Pray!

In the midst of a reasonably full week of ministry, we are thoroughly enjoying a visit form David's parents. In a few days I hope to be able to sit down and process all that has been going on! In the meantime, will you forgive me for not blogging and take some time to pray for us? God is doing some awesome things in Loches, but it has been a bit intense.

Salvation! 

Deliverance! 

Proclamation!

All of these have happened in the last three days! Pray, pray, pray! We need your support!

Tweet

Quotable Quotes, Thanksgiving 2012

"How is that we have so many wine glasses, but no two are the same?"

"Um, David, the turkey has a head."

"Daaaaaaa-viiiiiiiid! What do I do with the head?"

"I'll  take care of it. Wow. That thing is really on there good!"  

"How did they kill this turkey anyway? Don't you normally kill a turkey by cutting off its head?" 

"Seriously, Mom, no more pictures! Let's eat already!"

"Becca, why did you bring all of those marshmallows?"

"So we can play 'Chubby Bunnies', of course!"

"Chubby bunnies!"

"Chuwwy wunnies!"

"Shuuuey Ooonies!"

"Uhwy ohnie!"

Tweet

Trouver un équilibre dans une vie bien remplie

I spent the weekend at a women's retreat with 19 amazing women of God. Our theme was "Trouver un équilibre dans une vie bien remplie" which translates "Finding balance in a full life." I worked with a gifted team of women to plan the retreat, and we were so blessed to see the many ways that God worked.

Meals were delicious and the hours spent around the table were rich with fellowship. There were women from four different churches in our region, and it was fun to meet new people and make new friends.

Our speaker was a gifted Bible teacher who shared rich insights. She spoke with wisdom, authority, passion, and joy--her messages were full of hope and challenge. We offered opportunities for each woman to engage with God one on one, as well as times in small groups. I am not exaggerating when I say that lives were significantly changed over the course of the weekend. Strongholds were broken, hearts were healed, and saints were encouraged.

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was the worship! Our worship leader was a talented young mom with a heart of gold and a love for the Lord. She led us right to the throne of God! I realized this month --after time at a missionary conference where worship was done in English followed by this retreat, which was completely in French--that I have made another cultural crossover. I actually prefer to worship God in French. It somehow resonates more deeply in my heart. I'm not sure when the switch happened, but I am keenly aware that it has.

One of my joys in ministry--maybe my greatest joy-- is helping people to discover and use their God-given gifts for the Kingdom. My heart was F-U-L-L this weekend as I watched my small team of leaders using their gifts to serve others for the glory of our Lord. 

Tweet

Choose Life

There is something new and deep being worked out in my heart. I hesitate to name it, because I can't exactly get my mind around it. It has to do with obedience and humility and contentedness and freedom. Is there a word for that? Whatever it is, I have the sense that it is really, really great. I can't name it, but I want it.

At the same time, it is hard! Daily, I find myself faced with choices that I know are either going to take me closer to this thing or draw me away. Inevitably, my gut reaction (my flesh reaction) hits first, and it is bad news! But if I pause, the gut reaction is redeemed, and I discover the Spirit response.

The Spirit response always costs me something: a fleshy death.

Death to self.

I hesitate.

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life...Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

The lord IS my life. Life in the flesh is my death. The Lord is my blessing. Life in the flesh is cursed. To choose to die to self IS to choose life.

I would be embarrassed to tell you the petty details of the daily decisions with which I wrestle. The  moment by moment stuff can seem so trivial on the surface. But what God is doing in me is nothing short of a miracle.

He whispers to my heart, in each mundane moment, "Choose life, Jenn! Choose life!"

And when I do, I feel His pleasure.

Tweet

Grace

I just finished reading What's so Amazing about Grace, by Philip Yancey, and it was exactly what I needed!

Grace.

Being across the ocean, most of the political commentary that I read over the past few months was on Facebook. I don't mean to sound critical, but wow. Some of my Facebook friends--people I know to be genuine, loving, positive people--got downright snarky over the elections.

Don't get me wrong; I am not at all against passion. I honor patriotism. I even like a good argument. But must we reduce ourselves to the level of poo-slinging apes?

And at the end of the day, those of us who call ourselves "Christians" MUST care about the means as much as the end. That is to say, HOW I speak about a subject is as important as WHAT I have to say. Kindness counts. Respect matters. Truth spoken in harsh words, devoid of love, is, well, a "clanging gong," to borrow Paul's words.

Grace.

Now that the elections are over, why not close our mouths and roll up our sleeves? Pro-life voters, do everything you can to be a pro-life person over the next four years! Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center. Take in a single mom. Live your conviction!

Grace.

If you are concerned about the economy, first of all manage your own money well. Work hard. Be generous to those in need. Model the way for a lost world!

Grace.

Finally, pray for our president. And remember what your mother taught you: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Keep the debate on the issues. Write to senators. Go ahead and get involved in the process. But snarkiness and disrespect are not appropriate responses. No one likes a sore loser.

Grace.

It was poured out on me by Jesus. I do not deserve it. In fact, based on my wretchedness, Jesus should turn His back on me and walk away. I am repulsive. I am more offensive to the perfection of Jesus than the vilest politician could ever be to me. YET, Jesus has grace. He loves the unlovely. Its scandalous, really. But in pouring out grace on me, He calls me, empowers me, inspires me to have grace for others. Grace for political rivals. Grace for snarky friends. Grace for enemies.

Grace.

Tweet

Ten Totally Trivial Tidbits

1. I received a pound and a half of candy corn in the mail! Color me happy!
2. Gemma went running with me for the first time this morning. After three miles she wasn't even panting. I think she could have gone farther, but I was beat!
3. I'm hooked on this creamy honey that I buy at a store called Lidl. 
4. I haven't ordered a turkey for Thanksgiving, and I'm hoping its not too late.
5. I'm reading a book on apologetics in French. I can handle about 12 pages in a sitting.
6. I'd like to get back in the habit of memorizing scripture--I think I feel a New Year's resolution coming on....
7. We're super excited about some special people coming to visit us at the end of the month.
8. I believe that we are (finally) a flea-free house again.
9. I just finished reading Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. I loved it, and I am wondering if the sequel is any good. Has anyone read World Without End?
10. I've started knitting a blue mohair cardigan. Its going very slowly.

Tweet

Some Time Away...and the Haircut

We are in the French Alps at a GEM France retreat, where David is leading worship and prayer times. It is a lovely setting, and we are being trained, encouraged, and blessed. We are thankful for this time away.

So, now that I have had some time to relax, I can deal with letting you all see my new haircut. I don't hate it, but I am still a little surprised by it. 

Tweet