life and retreating.  Thank you for all who prayed for my session.  It wasn't without some technical scarynesses but, God came through and it worked.

I am also thankful for people who are being Loved by God and seeing how they can be encouraging to other women.  Yeah!

Knowing that I really wanted to be intentional with my conversations and hearing from the Lord, I decided to even leave the cell phone off.  It was refreshing to not be constantly buzzed, beeped, or the lure of looking up information.  No list to cross off, no planning to coordinate.  I was free from the technology/informational demands that accompany the vibration of my phone.

Thank you Lord for that gift of silence.

On a little run, we (Kiersten & Sara) ran into even more of God's uniqueness.  We thought the frozen lake had a feather problem.  It was so strange.  You could break off the "feather/ice crystals and eat them".  Super cool.

I am a bit sorry to not even take out the camera for photos, but these are the only ones I took.  Breathtaking weekend up at North Star Bible Camp.

Good Probing Questions for spiritual reflection.

One of the thought provoking chapels that I heard during my time as a graduate student at Moody Graduate School, I took notes.  My Bible is too worn and the cover fell off, so I decided to put in on the web so that I will always have it. (unless the web dies).  I have no idea who spoke to give acknowledgment to.

I would take these questions and ask myself periodically to do a litmus test on my heart.

1.  Am I content in the who I am becoming?  Every day we get closer to who we are going to be.  Is my lie a standstill or is it progressing?  What is my personal vision statement apart from achievement?
2.  Do I have a quiet center to my life?
Like when jesus commended Mary when Martha was busy doing good stuff. Do I allow God to speak to me in the stillness of life?
3.  Can I point to current areas that God is transforming in my life?  Am I at a standstill since conversion or do I see God changing areas in my life today.  If I continue to stall it just leads to spiritual death.
4.  Am I maintaining freshness in my walk with God?  Water that flows is fresh.  Am I more like a lagoon or a river?  I must keep what I am receiving and letting it flow out to others.
5.  Am I functioning in my unique ministry?  What is my passion?  Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to invigorate and empower my ministry?
6.  Am I growing in my awe as a worshipper of God?  Is worship just a ritual or does God give you goose bumps?  When God is glorified I am most satisfied by John Piper.
7.  Is my spiritual diet a healthy one for me?  Am I getting what I need in my spiritual diet?
8.  Am I more genuineness in my love for others?  Do not see people as problems people but in an opportunity to show them God's love.
9.  What influence effect I have to  others?  Neutral/negative/salt or change agent.  Does my life challenge people?
10.  Do I have joy?  The kingdom of God has three characteristics:  righteousness, peace, and Joy.  Is it there?

Please pray discipleship talk

In terms of mentoring/discipleship, I guess I am just a needy person.  I love being filled and prayed for and corrected.  However, I also love sharing/investing in others.

Well, this Thursday, I am speaking to a group of amazing ladies in Anchorage about discipleship.  Please pray... 

1)  Share what God has put on my heart

2)  Holy Spirit to use my words to change and motivate others towards discipleship

3)  Peace (I can get soooooooooo nervous when speaking).

Thanks,