Breakaway...

I met Jesus again this weekend.

Normally Breakaway is a fun, girlie time weekend where I get to hang out with my family, learn a little...but it's not always a spiritually profound experience for me. That was different this year.

First, the keynote speaker was wonderful. Lysa Terkeurst. Check out her ministry HERE. She not only invited women who didn't know Jesus to make a first step in meeting Him, she challenged those of us who already have a relationship with Him to strengthen that walk, live a radically obedient life, seek out God's will for our life and then live it! I am inspired and motivated...I feel on fire for Him in a way I haven't for a long time. For the first time in a longgggg time I desire to draw close to His word...to live a life pure and rely fully on Him.

As a woman of God who serves in full time ministry...my time and day is normally full. I have to remember to pause. To stop and allow Him to lead me. To listen. I've known for awhile that I am called to teach and to write. Teaching and speaking have started to take form recently as I've been able to speak at Elmbrook and some other churches...but writing is something I haven't taken past my blog. I know that the fear of rejection keeps me from taking the next step...submitting an article or beginning intentional studying that will lead to something bigger. Lysa reminded me this weekend that we were not created in fear. There is nothing other than God to fear. I can't be afraid of rejection. I can't allow that to keep me from doing what I feel I am supposed to. It's funny to me how in other avenues of life I have no problem setting fear aside to do what is right or do what I know God would want me to. But with myself...I so easily far into fear. I desire to live as a Proverbs 31 woman. I encourage each of you to do the same.

Proverbs 31: 10-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Sleep tight.