We
are the recipients of many expressions of love and care, despite our
unworthiness. The gift of faithful financial and prayer supporters over the
past 40+ years humbles us. During Home
Service and Mid-Term Deputation, people continually bless us with hospitality
(our waistlines prove that!) and other thoughtful gifts. Back a number of
years ago, one of our supporting churches gave us our very first digital camera
which opened up a “new world” for us for sharing our pictures via emails and
blogs. This past weekend, that same church gifted us with the invitation to
attend a Ladies’ Conference free of cost…with the assurance that we could
simply sit and enjoy!
The
theme of the Conference was “Weight-less…laying aside every weight” and, of
course, concentrated on Hebrews 12:1-5. Great “food for thought” as we find/take time to think
deeper on the teaching and its application to our lives. The middle session was
especially convicting and helpful. It dealt with “the sins which so easily
beset us.” The speaker suggested three “sins” which ladies seem prone toward…all
having to do with keeping our eyes on the wrong things.
- The sin of focusing on obstacles or problems that lie ahead causing both fear and anxiety.
- The sin of focusing on the past causing bitterness and unforgiveness.
- The sin of focusing on those around us causing discontentment.
Obviously
the answer is to confess these things as sin and fix our eyes on Jesus. "Thank you Lord for this precious reminder!" One of the challenges given was to stick
with the race God has set before us and FINISH it! May we do that for the glory
of God!" Thanks to our partner churches who minister to us holistically."
Great reminders from the ladies conference. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLoved seeing the pictures. You know you're a Martimer when you recognize names and faces in other people's photos. I used to visit in Geary and met Stella and Oswald many times. That's a lovely picture of her. I haven't seen her in years. Phoebe is a friend of my nephew's girl, Madelyn. Familiar faces and surroundings at the service for "Aunt Mildred". Looks like it was a beautiful day to remember and honour her. Nice to see all the other pics too but this is your blog not mine, so I'll just say thanks for sharing. :)