Monday, September 14, 2015

When Your Soul is Thirsty

Psalm 42:1-2
As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."

This past weekend, I did a retreat in Grundy, Va, called 'Got Purpose?'  

Grundy is DEEP in the Appalachian mountains - close to the Virginia/West Virginia line. Once arriving, (five plus hours from Raleigh)  I found faith-filled women.  No, STRONG, ROOTED, faith-filled women.  

Retreat Team 

Above is the retreat team of Harman Memorial Baptist.  They were amazing!  Harman Memorial is in coal mine country.  (It was really cool seeing an active mine - across the street from the church. I've never seen a mine before!)  But even cooler were the women who attended.

The ~100+ women who attended were HUNGRY for truth.  Truly, they reminded me of the key verse today.  Their souls were thirsty for living water.  They were thirsty for hope. 


Many drove an hour + to attend.


Women of all ages


Even mothers and daughters!  (my favorite!)


I share this - because it's rare to find such spiritual hunger.  It's rare to find a leadership team that truly understands the power of prayer.  This leadership team in the months leading up to the retreat - met regularly for prayer.  They even took a day to fast. 

They absolutely inspired and encouraged me personally with their heart for prayer.  (See the new hit movie War Room.  Click to see trailer)   Prayer is powerful! 

As a result:

Women responded to the challenge of identifying the sin that would rather stay hidden in our lives; to forgiving those who sin against us; to walk with God by SITTING in our chair; to obey God - even when it means stepping out of comfort zones.




They responded by drawing lines in the sand - on their knees in prayer.  Each committing to walk with the Lord afresh - fulfilling the specific, God-given purpose each of them have been given.

Hope and joy abounded!  In a difficult area of the country where coal mining has been shut down and the economy severely depressed - women have a new way of approaching the everyday.  Women are dreaming again!  Except now - they're allowing their dreams to be defined by the God of hope!

Retreat leader, Dee Dee Looney

Thank you Dee, Belinda, Tracie, Sarah, Tonya, etc... for the opportunity to minister to your women!  What a privilege.

ALSO:  LOVED going to Huddle House at 11pm Friday night!  Can't remember the last time I was up that late:)  Fun getting to know you!


Luncheon Friday, September 18th


Luncheons are a mini oasis' of spiritual refreshment...each with a specific message to
help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.

This month:  SPIRITUAL WARFARE!
Speaker:  Debbie Wilson

Do you ever feel discouraged for no apparent reason?  
Does fear control you?  
Does your past taunt you? 

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you're experiencing
Spiritual Warfare...

Click HERE for more and to register.
Early Registration ends Wednesday!

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

6 Ways to Become your Husband's Companion

KGM at Night logo 
If in the Raleigh, NC area, don't miss the first KGM @ Nite and Tara speak on her latest book,
The 7 Day Challenge.  
See below for details!

Genesis 2:18, 
The Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be ALONE!

Men desire companionship from their wives.   They long to have someone with whom they can share life’s experiences.

However, I believe men are lonelier today than ever.  With social media occupying our minds, our kids busier than ever with sports or activities and the endless things we use to fill our schedules, men are lonely.

Even worse is when our men feel alone in our presence because we’ve become so disconnected emotionally, physically and spiritually.  Often we can be sitting beside him on the sofa or at the dinner table but are so distracted with our own agendas and schedules that our men are left out in the cold.

IF this is your home:
1.      Have the courage to say, I’m guilty!  

2.      Start being “available” when you’re both home at the same time. 

3.      Begin listening to him when he talks.  Put your smart phone down and look at him when he’s talking. 

4.      Don’t interrupt him. LEARN TO RESPOND TO WHAT HE IS SAYING.  This has become lost in today’s society.  Example:  He says:  “Let’s have roast beef Sunday, with mashed potatoes.  That’s my favorite meal.”  And you respond, “Hmmm, Sunday….what time do you want to leave for Church?”

5.      Laugh with him.  Study what amuses him.  It’s a big deal to a man that you are on the same page with him.

6.      Be willing to do things he enjoys (including watching things on TV).

Men are typically not as talkative as we are, so become comfortable with silence.  Your physical presence and mental presence will be noticed, even if you aren’t saying anything.


Taken from: Click HERE for more



Does your Marriage need a little touch-up work... a little sprucing up?  
Or a major overhaul?

Come and learn how the Bible's recipe for marriage can lead to significant change in only 7 Days!

KGM at Night logo

EVENT TITLE:
Jump Start your Marriage in a Week
– The 7 Day Challenge

Location:

Hope Community – Morrisville Campus
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Tickets:

$10 – ticket  |  $22 – ticket + book (details below)

Register HERE!