GCR Women

I feel like I'm busier now than ever.  I always thought that my life would start developing a sort of calm mellowing by now.  I thought the pace of life would gradually slow down so I could really enjoy it. What I've discovered is this:  if I don't choose to slow down, I won't.  If I don't actively seek a calm existence, it won't happen. I've wondered about Sabbath rest.  I've studied Sabbath rest.  I've talked about Sabbath rest.  I've done everything but actually take a Sabbath rest.  I've put just about everything else ahead of God's Sabbath principle and, not surprisingly, I'm worn out and frazzled. I think it's time to unwrap my Father's gift of Sabbath and trust Him to bless me with His peace in ways I've never imagined.  It's time to breathe in deeply the refreshing essence of the Holy Spirit.  It's time to feast on the Bread of Life.  It's time to order my life by Jehovah's rhythm. It's t

John & I did a little "adventure driving" last week.  Living out in West Texas, you get used to flat land and wide horizons.  But not all of the world looks like West Texas.  Not too far away are some of the most breathtaking views you can imagine. It was time again for the 2015 Annual Church Planters' Family Reunion in Branson, Missouri.  At first, we planned to fly to Tulsa and then rent a car and drive to Branson. But that wasn't much of a time or money saver, so we drove.  Over 2,000 miles roundtrip, as it turned out. Once we decided to drive to Branson, we took a look at the map and noted that we'd pass near several old cemeteries where John's ancestors were buried.  And on our way home from Branson, we wandered the back roads of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas looking for old family cemeteries.  Strange as it may sound, it was the highlight of our trip. The adventure driving came into play when we actual tried to find these remote places.  Direct

I got home yesterday afternoon from our annual retreat with the women of Teen Challenge.  We've been preparing for this weekend since last year's retreat ended.  Our retreat was typical of all retreats in many ways.  The schedule included wonderful worship, inspiring lessons, fun activities, good food and the craziest talent show you've ever seen.  But the women we invited to attend are anything but typical. The women of Teen Challenge come out of devastating circumstances that most people don't survive: drug addiction, alcoholism, violence, homelessness, sexual abuse.  The stories of what brought them to Teen Challenge are shocking and heartbreaking.  But now these precious ladies are learning a new way to live. They are letting God work in them to change their lives and write new chapters filled with stories of love, hope and victory. Donna taught our weekly class since January, leading us through an insightful study of the book of Nehemiah where we read of heart