Encouraging Deep Roots

I haven't had much to write lately. That is mostly because the past two weeks have felt as though I have been through a multitude of Herculean tasks. As I look back I can't believe at how much I was able to get done. But then again, I did a lot of praying and asking the Lord to give me the strength to do it. So I really shouldn't be surprised. I prepared and led two retreats this past weekend - one for women in our district and one for my district leadership team. They both went so well. I got home Sunday night and then hit the ground running on Monday. I went to a doctor's appointment with Nathan, made dinner for my in-laws, returned the rental car and spent the afternoon with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. What was gnawing at me was the fact that I'm speaking at an event this weekend and speaking four times. However, life kept getting in the way. I cannot believe I did it, but I managed to get all four completed and even found time at my retreats last weekend...

I spent the weekend away at a woman's conference that I've spent the past 6 months planning and organizing. It was a wonderful event despite the fact I forgot an entire segment in the afternoon session on Saturday. I remembered after we were finished. However, I wasn't too sad because it was fine without it and that also just meant I was able to stay in the moment instead of constantly thinking about what was next during the speaker's message. As I reflected on everything both yesterday and this morning I was thankful for the opportunity to lead in our district this way. My primary role is to connect women for Kingdom impact.  I connect them to our international workers overseas by sharing prayer concerns and needs our workers have. So for example, when one of our workers are coming home and need a car or their college age children here in the states need a place to stay or there is any need at all, I'm always thrilled when I make a connection and their need is prov...

Those of you who are methodical and think things through before acting or responding probably don't have to reflect on the saying, "haste makes waste" too much. But for some it's a hard lesson to learn, especially if you are a quick decision maker. I did look up where the saying came from and it was first recorded in the  apocryphal Book of Wisdom around 190 BCE. It says, “There is one that toileth and laboureth, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind.” Over time it was shortened to the quip we know today. For myself, it's a lesson I've had to learn. I've spent countless hours throughout the years having to go back and redo something or find solutions to problems brought about by being too hasty in my actions or response in agreeing to  do something another wants me to do.  To be honest, that later problem is more of what I have struggled with in my life. I have difficulty saying no to people so tend to get caught up in their enthusiasm and agree...

I'd love to say that I'm a joyful person, but the reality is I often walk around feeling as if I'm under a cloud. But I've been working hard the past few years to change my attitude. I want to learn to be joyful no matter what my circumstances are at the moment. And I know joyfulness isn't some happy state where I walk around with a smile plastered to my face and pretending all is right with the world. I think the type of joyfulness that the Bible is talking about has more to do with contentment and trust that God is walking with me no matter what I struggle with on a daily basis. This morning as I was reading and praying, I kept coming across the word "joy."  Psalm 86:4 ~ Bring joy to your servant's life because I appeal to you, Lord. Psalm 87:7 ~ Singers and dancers alike will say, "My whole source of joy is in you." Psalm 89:9 ~ North and south—you created them. Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at your name. Psalm 89:15-16 ~ Happy are the pe...

This was the scene outside my window the entire week. While it is beautiful, it is not my favorite scenery. It was snowy and frigid and I stayed hunkered down in my house for most of the week. I ventured outside to take dinner to my in-laws on Monday for my father-in-law's 89th birthday and I worked at a friend's shop on Thursday, and went grocery shopping, but other than those things, I stayed home and worked from here.  I'm starting to understand why some people move south when they get older. But despite the weather, I enjoyed my week. That is mostly because I was working on a fun project - a cookbook. I'm in the process of writing a plant-based cookbook and so did a bunch of recipe testing this past week. I also did a lot of sampling which was not good! The needle on the scale jumped up a couple of pounds which helped me realize that I need to watch it, even when eating good things. I also will be starting a new website for all things frugal and nutritious. A friend...

  I had such a busy week as I am preparing for two retreats next weekend. One is Friday night through Saturday afternoon and then the other begins Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. In hindsight it probably wasn't the smartest idea to schedule both on the same weekend, but I was trying to streamline my life. I'm prepared, but it did add an extra level of "crazy" to this month.  I've been doing a lot  of reflecting and re-evaluating this week. As a woman in leadership I often find that I get so busy doing  that I forget I'm supposed to be leading and mentoring others. Both God and wise friends keep reminding me of that.   I'm leaving on Tuesday afternoon as I have a district meeting on Wednesday and I still have a number of things to do before then. However, I did take some time yesterday to get out and hike with my husband and I'm so thankful I did that. My head cleared, my mood lifted and I felt energized.  As we walked and talked through s...

I have a confession. There are days when I spend more time than I like to admit complaining and wondering why things are not going the way I think they should. I can look at what's going wrong and magnify it so that it seems like nothing  is going right. And I don't like that part of myself. We are on vacation this week and even though only one day has passed I have spent some time praying and asking the Lord to change that pattern of behavior in myself. Because when I look at my life through God's lens I can see so many wonderful things. I want to give thanks for those things today. 💗 Hiking with my young men. 💗 We live in a beautiful area with lots to explore. Ministry can be tiring and at times, frustrating, but I'm so thankful for the ministry the Lord has called me to do.  💗 My local church ministry. 💗 A wonderful ministry within our district of 76 churches.  💗 And now being a part of our denomination's worldwide ministry by being asked to serve on the lea...

I just spent the past 5 days at a conference in Ohio for denominational missions leaders from around the country. Some of our international workers were there too, sharing what is happening in the various countries they serve in. They were long days and I'm fairly wiped out today, but I came away from that time with a renewed vision for my ministry. I spent time in fellowship with old friends and new friends.  We spent time worshiping together. A couple of us ended the last night with a very sweet time of prayer together. I loved each moment that I was there despite my weariness. I took away valuable information in my role as district director, but also information I can use in my own church. But more importantly, I took away a renewed hunger in my heart to see spiritual renewal and growth happen in my own life and in the life of the women I serve. I came away with better ways that I can provide soul care to those I serve. I am bringing home a renewed confirmation of God's call...