A “Big Time” in Texas

This weekend, I have enjoyed the hospitality of a wonderful group of Christian women in Texas.  The First Baptist Church of Lancaster Texas (a suburb of Dallas) hosted me as their speaker for their women’s retreat.  To say that I have enjoyed being with this group would be an understatement.

In 2007 when Audrianna and I went to Latvia, we immediately connected with another Mother  & Daughter, Candy & Julia who were also on the trip.  Our hearts were immediately drawn together as if we had been friends all of our lives.  There were deep talks as well as lots of laughter that occurred between the 4 of us.  When Audrianna returned to Latvia the next year, she once again traveled with Candy, Julia and the man of their family, Candy’s husband and Julia’s Dad – Will (who is also great fun). 

This weekend I enjoyed a sweet reunion with this warm Texan family as I was privileged to speak to the women in their church.  The ages at this women’s retreat ranged from 24 to 82, these women truly enjoyed being together.  Their laughter was loud and contagious, yet their desire to hear from the Lord was deep.  It was pure joy to be part of their group.

To the women of First Baptist Church of Lancaster, Texas I encourage you to:

• Recognize, Record and Remember God’s Faithfulness in your life
• Remain Strong in Your Journey by Spending time in God’s Word, Prayer, Loving God’s People and Being Real with yourselves and others.
• Leave a Legacy of your Relationship with your Lord instead of leaving only your “things”.

The theme of the retreat was “Journey” taken from Isaiah 30:21

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

 ”This is the way, walk in it.”

This morning, I will enjoy worshipping with this body of believers before I fly home to PA.  Having the opportunity to share others is humbling; I know that I am the one who receives the most blessing.  This song spoke to me as we sang it during the retreat…

Knowing You Jesus by Graham Kendrick

All I once held dear, built my life upon,

All this world reveres and wars to own;

All I once thought gain I have counted loss,

Spent and worthless now compared to this.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You

There is no greater thing.

You’re my all, You’re the best

You’re my joy, my righteousness,

And I love You Lord.

Now my heart’s desire is to know You more,

To be found in You and known as Yours,

To possess by faith what I could not earn

All surpassing gift of righteousness

Oh to know the power of Your risen life,

And to know You in Your sufferings;

To become like You in Your death, my Lord,

So with You to live and never die.

I will look forward to spending eternity in heaven with these dear women and until then, may we remember God’s faithfulness in our lives and leave reminders for the next generation. 

 P.S. While I was here, I had the opportunity to visit the Buckner International Warehouse for the ministry Shoes for Orphan Souls – look for photos to be posted in a few days.