Good day! As I type this, I am sitting in a most beautiful spot -- on Lido Deck 15 aboard the Princess Crown....AKA...."the Love Boat" !!! What a beautiful place to be in. We are ported in the Grand Turk! We have an off shore excursion later today, but for right now the peace and quiet of this 'empty ship' has me typing...and writing. Tomorrow will be a day at Sea and then we are back home. My Spring Break 2018 will be a distant memory, but one GOD orchestrated. A blessing I am so humbled to receive. I had to be 'unplugged' and I admit - it has been a pretty HARD process to unplug for few days. It is not that I am or was addicted to FB, the internet, or my phone .....but not being able to contact my kids, or get a message to a prayer warrior -- well, THAT was hard. But.... God.
I recently enjoyed a weekend with 51 tremendously talented and beautiful women who sought an Encounter with God and boy oh boy....God met us, God taught us, and God brought healing and revealed His love to each of us. There was such a unity of the body/bride of Christ that the time together was inspirational and fulfilling enough ....THEN God moved and God hearts changed!
Each of us experienced God in our own personal way and chains were broken. This entire experience of gathering women to serve God and watching them unite and then minister -- is such a blessing that is addicting. I can only imagine how heaven will be --
As follow up for the "I know the plans for you... Jer. 29.11 Encounter" -- I wanted to write and post some very well written blogs to help each recipient feel, see, and understand this freedom she grasped -- but I must wait until the internet doesn't cost me $7.00 a minute and I must wait for internet that CAN keep up with the speed of my fingers! OH my goodness! Today as I type, I realized that God orchestrated this for THEM as well. God needed me to be still and quiet so that THEY could take ownership of THEIR freedom and THEIR follow up.
You see, because I am the oldest and I have that need to nurture and fix -- I just wanted to follow up and give the support needed to these women who opened themselves before God and their fellow sisters. In these first few days beyond their Encounter with God -- it is vital that the enemy does not get BACK into their ears with his lies.
And, God left a very capable women to remind them, check on them, and nurture them....my Pastor - Miss Tina and all the small group leaders that took phone numbers and prayer lists back home with them as well!
Tina -- God placed her right in line to do the follow up and keep everyone encouraged. It is a new season!
The women were asked to seek accountability partners while in attendance and I have to believe that transpired and those women are enjoying their freedom and the joy they experienced while in Titusville.
As I said, God has me here and unable to connect ---for His purpose. This is such a lesson in its self. Even with our own children -- we want to make things and circumstances easier for them and yet, many times we must just sit and watch them walk the situation or the hard circumstance and trust GOD through it all.
In fact, as we ported today, several messages reached my phone that I could listen to, but not respond to. When I realized I could not respond to any of them, I broke down and called my daughter and it may of cost me $20 but I was able to speak to my daughter and catch up a bit on our grands. She stated that SJ had a cough and I had peace that she handled the situation well! I could say "that dirty devil"... "just when I was OUT Of ear shot, the little one gets sick"... but in reality...God knew.
God knew that SJ would encounter some sickness and that HE had already healed her and that Taylor just needed to know, she could be the one to pray over her and tend to her symptoms while this simple cold or flu bug worked its way through her body. She may have tried to call her momma and the phone did not work -- but God was at work!
As I stated, BP and I were blessed with a tremendous gift -- a cruise to the Caribbean. (I am going to have to get a third job to pay the taxes on this luxury adventure, but INDEED it has been a very sweet, sweet blessing. ) We are on a insurance related trip and so therefore there are meet and greets and some difference obligations to attend, but each one has been met with blessing and fun. On the first day at sea, in my quiet time, I prayed and asked God to meet a Christian couple to sit with at dinner and when I returned from my walk about, I found Bren praying the same thing and we laughed.
Then when BP took his nap, I sat on my balcony and played "Reckless Love" over and over while I tried to make my toes presentable. The evening before, the cabin next to us was ...um... VERY loud. At 1: 47 am, I wanted to ask them to quiet down - but I did not. Anyway, when I began to play my music I felt the URGE to play it louder and louder. I thought of the two gents next to us and wondered if they would fuss at my music, I suppose I was preparing in my head what to say if they complained, "opps, I am sorry -- now you know what it was like for me at 1:47 am last night...." However, that was probably not the best way to handle it. Anyway -- those gents were not even in their room, but after two repeats of the song, I did hear someone speaking and it was the lady from the other side of those loud gents.
And she asked about the song and what the name of it was. She stated I could play it as loud as I wanted and we introduced ourselves. She and her hubby were also with the Insurance group and as we each went back into our cabins, I asked God to place them at our table.
Guess what? He did. We actually got lost on the ship and ended up being 5 minutes late for our FORMAL dinner and I was SO mad at myself for 'letting BP' locate the restaurant on the map. All I could hear in my head was, "see, if you don't do it - it never gets done right". So my body language was speaking loudly that I was upset but I was holding my tongue. In all reality - it did not matter. Our body language literally needs to line up with our tongue as well. Can you see how easily offense can try its hand to get inside of a marriage?
However, after agreeing to NOT let the stupid 'getting lost' situation ruin our evening, we entered the restaurant and we were escorted to an empty table.
GREAT..... seriously? An empty table.
There were 4 big tables all full of gorgeous dressed up couples and then us - by ourselves -alone. AWKWARD!
Well, the tour guide greeted us and let us know that there were still a few more to arrive, that we would not be alone, but still. It is just one of those moments the enemy can use against you. As I was reminding myself that God is in control, I looked for that lady I met. However, I realized that I really did not see her face that well - she was wearing a baseball cap! However, get this - her name was "Melloe". And I smiled to myself as Brendan asked me, "what is the lady's name again?" I had to remind myself NOT to snip, but I said, "Melloe" and he figured I was saying ..."mellow out - chill out". And he laughed and asked again, and asked if I saw her.
THAT is when I snapped, "I don't know, she was in a baseball cap and I only saw her face!" I quickly repented and told Bren, "sorry, I am just not sure". To my surprise the couple being escorted to our table...recognized me. Melloe said, "oh good--- hello Michelle". They were also late and feeling like they would not be able to spot us and God orchestrated it. Perfectly. Cause. That. Is. How. God. Is. Perfect.
The evening was full of chatter about God and insurance and our table talk extended onto the Lido deck where I was certain a midnight showing of "The Greatest Show on Earth" was about to play, only to find out it was playing at midnight IN the cabin -- not under the stars. Anyway, what a blessing it has been to enjoy a meal and some fellowship with people that "get us".
A cruise is a most perfect way to relax however, it is more fun in groups at times. Anyway.... I had to explain all of that just to say - God cares about the details and our little normal wants....just to want to sit next to a couple you can feel freedom to talk to and with -- it is indeed a blessing.
And, I was so blessed when my new friend asked, "how can I pray for you?". Wow -- how SWEET of God! And we both shared. I have a new family to pray for and one that is praying for me and mine! God is so good.
It is evening now. We have another BIG dinner. I wanted to come to the Explorer's Lounge where it is set up like Issac had it in the Love Boat original TV show. I just wanted to sit and people watch and finish this blog. So I am. Bren is in the room, zonked out on the bed as the noon day sun wiped us both out while we were zip lining. I have to say, I have zip lined several times before but NOT like this! But I had to BE brave in front of BP and I acted like I was a pro - when deep down, I was scared out of my wits! Anyway, we survived!
Our Love Boat Cruise has 2 more days... two more days to walk, rest, and get some more sun. But God is reminding me of His perfect timing and plan. Back in 2009 we took a cruise. We have been reminded of it at several moments throughout this week. Some funny moments and others that were a bit more serious. That cruise was indeed restful but full of stress. Stress and hurts. Keeping the past the past -- this cruise has given me MANY new memories to place over the stressful one we had back in 2009! God does that -- He heals and oh so perfectly! Perfectly! He gives us perfect 360 moments when we can create a new memory to paste over the bad ones. Just being able to recognize that -- brings healing!
I believe Bren and I are entering a new season. God has orchestrated me and led me to believe He is changing up a few things within our lives. For one....Bren will retire from teaching in June. Thirty years of running our lives around a school calendar and the consistency of having summers off. Thirty years of rushing to the Insurance office after school to catch up and help out but now Bren will be able to spend the majority of his day there and be ready to leave the place at 5pm. ( or so I think....) We also have a new grand baby and our son - n - love has started a new part time position at his church which will have Taylor interceding in prayer and being a support -- which means, "MiMi" is needed!
I have not blogged in over a month. THAT is a LONG stretch - but God had me busy getting prepared for my 8th Encounter with His Church and we had that BIG writing assessment as well at school. But I have been seeking God and asking Him, "what is next". I am reminded of the number 8 and we are in the year of 2018...meaning NEW BEGINNINGS. I am not exactly sure what God has for us right around the corner - but I am open to wait and see and then be obedient.
I have gotten a bit LONG winded on this blog - I guess I made up for the 40 some days of writers block but as usual - I need to end this with a prayer. I pray it will touch your heart - that you did not spend all this time reading about my adventure and not get something FROM God out of it -- as I always want to make sure my blogs touch some part of God's will and voice.
I am humbled -- and just SO happy and rested and ready for the LAST quarter of school -- of my 30th year as well!
Dear Lord, what a WEEK! First and foremost - THANK YOU THANK YOU. You have blessed us with a most beautiful spring break so far and I can't wait to get home to see my kids and tell of all the wonderful GOD things YOU did for us on this cruise so far!
Lord, I am humbled to be treated so royally and I just want you to know -- we certainly appreciate the favor we know we have received. Lord, for all the impoverished people we saw -- especially the ones digging through the land fills looking for stuff to sell -- goodness Lord, may I ever be mindful and grateful for what you have given us here. May we also NOT forget the suffering that still remains in this world and not get so high and mighty that we don't believe we are all just one day away from our own problems.
Goodness Lord, I thank you personally for all of the God moments that were 360's for me. The ones I mentioned and the ones I kept private for You, me and the Holy Spirit to recognize. Lord, forgive me for wanting more at times...for wishing more...and for expecting more when in reality the PLAN for me is perfect and complete with YOU.
Lord, that quote from Bob Goff and this new book I am reading -- everything mixed in with you -- is perfect and the right plan. Lord, may our lives be a living testimony of Your grace and mercy.
Lord, for our new pals -- Melloe and Brad -- bless them in a mighty way and specifically for their requested prayers -- may they be answered and may they each feel Your peace in a new and profound way.
Lord for our kids as Melloe asked us to pray and for their kids... God, protect them, advise them, and may they EACH seek You in their own unique way and grab the edge of Your garment so that all needs are met but most of all, that all glory is given to YOU!
Lord, for the insurance office and our jobs presently -- may we use our time wisely to always point to You Lord.
Lord, for the women that I encountered last weekend -- Goodness Lord, may EACH of them continue to walk in the freedom and joy that they experienced and claimed on Sunday. May each of them seek You in new ways and be held accountable and WANT to be held accountable. Lord, for the Men's Encounter this coming weekend -- may You be glorified and may the Men rise up and be the spiritual heads that are needed in our lives. Lord, for the leadership of this coming Encounter and for the follow up for this present Women's Encounter -- Lord, ...lead...show...advise... comfort...teach... and reach those that are still wanting MORE.
Lord, some women confessed idolatry and others claimed purity in many areas... Lord, they they would never be a slave again to anything that is NOT of You. Lord, you demonstrated Your love for me in that I was still a sinner and You died for me....may none of us loose sight of that and truly understand what it means to take up our own Crosses and live a life worthy of our calling!
Lord, for this next season for me -- as I told my Pastor Lord, if she asks...I will lead again but if You need me to do something else or be available for something else ...then I am here and I will obey. Lead me to where my trust is with out boarders. I believe I 'am' there Lord, and yet, I know that all change can bring forth anxiety and cautiousness -- but I trust YOU Lord. So lead -- show, give me new visions and projects as I like to call them -- show me - lead me -- guide me. And as I wrap this prayer up - may this resonate with more than one person that reads it -- may it not be about me but about seeking a BIG God to answer BIG prayers. Lord, you know my continued prayer for healing in my nephew and his parents and You know that SJ needs a healing touch as well -- may she continue to sleep well and fight like the little tough girl she is. I praise You Holy Father and I pray that this blog would indeed bring a smile to Your face. I J N -- amen!
