We had our last official BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) class today. I've been wanting to do it for weeks, but finally I made time to stop at Trader Joes and buy daisies. I got a few for each woman, and at the end of the class, I tried valiantly to tell them how special they all were before I started crying. Lets just say, I failed miserably.

I've been in a group with these women for the last year, studying the book of Isaiah - through the hardest season of my life, for sure. There have been many weeks when I've gone with a passion to share and listen as others share about what they were learning in God's Word. But some weeks, I sat silently with arms crossed, without one word to say about God because frankly, I was angry at God; angry, sad, doubtful as to whether or not He was really that good.

But these women, almost all moms, many with grown children, they carried me. By their faithfulness to their Maker in the midst of some incredible harships they showed me how to be a truly godly woman. They encouraged me and gave me hugs and shared their deep, intimate thoughts with me. They are absolutely warriors, each one of them, and as I look back on my time in Santa Cruz, the women in my BSF group will be one of the most special, tangible evidences of God's love for me.

And as I sniffled through my 'thank you' to them and tried to share my deep thankfulness for their friendship, they too cried. We ended up all crying around the circle, and many told me how blessed they had been by what I had shared in our weekly small group meetings. They were lovely, telling me how glad they were that I was in the group, and telling me that they saw deep strength and godliness in me. I sure didn't feel like a reflection of their words, but it was so encouraging to hear how they saw me this last year, even when I felt so lost.

I am so glad that I was able to learn (as a 'younger' woman) from the older, godly women - true pillars of the church. I get why Paul says this is so important. I can't tell you how much I've gained from these women.

And if you are looking for a good Bible study, check out BSF in your area. You will love it.

Giving Back

This is what we said at Bethel, before they took the offering, hudreds of people in a loud voice as one, hands raised. It was pretty powerful. You could feel the excitement in the room.

"As we receive today's offering
We are believing You for:
Heaven opened, Earth Invaded
Storehouses unlocked, and Miracles created;
Dreams and Visions, Angelic Visitations
Declarations, Visitations, and Divine Manifestations,
Anointing, Gifting, and Calls,
Positions, and promotions,
Provisions and Resources,
to go to the nations;
Souls and more souls,
from every generations,
Saved and set free,
Carrying Kingdom revelation!

Thank You, Father, that as I join my value system to Yours, You will
shower FAVOR, BLESSINGS and INCREASE upon me so I have more than enough
to co-labor with Heaven and see JESUS get His FULL REWARD.
Hallelujah!"

Ladies Weekend to, um, Church.

Redding, CA - the site of my weekend road trip.

There's nothing much there, but two co-workers/friends and I drove the 5 1/2 hours to spend Saturday night and go to Bethel Church, home of Jesus Culture.

All of us had heard great things about Bethel itself, we have a friend that goes to the school of ministry there now, and of course the Jesus Culture worship is just, well, I don't actually know the word to describe it. Spirit-filled, whole-body, joyful, drawn out, etc etc etc.

So we went and it really was great. I can't tell you how full I felt, to be among such joyful believers. Everyone was dancing, hands in the air, responding to the preacher during the sermon, responding to God during prayer, and declaring their love for God all around me, in all sorts of ways. It really was a deeply joyful place, and I was so glad to share a Sunday with that community. And the worship, well it was the same - drawn out, unhurried, lots of time to sing and pray and dance and no rush whatsoever to sing three songs and get the heck on with it. I felt like I had time to be intimate with God.

Lots of driving, but a great experience and so worth it.

There was something beautiful to me about this building in Nashville. When things seem to be falling apart, believe anyway.

It's a Hard Life

The Playoffs and an Ulcer

Let me be clear. I just left a bar after watching the Red Wings lose, yet again, to the Sharks. This was only Game 1 but if I have to endure too many more games like that, I'm going to get an ulcer.

Stupid Sharks.

My First Vespa Ride!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-Rp_KSsZjQ&sns=em

Sent from my iPod