We are so blessed to have Margaret Kemp to share with us her musings.  Her words are thought provoking as she challenges us to live up to our full potential and put our abilities and talents to Kingdom use.  Kingdom ventures are often scary and risky business, but with God at the helm, we can rest assure that His grace is sufficient and where we are weak, He is strong!  Be encouraged today as Margaret shares Kingdom Ventures!​

​Play it safe or take a risk----what does God expect His followers to do? Do we use our small, imperfect abilities, or do we leave the kingdom work to those who are REALLY talented?

​In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus told a story about a company owner who was going on a business trip.  Before he left, the owner gave three employees a significant amount of capital to invest.  He gave his high-performer five talents -- an amount considerably more that a lifetime’s worth of wages.  The second rising star in the company got two talents.  The third man hadn’t yet proven his abilities, but the boss still gave him one talent. A regular worker would have to labor 16 1/2 years to earn that much money, so the third guy still had a tremendous opportunity.

When the boss returned, the first man had doubled the capital. He got more responsibility, and probably a promotion, a bonus, a raise, and a party.  He was invited to “enter the joy of his lord.” (v. 23) With shrewd investments and trading, the second man also doubled the amount he was given.  Kudos from the boss. Another promotion. Another party.
But the third man returned his talent. He’d dug a hole and buried the money in the backyard.  He hadn’t even put it in the bank where it could earn interest.  

Maybe his reluctance is understandable. He might have been thinking,” What if I botch this up? What do I know about this investing stuff? Better to just make sure this one talent here is safe.”
​
But if we look closely, we’ll notice three things about the third employee, whom the boss calls “wicked and lazy.”

The underlying principle in this parable is that Jesus values faithfulness. Dr. Thomas Constable(*) defines faithfulness as “using what God has entrusted to one to advance His interests in the world. It involves making a spiritual profit with the deposit God has entrusted to each disciple.” 

God gives each of us talents, abilities, spiritual gifts and resources to invest for His kingdom. So, what keeps us from using our talents?
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Do we, like the unfaithful servant, have a flawed image of Our Lord? Do we imagine Him as a harsh taskmaster who gives us a job then sits back to watch us fail?  Do we forget that He’ll give us the power to accomplish what He assigns?

Maybe deep down, we’re not on board with our mission to “make disciples of all men.” Maybe we’ve secretly bought into the world’s philosophy that it’s impolite—or offensive—to share our faith. 

My problem is fear. I fear rejection and ridicule as I make tentative efforts to use my meager abilities. I suspect this is where many of you struggle, also. 

I listen to the voice in my head that says, “You’re not good enough.” (I can guess whose voice that is.)
​
But what if that nagging, clamoring voice in my head is causing such a ruckus that I can’t hear the voice of the Master? What if Jesus is saying, “Hey, about those talents I gave you? What have you done with them? How are you using them for My kingdom?”

​And what if, instead, I heeded the voice of God’s Word? 

​It’s never too late to begin. I think of my own sweet “mother-in-love,” Carol Sawyer, who has been a mentor to me in my walk with the Lord. She began playing the cello at the age of 60. She’s in her 80’s now and still plays in orchestras and ensembles. Her cello’s deep, heart-stirring tones have resonated in churches and concert halls, weddings and nursing homes. She’s poured into the lives of other musicians. She’s invested her talents for God’s kingdom. 

​So now, I’m using my small ability to encourage you today: Don’t bury your gifts! God wants you to use them!
What gifts and abilities has God given you? Have you been making excuses instead of making investments in the kingdom? What can you do today to develop and use your gift? 

Maybe that involves stepping out of your comfort zone, but consider this: 

If we refuse the risk, we’ll never reap the rewards. 
We miss out on hearing, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

Let’s dig up that rusty, buried talent and invest it in the kingdom, then trust God for the results!

For His Kingdom Purpose,
​Margaret Kemp

*Resource: Dr. Thomas Constable - Founder of Dallas Seminary's Field Education Department and the Center for Biblical Studies and former faculty member.  He is Senior Professor Emeritus of Bible Exposition, Adjunct Professor in Bible Exposition and has written commentaries on each book of the Bible.

​But where the mind and heart is willing, the body is weak!  I’ve set my alarm for earlier than usual.  How easy it is to change it to 30 minutes later…and then again when it goes off, for an additional 20!  It has been an exhausting week and one filled with many emotions, demanding decisions, and physical labor.  

School is coming to an end, and with that, the last of my many productions.  Only 2 more this week alone!  Then I’m done!  
 
Decision fatigue is at an all time high for me and honestly; I’m conflicted about many things and what to write is currently at the top of the list. 

I made a promise to the Lord when we began this blogging venture that I would never blog just to blog!  I wanted to share words of hope, of life, of truth, of challenge and encouragement. And I intend to keep my promise.

​​I have begun this write this blog several times and my words just never felt right.  That’s a red flag for me!  And if you are a subscriber to our blog, you’ve probably noticed that it didn’t come into your inbox this past Monday.  Sorry, I missed the deadline! ​

Although my words are very few today, (you may be happy about that!) I would like to share with you two very different words of wisdom.  As I’ve struggled with writing you this week, I really wanted to share a podcast from a gal that I follow…but then I felt guilty and like it was the “cheap way out” and that I was shirking my responsibility.  But the longer I’ve battled with whether or not to post it, I’ve reached the conclusion that the words she shares are really the same as my own, and I believe it will resonate with some of you reading this today! 

So, I’m getting over myself and my guilt and sharing it here with you now.  She is Emily Freeman; author of Simply Tuesday and A Million Little Things and her platform is about “Finding a Place for Your Soul to Breathe.”  (This is not an endorsement but I have enjoyed her writings and podcast – As with anyone’s content, be wise, discerning, and mature enough to chew up the meat and spit out the bones! Be familiar with Truth.)

Listen Here - it's just over 12 minutes long
Episode 32:  Stop Collecting Gurus 

​The other word of wisdom comes from a man that has been dear to my heart since 1990.  Wow, that’s been 28 years!  His name is Donald Tabb, founding member and pastor of The Chapel on the Campus 1972 – 2002, if my memory serves me.  He left this world this week and was launched to glory! Here are his words to which Kathy and I hold strongly concerning this ministry:

And as I have found it difficult to bring words to this blank 8 ½ X 11 space, I am reminded again that God’s work…no matter what it is…big or small… blogging, teaching, mentoring, ministering…done in His way, will never fall short of His hand of provision. 
 
Be encouraged friend. If you are facing areas in your life where decisions are tough, unclear, and downright scary, remember that little sentence.  If it’s truly God’s work and led by Him, it’s done in His way - by the Spirits promptings and clearly from truths in His word, it will prosper.  Decision fatigue ended!
 
God has even supplied a blog post for this week!  I trust that you found words of hope, life, and truth.  
May you be encouraged and/or challenged to live out your days tending to: 
                                               “the good work He has planned for you long ago.” Eph. 2:10
Blessings,
Sherry

This past week I experienced Christ presence in unique and amazing ways as we celebrated with family my granddaughter‘s birthdays, and the art show of my oldest daughter Maggie. Many of the words I listed above describe my week.

The morning after we arrived Evelyn had an art party for her fourth birthday with fifteen little girls. Maggie had planned a precious party for her. They painted canvases with their initials, had lots of art themed treats, made crowns and played games. I was so proud of my daughter and the wonderful, creative party she had planned and worked so hard to give her little girl. I saw wonder in their eyes as  imaginations took off and they created their masterpieces.

​When they had finished all the food, games, art and presents the parents weren’t coming for 45 more minutes! So Auntie M. (my daughter Mary Elizabeth) came to the rescue and entertained them with her gift of contagious joy and love for children. She was like the pied piper as they followed her every move dancing and singing until the parents showed up. Everyone had so much fun! Especially little Evelyn.

​

During our week there we also suffered some trials along with the joys and celebrations of life.
The next day, in the middle of the night on the day Mary Elizabeth was to fly back to New York City she became violently ill. By late afternoon we took her to urgent care and they sent us immediately to the hospital. She had lost all body fluids, her heart rate and fever were dangerously high with intense abdominal pain. They were drawing lots of blood, giving her meds and fluids through an IV and feared she possibly had appendicitis. Scans were ordered and we held on to the promises of the Healer, the Comforter, the Prince of Peace. We held on to Jesus and He held on to us.
And we waited…and we prayed, and we surrendered to His plan.

Hours later, all the tests came back that she had a severe gastric intestinal virus…no appendicitis, not septic as they had suspected, no need for surgery and they were not sure if it was viral or bacterial. We finally arrived back home after midnight with medications to try and calm her body down and keep down fluids. The family went into nursing mode. She was set up, basically under quarantine, in the attic room where Audrey and Evelyn were sleeping and the girls moved downstairs with us. Six of us in two small bedrooms. But family sacrifices and rises to meet the need because that’s what love does. And we prayed, and family and friends prayed. It was so hard to watch her suffer in so much pain, eating almost nothing for days and barely able to move.
​
It was a long, exhausting week with Maggie's art show coming in the middle of it all on Thursday night. Fortunately, Mary Elizabeth was well enough on the day of the art show so that we were able to attend and see her beautiful work. I remember my little girl painting as a small child, as a teenager, and then going off to college to study art. Such promise, such a beautiful gift. And we were so grateful that we could be there to celebrate with her and share in the beauty she had captured on canvas. Her aunts and uncles came to share in the joy, too! What a blessing to get to experience your children’s dreams coming true. ​

The next morning, Saturday, we started the long drive home and arrived back into Baton Rouge about 8 pm. On our way in we picked up our favorite Lebanese salad, unloaded the car and ate a bite before I went upstairs to take a long, hot bath. We unlocked the doors to our home, unloaded the car and immediately the routine of our lives took over. My precious Ken went to the piano to prepare to lead worship for Sunday’s service the next morning. Weary after the long drive, his heart is always faithful to serve and bring excellence in music with life giving words of truth. I sang along upstairs praising the Father for his traveling mercies, for his love and faithfulness in our lives and our family stories.
​ 
I heard him singing the beautiful old hymn “I Love to Tell the Story.”
 I love to tell the story, Because I know 'tis true. It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do. I love to tell the story, ‘twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”

I remember singing that hymn with my mom and sister at the piano growing up and in church. I thought of my Meemaw playing those old hymns for me as we gathered around her piano. I learned Words of life and faith in the lyrics that we sang together as a family throughout the generations. 

Then Ken moved into the beautiful chorus - “Hosanna in the Highest” 
The words of the last verse - I see a generation, rising up to take their place, with selfless faith ...
​
​Family gathered together last week and shared love
      and the faith passed down through the generations has risen up. 

And I thought of my mom - how she would have loved these celebrations if she could have been there.
And my father- in heaven almost 30 years now- a man of few words, but he would have loved seeing his grand daughters and the great grandchildren he never knew. I had a vision from my childhood of him watching his daughters sing around the piano as I listened to Ken sing and play.

​The “Hosanna” song continued...

There it was!  A giant sign hanging above their heads, staring me right in the face, as they sang anthems of fun, encouragement, and praise to God!  It wasn't until during the Baton Rouge Homeschool Choir Concert that I took full notice of it!  

That's me conducting!

I had just spent the day before working hard in the sanctuary setting up the staging, sound equipment, instruments, and spent time on my knees making sure that every cable was gaff taped to the floor so no one would trip.  I was flying solo with only a couple of young boys to help with the heavy lifting.  My husband, Brian had to attend a family funeral and felt really bad to leave me to deal with this huge, demanding task alone.

​But, death is a respecter of no one!

It was on his side of the family and I confidently told him I could handle the set up!  I do it all the time for school.  The boys and I worked together and time was ticking!  The dress rehearsal was in a few hours and wouldn't you know it...where was the "Y" that I needed to connect two choir microphones into one input???!!!! I only had 4 channels and needed 5 (that's why I needed the Y) [Perhaps I should call it an adaptor for you non-techie types] it began to seem that everything was beginning to go badly. The countdown was on and I still needed to take the boys home to get dressed for the rehearsal and then pull myself together, shower, fix my hair and make myself presentable....calm....cool....and collected!  OH NO!  I forgot the plants to put in front of the stage to cover up the messy tape and cords!  After spending over an hour problem solving, running back to the storage building, and deciding to use the bigger soundboard (which I do not know how to run), and finally making a phone call and locating my "Y"... which had to be driven to me because it was borrowed and not returned, we finally finished the set up!  After much trial and error, I actually DID figure out the soundboard and got some pretty good sound.  Whew!  "Don't touch a thing," I demanded to the boys!

As it turns out, I didn't have time to take them home so I took them home with me.  Their mom would bring what they needed to get changed at the church.  I had 10 minutes to swing into Albertson's and pick up a few ferns!  We raced to the church.  You know, as the director, you've got to be there ahead of everyone else for MANY reasons!  Unlocking. Double-checking to make sure you're prepared. Greet and instruct.  Air conditioner set to reasonable temperature. Yada, yada, yada...

Sound like a whirlwind?  Sound stressful to you?  Imagine if it WERE you!  Yes, it was a whirlwind and yes, it was stressful!  But then again, that's pretty much the way every production goes for me. As a matter of fact, life in general is typically one rat race after another.  You know it's true for you too!  We are all racing around, running the roads and if you live in BR, the traffic is enough to raise your blood pressure!  The demands of life call our name using a giant megaphone...through our job, care for our parents or children, group text messages, a disgruntled employee or boss, urgent emails, and wrong numbers in the middle of the night!  It's a raging river of continuous pressure and volume that will surely cause you to sink beneath the quick rush and knock the breath out of you!  

​Interestingly, we need to be reminded to breathe!  Take that deep, reach to the toes inhale, and release it with all the tension that now resides in your shoulders, neck and lower back!  Enough of reliving that moment!  Let's move on.
​
I've had to be reminded time and time again to breathe!  It's one simple task which is actually an involuntary bodily function.  Yet, I find myself holding my breath.  Even the last two weeks as I've struggled with many things, I catch myself reminding myself to breathe!  Take everything that comes my way, one moment at a time.  And I take that enormous inhale.   It's a lesson that I keep having to re-learn! I'm sure you can relate.  You know, the same ole, same ole...Slow down!  Don't overcommit. Rest. Try to focus on the one thing and do it well.  Live in the moment, not multitasking your way through life and running yourself down.  I know!  I'm the queen of it!  Silly that we have to be reminded to do such basic life skills!  Quite honestly, It's embarrassing. 

​Back to the sign above their heads...
​
So this week, (ok, lately) I've been craving for new.  A new purpose.  A new passion.  A new way of living.  A new way of fashioning my days.  New people in my life.  New depths of relating with special friends and relationships in my life.  New plans.  New goals.  New challenges.  New adventures.  New habits.  I've even cooked new recipes!  The mundane is not for me!  I've felt like I've needed a RENEWAL on everything.  So I take it up with the Lord.  Then I'm reminded of Ann Voskamp's book and stories of The Broken Way. Yep! I've been dried up and broken just like the crushed wheat.  But out of broken comes new! It's hard to conclude that you are broken.  But when you realize that miracles happen in the breaking, you can carry on in hope.

So I take full notice of that giant sign!  And then my kids sing, Stayed on Jesus.  It's a choir anthem that my college friend wrote and I love the simple reminder to wake up each morning with your mind stayed on Jesus.  You know, morning brings a NEW day!  When we keep our focus on Jesus, doesn't it make life more simplistic?  Organized? Happy?!  

Here's another quote from The Broken Way and the scripture it quotes is one of my favorites:

I want to share with you the glorious music that once again helped to renew my soul. I'm so proud of my kids.  And God used them and that crazy big sign to draw me unto Himself!

We are happy once again to have Margaret Kemp share with us her inspirational insights.  During these great temperatures and beautiful colors, the beauty that spring plants exhibit seems to make everyone want to do a little gardening!  The nurseries are full of beautiful plants and long lines of people waiting to share in the beautifying of their yards.  I just hope that if you are one of these "master gardeners," you don't forget one of your most precious tools in maintaining the garden of your heart!  You will enjoy Margaret's story - read it outside if you can!  Enjoy the beauty, grab a cup of coffee, and rest yourself of all worries.  Please welcome Margaret to Monday Musings! 

I remember another glorious season of new beginnings when I first learned to delight in the Lord. I was a freshman in college, a new Christian exploring the riches of Scripture for the first time. Verses seemed to burst off the page as if they were written just for me. My newfound faith grew as I witnessed God answering even my most trivial prayers.
​
But it didn’t take long for the weeds of worry to choke out my joy. My roommates were moving into their sorority houses. (How could they leave me?) My history professor didn’t think I deserved an A in his course. (Imagine that!) I received an unexpected summons to the office of the Dean of Women. (Never a good omen!) My heart became like the thorny soil in Jesus’ parable.

I forgot that the God of the Universe-- whospokeand splattered a gazillion stars across the universe—who put on a human body to save me—who keeps track of tiny details like the number of hairs on my head— is for me.
​
As a new Christian, I had to learn that when we worry, we’re not trusting God. 

First, I’ve got to recognize worry when it first appears. I’ve got to capture every unsettling thought and examine it. If I’m dealing with a problem, I may wonderwhat the future holds. I may give that problem a great deal of thought as I workon a solution. But when nervousness, anxiety, and pessimism begin to creep in, it’s an indication that, instead of wonderingand working ona solution, I’m worrying.
​
Then, I’ve got to go back to Philippians 4:6-7: praying about my problems, thanking God in advance for what He will do, then trusting Him for the solutions.
 
But the battle with worry doesn’t end with Philippians 4:6-7. Philippians 4:8 tells us that after we pray about our problems, we’ve got to stop thinking about what’s wrong,and dwell on what’s right.

God has brought me through some scary situations. 

You’d think I’d have learned to rest in Him, but worry still creeps in, threatening to take root and preventing me from delighting in the Lord. Recently, I found myself fretting over travel arrangements for an upcoming conference. I had to remind myself that God had been a “very present help” in major crises in the past, and He can certainly handle todays little difficulties.

Maybe you’re like me, discouraged because you still fight the same old battle with worry. Remember that, like weeds, worries will continue to sprout up. There’s no permanent fix. The trick is to remove them as soon as we notice them. 

Here are some “garden tools” I use when worries creep in:
S – Supplication (asking God for what I need)
P – Prayer (talking to Him about my troubles)
A – Appreciation (for what He’s done and what He’s going to do)
D -Dependence on Him (to take care of me today as He has done in the past)
E – Exchanging worry for worship (thinking about what’s right instead of what’s wrong)
​
What worries do you need to bring to the Lord? 
                           How has God delivered you in the past?
                                              What are the true and right and pure and lovely things you need to meditate on today? 
 If we want to delight in the garden with the Lord, we’ve got to keep up with the yard work. 

In Him,
​Margaret Kemp

​These two little words carry a lot of meaning!  I’ve been thinking about this sentence for well over two weeks.  I just didn’t realize the impact they would play in my life after the Restore retreat the weekend of March 10. 
 
It was exactly 7 days almost down to the hour when it hit me.  A throbbing headache and aching body began to take me down.  That night I slept under 4 blankets, shaking with all muscles tensed, and wondering what was going on with my body.  I contributed the headache and tense muscles to exhaustion, as I had been going nonstop for quite some time with job demands and responsibilities.  I’m notorious for pushing my limits.  I thought I just needed rest.  The next morning I awakened with a high fever of 102.  There was no way I could go to work and teach my kindergarteners music. I couldn’t lift my head so I made the call that I wasn’t going to school.  I know the importance of keeping hydrated, so I drank.  It seemed like I was sipping every 10 minutes!  I was so thirsty.  I remember thinking of the two words that Jesus spoke while on the cross. I thirst.  Then I recalled how it intrigued me to think about it after the retreat and that I wanted to write a blog about it.  I was beginning to experience thirst in a way that meant more to me than just being physically thirsty.  God began to get my attention.

As I lie there on the sofa, trying hard to rest, I began to think about the things that extract all the juice or energy from me.  What is it that drains me and causes me to thirst?  I began to make a mental list of the ways I felt thirsty. 
I thirst for peace in my job.
I thirst for direction in my life.
I thirst for living life abundantly.
I thirst for rest and energy.
I thirst for impacting the world for the cause of Christ.
I thirst for fulfillment.
I thirst for laughter and fun.
I thirst for being the person I used to be, full of life, healthy, strong, and tenderhearted.
I thirst for a passionate heart…spiritual passion.  I just spoke about this on the retreat.  Now is seems my soul is weary and drained and a passion for my first love has moved down the list.
I thirst for wisdom.
I thirst for creativity.
I thirst for heaven.

As I look over my list, I am shocked at what has been revealed.  How can it be that I am a follower of Christ, drank of the living water, and still have such thirst? 

The high fever absorbed my capacity to think clearly.  My sleep was often interrupted with dreams of the words “I THIRST” floating around in my brain as a caption or the title of a movie on a marquee.  I thirsted for a break from my over imaginative mind.  My body needed hydration.  I thirsted for drink to sustain me.  The illness had me isolated.  I thirsted for fellowship.  I was limp and didn’t want to do or think anything.  Yet I craved contact with others.  
 
My very high fever broke on day 6.  I had been to the doctor and had lab work and a chest X-ray mid week.  I thirsted for wellness!  I thirsted for normality.  I thirsted for a breath without coughing!  I thirsted for control over my body.  I thirsted for relief.  The infection was strong.  In my weakened state, my soul cried out, “Oh God, why must I thirst?”  
The battle between knowing my weaknesses, limits, and failures fought strong against my heart that truly knows God’s love, concern, and affections for me. 
 
“I am teaching you,” He seemed to speak.  
 
Quite honestly, I’m never too happy when He chooses to teach me in such a way that breaks my strong will or doesn’t fit into my schedule.  But I am once again reminded of His words in John, “Apart from me you can do nothing!

I just read a letter from Anne Graham Lotz (March 12, 2018) online.  After the death of her father, Billy Graham, she spent the next two weeks in a whirlwind surrounding his funeral and the events in the White House Rotunda as his body was laid in honor.  She spent countless hours standing and pouring out of herself into the lives of others.
 
“To say I was beyond exhaustion physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, would not come close to describing my state of being. But the Lord knew I was poised to plunge into frantic activity in order to catch up on two weeks of work that had been paused.  He knew that while I needed rest…quiet…isolation…I wouldn’t take it unless I was forced to take it.  So Sunday afternoon I became ill.  I assumed it was just total exhaustion, or the effects of the icy wind under the funeral tent, but later in the week I was diagnosed with the worst strain of the flu. For the past eight days I have been forced to lie down.  To do nothing but rest.  By myself. I know the Lord who is my Shepherd is the One who has made me lie down.”
 
“I also know, after I have rested a while and recuperated from this illness, that there is one thing I will do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:14)”  ~Anne Graham Lotz

​I found her words comforting, for I too am poised to plunge into frantic activity to catch up on what has been lost.  What was it that was so important for me to learn that God had to put me down?  What did He want to teach me?  And why now?

​Then came the confrontation with the soldiers.  The betrayal of a friend.  A weary body now being tossed, pushed, and pulled as they traveled back to town. There was long periods of standing… then came the scourging, mockery, trial, betrayal of the crowd, the nakedness, the walk with the heavy cross, the nails…the gaze into the eyes of a hating crowd, soldiers, and heartbroken mother and brother.  And if that wasn’t enough, He was placed between two thieves…misjudged by all, and He still gave of Himself when He spoke the words of comfort to the one thief.  
 
As Jesus hung there and cried out because of thirst, He was fulfilling scripture.  The weight of sin was placed upon Him and the Father turned His face away.  Jesus thirsted!  Fellowship was broken.  All that Jesus had known was now changed forever.  His love for all of humanity flowed deep.  The thirst that He experienced was two fold, physical and spiritual.  He cried aloud, I thirst!  Letting us know what was taking place.  Then He cried, It is finished. 

I love this teaching from John Piper on the fifth saying of Jesus on the cross and had to share!

I have heard it said that Jesus experienced everything we go through in life.  As I have pondered these two words the last couple of weeks, I am once againin awestruck wonder of His love for me.  HE thirsted for ME.
 
I look back over my list of ways that I have thirsted and I’m still astonished that I would have such thoughts!  But don’t we all?  Can we honestly say that we don’t thirst or long for more of Jesus?  Jesus gave His all!  It is more of US that He desires.  We have been given all we need when we trusted Christ as Savior.  Maybe we haven’t tapped into the spring that flows. I love what John Piper says about thirst as He also found himself in a place thirsty for God.  He and I shared the same question. How is it that we drink of living water and still thirst?  These are the words that God revealed to him during his cry for a quenching of spiritual thirst.  I found it quite helpful as I sought answers to my own questions on the matter.

This morning I am finding my thirst quenched for I have tapped into the well.  The thirst I experience is only temporal and a part of the rhythm of life. Long ago my soul thirsted for eternal water. I drank of that living water and now have an eternal spring from which to be refreshed and restored.  It is my belief that God chose to put me down to fully understand and experience His words on the cross and that Re-storing comes from a period of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion.

"He restores my soul!" Ps. 23:2

Restored by Jesus' Thirst,
​Sherry

Resources:
 https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/monday-morning-meditation-on-thirst
http://sermonsonsevenwords.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-thirst-sermon-by-john-piper-desiring.html
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I can't seem to move beyond the thought of one of the ancient Jewish wedding traditions. The bride to be and bridesmaids were to keep by their bed side a lamp and oil ready for when the bridegroom returned after preparing a place for his bride. In Matthew 25:1-13 we read the parable of the ten virgins - five wise equipped with their oil and five foolish having lamps with no oil. The foolish who were well instructed neglected to be prepared to meet the bridegroom. Thinking they could borrow oil, "light." In John Pipers words an "outward form of religion and no internal power." We as the Bride of Christ should be anticipating his coming and spiritually prepared for His return. A quote from the weekend, "Faith and obedience can't be borrowed, we have to have our own faith and obedience." ​

Surprisingly when I returned home, two of my chalk drawings and speeches were on "the light" which the two different churches had suggested. Now, I find it not so surprising that the "lamps" made such a lasting impression. When I allowed God to begin to repair the damage stress had caused He brought about the quietness in my spirit and the realization that to give to others by sharing His love I had to be restored and renewed in order for my light to shine brightly for Him. My lamp filled with the oil of His spirit to meet Him and be a servant for Him. 
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I must admit I am still a work in progress but I have the promise of God's word that He is always with me, never forsaking me in my weakness always pursuing me and always desiring my worship and praise and aloneness with Him. Only God renews, restores and revives! ​

It is because Jesus, the Lamb of God chose to die on the cross for our sins and three days later rose from the dead that we can live expectant in the hope of spending eternity with Him. One day Christ, in all His glory as the Lamb of God will come to gather up His church, His beloved Bride, perfected and pure. On that day we will join in the celebration of the marriage supper of the Lamb in a feast of His love! There in heaven we will worship and reign with Christ, clothed in His righteousness. While we wait for that glorious day, God has called you as His bride to live faithful, pure and holy lives, a reflection to the world of His glory. This passion week take some time to reflect on Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His purpose for you to shine His light brightly in the desperate world in which we live. We serve a risen Savior. The power of the resurrected life dwells within all believers by His Holy Spirit. Jesus is calling His church to rise up with the conviction of a bride who has an unquenchable love for her Bridegroom; committed, covered and conquering by the power of His Spirit. 
Take some time to ponder these questions today:

• Am I ready? Is my lamp filled with the oil of His Spirit because I have chosen faith in Jesus as my Savior?
• Am I living in expectant hope of His coming again?
• Am I reflecting the light of His radiance in the way I choose to live my life as His faithful Bride?
• Maybe you also, like Melanie, need to take some time to rest and renew your spirit in order to be a true reflection of His light and love. Take some time to quiet your spirit this week and ponder His great love for you.
• You, precious Bride, have been bought with the blood of Christ. Rest in it, then rise up and celebrate our risen Savior while we wait for His return!

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. Revelation 5:12-14
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Praying you draw near to our risen Savior this Easter,
Kathy

Resources: Photographs Pinterest

During my teenage years, I grew up in a very small town.  So small, you had to not blink or you’d pass it as you drove through!  I couldn’t wait to get out of that place!  The one benefit for me was belonging to a church where everyone knew your name, gifts, talents, and weaknesses.  It was there that I took notice of one particular lady. 

​Our friendship grew and she is one of the reasons I drive land cruisers!  When I got my driver’s license she let me drive us in her car…excuse me, her white, soft creamy white leather interior, 2-door Mark IV Lincoln with the small oval windows in the backseat! That was in the ‘70’s.   I’m spoiled & ruined forever!  We would sing together at church and practice in the bathroom at her house.  I was amused at her sunken tub and blue tile (I think it was blue!), but the acoustics in there made us sound so good! We shared many prayer request and special moments together in that powder room!  
 
Over time, Mrs. Donnie became my dearest friend and I learned from her to continue to trust in the Lord.  For and IN all things!  Dream big and remember that prayer changes things. I don't get to see her as often now as I used to, but when I do, we always are able to pick right back up where we left off!  Hers is a treasured friendship for sure!  She was my first mentor.  I'm not even sure she realized it way back then.  We both grew in the love of the Lord and in our friendship.

​“…teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live…Then they can train the younger women…”  Titus 2:3-5 

​Mentoring seems like such a formal and scary word! But really, it’s not scary at all if you lay aside personal agendas, personal expectations, and realize that it’s God that puts people together.  He is creating and designing something special with your unique combination.

I have been blessed to have many mentors in my life.  Each one has brought a different gift into my life.  Some, still mentoring me!  I am forever grateful.  Below is a picture of My Finger Print Party.  I believe I have shared that topic before in another blog. But for those hearing of it for the first time, I held a special party and honored all of the women who have left their fingerprints on my life.  I told you I was blessed!  It is my prayer that I have touched these ladies in special ways as well.

The special women in my life have been intrical in shaping me to become the woman I am today.  Each act of kindness, admonition, or encouragement has broadened my vision and given me courage.  These women have prayed for me and spurred me on to become something bigger and better than I thought possible for my own self.  Likewise, I have spoken into their lives with the same fervor.  I can just imagine women of the Word and how they mentored one another.  As we face the same universal situations (maybe with a cultural twist), I'm sure the advice given was always one of seeking strength and wisdom from God.  Hold tightly to faith.  Pray without ceasing.  Do all things will excellence as unto the Lord.  Memorize and take heart to the Law (in the OT) or to the words of Jesus (NT) for in all these things you shall stand tall like a tree planted by the river and bear fruit in your season. (Ps. 1)  Love the Lord your God...with your whole heart!

​The result of all this influence and mentoring: a life rich and meaningful, full with examples of the Christian faith, and the continued prayers of many.  God has deeply touched me with the lives of these precious women of faith.  I find myself questioning why God would choose to bless me so abundantly.  Then, because I recall my spiritual teaching (from my mentors) and His Word that has been poured into my life. It’s because He takes delight in me and desires that I should not spare any wisdom, words of encouragement, or admonition to the next generation. 

And so, I mentor with great delight those with whom God has placed into my life.  Some are very intentional with study of God’s word, meeting as regularly as possible; and some are simply over coffee, Kool-Aid, lunch, a phone call, Marco Polo app, or short visits in our homes and on porches!  Let’s not forget too, my many music students!  I have been loved on and taught well, only to pass on and pour out what was given to me.

                     Mentoring…it begins with friendship. 
                                                    It develops into trusted relationships. 
                                                                     These relationships are rich and refreshing. 
                                                                                                           They become long lasting! 
​                                                                                                                                             Cherished!
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“The Bible commands mentoring; women are called to it; they are qualified for it; it builds the church; and it benefits the mentor. How could Christian women possibly say no to mentoring when God says yes? Oh, how younger women are searching for mature, godly role models—a Sarah, a Naomi, an Elizabeth—to guide them in the truth of God’s Word. Women are ordained through Scripture, called of God, and in need of one another. A mentoring program is vital in women’s ministry.” 

​Maybe you don’t have a mentor and are looking…or haven’t even thought about looking for someone to “pour out” so that you can “soak in!”  It’s vital!  Women need connection with other women.  Ask for God to direct you to someone that is perfect for you…and you for her!  (Or him if you are male and reading this!  Men need each other too! It’s not just a girl thing!)

Maybe it’s your turn to pay it forward!  Is God nudging you to limit soaking and start pouring?  (Notice that I didn’t say stop soaking…we all need to continue pursuing a life that is poured into.)  It’s really not that scary or hard!  And if you need help, there are many resources to help guide you.  Plus, you can always ask Kathy or me.

This week, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with my “mentee,” Neva.  I’m showing you these pictures to encourage you to take advantage of one of God’s sweetest gifts, women connecting to women.  It’s about just hanging…sharing God’s word…going for walks…praying together...shopping…lunch…coffee/tea…listening…encouraging…truth…study of God's Word...and doing what women do best…talking with one another!  Holding one another accountable.  Sharing your heart!   It does take time and effort.  But you realize that you can work out the details of time and study.  It can happen if you both are intentional.   What you begin to discover is that it's a blessing... for both parties!

God has given me the blessing of friendship with so many.  It is my prayer that as we connect with one another, that God will continue to use me to speak truth and wisdom into their lives as I have received from a life of mentoring women in my own! 
 
Please pray for Kathy and I as we minister during our Women to Women – Awaken to the Pursuit of the Bridegroom retreat this weekend.  God has pulled together a unique combination of women.  Some of these women have invested personally in our own lives, and also in the lives of the daughters of young women who will be attending with their moms. Some ladies are new to Restore Ministries Retreats and are coming alone.  Whatever the case, we are all women connecting with women, who are either “soaking in” or “pouring out,” and each needing a fresh touch from the Savior.  Thank you for your prayers.  We may opt to skip next week’s blog, as we will just be coming back from a time of “pouring out!”  Look for us the following week!
 
We’d like to hear from you.  How has God connected you with Restore Ministries?  In what ways has our ministry mentored you personally? You can leave a note in the comment box or if you'd like, send us a personal  email at
restore-ministries@ymail.com. 

Abundantly Blessed,
​Sherry