Last Sunday morning I had the privilege of teaching the large group lesson to our high school students at church. We are teaching through the book, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. The chapter we discussed was based on James 4 and how our life is like a vapor. While we boast and brag about our plans and what we will do, James reminds us that we never know what each day will bring. Those verses became more than just a teaching lesson this week. They became my life.
Tuesday morning our office had volunteers at the BGCO helping us stuff 600 packets for our upcoming SWEET Saturday event. (We are thrilled that so many women will be coming for this day of leadership development) In the midst of finding boxes, my assistant received a call from one of our state leadership team members. Another team member who lives in Woodward unexpectedly lost her husband the night before. Our hearts sank as we grieved for Judy. Little did she know that she would say goodbye to Brad that morning and not see him again. We are mourning today with Judy and her sons as they say goodbye to their Godly husband and dad. Yes, our life is like a vapor.
On Wednesday, I experienced another loss. I woke up that morning to turn on my computer and it wasn't starting. After taking it to the local Apple store, I was told that my hard drive had crashed and would need to be replaced. While it can be fixed, my stomach turned when I realized that I have the last three years of family photos on that hard drive that are not backed up. While I did not lose a family member, I feel like I've lost some precious family moments. I'm praying that I won't have to mortgage my home to retrieve some of the data. The verdict is still out on that one.
Thursday, I experienced another loss. Maybe "loss" isn't the right word--but a life transition. My husband and I took our first born to Norman and moved him into the dorm. While I know every mom does make it through this ordeal, I can't help by consider the loss of not having Conner in his bed every night and not seeing him at the dinner table. While he is doing cartwheels at the University of Oklahoma and enjoying his new freedom, there is a twinge of loss we are feeling in our family. I can't imagine what you moms go through that send your children overseas. I'll just take one step at a time!
So, what have I learned this week? First, in the midst of any loss, we must trust God. If we live our lives in fear and worry, then we are basically living in disobedience. I will remember Philippians 4:4,6 daily.
Second, our lives have one focus and that is to bring glory to God. While we are only here on earth for a short time, let's make our lives point to Him.
Finally, we do need to live as if we might meet Jesus today. The reality is that some day all of us will face God and give an account for our life. Do we play it safe and not live fully for God? What have we risked today so that others would hear the Gospel. Are you ready?
James 4:14 "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
An Issue We Don't Want to Talk About
God's timing has always been an amazing mystery to me. Whether it has been the timing of a job, the gift of finding a husband, or preparing my heart for ministry, I love the way He goes before me and puts things in motion.
I mentioned in an earlier blog that I had read the book "Starving Jesus" this summer and wondered how God was going to use that in my life and in my ministry. After today, I think I'm beginning to get a glimpse of where God is taking not only me, but Christian women in Oklahoma and in our nation.
Two weeks ago I sat with Diane Daniels from national WMU and we talked about the national emphasis that will begin in 2010. It's not an easy subject, but it's very real. The subject is human trafficking and human exploitation. Last week I met Debra Epps, the Site Coordinator for a new Christian Women's Job Corp in Muskogee. They will be mentoring women who are struggling for hope in the midst of many issues. Today I was privileged to sit among a group of women who make my ministry look wimpy. It was an FBI task force that is working in conjunction with Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans (OATH). Many of these women work with the justice system, the Salvation Army, United Way and the YWCA. There was one church represented and I was the only representative from a faith based organization.
I don't think it's a coincidence that all three of these conversations happened within two weeks. I believe God is orchestrating something much bigger.
The reality of domestic human trafficking is shocking. Let me share a few statistics with you:
1. Oklahoma is number one in the nation of women per capita who are in prison.
2. Seventy five percent of the women in our prisons have experienced abuse.
3. Oklahoma is number four in the nation of women being murdered by men.
4. Oklahoma is number one in child abuse. This leads to teenage pregnancies, teen prostitution and a myriad of other issues.
5. Currently the FBI has 100 open cases of child abuse in the Oklahoma City area.
6. Eighty (80) percent of human trafficking cases involve teenage girls.
7. It is estimated that there are at least 100,000 children in the United States who are being trafficked. (some estimates put this number at 300,000)
8. The average age for a girl to be involved in teen prostitution is between 12-14 years of age.
Mark Elam, the Director for OATH, shared a national video with all of us that gave us a short picture of what is happening. Can I tell you how my heart sank when the first image was shot at a truck stop right here in Oklahoma City? That's right--Oklahoma City! Because of our interstate crossroads of I-40 and I-35, our metro area is ripe for human trafficking and teen prostitution.
While this is a difficult subject and it is so complex, I have to tell you that I literally felt ill at my stomach during this meeting. What I heard was that there are no easy answers and there is little education. People just don't know what is happening.
So what are we supposed to do? What am I supposed to do? How do I encourage women to embrace and echo God's heart for the world and challenge them to get their feet dirty?
First, we need to educate women in our state about this issue. You can bet that you are going to hear much more from me on this subject and enlightening women to what is happening in our state. I plan to invite Mark to our next state leadership team and begin the process of helping women understand this issue. We must not be silent any more!
Second, as women of faith, we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we must look for practical ways to meet the needs. Whether it's housing for victims, Celebrate Recovery programs, life skills education or even self defense classes, women in the church must pray about how they can be the hands and feet of Christ.
Third, I'm grateful for what is already happening in our state. Dayspring Villa in Tulsa, House of Healing in Oklahoma City, Christian Women's Job Corps, Free at Last ministries, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Hope Pregnancy Centers and many others are already in the fight. Will you support them with your prayers? Will you financially support these ministries? Will you be a volunteer? If you need help connecting, contact our office. There's opportunities for you and your women's group to get involved.
I mentioned in an earlier blog that I had read the book "Starving Jesus" this summer and wondered how God was going to use that in my life and in my ministry. After today, I think I'm beginning to get a glimpse of where God is taking not only me, but Christian women in Oklahoma and in our nation.
Two weeks ago I sat with Diane Daniels from national WMU and we talked about the national emphasis that will begin in 2010. It's not an easy subject, but it's very real. The subject is human trafficking and human exploitation. Last week I met Debra Epps, the Site Coordinator for a new Christian Women's Job Corp in Muskogee. They will be mentoring women who are struggling for hope in the midst of many issues. Today I was privileged to sit among a group of women who make my ministry look wimpy. It was an FBI task force that is working in conjunction with Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans (OATH). Many of these women work with the justice system, the Salvation Army, United Way and the YWCA. There was one church represented and I was the only representative from a faith based organization.
I don't think it's a coincidence that all three of these conversations happened within two weeks. I believe God is orchestrating something much bigger.
The reality of domestic human trafficking is shocking. Let me share a few statistics with you:
1. Oklahoma is number one in the nation of women per capita who are in prison.
2. Seventy five percent of the women in our prisons have experienced abuse.
3. Oklahoma is number four in the nation of women being murdered by men.
4. Oklahoma is number one in child abuse. This leads to teenage pregnancies, teen prostitution and a myriad of other issues.
5. Currently the FBI has 100 open cases of child abuse in the Oklahoma City area.
6. Eighty (80) percent of human trafficking cases involve teenage girls.
7. It is estimated that there are at least 100,000 children in the United States who are being trafficked. (some estimates put this number at 300,000)
8. The average age for a girl to be involved in teen prostitution is between 12-14 years of age.
Mark Elam, the Director for OATH, shared a national video with all of us that gave us a short picture of what is happening. Can I tell you how my heart sank when the first image was shot at a truck stop right here in Oklahoma City? That's right--Oklahoma City! Because of our interstate crossroads of I-40 and I-35, our metro area is ripe for human trafficking and teen prostitution.
While this is a difficult subject and it is so complex, I have to tell you that I literally felt ill at my stomach during this meeting. What I heard was that there are no easy answers and there is little education. People just don't know what is happening.
So what are we supposed to do? What am I supposed to do? How do I encourage women to embrace and echo God's heart for the world and challenge them to get their feet dirty?
First, we need to educate women in our state about this issue. You can bet that you are going to hear much more from me on this subject and enlightening women to what is happening in our state. I plan to invite Mark to our next state leadership team and begin the process of helping women understand this issue. We must not be silent any more!
Second, as women of faith, we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we must look for practical ways to meet the needs. Whether it's housing for victims, Celebrate Recovery programs, life skills education or even self defense classes, women in the church must pray about how they can be the hands and feet of Christ.
Third, I'm grateful for what is already happening in our state. Dayspring Villa in Tulsa, House of Healing in Oklahoma City, Christian Women's Job Corps, Free at Last ministries, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Hope Pregnancy Centers and many others are already in the fight. Will you support them with your prayers? Will you financially support these ministries? Will you be a volunteer? If you need help connecting, contact our office. There's opportunities for you and your women's group to get involved.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A Tale of Two Cities
I get to spend quite a bit of time traveling Oklahoma highways and turnpikes. It's all part of the job and I actually enjoy meeting new people and seeing how churches are impacting their communities for the Kingdom of God. Today I got to see two very different examples.
I left Oklahoma City among thunder and rain around 8 a.m. and headed towards Tulsa with Paula Adams. Paula is on my state leadership team and just happens to be the wife of my team leader. While most of my trips are made Lone Ranger, Paula got to be Tonto today and I was grateful!
First stop--Old Time Pottery in Broken Arrow. I know that doesn't sound like a place for ministry, but it was a necessary stop to purchase 220 ceramic plates for our upcoming Ministry Wives Weekend October 2-3. All of the participants are going to have time to make a special plate for their family during the weekend. Paula and I just looked a little crazy with four shopping carts of white plates!
After making our purchase, we headed towards FBC, Broken Arrow, to meet other women's ministry leaders who are partners in bringing the You and Your Girl event to the Tulsa area on Saturday, September 12. LifeWay Christian Resources sponsors the event which features author and speaker Vicki Courtney. If you are the mom of a tween or teen, this is a great opportunity for you to spend a quality day with your daughter and have solid teaching spoken to you and to her. I was especially encouraged to watch a music video by the worship leaders for this event. The duo is called Sonflowers and I really like their song "Legacy" (not the one you are probably familiar with) Congrats to Kelly Boudreau who is also on my leadership team for organizing the luncheon and being the city coordinator for this event.
Following the luncheon, Paula and I made our way to Muskogee where we meet Debra, the site coordinator for Oklahoma's first Christian Women's Job Corps site. They have spent two years in preparation and are about to "take off" and receive participants in this program. CWJC sites help women in mentoring situations that offer hope and a future through Biblical instruction and practical job preparation. They are going to meet at Central Baptist, an older church who has graciously opened their doors and given them space to meet and office. I can't tell you how pumped I am about this new missional opportunity for women. Please pray for them and find out how you can volunteer or support their work.
Two cities. Two churches. Two very different methods. One crucial mission. While looking at each from the outside, you would think they are night and day. But each has a heart for reaching women with the Gospel of Christ and providing eternal hope. It was a good day on the road.
I left Oklahoma City among thunder and rain around 8 a.m. and headed towards Tulsa with Paula Adams. Paula is on my state leadership team and just happens to be the wife of my team leader. While most of my trips are made Lone Ranger, Paula got to be Tonto today and I was grateful!
First stop--Old Time Pottery in Broken Arrow. I know that doesn't sound like a place for ministry, but it was a necessary stop to purchase 220 ceramic plates for our upcoming Ministry Wives Weekend October 2-3. All of the participants are going to have time to make a special plate for their family during the weekend. Paula and I just looked a little crazy with four shopping carts of white plates!
After making our purchase, we headed towards FBC, Broken Arrow, to meet other women's ministry leaders who are partners in bringing the You and Your Girl event to the Tulsa area on Saturday, September 12. LifeWay Christian Resources sponsors the event which features author and speaker Vicki Courtney. If you are the mom of a tween or teen, this is a great opportunity for you to spend a quality day with your daughter and have solid teaching spoken to you and to her. I was especially encouraged to watch a music video by the worship leaders for this event. The duo is called Sonflowers and I really like their song "Legacy" (not the one you are probably familiar with) Congrats to Kelly Boudreau who is also on my leadership team for organizing the luncheon and being the city coordinator for this event.
Following the luncheon, Paula and I made our way to Muskogee where we meet Debra, the site coordinator for Oklahoma's first Christian Women's Job Corps site. They have spent two years in preparation and are about to "take off" and receive participants in this program. CWJC sites help women in mentoring situations that offer hope and a future through Biblical instruction and practical job preparation. They are going to meet at Central Baptist, an older church who has graciously opened their doors and given them space to meet and office. I can't tell you how pumped I am about this new missional opportunity for women. Please pray for them and find out how you can volunteer or support their work.
Two cities. Two churches. Two very different methods. One crucial mission. While looking at each from the outside, you would think they are night and day. But each has a heart for reaching women with the Gospel of Christ and providing eternal hope. It was a good day on the road.
Monday, July 27, 2009
A SWEET Time for Women's Leaders
Are you a women's leader in your church? Do you sense God calling you to be a leader in your women's ministry and just don't know where to begin? Whether you have been in leadership for a short time or you are seasoned veteran, our S.W.E.E.T. Saturday event is just for you!
For years I've searched to find quality leadership training. While there are a lot of great opportunities, there are very few conferences which specialize in reaching the women in your church and in your community. That's why our office is sponsoring S.W.E.E.T. Saturday. S.W.E.E.T. stands for Statewide Women's Enrichment and Education Training and is coming Saturday, August 29 at Del City, First Southern Baptist Church.
The registration cost is only $35 (if registered by August 10) and includes the following: general worship sessions featuring Dr. Rhonda Kelley and Paula Hemphill, 20 seminars and forums with specific missions and ministries training, lunch and breaks, and two great resources: a customized flash drive which will contain the handouts from most seminars and the Bible study, A Woman's Guide to Servant Leadership, by Dr. Rhonda Kelley.
Because this is a power-packed day of learning, we suggest you bring an entire ministry team to attend. This gives you the opportunity to scatter for various seminars and then sit down and collectively share what you've learned.
Want to hear more? Go to our website at www.bgco.org/women and click on the SWEET Saturday button. You'll see a detailed schedule, descriptions for seminars and an online registration form.
We hope to see you and your friends there! Look for more blogs this week which will give you a preview of what to expect at SWEET.
For years I've searched to find quality leadership training. While there are a lot of great opportunities, there are very few conferences which specialize in reaching the women in your church and in your community. That's why our office is sponsoring S.W.E.E.T. Saturday. S.W.E.E.T. stands for Statewide Women's Enrichment and Education Training and is coming Saturday, August 29 at Del City, First Southern Baptist Church.
The registration cost is only $35 (if registered by August 10) and includes the following: general worship sessions featuring Dr. Rhonda Kelley and Paula Hemphill, 20 seminars and forums with specific missions and ministries training, lunch and breaks, and two great resources: a customized flash drive which will contain the handouts from most seminars and the Bible study, A Woman's Guide to Servant Leadership, by Dr. Rhonda Kelley.
Because this is a power-packed day of learning, we suggest you bring an entire ministry team to attend. This gives you the opportunity to scatter for various seminars and then sit down and collectively share what you've learned.
Want to hear more? Go to our website at www.bgco.org/women and click on the SWEET Saturday button. You'll see a detailed schedule, descriptions for seminars and an online registration form.
We hope to see you and your friends there! Look for more blogs this week which will give you a preview of what to expect at SWEET.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Happy Anniversary Baby: Got You On My Mind
It's hard to believe that today I have the privilege of being married to probably the nicest guy in the world for 21 years. I'm not sure why I get to be so lucky, but God gave me a great gift when Vic King entered my life. So, here's the top 10 reasons why I'm glad I'm married to Vic.
10. Without Vic, I would have no Conner and Courtney. And I honestly can't imagine life and love without these two precious gifts.
9. Vic can grill the best onion burgers around. He is the master of the onion burger, which is probably why I don't weigh the same as I did when we got married!
8. If you look on Google images of a golden retriever, I think there's a photo of Vic. He is truly one of the most loyal men I know. He's loyal to his job, his family and most importantly, to God.
7. I've never heard him say a bad word about a person. Seriously. He always see the good in people and he is a true friend.
6. He is generous. I've seen him give money to a homeless man, pledge way more than I thought we could afford in a church capital campaign, and always be the last in our family to buy for himself. If you look in his closet, he has one suit. Seriously, the man probably needs to shop a little more.
5. He gives me many illustrations for speaking topics. Vic has given our whole family many stories that keep people laughing for a long time. My mom says I should write a book about "Vic antics." Latest this summer: shaving his chest in the ocean right next to the yacht club where we were staying.
4. He's content to be the husband of a woman in ministry. That may seem weird, but how many men do you know who have a wife in full time ministry? I truly could not do my job if it weren't for the support of Vic.
3. He loves children and youth. For the past 21 years, I have seen Vic be a volunteer church youth worker for 20 years and a children's Bible Study Fellowship leader for more than 10. Not many men will get up on Friday mornings and be at a BSF training meeting at 5:15 a.m. for more than 10 years!
2. He lives on Frederick time. Frederick is a small town in Oklahoma where Vic served as a youth pastor before we were married. You can get anywhere in town in 5 minutes. We have lived in Oklahoma City all 21 years and Vic still thinks you can get anywhere in 5 minutes. That's why we're always late. But, he definitely doesn't get stressed out about time.
1. The top reason I'm glad I'm married to Vic is because he is a man after God's own heart. For all my weaknesses and faults, he still loves me with the love of Christ and I believe he would do anything for me. That's a love worth finding.
Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her."
10. Without Vic, I would have no Conner and Courtney. And I honestly can't imagine life and love without these two precious gifts.
9. Vic can grill the best onion burgers around. He is the master of the onion burger, which is probably why I don't weigh the same as I did when we got married!
8. If you look on Google images of a golden retriever, I think there's a photo of Vic. He is truly one of the most loyal men I know. He's loyal to his job, his family and most importantly, to God.
7. I've never heard him say a bad word about a person. Seriously. He always see the good in people and he is a true friend.
6. He is generous. I've seen him give money to a homeless man, pledge way more than I thought we could afford in a church capital campaign, and always be the last in our family to buy for himself. If you look in his closet, he has one suit. Seriously, the man probably needs to shop a little more.
5. He gives me many illustrations for speaking topics. Vic has given our whole family many stories that keep people laughing for a long time. My mom says I should write a book about "Vic antics." Latest this summer: shaving his chest in the ocean right next to the yacht club where we were staying.
4. He's content to be the husband of a woman in ministry. That may seem weird, but how many men do you know who have a wife in full time ministry? I truly could not do my job if it weren't for the support of Vic.
3. He loves children and youth. For the past 21 years, I have seen Vic be a volunteer church youth worker for 20 years and a children's Bible Study Fellowship leader for more than 10. Not many men will get up on Friday mornings and be at a BSF training meeting at 5:15 a.m. for more than 10 years!
2. He lives on Frederick time. Frederick is a small town in Oklahoma where Vic served as a youth pastor before we were married. You can get anywhere in town in 5 minutes. We have lived in Oklahoma City all 21 years and Vic still thinks you can get anywhere in 5 minutes. That's why we're always late. But, he definitely doesn't get stressed out about time.
1. The top reason I'm glad I'm married to Vic is because he is a man after God's own heart. For all my weaknesses and faults, he still loves me with the love of Christ and I believe he would do anything for me. That's a love worth finding.
Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her."
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wild At Heart
I'm just returning from two weeks of vacation. Ah, but it's good to be back.
Each summer, my family has the privilege of traveling to Westcliffe, Colorado, where my husband's family owns a cabin in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. It is always a refreshing time and one we anticipate each year. The past few years we've only been able to squeeze in about 10 days at the cabin, but this year we had two full weeks. And by full, I mean "full."
The first week we hosted 13 graduating seniors from our church. We kepts six boys, our high school minister and his wife in our cabin. Seven girls slept in a cabin across the street. But, Vic and I were entertainment directors and cooks for all of them for four days. Let's just say I made a lot of trips to the grocery store.
The second week we enjoyed with just our immediate family. I now have a better understanding of why I work with women though. I just don't have the "Wild At Heart" spirit that men possess. My husband had decided we needed to take the old 1970 something Jeep up to the top of the mountain one day. While we had very beautiful views, it was a several hour bumpy ride to the top. My daughter and I kept saying, "Really. You can stop now. We've gone far enough." But, ladies, you know that's never enough for men. We only stopped when the road was too narrow to drive and snow was blocking us.
While we looked below at where we had come, my 18-year-old son, Conner, saw a frozen lake. He made the comment, "I'm going to go hike over there." Yeah, right. There was no way he was going to hike to that mountain lake.
As we ventured back down the mountain (bumping all the way), we decided to stop and fish at one of the mountain lakes. I could tell Conner had something else planned though. He told Vic and I he was headed to the frozen lake that was over a ridge where we had stopped. So, off he went before we really had the opporturntiy to say "no."
An hour later, I was beginning to get that mother worry. I had not seen Conner and had no idea where he was (by HIMSELF!! Yes, you too, can panic) I was trying to tell myself that he was a big boy and knew what he was doing. I was close to Vic when we heard it. Rocks falling. Yes, a rock slide. We looked at each other and simultaneously said, "That's Conner!" (panic again)
I ran to the other side of the lake trying to see if I could see any glimpse of him. No Conner. Nothing. For 30 minutes I looked up at the mountain praying that either he was fine or that I would have the opportunity to kill him when he returned. After 30 minutes, a miracle happened. In an area where there is no cell phone service, I heard my iPhone go off alerting me to a text message. It was from Conner. He had made it to the top and was fine. He just needed to find a different route down because of the danger. Really? Now he decides there's danger.
After 30 more minutes, we were finally within eye sight. Let's just say I was pretty quiet on the trip home. There was a lecture given about never going off alone in the mountains. He should have known this from getting separated on a mission trip in the mountains of Jordan. But, boys are wired differently. They really do long for adventure, even to the point of danger. They are truly wild at heart and we should be glad.
So, today, I'm thankful I get to work with women. I'm thankful for the two non-scheduled appointments with women. I'm thankful that I'm getting to spend next weekend with 115 moms and daughters at CrossTimbers Camp. In fact, there's still room for you and your daughter! Go to www.bgco.org/escape24 while you have time. It will be a weekend with adventure--but probably no rock slides.
Psalm 121:1 "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?"
Each summer, my family has the privilege of traveling to Westcliffe, Colorado, where my husband's family owns a cabin in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. It is always a refreshing time and one we anticipate each year. The past few years we've only been able to squeeze in about 10 days at the cabin, but this year we had two full weeks. And by full, I mean "full."
The first week we hosted 13 graduating seniors from our church. We kepts six boys, our high school minister and his wife in our cabin. Seven girls slept in a cabin across the street. But, Vic and I were entertainment directors and cooks for all of them for four days. Let's just say I made a lot of trips to the grocery store.
The second week we enjoyed with just our immediate family. I now have a better understanding of why I work with women though. I just don't have the "Wild At Heart" spirit that men possess. My husband had decided we needed to take the old 1970 something Jeep up to the top of the mountain one day. While we had very beautiful views, it was a several hour bumpy ride to the top. My daughter and I kept saying, "Really. You can stop now. We've gone far enough." But, ladies, you know that's never enough for men. We only stopped when the road was too narrow to drive and snow was blocking us.
While we looked below at where we had come, my 18-year-old son, Conner, saw a frozen lake. He made the comment, "I'm going to go hike over there." Yeah, right. There was no way he was going to hike to that mountain lake.
As we ventured back down the mountain (bumping all the way), we decided to stop and fish at one of the mountain lakes. I could tell Conner had something else planned though. He told Vic and I he was headed to the frozen lake that was over a ridge where we had stopped. So, off he went before we really had the opporturntiy to say "no."
An hour later, I was beginning to get that mother worry. I had not seen Conner and had no idea where he was (by HIMSELF!! Yes, you too, can panic) I was trying to tell myself that he was a big boy and knew what he was doing. I was close to Vic when we heard it. Rocks falling. Yes, a rock slide. We looked at each other and simultaneously said, "That's Conner!" (panic again)
I ran to the other side of the lake trying to see if I could see any glimpse of him. No Conner. Nothing. For 30 minutes I looked up at the mountain praying that either he was fine or that I would have the opportunity to kill him when he returned. After 30 minutes, a miracle happened. In an area where there is no cell phone service, I heard my iPhone go off alerting me to a text message. It was from Conner. He had made it to the top and was fine. He just needed to find a different route down because of the danger. Really? Now he decides there's danger.
After 30 more minutes, we were finally within eye sight. Let's just say I was pretty quiet on the trip home. There was a lecture given about never going off alone in the mountains. He should have known this from getting separated on a mission trip in the mountains of Jordan. But, boys are wired differently. They really do long for adventure, even to the point of danger. They are truly wild at heart and we should be glad.
So, today, I'm thankful I get to work with women. I'm thankful for the two non-scheduled appointments with women. I'm thankful that I'm getting to spend next weekend with 115 moms and daughters at CrossTimbers Camp. In fact, there's still room for you and your daughter! Go to www.bgco.org/escape24 while you have time. It will be a weekend with adventure--but probably no rock slides.
Psalm 121:1 "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?"
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Getting Into the Heads of Young Adult Women
I'm really looking forward to working tonight. Yes, I'll be working. But it's going to be so much fun.
First, my work time will not be in my office or at the BGCO. It will be at Cuppies and Joe, a cute cupcake and coffee joint near the Paseo area of Oklahoma City. The dessert place is owned by some wonderful friends we attend church with--the Diefenderfers. If you like desserts and a good cup of coffee, you must check out their place. How can it be work when you get to eat cupcakes?
Plus, our office has invited about a dozen young adult women to share with us their insights into reaching young women in our churches and how to best serve their needs through Women's Missions and Ministries. We're going to dialogue about the types of Bible studies they like, why the church is relevant or not relevant to today's culture, etc. I honestly can't wait to hear their answers.
Our research is actually part of a national research effort between several states and LifeWay Christian Resources. Several state leaders are also conducting focus groups. We'll use the information for insight into how Oklahoma can better meet the needs of young adult women, but it will also benefit the national perceptions of women's ministry.
Even if you're not going to be involved in this group, would you like to give us your opinions? If you are between the ages of 18-34, contact our office and we'll e-mail you a list of questions you can answer. The more responses we have, the better we can serve you!
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