Yesterday was another day filled with blessings from start to finish. What a privilege it was to be asked to be an assessor for the District Ministry event. My call was reaffirmed over and over again as I heard from candidates, prayed for and with them, etc. I was there to encourage them yet they encouraged me. I am reminded of Paul's words in I Thessalonians 5 about how we are to build one another up. That is so crucial in today's world but especially crucial for those in vocational ministry. It can be draining to be a pastor but it also can be so, so rewarding. I was asked many times over the twenty-four hours I was there about how my church was doing and how I was doing. Many pastors praised me for having a smile on my face with all I have gone through these last few years. I told them if it were not for God's strength, His peace would not be possible. My journey has not been 'pretty' yet it has been 'beautiful' with God's love, mercy, and grace being showered down over me every single day. Last night before going to bed, during the night, and again this morning I prayed for pastors. I prayed for seasoned pastors and I prayed for ones just starting their journey. I prayed for all of them to have people in their lives who would encourage them as I do. I prayed for those who are feeling discouraged to realize people and circumstances do not dictate who they are but God does. Every time I go to the district campground for a quick trip I wish I would have time to stay to relax and spend time reflecting on God. Some day I'm going to run away for such a time. This morning as I prepare for another full day I am asking God to wrap His loving arms around me and empower me to preach the Word He has given me to preach, love people with His love that fills me, and to have a gentle spirit as the General Superintendent prayed over me at Doc's ordination. I am grateful for Doc's teaching/preaching that guided me well for many years. I celebrate him today on what would have been his sixty-fifth birthday. I am grateful for the thirty plus years he was in my life and for the impact he continues to have on my life. I also am grateful for all the spiritual aspects he instilled into our marriage that I hold near and dear to my heart. Last night when I returned home one of the first things I received was the blessing of Doug praying with me over the phone with gratitude for our safe trip and the good time Cait and I had while away. The tears fell as he prayed. I felt so blessed through not only his words but the action itself. That prayed encouraged my spirit greatly and for that I am grateful. I desire to be the godly woman God desires of me. I am reminded of the words to Matthew West's song "My Story My Glory"...
My story, Your glory
My pain, Your purpose
My mess, Your message
In all things, I know You're workin'
One life, one mission
One reason why I'm livin'
All for You, not for me
My story, Your glory
Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Doug praying with me when I got home last night! What a blessing he is in my life. I prayed before going to bed, during the night, and again this morning for pastors to be encouraged. I pray for people to have words of encouragement for them. I also pray for God to speak boldly through all who are in the pulpit today. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You flow from my words, actions, attitude and thoughts. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; Ashley Foor; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Katelyn; Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; and Damon who was recently diagnosed with nasal cancer. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues, and my friend Rosemary. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and for little Weston. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. Thank You for being My Story! Amen.
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