When this morning dawned, I shook myself into reality and found myself in "high gear"! January 2012 is going to be a very busy, yet enjoyable time for us. This coming weekend is M.A.P. - Ministerial Advancement Program for the ministers who are becoming members of the United Pentecostal Church International here in the Texas District, or those who are going to a different level of being licensed. (ie: General or Ordination) As I was preparing for my classes today I felt excitement down deep inside as I thought about the ladies I will have the privilege of teaching. I am so blessed to be one of the teachers, and take my part very seriously. What a privilege to be asked to teach, and what a responsibility!
As I look back over my life I can say that I wouldn't have wanted to live any other life. I loved growing up in a Pastor's home. I loved listening to preacher's and their wives talk about the work of God when they came to preach for Daddy. The stories were wonderful! I smile thinking about the funny stories that were told and can still hear Daddy laughing and Mother giggling. I gave up my bedroom many times so the "Evangelist couple" could have a place to stay. I don't ever remember thinking I was being misplaced! I loved the fact that these "special people" were staying in MY room. I have been blessed in life and can honestly say that I love being a Preacher's Kid!
In my earliest memories I dreamed of marrying a preacher! I wanted to travel and be with him every mile, do whatever I could to help him in revivals, and I've had that privilege. When my husband felt God calling him to pastor, I wanted to be right there beside him doing whatever I could to help in the Kingdom of God! The saints we were privileged to pastor were wonderful to us and our boys. They gave us their love and became our "family". My life has been blessed beyond measure. Raising our sons in a ministers home has brought them the same opportunities that I had growing up. They have been in the presence of great Missionaries (home and foreign), Evangelists, Preachers and Teachers. They also got to sit and listen to the stories and experience the presence of great men and women of God. I'm so glad they have their fingerprints in their hearts.
Please excuse me as I "count my blessings", but I guess in preparing for the weekend seminars my heart started remembering. Thank God for a wonderful life! I'm pretty sure the reason my heart is full of expectation and excitement is because I want the ladies I'll be teaching to experience this great life.
P.S. I guess I need to say for anyone who is thinking I'm blinded to the fact that the life I've lived hasn't always been a "rose garden"... I am not oblivious to that fact! We've reached to pick a rose a few times and got pricked by the thorns. It didn't feel good and we cried. We've had our times of frustration, life's burdens weighing us down, and experienced disappointments. But...GOD has never disappointed us! And when it seemed we were about to sink He stepped into our situation and commanded "PEACE BE STILL"! I can say..."I have NEVER seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread!". God has supplied our every need and walked with us through every valley! HE has been our Strength, our Director, our Counsellor, and I have nothing to complain about! When we've worked for the greatest Employer ever known to man...how could I complain?
Showing posts with label MAP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAP. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Whew...I'm Tired...but HAPPY
As I've said many times since moving to Lufkin...this time of year is one of my favorite times. A lot is happening and we get to be involved in "building the kingdom of God".
MAP was wonderful this weekend. The Lord visited with us and touched us through the ministry of the Word and worship. It's always good to know His approval is on you and the effort that is put forth for meetings such as MAP.
It has been cold and rainy today. Snow has fallen in many places, but we haven't seen any. I don't think it will be coming our way, so we will just enjoy the quiet rain, cold atmosphere, and the FIRE in the fireplace. I love hearing the crackling of the wood, and feeling the warmth that's coming across the room to my recliner as I read, write, and enjoy resting this evening.
I've been on Facebook for a few minutes tonight and have loved seeing the pictures of the new fallen snow. I also love reading comments of friends telling about their services today, and how God did some great things at their church. To hear great reports makes my heart happy! I love hearing that God has filled someone else with His spirit, and someone got a touch they had been longing for. I love how God works on a "personal level". He knows exactly the needs of His people everywhere and performs miracles in our midst. "Thank you Lord, for loving us the way you do! Your mercy endures forever!"
I hope you all have a wonderful Monday. It's another day to serve the Lord with GLADNESS! Walk into your work place with JOY in your heart, a spring in your step, and a SMILE on your face. Let the world know He LIVES and there's still HOPE!
MAP was wonderful this weekend. The Lord visited with us and touched us through the ministry of the Word and worship. It's always good to know His approval is on you and the effort that is put forth for meetings such as MAP.
It has been cold and rainy today. Snow has fallen in many places, but we haven't seen any. I don't think it will be coming our way, so we will just enjoy the quiet rain, cold atmosphere, and the FIRE in the fireplace. I love hearing the crackling of the wood, and feeling the warmth that's coming across the room to my recliner as I read, write, and enjoy resting this evening.
I've been on Facebook for a few minutes tonight and have loved seeing the pictures of the new fallen snow. I also love reading comments of friends telling about their services today, and how God did some great things at their church. To hear great reports makes my heart happy! I love hearing that God has filled someone else with His spirit, and someone got a touch they had been longing for. I love how God works on a "personal level". He knows exactly the needs of His people everywhere and performs miracles in our midst. "Thank you Lord, for loving us the way you do! Your mercy endures forever!"
I hope you all have a wonderful Monday. It's another day to serve the Lord with GLADNESS! Walk into your work place with JOY in your heart, a spring in your step, and a SMILE on your face. Let the world know He LIVES and there's still HOPE!
Thursday, January 06, 2011
And So It Begins
The time for relaxing has come and GONE! Tomorrow evening begins one of my favorite times of the year. The Ministerial Advancement Program (MAP) starts tomorrow night when ministers and wives come for training. All levels for licensing in the TEXAS District, UPCI will be represented. (Local, General, Ordination) One of the reasons I enjoy it so much is that those who come are hungry to learn all they can about ministry, and improving in whatever way they can. It is a pleasure to be with these men and women who have committed their lives to the calling of God. Another reason I love this time is that I have the privilege of being part of it. I will be teaching some classes, and will enjoy being with the beautiful ladies that will be in them. We also have the opportunity of spending time visiting, and getting to know each other. Please say a prayer for all the teachers and participants that God will walk into our midst and speak to our hearts in a special way.
After MAP ends we will be starting our Sectional Conferences, so we will get to see many of our TEXAS District ministers and wives. I love it when we get to be around all of these wonderful people! These are the conferences where business is conducted that keeps the organizational machinery running well. Also, our Superintendent, Bro. Russo brings a message to all of us, and I always look forward to hearing from him. We will have a great time! God is moving in the TEXAS District and I am thankful! We get reports of revival springing up all over the district, and it's wonderful to hear how God is touching lives, bringing them to know Him. Isn't He a great God to have MERCY on all of us mere humans? His love still AMAZES me!
There's been a lot of WORK going on in the District Office over the last few weeks. It's been "exciting and mind bending" on those who are involved, but when you're moving forward to greater things it involves getting out of our comfort zone. It also takes a lot of work and dedication. Let me say, there are a lot of DEDICATED people who are working for a great cause and we appreciate and love them all.
This "busy day" comes to an end. It has been a good day! God has blessed us with His presence, His peace, and His strength. I trust you have felt His presence today. Maybe it was from a "word of encouragement" spoken by a "friend". Maybe it was a "smile" given from a "stranger". Or, maybe God came to you in a special way through His word as you read and meditated on Him. Whatever means He used to touch you, you were blessed. What more could one ask for? I'm so glad I know HIM!
After MAP ends we will be starting our Sectional Conferences, so we will get to see many of our TEXAS District ministers and wives. I love it when we get to be around all of these wonderful people! These are the conferences where business is conducted that keeps the organizational machinery running well. Also, our Superintendent, Bro. Russo brings a message to all of us, and I always look forward to hearing from him. We will have a great time! God is moving in the TEXAS District and I am thankful! We get reports of revival springing up all over the district, and it's wonderful to hear how God is touching lives, bringing them to know Him. Isn't He a great God to have MERCY on all of us mere humans? His love still AMAZES me!
There's been a lot of WORK going on in the District Office over the last few weeks. It's been "exciting and mind bending" on those who are involved, but when you're moving forward to greater things it involves getting out of our comfort zone. It also takes a lot of work and dedication. Let me say, there are a lot of DEDICATED people who are working for a great cause and we appreciate and love them all.
This "busy day" comes to an end. It has been a good day! God has blessed us with His presence, His peace, and His strength. I trust you have felt His presence today. Maybe it was from a "word of encouragement" spoken by a "friend". Maybe it was a "smile" given from a "stranger". Or, maybe God came to you in a special way through His word as you read and meditated on Him. Whatever means He used to touch you, you were blessed. What more could one ask for? I'm so glad I know HIM!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
MAP Weekend
I have just completed one of the most exciting and fulfilling weekends of my life!!!! I wish there was a way to describe what has happened at MAP. At first, I was a little nervous, but my nervousness was mixed with excitement. I couldn't hardly wait for the seminar to begin, yet didn't really know what to expect.
As the preachers and wives began to arrive you could feel an expectancy in the air. As the classes began I could see the eagerness in the faces of our beautiful Pentecostal ladies. You could feel a hunger for the Word of God, and any "nugget" they could get to help them in ministry. Every class was a wealth of information given for each level of ministry. I was so blessed and thankful to hear the doctrines taught that we hold dear to our hearts, practical ministry subjects, and information on working with people. The presence of God came into the classes as instruction was given.
I was sitting in one of the classes as Sis. Watkins finished teaching and felt the presence of God. He didn't come in with trumpets blasting or with a thunderous voice, but in a "quietness" that captivated our hearts. When I opened my eyes I noticed we were all experiencing His presence.
There were many instances this weekend when we were in different classrooms, with different subjects being taught and I would hear sounds of praise and worship coming from down the hall or another area of the building. It was powerful and life changing!!!
As I experienced this weekend I was thinking about all those who hasn't had the opportunity to go through the classes offered, and wished it were different. As a young ministers wife I wish I could have gone through these classes. It would have enhanced my life greatly!
What can I say to tell you so you would understand? My words are so limited!!! It's very frustrating to want to tell you how awesome and powerful MAP was, yet can't express to you the power, the knowledge given, the camaraderie, and the spirit of the whole seminar! I guess you would just have to experience it for yourself. I recommend it to any preacher and his wife who wants to come and wants to be or already is a part of the United Pentecostal Church. This church is ALIVE and WELL! I love what it stands for! I have never felt more encouraged about WHO we are, WHAT we believe, and WHERE we're headed.
Blessings to you as you continue on the "journey".
I can honestly say that I don't feel at "home" in this world, but while I am waiting for the Lord's return I'm going to do my best to let others know this glorious gospel, and lead them to know what it's like to experience the "true beauty of holiness".
Note: I did not take one picture! That's really different for me, but I was very, very, very busy, and then for some reason I just didn't feel to take any. I felt this was a "personal and sacred time" for those who were attending, so I honored that.
As the preachers and wives began to arrive you could feel an expectancy in the air. As the classes began I could see the eagerness in the faces of our beautiful Pentecostal ladies. You could feel a hunger for the Word of God, and any "nugget" they could get to help them in ministry. Every class was a wealth of information given for each level of ministry. I was so blessed and thankful to hear the doctrines taught that we hold dear to our hearts, practical ministry subjects, and information on working with people. The presence of God came into the classes as instruction was given.
I was sitting in one of the classes as Sis. Watkins finished teaching and felt the presence of God. He didn't come in with trumpets blasting or with a thunderous voice, but in a "quietness" that captivated our hearts. When I opened my eyes I noticed we were all experiencing His presence.
There were many instances this weekend when we were in different classrooms, with different subjects being taught and I would hear sounds of praise and worship coming from down the hall or another area of the building. It was powerful and life changing!!!
As I experienced this weekend I was thinking about all those who hasn't had the opportunity to go through the classes offered, and wished it were different. As a young ministers wife I wish I could have gone through these classes. It would have enhanced my life greatly!
What can I say to tell you so you would understand? My words are so limited!!! It's very frustrating to want to tell you how awesome and powerful MAP was, yet can't express to you the power, the knowledge given, the camaraderie, and the spirit of the whole seminar! I guess you would just have to experience it for yourself. I recommend it to any preacher and his wife who wants to come and wants to be or already is a part of the United Pentecostal Church. This church is ALIVE and WELL! I love what it stands for! I have never felt more encouraged about WHO we are, WHAT we believe, and WHERE we're headed.
Blessings to you as you continue on the "journey".
This world, this world is not my home.
This world, this world is not my home.
This world is not my resting place.
This world, this world is not my home.
I can honestly say that I don't feel at "home" in this world, but while I am waiting for the Lord's return I'm going to do my best to let others know this glorious gospel, and lead them to know what it's like to experience the "true beauty of holiness".
Note: I did not take one picture! That's really different for me, but I was very, very, very busy, and then for some reason I just didn't feel to take any. I felt this was a "personal and sacred time" for those who were attending, so I honored that.
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