Resurrection 2009

Sometimes God places us in situations just so we can see His power at work. Well, this past weekend was one of those times for me. Frank, Jacob and I went along with our church youth group to Gatlinburg, TN for Resurrection 2009 (a Methodist Youth Retreat). It was our first trip to Resurrection and I wasn't sure what to expect. I had heard some amazing stories, but I still couldn't quite grasp the whole concept. I admit, that when Frank first volunteered us to go, I was more than a little apprehensive. But, as time to go grew closer, I began to get excited about it. By the time we left I was really looking forward to it. Somewhere down deep in my heart, I knew I was going to meet God there. And oh boy, did He ever show up. I can not remember a more amazing time with the Lord. He showed up in full force. His presence was so clear. I'm still reeling from it. And Jacob loved it. He hung on every word. He danced with the band and just "got it." I mean he really "got it."
We had four sessions over the weekend. We started with one session on Friday night shortly after we arrived, Saturday morning and afternoon and a wonderful session Sunday morning complete with Communion. Our youth participated in the serving of Communion. I am so blessed and so touched to have received communion from these amazing kids.
The kids were great - no problems at all. Of course, I think they are a great group of kids regardless. I just love'em all. Of course, I have to tell this . . . us girls had a hard time going into the boys' rooms for our nightly devotions. Those rooms smelled awful! There was a grotesque combined smell of feet and "other body functions" that would knock us down at the door. But, a little Febreeze helped. Needless to say that after devotions, us girls hightailed it back to our sweet smelling girl rooms.
Anyway, the music was awesome. This band was on stage at every session and the kids went wild. They rushed the stage, they danced, they sang and they truly praised the Lord.
The main speaker was phenomenal. I admit, I had never heard of this guy before, but he really hit home. And, he spoke in such a manner that the kids just got it. Not to mention that he was hilarious in the process.
I just can't seem to find the words to describe exactly what I brought back with me. There were (literally) thousands of kids there - all of them hanging on the Word of God, praising Him, Glorifying Him - it was one of the most awe inspiring events I've ever been a part of.
Now, heres the trick - it's our responsibility to "keep the fires burning" in our kids. I'm not sure how that will happen, but I am sure that with God in charge it will be done.
So, will we go again to Resurrection - you bet. Jacob asked me Sunday morning, even before we had left Gatlinburg, if we could come back next year. Of course we will. I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of many Resurrection weekends to come.
I wish I had some pictures to share, but I left my camera at home. Yeah, I know. That won't happen again. Next year, I'll have lots of pictures and lots more blessings to share.
If you are curious about Resurrection you can visit this site and learn all about it. You can also find out how to register your youth to attend Resurrection 2010 which is the 25th anniversary. I highly recommend it.
I pray that you are as blessed as I am.

A Fight for A Blessing

Ya'll - the devil was in my face this morning. But, it didn't do him any good. He tried so hard to keep me out of church - it isn't funny how hard he tried.
As if I haven't been dealing with enough over the last few days - but isn't that when he likes to try to get us. Too bad - My Lord and Savior won!! I was at church and I got my blessing!!

Here's how it all happened -
Jacob has been sick (you knew that)so, this morning, Frank and I decided that he would stay home with Jacob so I could go to church. He's a sweetie!!
So, I got up, made the coffee, had to iron my clothes and then jumped in the shower. At this point, all is well - HA! So, while I'm in the shower, I dropped my sponge. I bent over to retrieve it before all the body wash was rinsed out of it when BAM! I smacked my head on the side of the shower stall and nearly knocked myself out! I hit that bone right under the eyebrow - you know, directly above the eye - OUCH!! But, I saved that sponge and the soap.
Once I got my senses back, I just looked heavenward and said, "O.K. Lord, I need a little help here." So, after my near death shower - I get dressed and head to the kitchen for a fresh cup of coffee. So, I got my coffee in my favorite "I Love Lucy" cup and I head into the bathroom to put on my makeup when my coffee splashes over the side of the cup on runs down the front of my shirt and my pants. I decided right then and there that I was not going to let the devil win that I was going to church even if I had a knot on my head and coffee stains down my front.
So, I finished getting ready and I head off to church. Now, our church is less than half a mile from our house but, I was late. I didn't care - I was still in time for Sunday School. I ran into our pastor in the hallway and I told him how I had fought to be there this morning. I also told him that I came for a blessing and I wasn't leaving until I got it.
Well, God is good!! Because the sermon our pastor gave this morning was just exactly what I needed to hear. It was awesome. He preached on "Recharging our Spiritual Batteries." I really needed to hear that for more reasons than one. And, let me tell you - the devil has pretty much left me alone for the rest of the day. Praise the Lord!! Now, I know he's lurking and he'll be back - but today's victory belongs to Jesus!!
Here are a few points that our pastor made this morning. I thought you might enjoy them, too.
1. We need to be honest with ourselves. We need to ask, "what is the problem?" "Am I not serving?" "Is something missing?"
2. Take a Spiritual Inventory. Make a connection with God. Have a Spiritual Cleansing - truly repent.
3. Make a committment. Find Christian fellowship and worship, truly worship God. Get involved in the House of God.
4. Express your faith through witness and ministry. Ask, "Am I just taking up space in God's House?" Even the "little" jobs are big in the eyes of God.
Go out in God's name.

Isn't that awesome? I think so. It was really what I needed to hear. I feel so much better. Praise God - His timing is always great!!

Well, Siestas - I hope you have received a blessing from this post - I know I certainly received my blessing today. Even if I did have to fight for it!

In Christ,
Lisa

God has set out a roadblock - a really big one!

By now anyone who has read this blog knows that I have just finished my undergrad work and am planning to apply to grad school. Old news!!
But, it seems that God has a different plan. I don't know what it is - but it ain't the one I had. That's o.k. cause His plans are always better than mine anyway.

Here's what happened.

I called the university to find out what to do to get my diploma. I mean, after 13 years, I want that thing on my wall. The nice lady in the graduation office informs me that there is a "hold" on my transcripts. I can not explain the cold chills that went through my body at that moment. I mean, I was finished with all the required courses - f-i-n-i-s-h-e-d!! Done!!

As it turns out, the financial aid didn't cover the entire bill and I still owe about 1000 more dollars. I am crushed. That's alot of money for me not to mention the fact that I thought the entire bill was covered. To top things off, I did not recieve a bill or any type of statement during the time I was actually enrolled in this last semester.
Anyway, since I have to come up with this rather large amount of money before I can get my diploma OR have my transcripts released - I can not apply to grad school.

So, after I regained my composure I remembered that GOD IS IN CONTROL and He has a plan. Actually, this IS His plan. What ever His plan, I am not supposed to apply to grad school at this time. Now, I'm o.k. with that and I'm looking forward to the next step. He will provide a way for me to pay that bill. I know this because He has brought me this far - walked with me step by step - allowed me to learn and complete the courses - and showed me how to get it done. So, I know He will show me how to pay that bill.

This is just a roadblock and where there is a roadblock, there is always a detour - a different road to take to get to the destination. Maybe it's not the road I would have chosen but a better one. I have found that when there is a detour, then the road that is blocked is full of potholes or maybe covered by a landslide. So, the detour might turn out to be a little longer - but much smoother.

"I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known, I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16

How can I possibly worry - God is in control. I will lean on Him and He will lead me. He promised and He has never let me down.

Blessings!