On the last Saturday of January, I had the privilege of being with three fantastic women. All were in their 80s and each one a beautiful daughter of the King. I have only known each for the past two years, since attending Central Bible Church.
Alice was a precious, sweet lady. I attended her memorial service along with about 400 others. I only knew her as a care provider for her husband, who has Alzheimer’s. Although she was his “memory,” he was her man and her muscle. She continued to love and respect him, lifting him up as head of their home. I would often see her on his arm, depending on him for the stability that he’d provided throughout their many years together. At the service, I learned more about this amazing woman and the impact she had on her family, church, missions, and children in the community. Alice lived life fully, her eyes always on Jesus. She is with Him now in glory.
Following the memorial, I went to honor Muriel for her 80th birthday. Oh, what a celebration it was! Another friend had opened her home for a “girls only” party and in the course of the two-hour open house, nearly 150 women stopped by to give and receive a hug and, honestly, just to be in Muriel’s presence. Her genuine, caring demeanor has impacted thousands, maybe millions of people. She is a non-stop, soft-spoken woman of God, whose compassionate eyes and engaging smile captivate you and draw you in to the very presence of God. Though way past retirement age, she continues to provide counsel at Multnomah University and works alongside her husband in numerous endeavors, many of them having to do with missions. Muriel lives each moment eager and willing to do our Lord’s bidding.
I experienced both of these events with Joyce, yet another octogenarian non-stop fireball. Non-stop she is! I can scarcely keep up! Long ago, Joyce served in the role I now have as office manager at Central Bible Church. She continues to come in each Monday to prepare the prayer sheet for publication, typing in the requests from Sunday’s cards. From there, she often buzzes off to her next activity, a prayer group who meets to lift our missionaries to the Lord or a Bible Study with those at the Senior Community where she lives. She zips around, pushing her rolling walker/situpon thing and I chuckle at her vivacity, her positive approach to life. Joyce serves Jesus with every breath she takes.
What pure joy to know these and other wonder women, my own dear mom included. Wonderful … and full of wonder. Not living for now, nor for self, but living each day fully with their eyes fixed on Jesus and their real home, the place that is being prepared for them in eternity with Him. Not in futility, but in hope. And impacting others with their love and caring along the way.

Come to Me ~Jesus

I have so much to tell you about the Sweet Life Cafe Getaway Weekend! I will be pouring it out, likely a drop or two at a time! Suffice it to say for now, it was fabulous! This verse comes to mind from Ephesians 3.20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

God certainly did that - beyond expectation - and we give Him the glory!

In keeping with our Six Hours reading, do what you must to listen to a snippet from our theme song from the weekend. [If the link doesn't work, go to the site, click on store and play, "Come Worship the Lord."] It is based on the verse from our reading (Chapter 2) and is an open invitation to each of us today.

https://www.shannonwexelberg.com/files/ecommerce/album_16/Come_Worship_the_Lord.mp3

My prayer is that you will run to His arms today for whatever you need, wherever you are! Know His love for you, bask in it, and leave your burdens at His feet.

Anchor Points

So many things are coming together around this theme, in various ways for me. I love it when that happens!
 A couple of weeks ago, I sat on the ordination council for a fellow seminary student. He had a chance to express his doctrinal beliefs. We met for 4 hours, hearing from Gene and asking questions about the studies and circumstances that brought him to those understandings. I was riveted.
 On Wednesdays, I attend a class on Biblical Leadership. We’ve been looking closely at 7 key areas in life and considering our mission, vision, purpose, values, etc. Basically, what are your anchor points?
 On Thursdays, our Growth Group is just getting underway. We are working together through John Ortberg’s book, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. Last night, we talked about Peter and the storm at sea and his stepping out of the boat to get to Jesus.
And, of course, Max Lucado and this Lenten study. Here are a couple questions he poses:
 What anchor points can you identify in your own life? How strong are they?
 What do you think were Jesus’ anchor points when he walked on earth? Which ones do you think he relied on while he spent those 6 hours on the cross?

Tonight begins the long-awaited, much-anticipated, mostly-prepared Sweet Life Café Getaway weekend for the ladies of our church. I have the privilege of sharing the opening message with the gals. It is on forgiveness. In my preparation, I recognized a scripture verse that contains one of my deepest anchors, and it centers on Christ and his redemptive work on the cross. I hold firmly to this and will never let go.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I join Max in extending this challenge: On a clean sheet of paper, write down 5 of your personal anchor points. Put this list in a safe, accessible place and reread it when hurricanes blow into your life.
Have a God-filled day!

No AHA, but thoughts, at least!

Projects! There are some things I have had good intentions to do. No, they are not spiritual disciplines, but disciplines nonetheless. Like making a booklet of the missionaries we pray for and writing thank you notes, going for a walk and spending time on my sewing machine. Where's the sacrifice in that, you ask? Well, these are the kinds of things I talk myself out of in the evenings when, after work and after supper, I just want to be a bump-on-a-log, hang out on the couch or in my chair, watching a show or movie or reading. Not bad things, just time-consuming. And they take a little more effort and brain & body power. So, I am giving up a bit of comfort and a bit of time to spend in higher pursuits. That is my Lenten Commitment. What's yours?

Fat Tuesday - Fastnacht Day

Back east, we would have been eating special donuts, known as fastnachts. Out here, they know nothing about that, so I printed out an informative essay about Pennsylvania Dutch tradition and using up the lard - getting it out of the house - before Lent. I gave a page to each of "the guys." That is, the men I work with. Today it was only David (Sr. Pastor) Daniel (Worship Pastor) and Mike (Administrative Pastor and my boss, whose birthday it was.) He wanted fruit pie to celebrate so Gary picked up marionberry -- something they only have out west, so now, I guess we're even. I didn't taste it, but everyone who did said it was yummy. They are rather clueless about the liturgical calendar, so I've made it my job to keep them informed.
I have been trying to prepare myself and my heart for Lent. But in my constant question to the Lord about what He would have me sacrifice this season and what good thing should I replace it with, I have heard no reply. I am stumped. I have not wanted it to be food related, cuz I am already on a diet to shed a few pounds before the wedding in 4 months. I can't really get up any earlier. I am part of 2 groups now - TBL and water-walking. I am reading my spiritual formation books. I could probably make better use of my time in the evening. But I don't really know.
Perhaps I will awaken in the morning with an AHA! thought that will guide the remainder of my honoring of Lent. I am open to suggestions. Have you given up anything? Why is it a sacrifice for you?