Pure Joy

Last year I was asked to speak at the first Spanish Women's Retreat at church. After praying and also asking Andrew I agreed to do it. Little did I know how much work it would be! It made me realize how much time I have to study or read some more 'if' I really make the time :) Also, it reminded me of how much I need to learn. My times spent studying were wonderful and priceless. Of course, the last couple of days before the Retreat were pretty hectic. Trying to leave things done around the house, like food to eat and laundry, and of course last minute notes I had to finish, being the procrastinator that I am (God's helped me to get better, but it's still a bit of a struggle). I went to sleep late and woke up early the next morning to find a rash! I had broken out and had a bunch of itchy, round bumps all over my elbows and some on both my knees. I have NEVER had anything like this happen to me. I ended up crying out of frustration. My hair and nails were done, I had my list of things to pack, my bag with all my paper stuff/Bile was ready...I thought I had taken care of everything and now this...something unexpected. Then, as I prayed that God would help me get through this, I felt Him remind me of the verse in James that saids "Consider it pure joy, when you face trials of many kinds." Then I took a deep breathe, gave it over to God in prayer. I was at peace about the whole situation. I know it might seem small (and it really it now that I think about it), but at the moment it was devastating, uncomfortable, I hadn't planned for it. I think we can all relate to feeling this way. What? Are you kidding me? I never expected this to happen to us? As if we were exempt from what Jesus tells us over and over about in the Bible. The truth is we live in a fallen world in need of a Savior. It won't be perfect like Heaven, but He is faithful to hear us when we call. He's promised to give us "peace that surpasses all understanding" Phil. 4:7 Javier asked me "mom are you going even though you are so itchy?" I said "regardless of how I feel, these women still have to hear about Jesus". He replied with a smile, "I knew you were going to say that"...then he prayed for me, it was gone my the next day. This past weekend five girls showed up to the cabin and we had a wonderful time in the Word of God and fellowship. The Lord revealed sin and encouraged us to grow in maturity. God changed us all and we are better for it. Totally worth the 'little' trial that seemed to 'big' at the time. And yes, it produced character in me :)

Be strong and courageous!

"BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS. BE CAREFUL TO OBEY ALL THE LAW MY SERVANT MOSES GAVE YOU; DO NOT TURN FROM IT TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, THAT YOU MAY BE SUCCESSFUL WHEREVER YOU GO. DO NOT LET THIS BOOK OF THE LAW DEPART FROM YOUR MOUTH; MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT, SO THAT YOU MAY BE CAREFUL TO DO EVERYTHING THAT IS IN IT. THEN YOU WILL BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL. HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO" ~JOSHUA 1:7-9

It amazes me to see how easily people are swayed to the latest book or diet trend. People including me, when I am not seeking God and His Word, daily. The latest news flash is that Oprah along with some guy is starting this class online about a New Earth. I am thinking, what about the earth right now. You know, the one God created! I have only read bits and pieces of it on Amazon, but lets just say it was enough to ignite a fire within me. I cannot allow people I know to be fooled by this. God's Word is REAL and is the ONLY thing we need. God is the same yesterday, today and will be tomorrow. After Moses died, God appointed Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promise land. These people were stubborn and God knew He would need to prepare Joshua and encourage him. He told him to be "strong and courageous" over and over in this chapter. To not be distracted by other things but keep his eyes on the task. And in order to be "prosperous and successful", God doesn't say read the latest book or you have to follow this tradition or talk like this or that. He says"meditate on my Word day and night". All of this is temporary...we must not get distracted. People are being deceived into thinking that this is it. God wants me to be prepared to give an answer to what I believe. There is no time to waste. This encouraged my 'mommy' heart as well. Sometimes it feels like I am Moses or Joshua trying to direct my boys into the promise land, but they are being stubborn and don't want to go! I was reminded this morning that God knows and not to be discouraged and that He will be with me. Ahhh...thank you Jesus!