Greetings!

I would like to thank all of the women at the "Finding the Treasure Within" retreat last weekend. It was wonderful to be with women who love the Lord as much as I do. I can truly say that I have found some new sister-friends. Many of the women were from the same church, but they embraced us as if we had all been friends forever. I thank God for the retreat leader who allowed us time to actually rest. There was no pressure to participate in any of the events and for someone who has a lot of things going on all the time--that was refreshing.

As I reflected on my time at the retreat, I realized that not one time did I stress about all the things I needed to do. I simply let go. I didn't think about what I had to do or what I had left undone. How liberating! I was able to really get away from it all and it wasn't the end of the world. I actually had time to think about those things that God had been speaking to me about, that I had pushed to the back burner. Those desires that I sometimes felt guilty even thinking about.

But, we serve a God of second chances, and He has given me a renewed sense of purpose. Grateful doesn't seem to cover what I'm feeling right now. I thank God for His lovingkindness and His many blessings; for His faithfulness; and for peace that surpasses all understanding. Our God is an AWESOME God. He loves us so much that we can't even comprehend it.

I'm not going to apologize or make excuses for why I haven't posted in so long. I've found that doing that causes me to be in a place of bondage. I want to live my life without fear. To do the things God is calling me to do, and to not worry about the things I can't do. I am working on being in the center of God's will, and if He wants me to do something, He will provide everything I need to accomplish it.

So, we begin again. To explore the possibilities. To find out what God expects from us and to be available and open to His promptings. This is yet a new beginning, and I am so grateful to be able to share it with you.

Until next time...

Be blessed!

New Year...New Hope!

Greetings!

I know. I know. It seemed like I fell off the face of the earth. It's been six months since I last posted something. THAT is outrageous even for me. I have taken procrastination to a whole new level, but with a new year, brings new hope.

I have been in a season of testing. I know without a doubt what my purpose is, but even knowing that, I have still been vulnerable to the enemy's attacks on my mind at times. That is why it is so important to know who you are in Christ. That is the only way that we will be able to put the enemy in his place. Because I knew that Christ had saved me and delivered me from the enemy, I knew what to do. I knew that I had to listen for God's voice by meditating and reading His word, and I knew that I had to stay in prayer and surround myself with others who knew how to pray. The enemy is already defeated--he just doesn't want us to know that. God has given us everything we need to conquer the enemy...right inside of us. We just have to call on Him.

This year, I will attempt to take our discussions in a new direction. Our church has begun to really step up our efforts to evangelize. To let others know about the goodness of the Lord. My hope is that through this medium we will together become enlightened in that area. That we will grow together, and that we will use everything we learn to be soul winners for Christ.

If you have any thoughts on the subject of evangelism, please let us know about it. The only way we can defeat the enemy at his schemes is if we work together.

Until next time...

Be blessed!