Catching up....
Let's see, back in April, I kept having dreams about a girl named Rhonda that I've always admired from afar. I could not remember the last time I had seen her. That's not entirely unusual. We are part of a big church and it's easy to miss people. But still.... I was having these dreams and it was becoming an obsession to just see her in the worship service and know that she was well. So many times, people come and go and we never take the time to get to know them. I mean REALLY get to know them. One Sunday morning we were cramming our family into a row at church. Chaos was reigning that morning. I scanned the room for Rhonda and as I turned to the door, there she was. Our eyes met and it was like she knew that I was looking for her. I wanted to tell her that I had missed her. But what if she had been there all along and I had just missed seeing her? Those crazy thoughts keep me from stepping out in faith too often.
Later that afternoon, Rhonda called to ask if I'd be willing to chair the publicity committee for Abundant Joy. I can't believe how much my life has changed since then. We had to get through VBS before we could even start planning for this year's conference. But that did not stop the mental gears from rolling.
So, if you have wondered where I have been, I mean besides carpooling, VBS, hundreds of medical tests, a quick summer vacation, more medical tests, cancer, no cancer, back to school, work, and well, life. This is it....
Grace. Peace. And all of God's blessings....
Later that afternoon, Rhonda called to ask if I'd be willing to chair the publicity committee for Abundant Joy. I can't believe how much my life has changed since then. We had to get through VBS before we could even start planning for this year's conference. But that did not stop the mental gears from rolling.
So, if you have wondered where I have been, I mean besides carpooling, VBS, hundreds of medical tests, a quick summer vacation, more medical tests, cancer, no cancer, back to school, work, and well, life. This is it....
This has consumed every spare minute and more. But it was an absolute joy. I loved working with these spirit filled ladies. The entire day was covered by the Holy Spirit. Awesome!
The day before the conference, we were taking a break to eat lunch when one of the ladies told a story. Her daughter is the same age as C.C. Her girls were reading about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. They read the part where the Samaritan lady says that she knows that the Messiah is coming and the youngest daughter started giggling. She was amused that the lady was talking to THE MESSIAH and did not know it. So cute and perceptive coming from a first grader.
We also talked about the "Woman at the Well" in our Bible class recently. I picture Jesus sitting on the side of the well and looking intently at the woman as He spoke with her. How amazing that He was THE MESSIAH but there was no arrogance to be found in Him.
I sensed that same humility in the two main speakers at the conference. Both are powerful speakers in high demand. But they both were the type of women that would prop their leg up on the side of a well and share your life story. Susan O'Donnell was the second speaker. In my little world, she is famous. She is the morning show host on one of the highest rated Christian radio stations in the country. I listen to her every day. I just love her. She took the time to stop and talk to me. She made eye contact in the way that you know she is listening and not mentally rushing to her next engagement. I felt like a million dollars.
As we were cleaning up, several people told me stories of times they have interacted with Susan O'Donnell and she has taken the time to stop and pray with them. One lady told me how a moment of prayer several years ago saved her marriage. Susan's own story has not been a smooth sail. She once found herself thrust into one of life's deepest, ugliest, miriest pits. But with God's help she emerged victorious. I love that her heart is so filled with compassion for all of God's creation.
Do I take that kind of time with the people around me? Meeting her makes me want to take the time to stop and listen and pray with those around me. I'm feeling led in a different direction and doors are opening. I'll share that soon. :-)
The guys are off to a Men's Boot Camp for the weekend. My friend Leah has been in a lot of pain this week. She has endured a lot of tests. It finally looks like we can breathe easier. Please keep her in your prayers as our guys are off on this adventure this weekend. Pray that the men will come back with renewed courage and hearts on fire for God.
I pray that I will see everyone with Jesus' eyes. I pray that if the opportunity comes, I will be willing to sit on the side of a well and share someone's life story.
The day before the conference, we were taking a break to eat lunch when one of the ladies told a story. Her daughter is the same age as C.C. Her girls were reading about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. They read the part where the Samaritan lady says that she knows that the Messiah is coming and the youngest daughter started giggling. She was amused that the lady was talking to THE MESSIAH and did not know it. So cute and perceptive coming from a first grader.
We also talked about the "Woman at the Well" in our Bible class recently. I picture Jesus sitting on the side of the well and looking intently at the woman as He spoke with her. How amazing that He was THE MESSIAH but there was no arrogance to be found in Him.
I sensed that same humility in the two main speakers at the conference. Both are powerful speakers in high demand. But they both were the type of women that would prop their leg up on the side of a well and share your life story. Susan O'Donnell was the second speaker. In my little world, she is famous. She is the morning show host on one of the highest rated Christian radio stations in the country. I listen to her every day. I just love her. She took the time to stop and talk to me. She made eye contact in the way that you know she is listening and not mentally rushing to her next engagement. I felt like a million dollars.
As we were cleaning up, several people told me stories of times they have interacted with Susan O'Donnell and she has taken the time to stop and pray with them. One lady told me how a moment of prayer several years ago saved her marriage. Susan's own story has not been a smooth sail. She once found herself thrust into one of life's deepest, ugliest, miriest pits. But with God's help she emerged victorious. I love that her heart is so filled with compassion for all of God's creation.
Do I take that kind of time with the people around me? Meeting her makes me want to take the time to stop and listen and pray with those around me. I'm feeling led in a different direction and doors are opening. I'll share that soon. :-)
The guys are off to a Men's Boot Camp for the weekend. My friend Leah has been in a lot of pain this week. She has endured a lot of tests. It finally looks like we can breathe easier. Please keep her in your prayers as our guys are off on this adventure this weekend. Pray that the men will come back with renewed courage and hearts on fire for God.
I pray that I will see everyone with Jesus' eyes. I pray that if the opportunity comes, I will be willing to sit on the side of a well and share someone's life story.
posted by Christina Jay at
3:03 PM
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