As I sat, pouring my heart out to the Lord in prayer, I discussed and repented over my expectations on certain areas in my life and how I had placed serious demands on meeting them. I thought about my anxiousness and the anticipation of upcoming weeks. Because I wasn't sure how to proceed with meaningful or productive preparation, or even restoration of what I had created within my self-absorbed flesh, I felt paralyzed and tried to overcome with self-motivated solutions. It's never a good thing to set out a course in your own strength! It's surely a recipe for deep hurt and disappointment. Thank you Lord for turning my eyes and heart toward You, even if it took a little painting in an email subscription! The only way to stay focused on what is important is to trust His heart for our own personal life! Interestingly, Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, anticipation, and preparation, and of longing. My focus was just headed in the wrong direction as I had my own expectations, anticipations, and thoughts of preparation. May The Holy Spirit speak to you through this blog as you may experience one or all of these 3-4 little words in the days ahead. Wishing you a blessed Season of Advent, Sherry O Come, O Come... a blog from 2014. The process of writing for the Monday Musings blog has been quite interesting for Kathy and I each week as we try to reflect or share something to stir your heart, cause you to ponder, or awaken your passion to know Christ more intimately. They are often created out of our own personal experiences. Last weekend was so much fun as we escaped to the beach with our friend Suzanne. We both were in much need of a personal Restore Retreat…it was way too short, but I was thankful! I knew it was Kathy’s turn for the blog so I wasn’t too worried with thinking about what to write for my week. There were so many object lessons while at the beach, I felt sure that the Lord would choose to let me write on one of those. Nope! It’s another lesson in trusting Him because today is Sunday and it will be posted in the morning! The only thing that seems to be hanging in my mind are three little words for which I had nothing…no meat and no scripture to back up these words! Only the words! You know, after reading many of my posts, God speaks to me in the most unusual ways! So here I am, stuck with three words and an unseeingly unrelated scripture verse that awakened me at 3:33am! Let’s see how God chooses to tie these things together! Play this You Tube of the Piano Guys and let the music soar as you read the rest of the blog. You can come back and watch the video later. Here are my three words: expect, anticipate, prepare I was not certain how these words would play out in a blog until I got a little curious about a Christmas hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Brian and I put up some of our Christmas decorations yesterday while listening to Christmas music. I love this 18th century plainsong, which actually derived from a poem dating back to the 5th or 8th century…its origin is unclear! This Latin chant was used in a call and response fashion during the vespers, or evening, service during the 12th century. I’ll share more about this special hymn later; let’s get back to these three words! Expect, anticipate, and prepare… humm? What should I expect, Lord? Anticipate? Isn’t that the same as expect?! Prepare? Prepare what? Or prepare for what? My mind began to wonder why these three words were clumped together. I still didn’t know until I read this online while researching the hymn tune: “Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing.” Sunday, November 30, 2014, (today as I write) is the first day of Advent! Talking about chill bumps! What exactly is Advent? As a kid growing up in a Protestant church, I really was unsure but knew it had something to do with a calendar or wreath with candles to mark out a few days before Christmas. Advent means the arrival of a notable person, thing or event. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival.” Advent begins four Sunday’s before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. This year, it begins today, November 30th. Its focus is double as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in his first Advent and anticipate the return of Christ in his Second Advent. It was the cry and prayer of the Israelites long ago as they long awaited the coming King. It is my cry and prayer today, along with other believers, who await and are hopeful for His second coming. “Come, O Come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel!” O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a Christian hymn for Advent; its origin is Latin as Veni, Veni, Emmanuel.
“When we sing each verse of this hymn, we acknowledge Christ as the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophesies. We sing this hymn in an already-but not yet-kingdom of God. Christ's first coming gives us a reason to rejoice again and again, yet we know that all is not well with the world. So along with our rejoicing, we plead using the words of this hymn that Christ would come again to perfectly fulfill the promise that all darkness will be turned to light. That is the promise we hold to as we sing this beautiful hymn.” * 5th century Jewish Christians may have used this Advent hymn, since most of the themes are from the Old Testament. In the 9th century, the hymn was incorporated by the medieval church for use during Advent. During the week before Christmas Day, seven “Great ‘O’ Antiphons,” each of them in praise and wonderment (“O”) of an Old Testament name for the coming Messiah, were chanted. In the 13th century, these antiphons were put in Latin hymn form, “Veni, Emmanuel,” and the “Rejoice” refrain was added. In Latin, the seven antiphons formed an acrostic from the opening words: “O Sapienta” (Wisdom): In Christ are found “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). “O Adonai” (Lord of Might): He is called “Mighty God” (Is 9:6). “O Radix Jesse” (Root of Jesse): After the kingdom of David, Jesse’s son, was cut down to a mere stump, Messiah will come and rebuild it into a kingdom made up of Jews and Gentiles (Is 11:1, 10). “O Clavis David” (Key of David): The Son of David will have the authority to open and shut heaven’s gate (Is 22:22). “O Oriens” (Light of the East): As the bright Morning Star and Dayspring, the Messiah will give light to all who walk in darkness (Nm 24:17; Is 9:2; John 8:12). “O Rex gentium” (King of Nations): At last, when he returns, he will reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (Is 9:6; Rv 19:16). “O Emmanuel” (God With Us): He came down from heaven to dwell with us (Jn 1:14). And he will return to take us to his dwelling-place forever (Rv 21:3). When read backwards, S-A-R-C-O-R-E becomes Ero Cras (“I will be there tomorrow”), anticipating the arrival of Jesus on Christmas Day, God’s answer to the petition, “O come, O come, Emmanuel.” So the verse we usually sing as the first was actually the climactic last of the seven antiphons sung on Christmas Eve.* I found this very interesting and there is a little debate on the actuality of reading backwards and whether this was intentional or not! It is said that the Benedictine Monks arranged the verses in this fashion and that it went along with the season of Advent. I often use acrostics or acronyms when I create so this isn’t too far out there for me to believe. Kathy and I even began this ministry with a vision and connected its title with an acronym. The titles for Christ, as indicated in each verse of the song, describe His character and nature. They paint a beautiful portrait of what He has done, of this authority, and of His power. “When we comprehend the rich meaning of the titles set forth in this song, it is transformed from a simple Christmas carol into a powerful vehicle of praise and a heartfelt prayer of anticipation.” ~ Christopher & Melanie Lane When you choose to study the names of God, you learn more about His character and about His deep abiding love for us, His chosen ones. More knowledge and wisdom about our Savior awakens us to know and see Him more clearly. Our eyes are opened and our worship becomes more passionate. We long for Him to come again and we cry out, O Come, O Come…! So those three little words (expect, anticipate, prepare) opened up a door for me. Although I grew up not knowing much about Advent, and never observed it, I am experiencing a new excitement about the Christmas season. I am also learning more about waiting which is at the heart of Advent! Because it’s been such a tough year for me, many questions saturate my mind. Along with these questions comes a season of waiting. Waiting on the Lord to reveal answers, direction, and purpose. These scripture verses also express the theme of Advent:
You may be thinking, okay…those were the 3 words, but what about the scripture verse waking you at 3:33am?! It’s Psalm 98:4 “Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!” With this beautiful carol I can shout and sing for joy! As I have closely studied the lyrics of this Advent hymn and learned of its origin, it has a new meaning for me. It is with heartfelt hope, longing, and waiting that I too can sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. By the way, this week I am beginning a study by Ann Voskamp on the Greatest Christmas - The 4 Weeks of Advent! This blog surely isn't coincidence and I didn't plan it this way! It's simply God at work! It's now 2019 and God is still at work and this blog was so timely for me! Again! Maybe you are awaiting something and your heart is longing to meet God in an intimate way. Remember, trust is at the heart of intimacy! Immanuel has come to fill the world with His light and illuminate your eyes. May He dispel the shadows of darkness that try to hide His glory, deliver distress, and cause a restless and weary heart. Break out in praise and sing for joy for the Lord is good and His faithfulness endures to all generations! He will come to you if you but simply ask! Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel. Need an Advent devotional? Anne Graham Lotz has one waiting for you at this link and it's free! Click HERE for more information.
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It’s hard to imagine that Thanksgiving week is here already. It seems the world around us has moved on to Christmas as the catalogs crowd my mailbox, the Christmas music plays everywhere, the stores and halls are decked out in all their festive decor, and my life is filled with rehearsals for our Christmas musical at church. I love Christmas! But, I think it’s important to take time to pause and give thanks before the season overtakes or overwhelms us. Perhaps that practice of gratitude will help sustain us and teach us how to keep our focus on the joy and beauty of Christ to be found in these holiday seasons as we move forward into December. Developing a heart of gratitude is a habit we must cultivate, a path we can choose to take. It requires us to be intentional. Sometimes it surprises us to find that it is not just the big things, but often the little details of life that capture our gratitude. In my own life when I don’t stop and take notice of the things and people for which I’m thankful, I miss those sacred grace moments God is pouring out to bless me. I miss the abundance. I miss the slowing down and taking in the treasures and the memories. *Special note - if you are viewing through email, you will need to click to the website in order to view the photos on the slideshow below. It's always best to read the blog from the website format. So this Thanksgiving holiday week I encourage you to take some time, reflect on events, details, people and circumstances of each day and write down at least three things for which you are grateful. Sometimes it’s even harder to do during the holidays. I began this practice years ago after reading Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts book and the Lord used it to prepare me for one of the most difficult seasons we ever faced as a family. Through the practice my perspective was transformed forever. Often we find ourselves so consumed with the busyness of the holiday feasts that our souls come up empty. It can be easy to have a heart of gratitude when life is going smoothly. But, what about the seasons of struggle, those hard places, the conflicts, those painful times when the path leads us into deep valleys? Consider praying, “Father, help me see the beauty of Jesus in these moments, too. Help me find the heart of gratitude and joy even when it is buried deep.” You may be surprised to find that joy and blessing can be found in your search for God in the deep, hard places where you couldn’t see Him before. This Thanksgiving will be quiet for us. My children are not able to be with us, but will be home for Christmas. My sister is visiting her children and my mom is 91 and rarely knows who I am as her Alzheimer’s disease has progressed. Mom was a wonderful cook and quite the hostess in her day. I remember many fabulous Thanksgiving feasts in our home growing up and then my sister took over the tradition. Those years hold precious memories in my heart. Mom made a home for us. A home that was so much more than the threshold we crossed, but a place where we felt loved. She filled that home with creative homemaking which always included delicious meals, fresh flowers from her garden, kindness, generosity, words of encouragement and wisdom that I cherish. I am so aware that not everyone had this blessing. Our home wasn't perfect, but I am deeply grateful for my mother and father who provided a home where I was nourished as a child growing up. This week my husband Ken and I visited mom at the Thanksgiving dinner for the residents at the retirement/nursing home where she now lives. Mom needs 24/7 nursing care as she falls often, could easily wander off and get lost and has had pneumonia three times in the last year. Yet, despite her illness mom makes a gracious impact on this place. As we entered, several of the nurses who care for her came to tell me how she was very busy this morning instructing them as they all prepared for the feast. She showed them how to smooth out the table cloths and was quite taken with the beautiful napkins, ever the gracious hostess! It's clear she is loved in this place. That is who she is, and it shines even through her disease and blesses everyone in her midst. As we visited and ate our dinner together, she smiled and grabbed my hand and I wondered. There seemed to be a glimmer of recognition in her eyes, as if she knew me. Perhaps it was the longing of my heart and imagination or was it a gift from the Father? It doesn’t really matter, I am thankful for those small moments with the woman who has so generously given life and love to my family. Her life and values have shaped me and left a legacy for which I am forever grateful. After mom was diagnosed, I wanted to be sure we had her recipes and so I asked her to teach me how to cook her famous cornbread dressing and spinach madeleine. I knew in time those recipes in her head would be gone. I will be making her delicious dishes during the holiday in her honor, for even though she no longer knows me, I am still her daughter and the love and gracious hospitality she gave to our family has shaped us all. My girls carry on her Thanksgiving feast traditions in their own celebrations. This week my youngest called me from NYC wanting the spinach madeleine recipe to make for her friends! It is a recipe quite famous in the Baton Rouge area that has made its way to Georgia, and the Carolina's as my oldest daughter has shared Thanksgiving with her husband's family. This yummy dish will even travel on the plane to Philedelphia with my sister this week! I'll include the recipe below in case you want to try it out. I am asking the Father to give me His eyes to see His purpose, behold His beauty and give me a heart that is grateful for the time of quiet this holiday that is unusual for us. We must choose to look for the gifts He has provided in those unexpected ways or circumstances. As I reflect, I realize that my fall season has been very full with voice students, ministry and teaching the Word in Restore Bible studies, travel and caring for my mom and family. It seems that the Lord has orchestrated a time of needed rest for my body and soul that I would not normally choose for myself. For that, I can choose gratitude. I realize that many of you reading this will experience a Thanksgiving full of activity, cooking, travel, relatives, family and feasting. In the midst of preparing the food for your holiday feast, consider how you can tend to a feast of thankfulness for your soul. You’ll never regret the time you spend cultivating a habit of gratitude and praise. Wouldn’t that be a great legacy to leave behind one day! The meaning of our lives doesn't come from how fast we race, how stressed out we are or how perfect we make our holidays. It comes from God and how much He loves us. We can choose to take the slow path and acknowledge that life is a gift...a gift to be given away Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV) Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. So go ahead, make those gratitude lists each day. You may find that it is a holy habit you want to continue throughout Christmas and into the New Year to keep your heart focused on the blessings in your life, instead of the struggles. Enjoy the feast of turkey and all the trimmings, soak in the laughter, the conversations, the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn, and then take some quiet moments to reflect. For the wonders of our great God are everywhere. Choose to invest some time building a heart of gratitude, for ultimately it is a path that will lead you to great joy and abundance. In Louisiana we are finally beginning to see beautiful colors in late November. They are often not as brilliant here as they are in other parts of the world because of our mild climate, but this year the trees are really showing off. The cypress trees are a gorgeous burnt rust and the Pistachio tree in my driveway is brilliantly shimmering gold and orange as I drive down our street. I love all things fall – pumpkins, apple cider, falling leaves and the brilliant golds, oranges and reds the Lord paints in our world. It’s a season for which I am grateful. As I write, my pumpkin spice candle is burning and filling the room with the scent of autumn. Throughout the year, I collect some of my favorite pictures of fall. The colors remind me of the beauty our great God has put on display for us in His creation. They are a visual feast for the eyes. Enjoy the gallery of autumn images and pathways below. They are lined in vibrant colors. As you view them, ask the Father to give your eyes the capacity to see the beauty and wonder in the path where He is leading you in this season of your life. You may find it in unexpected places. Father, thank you that You are interested in every detail of my life and character. Keep my eyes and my heart focused on You. Help me to slow down, take in the moments, the memories, the joy and the pain in a way that I am filled with gratitude for You are with me through it all. Help me not to miss the wonders and beauty You bless me with each day. Give me the courage to follow the path in the direction you are leading me and the strength to dig deeply into the treasure of You in every situation. Thank you that Your heart is to use any difficulties that I face as an opportunity to see You at work in my life. Thank you that You enrich my life through each problem and situation when I let You use them to expose my need, my sin, or my pride. Thank you that through the difficult seasons You have humbled me and perfected my faith. You use each circumstance to ultimately bring me to a place of greater abundance and a deeper understanding of the depth of Your love. Thank you for the promises, the truth and the treasure found in Your Word. Keep my heart tender and full of compassion for those in need. Fill my heart so that it overflows with gratitude for the beauty and grace you have poured into my life. Father, by your grace, give me Your eyes to see, Your ears to hear, and a mouth that speaks boldly the praises of my Savior. For You alone are worthy of all the honor, glory and praise! In Jesus Name, Amen Wishing you a feast for your soul this holiday, Kathy I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:1-3,8 ESV) Please share what you are grateful for in the comment section below or on the social media page where you are reading our blog. We wish you a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!! May you find abundance in the path of gratitude! Resources: Photos Pinterest We have a wonderful women's event planned for you February 7 and 8! Our Restore Winter Gathering! We hope you will make plans to join us! Go to https://www.restore-ministries.net for more details and registration! Spinach Madeleine (adapted from River Road Cookbook) 2 Packages frozen chopped spinach 4 TBL. butter 2 TBL. flour 2 TBL. chopped onion 1/2 cup vegetable liquor (drained from cooked spinach 1/2 tsp. black pepper 3/4 tsp. celery salt 3/4 tsp. garlic salt or fresh chopped garlic salt to taste 1 pkg. Mexican Velveeta mild cheese (use about 6-8 oz.) 1 tsp. Worcestire sauce red pepper to taste or Toni's seasoning (If you cannot find Mexican Velveeta cheese use regular Velveeta and add chopped jalapeño peppers) Cook spinach according to directions on package. Drain and reserve liquor. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add flour, stirring until blended and smooth but not brown. Add onion and cook until soft but not brown. Add liquid slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. cook until smooth and thick; continue stirring. Add seasonings and cheese which has been cut into small pieces. Stir until melted. Combine with cooked spinach. This may be served immediately or put into casserole and topped with butter bread or cracker crumbs. The flavor is improved if the latter is done and kept in fridge overnight. Serves about 8. Freezes well. Enjoy! If you are reading this blog through social media we would suggest that you sign up to receive the blog each week in your email inbox. It will come directly to you to read at your leisure. Enter your email in the subscriber box on the right at the top of this blog page on the website, then REPLY to the invitation email you will receive in your personal inbox. Your email address is safe with us! Follow ALL directions to completion! Feel free to share our blogs on your social media or email them to a friend. It is a joy to welcome Margaret Kemp once more as our guest writer to Restore's Monday Musing Blog. Her beautiful writing always touches my heart in deep places of need. It is so easy to get caught up in thinking that if we just have that One Thing, our lives will be more significant. Often, Jesus has a different, better answer for our lives. What is it that we really need? As you read today consider what Jesus might be offering you? Blessings, Kathy John 5:2-8 ESV “Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lane, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had already been there a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be healed?’ The sick man answered Him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going, another steps down before me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’” He was so close. He was on the brink of attaining the one thing that would bring him wellness, or so he thought. But someone else always got there first. Day after day, the paralyzed man dragged himself to the edge of the pool, for legend had it when the waters were “stirred up” in the Pool of Bethesda, the first person in the water would be healed from whatever affliction tormented him. But only the first. So day after day, the man, an invalid who had suffered for 38 years, dragged himself to the pool and watched. Hopeful, he waited, poised to make his move. But someone else always got there first. His heart’s cry was to have a friend who would put him in the water…give him his big break…usher him into wholeness and happiness. So many times I’ve been like that man, desperately wanting that One Thing that promised to bring me significance, security, wholeness and happiness. My Pool of Bethesda has taken on different forms, but the cry of my heart has been the same: If only I could have this One Thing. My first “Pool of Bethesda” was the stage of the auditorium in my elementary school. On that stage knelt a pint-sized pair, Mary and Joseph, bending over a baby doll in a wooden manger. Behind them stood angels in white robes made from bedsheets, their tinsel halos slightly askew. Above them towered the most prominent angel of all, Gabriel, portrayed by a tall, long-haired sixth grade girl. (Yes, the part of Gabriel went to a girl.) I wanted to be on that stage, proudly flaunting wire-framed chiffon wings, delivering Gabriel’s all important lines. Instead, there I was on the sidelines, sitting in a metal folding chair on the auditorium floor, singing in the choir with every other sixth grader who didn’t get a part on stage. My infirmity was my feeling of worthlessness. I’d auditioned for the part of Gabriel to show my teacher and classmates that this shy, plain, chubby eleven-year-old was worthy. A role in the play was the One Thing I needed to bring me the feeling of significance I craved. But the part went to someone else. As a teen, my If-Onlys looked a little different. If only my parents would let me date… If only I could be popular… Have you ever felt like that? If only you could attain that one goal, you’d be complete. Your troubles would be over. If only could get married… If only I could be a mother… If only my child would win the award, the place on the team, the scholarship… If only I could get the job, the promotion, the raise… If only I could quit my job… If only I could be financially secure… So we pray our hearts out for the One Thing we think we need. And sometimes we get it, yet it leaves us feeling strangely empty, unfulfilled, wanting something else. And sometimes we plead with God, but He says no. Jesus didn’t help the paralyzed man into the waters. Instead He said, “Get up and walk.” We often go to the wrong pools searching for answers to our problems. But if listen for His voice, we’ll find that He offers us a Better Thing. Jesus offers to lift us up—not into the waters but onto our feet, so we can stand on the solid ground of His love for us. In our insecurity, He offers us a new identity: child of God. In our anxiety He offers us the peace that passes understanding. (Philippians 4:7) In every frustrating situation, He helps us to find contentment. Whether we’re well off financially or struggling to make ends meet, he gives us the strength to adapt to our circumstances. (Philippians 4:12-13) It’s time for us to reconsider. If God hasn’t given us what we want, might He be offering a Better Thing? Might He be showing us the One Thing we really need is Him? And in His strength, we can rise up and walk. In Christ, Margaret Kemp If you are reading this blog through social media we would suggest that you sign up to recieve the blog each week in your email inbox. It will come directly to you to read at your leisure. Enter your email in the subscriber box on the right at the top of this blog page on the website, then REPLY to the invitation email you will receive in your personal inbox. Your email address is safe with us! Follow ALL directions to completion! Feel free to share our blogs on your social media or email them to a friend. Two straight nights I’ve dreamed about sharing this blog with you. It seems to be the way my creative brain operates! Any time I prepare to teach or write, I’ve already done it multiple times while sleeping. I know, it’s a strange thing you may think; but it’s comforting to me to know that even while sleeping, God does a great work in my heart. Interestingly, the twice-over, midnight title for the blog seemed to suggest a quest for finding something hidden deep within. Finding Intimacy! October was my month to teach the ‘One Thing’ Home Bible Study, and though it was about the blindman in John 9, intimacy with God resonated strongly with me. The experience of really knowing and being known by another person is what we call intimacy. An intimate friend is someone we feel very close to; they know us at a deep level. We desire to know and be known. It’s a two-way avenue. Trust is at the heart of intimacy. The more we trust someone, the closer we let them get to us. Trust is a precious gift…one to be given and one to be received! It takes a heart of courage and vulnerability.
The location of those conversations has occurred in the front seat of my car, on my sofa, standing by the car in a parking lot, sitting under a tree, on my porch and side by side on the piano bench, to name just a few. They were all sacred places! A time and place specifically carved out by Creator God and purposed for building deep relationships. Sacred places…It’s were intimacy is found. It's a moment to be fully yourself! I have discovered, particularly this past weekend, that those sacred moments and places that continuously show up in my life are blessed gifts. They are little love gifts given by God just for me! My mountain excursion was one such gift, as I breathed in the cool air and looked over mountain views on this little family get-away, I felt the presence of God intimately speaking to my heart, “soak it in.” Literally, I did soak it all in! Our first full day was a rainy one. I was up early enough though to enjoy coffee on the giant porch before the down pour began. The release of my tightly held shoulders slipped away as I heard the birds sing and the quiet of the morning begin to awaken the mountainside. It was a sweet time with the Lord, just me and Him…not really discussing much, but Him offering me a much-needed time of solitude in the mountains that I love so much. The colors placed in sight were just beginning to turn their vivid hues of deep red and gold on a blanket of deep forest green. The midst on the mountain reflected a hint of a rainbow that floated above the valley. Yes, a reminder once again of God’s faithfulness in and through all things. Sacred places are where God shows up and gently reminds me of Himself, of His provisions, His care, and His heart for my life. Sacred places become evident when I intentionally take notice. I’m sure there have been many times in my life when He has offered those spaces and I haven’t taken time to stop and soak it in! Often, He has to intervene and get me to slow down or stop, just so He can pour more of Himself into me. I’m guilty of depleting quickly and running my tank low. The source of His life-giving fuel never runs dry and is readily available to those who will stop and fill up! I’ve come to realize that it’s not just about stopping to refill…but also, it’s about stopping to take notice, and soak in the many sacred places where He longs to meet us. Remember, trust is at the heart of intimacy. Whatever circumstance you find yourself in today, stop and soak in God’s trustworthy heart for you. Take notice and see past the obvious, for therein lies intimacy that is Holy. And what is the meaning of holy? Set apart – Separated. We need to remember to take those moments, for if we don’t…they will certainly find us! Other benefits that come from an intimate heart toward God is faith, courage and bravery! As I thought about this concept this morning, the Heroes of the Faith flashed before me. During hairy situations and seemingly impossible tasks, these heroes accomplished great things but only because of their faith in God. They were chosen by God and were intimately close with Him. Their lives were amazing and you can read about them in Hebrews chapter 11. I wonder what their personal diary or journal might have written in it? I would assume, probably a lot like David’s with cries of frustration, shouts of praise, questions of uncertain outcomes, and reflections of God’s faithful past and hopeful thoughts of the future. Yep, some things never change! Isn’t that what we do whether we write them down or not? It’s all a part of trusting His heart for our lives. Intimacy. Allowing Him to do His good pleasure in and through us. Him drawing us closer to Himself so that we may know and be known…the sacred place where He longs to meet with us. So again, I challenge you to stop and soak in God’s trustworthy heart for you, whatever situation you find yourself in today. Take notice and see past the obvious, for therein lies intimacy that is Holy, and the Spirit of God will fill you with courage and bravery. Pause to reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness...you'll find yourself learning to live by faith. Hebrews 10: 32-38 32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,“Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” Spend some time reflecting and write down the moments that you consider sacred and a gift from God. Do those times show up as randoms moments when the patterns of your life call for special attention? Do you often take notice in the time and places and relish them as love gifts from heaven? Take a moment now to whisper a prayer thanking Him for those sacred places. Perhaps today you need a courageous heart to help you face the next hard moment. Don't throw away your confidence. Here's the thing, we have need of endurance and our Father is right there, cheering us on! He provides the Holy Spirit to guide us to do His will and to comfort us when life is tough. He knows us well and desires Himself to be known because of His great love for us. It's a perfect love, with perfect trust, for faithful hearts. It's a Sacred Place. Be Encouraged, Sherry
When life throws us a curve ball, often fear begins to ease its way in. It's a tactic that the enemy uses to gain a stronghold in our life. We need to remember that in every situation, God is ever present! He allows nothing to slip through His fingers that He hasn't already planned. When our path is darkened by unfamiliar and daunting circumstance, we must remember that God goes before us and also has our back! Today we welcome Margaret Kemp to share one of her traveling experiences that turned her eyes of fear into eyes and heart that trusts God. He is our refuge and our strength; an ever present help in time of trouble. When darkness descends and you feel unsafe, who’s got your back? That’s what I wondered when I found myself walking down unfamiliar streets late at night. The sidewalk was almost deserted as my husband and I traveled in the darkness towards our hotel. Earlier, we’d brushed shoulders with others strolling the banks of the river: couples walking hand in hand, groups of boisterous young people returning from the bars and cafes, sidewalk bouquinistes locking up their books and art prints inside the green painted boxes. Tourists as we were, we’d stopped to admire the city’s illuminations and to photograph the glimmers of light on the water. But we’d lingered too long, and once we reached the metro station, we discovered a metal gate blocking our access. We’d missed the last train. So…we walked. By that time the city was quieter, except for the clack, clack, clack of my heels on the pavement and the infrequent whoosh and roar of passing cars on the street. I glared suspiciously at the occasional passerby smoking a cigarette. Why was he out so late? (Why were we out so late?) And the pair of men deep in conversation in an unfamiliar language…what were they conspiring? Did the pickpockets work this late at night? I clutched my purse tighter. Why did I wear heels? Was it dangerous to walk the streets at this hour? I was a visitor in town; I didn’t know.
On the map, our hotel seemed only a short distance away. We marched on, putting one sore foot in front of the other. With each advancing step, the sidewalk seemed to grow longer, as if it were one long rope of playdoh, stretching, stretching… I wondered how far my little legs could carry me. Just as I began to doubt I had the physical stamina to reach our destination, God provided a way home. A young man on a bicycle taxi stopped to ask if we wanted a ride. We gladly hired him to carry us home. When I couldn’t go any further on my own power, God provided a way. It’s been like that throughout my life. God has walked beside me through uncertain times. And when I couldn’t walk another step, He carried me. But sometimes I forget God’s faithfulness, and I forget my all-powerful Heavenly Father has unseen forces at His disposal. I focus instead on the dangers--real or imaginary--around me. Fear fences us in, but faith frees us to delight in the Lord. As a young child, I was taught that the world is a dangerous place. I needed to be wary, to take precautions. As an adult, I continued to expand my catalog of Things to Fear, and in the course of my life I encountered Frightening Things I hadn’t even thought to include in the catalog. Fear is still a real opponent I battle. How many potentially delightful days have been spoiled because we allow fears to fence us in? Fear still tries to bully me, but I’m getting better at confronting it. When I feel Fear closing in, I stop and take a deep breath before responding. I ask myself a few questions: Is the threat real or imagined? If the threat is imagined, I need to look Fear in the eye and call its bluff. If the danger is real, before I do anything else, I stop and pray, trusting that the God of Angel Armies has my back. I talk to God about my problem, asking if there are any steps I need to take to deal with the problem. Get more information? Make an appointment? Ask for help from friends or experts? Devise a plan? If Fear still attacks, I recite Scripture. The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is a powerful weapon. (Eph. 6:17) And I remind myself the God of Angel Armies goes before me. He walks beside me. He’s got my back. Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of host is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Come. Behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts (angel armies) is with us: The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
You may have been wondering where the Restore Monday Musings blog has been recently. At this point we are listening for HIs voice and are not certain of an exact scheduling for future blogs, but our heart is to write as the Lord leads us. Restore Ministries is on a deep journey into God’s Word this year seeking to become a people whose greatest desire is to set our gaze on Jesus as our One Thing, to dwell in HIs presence, and to honor Him as our Light and salvation by the way we live. To seek Jesus as your greatest delight, as your One Thing takes intentionality. It means going against the culture and choosing to behold Christ. David says in Psalm 27:4 that his greatest desire - the One Thing - is to behold the beauty of the Lord. How does God reveal His beauty to us? How do we set our gaze to behold it? The Lord has impressed on me a phrase that I am carrying with me in these days - We become what we behold. I must set a rhythm in my life that brings order out of the chaos and shows me the way toward a simpler, more purposeful life. Simplicity can ultimately only come from fixing my eyes, my heart, and my mind on Christ. These are great goals for our lives, but how do we actually make them a reality? I’ve been on that journey for over thirty years and I have found that I do best when I don’t lock myself into a formula of how I seek Jesus, but instead, intentionally make time and space for my soul to listen to Him to order my days. For me, it has looked different in the different seasons of my life. When my children were small I would try to get up early when the house was quiet and spend time in prayer and the Word. Some days it worked, some days it didn’t. I learned to give myself grace in those times, but realized that I couldn’t put my spiritual journey on hold until my girls were grown and life seemed less complex. The truth is that life is just complicated, regardless of the season in which I find myself . In those days as now, my family needs me, my job demands lots of energy and I want to display the heart of Christ in my everyday moments. And so I began to set a daily rhythm of devotional time with Jesus, seeking to meet Him in the morning hours to gain His perspective, strength and wisdom for the day. It doesn’t always happen the way I would like and what that time has looked like does vary from time to time, even day to day. One thing I know is that I have to be constantly reminded of the character of God when I face the struggles of my life. Last week I found myself sitting in the emergency room with my sister all night with our 90 year old mom who doesn’t know who she is or who I am. She had fallen yet again. I've lost track of all the falls and trips to the ER. In this fall she has busted her head open and is delusional and terrified of everything, including us. Convinced that we and the doctors and nurses were trying to kill her, I heard her cry out, "My God!" In this moment I need to know my God is enough. When my sister and I enter into our thirteenth year of trying to care for her in her Alzheimer’s disease, I need to know and trust in the character of God to sustain me. The only way I can trust in the goodness of God is if I have spent time in HIs presence and in His Word and learned to find my rest in Him. After spending over 8 hours in the emergency room throughout the night last week, mom was released and amazingly is recovering. When I finally made it home and tried to sleep, my sweet husband knew what we needed most. He sent out the call for prayer, for mom, for us as caregivers and those prayers once again carried us. When I woke, I was so grateful to see the calls and texts from friends covering us once again. Oh, how we need a community of believers to help us bear the load and come before the throne when we are too weak and burdened to do it alone. Sometimes we do just need physical rest to survive the demands of our lives. When I got home from the hospital, I crawled into bed about 7am and slept till noon, grateful that I didn’t have to teach that day. Above all though, through the years, I have discovered that I need to learn how to come before the Lord and enter into the rest of God. Being still in His presence and learning how to enter into that deep soul rest is a place I can depend on when life is just hard and difficult to understand. In that place I find peace and hope. Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. This is a Scripture I have clung to throughout the years. It is true for you too, whatever pain or fear, or circumstance you face. Our God is always enough. Ultimately, we need the strength of His presence to face the days and the deep needs of our souls. I’ve often been asked what devotional time looks like for me. I share this today, not to give you a formula, because you must find your own way of making Jesus your One Thing. It is really about the priority of our lives. These days, I usually sit in my chair in the living room. It is where I come to meet with Jesus. I most often begin with a cup of coffee or two and then move to tea. I have a kettle next to my chair. (I’m not a morning person!) I usually play worship music in the background, mostly instrumental. I light a candle - a sign of seeking the light of God’s presence for my day, a signal for my family that I am meeting with Jesus. I love the scent and the light. It’s a routine, a habit that reminds me of the value of setting my gaze on the beauty of the Lord and my intention to seek Jesus as a part of the rhythm of my everyday life. The scent lingers when I leave my chair to go about the routine of the day and I am reminded of the lessons He has taught me as I pass through the room. I carry His presence with me.
Because we become what we behold and our world, our families, our friends, our neighbors and strangers need to behold Christ in us. As I am writing this I have music playing and an arrangement of Just as I am - I Come broken by Travis Cottrell plays on my Spotify. The Lord always has a sweet way of encouraging me with songs of worship. I had to stop and listen and make it my prayer. Perhaps the lyric is a picture of where are you are today. In HIs music He ministers to the longings of our hearts. I pray it will bless and minister to your spirit and encourage you in these days to come to the Father and make seeking and beholding Jesus a daily rhythm of your life. I come broken to be mended I come wounded to be healed I come desperate to be rescued I come empty to be filled I come guilty to be pardoned By the blood of Christ the Lamb And I'm welcomed with open arms Praise God, just as I am Just as I am Choosing to “come” just as you are with your wounds and brokenness and learning to rest in God's presence will take intention. When you choose to make it the rhythm of your life you will find that He will sustain you through your days, even the hard ones. It ultimately comes down to what the priorities are in our lives and how we choose to spend our time. I’ve never regretted the choice to come and seek Jesus as my greatest delight. Neither will you. Here is the youtube link to the beautiful old hymn Just As I Am with the new chorus I Come Broken. I invite you to take a moment and listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGXDfxWM2r0&list=RDTGXDfxWM2r0&start_radio=1 This song and others that I use to encourage me in my own journey of faith can be found in my One Thing Spotify playlist under marykathryndrake. Here is the link if you would like to follow and listen. I also have a playlist of beautiful instrumental hymns if you prefer. Grateful for time in His presence, Kathy Resources: Photo Pinterest e685cba0943b96bb15760589cfa9e904.jpg The best way to be sure that you receive a Monday Musing to encourage your faith journey as the Lord leads us to write is to sign up to receive it in your email inbox. It's simple. Just follow the instructions below. Just enter your email in the subscriber box on the right at the top of this blog page on the website, then REPLY to the invitation email you will receive in your personal inbox. Your email address is safe with us! Follow ALL directions to completion! Feel free to share our blogs on your social media or email them to a friend. Just follow the directions carefully. Wow! Can you believe it is already September? I hope that you are enjoying a day of fun and rest this Labor Day before the full routine of fall sets in. I love fall! I love all things pumpkin, and the rich colors and cooler temperatures that honestly in the South we won't experience for quite awhile. I would imagine that some of you are excited about getting back into a routine and others are dreading the seemingly never ending list of things to do. As I approach fall, my prayer is that I will choose to live out my days in a way that is life-giving to all that the Lord brings across my path. I want the beauty of the season to be reflected in my life. How do we do that? How many times do you go up to someone and ask how they are doing and they’ll say, “I just feel stressed” or “I feel so overwhelmed.” Or maybe you are the one who feels overwhelmed by your multi-tasking life? Do we just buy into that chaotic life? Or is there a different way to live? It can be hard to focus on what’s really important when it seems like everybody and everything wants a piece of you. As I get older I’m constantly amazed and wonder where the time goes. We are suddenly in another season, another year has passed. It makes you want to make your days really count. Don’t you long to make a difference, or maybe to make your life look different? I believe the Lord has some answers for us. There are truths for us in His Word that will help us navigate the sea of things, people, social media and beliefs that bombard our minds and crowd our lives. He understands the cry of our hearts to simplify our lives. Seeking those answers has led Sherry and I to launch a study entitled “The One Thing.” One of my favorite verses has always been Psalm 27:4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. This Psalm and other “one thing” Scriptures hold rich lessons that can help guide and equip us, but we have to choose to seek those answers and then we have to choose to walk them out in obedience in the way we live out our daily lives. We live in the kingdom of God and we are part of that kingdom building that the Lord is doing within us and through us right now. How do we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and what really matters? How do we cultivate intimacy with Jesus? What are some practical ways to help us find our purpose, our rest and be a reflection of the love and beauty that only Christ can offer to such a desperate world. This year we will focus on five “One Thing” Scriptures that address these questions -
If you can’t join us we will be sharing some of the lessons in our blog and possibly some podcasts throughout the year. So here are the dates: Friday, September 13 Friday, October 11 Friday, November 8 Restore Winter Gathering February 7-8 But you need to register below so that we can prepare for you! Last night I was reading The Pursuit of God by one of my favorite authors A.W. Tozer. He closes each chapter in the book with a beautiful, heartfelt prayer. My heart resonates with this one as we enter this new season. “O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy Glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, “Rise up my love, my fair one and come away. “ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from the misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” May this be a year when we hunger and thirst for the Savior and then choose to rise up and follow Him because He is our ‘One Thing!” Seeking Jesus, Kathy
Below is a video Sherry and I made that gives you a window into our hearts for The One Thing study. We hope you will take a little time to view it and choose to join us in two weeks! Are you looking for some music to encourage and inspire you as you seek the One Thing?
I have put together a Spotify list for you! Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/user/marykathryndrake/playlist/1WEg7mdAphtuRmh1OC4gYp?si=Herx6rnnT1eBP4BwrUYuxw Dear friends, Watch our one minute YouTube promo below and be sure to share with your friends. We hope that you can find time in your busy schedule to join us ONLY three times this fall! It happens on the second Friday night of September, October, and November. Then, we'll have a Restore Gathering of Women February 7,8, 2020! View the YouTube Here ( https://youtu.be/_X3CRnAdPP0 ) or below: I've caught myself so many times over the last few weeks quoting this saying, "the one thing!" Each time I catch myself, I am reminded that there is only one significant meaning to this phrase as it relates to our spiritual journey. It's interesting to me how God moves within us, (me and Kathy) teaching truths about Himself before we step into a season of teaching other women! He is preparing us and we are praying that He is calling you to join us as we seek this ONE THING! I hope that you had a chance to watch our personal message about the study last week. If you didn't get to see it, check it out HERE. (https://youtu.be/hmSL9Z-TdQk) Don't forget that space is limited to 50 women. This study is attracting the attention of so many of you and registration is well underway! Please don't wait to register, we'd hate for you to miss out. Feel free to share this blog post on your Social Media or with family and friends. We are anxiously awaiting those registration forms to see who will be joining us! If you have further questions or just want to chat about it, don't hesitate to contact us. There's a Contact tab in the menu of our website. We'd love to hear from you.
Blessings, Sherry Do you ever feel overwhelmed, stressed, too busy and longing for something to bring order out of the chaos of your life? Do you ever wish that there was just one thing to focus on in our multi-tasking lives? It’s no wonder words like simplify and declutter are all over social media! It is the cry of our hearts. But how? Is it crazy to think we could actually experience peace, hope and rest in the world in which we live? Interestingly, Jesus uses the phrase “one thing” several times in Scripture and we also see the phrase used in Psalm 27 written by David. In fact, it is found in many Scriptures. Choosing to seek the “One Thing” is a call to intimacy with Jesus. It’s a call to know and be known. This year in Restore Ministry we will be exploring the “One Thing” phrases found in five main Scriptures to answer some of these questions. What is….
Our prayer is that the answers found in God's Word will lead us to fix our eyes on the one thing our souls truly long for; Jesus Himself! So please join us for three Fall Bible study Friday nights and a Restore Gathering in February! Mark your calendar with these dates and register on the website. We invite you to share this information and bring a friend! Feel free to share it on your social media, too! September 13 October 11 November 8 February 7 & 8 - Restore Gathering - One Thing Please take a few minutes to view the video for more details! Here is the YouTube Link or watch it below: https://youtu.be/hmSL9Z-TdQk
If you are reading this blog through social media we would suggest that you sign up to recieve the blog each week in your email inbox. It will come directly to you to read at your leisure. Just enter your email in the subscriber box on the right at the top of this blog page on the website, then REPLY to the invitation email you will receive in your personal inbox. Your email address is safe with us! Follow ALL directions to completion! Feel free to share our blogs on your social media or email them to a friend. Just follow the directions carefully. As the summer months begin to close down and the routine for fall months moves in, we hope that you have taken some time these couple of months to reflect on the rest and beauty found in Christ. Often when we take a break from routine, we create space in our soul, heart and mind for God to begin nurturing the seeds (maybe of a different sort that) He has planted in our heart long ago. It has been a delightful process to watch how our friend Margaret Kemp has stepped out in faith and bravery to begin working on her love of writing. This is a seed gift that God planted within her heart long ago. I remember sitting on my sofa with her one summer as she shared her desire to write and our conversation ended with, "you just have to begin!" A little encouragement can go a long way when you take the time to listen, challenge, and pray together God's will! Margaret has been at work writing and sharing her heart with us as a guest writer now with several blogs. Just recently, she took the plunge and submitted a blog with Proverbs 31 Ministries writing a daily devotional and won a spot! It was published last month! Because of copyright laws, we are unable to publish it here, but we can share the link (see below). She has written several more for us here at Restore Ministries and today is it is my pleasure to share another of her creative writings, "The Happiest Place!" I love her thoughts and how she shares the practice joy and of a delighted heart! When my children were young, we made several trips to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” You know the place…mouse ears, castles, rides. I remember the twinge of excitement that would bubble up once we began seeing orange groves and billboards along the Highway. And when we entered the gates, it seemed magical…well, sort of magical, as long as you could disregard the throngs of people wearing shorts and taking pictures. It was a happy place…that is, until mid-afternoon when at least one of the kids became grouchy and had an “episode.” (Your family may call it a meltdown or tantrum.) We’d fix that problem and go along our merry way-- until it rained, or someone got sick, or the lines were too long, or we couldn’t agree on a plan of action. Suddenly our delight evaporated. It seems like people are always searching for something to “make us happy.” We crave the temporary euphoria we experience when our team wins the game. We search for that perfect job, home, relationship, or hobby. Earthly happiness dangles like a carrot in front of our nose. It’s elusive, fleeting, unsatisfying. Yet the Bible says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 God wants to give us things to enjoy. He wants to place holy desires in our hearts and then fill those desires. We begin by delighting in Him. Delight is a form of happiness that’s wide-eyed with wonder and bubbling with enthusiasm. The Hebrew word used in this verse is “anag,” and connotes something soft, delicate, and alluring. David went about his day CONSCIOUS OF GOD’S PRESENCE. He talked to God all day long. “I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Ps. 16:2 He recognized that every good thing is his life was, one way or another, connected to God. And his delight was multiplied when he joined with other believers. When he worshiped with his peeps, he was bursting with excitement. He was even known to dance for joy. (II Samuel 6:14) “As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.” Ps. 16:3 NKJV David was CONTENT WITH THE LIFE GOD GAVE HIM. There’s nothing wrong with having ambitions and aspirations. But in our striving for “something better”, let’s not miss out on the good we already have. Delighting in the Lord means counting our blessings, and marveling at the goodness all around us. “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Ps. 16: 5-6 NKJV David was CONFIDENT OF GOD’S CARE. “I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” Ps. 16: 7-8 NKJV A delighted attitude is a peace-filled mindset, free from worry and insecurity. David rested in the assurance that God would give him wisdom for every decision. David was an eager student, even if it meant going to “night school.” He learned his lessons in dark, uncertain circumstances. Because he trusted God, David confidently declared, “I shall not be moved.”
Here is our hope: our troubles will not last forever. God will remove them all, if not in this world, then in the next. But in the meantime, He walks with us along the rough roads, and He’s a delightful companion. A delighted heart experiences a joyful present and expects a pleasant future. A delighted heart refuses to become tangled in a net of negativity. A delighted heart lives in the awareness of God’s presence, walks in contentment and confidence, and rests in fullness of joy. And that, my friend, is the Happiest Place on Earth. In Christ, Margaret Here is a link to Margaret's devotional with Proverbs 31 Ministry : When Vicious Words Offend Us Kathy and I ask that you please continue to be in prayer for Restore Ministries and for us as we meet to pray, seek direction, discuss, and make plans for the fall semester...AND continue to rest ourselves! It's been a very busy summer for us both! It is our heart and the mission of Restore Ministries to offer opportunities to awaken a passion and restore the deepest yearning to know Christ more intimately. We seek to minister creatively to the heart and spirit through retreats, Biblical teaching, and the arts. It is our desire to provide a ministry permeated with the love and grace of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, equipping believers in the transforming work of God in our lives as He restores our soul and guides us in paths of righteousness for His name sake. Keep praying with us! Watch for upcoming dates and gatherings! Blessings, Sherry
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