big day

Today is a big day .... 3 years in the making. 

Aaron has been on staff with Northview 3 years this summer - at the time there was a vision for Urban Ministry and the Brookside area where NVCL had been serving with a youth program ...  but not structured or growing. Aaron spent most of the first 6 months traveling to Chicago, Detroit, Philly - Cities where churches had developed urban ministry and were creating a huge impact on communities. He learned most of those initiatives have been working for 20 or more years.  But he was inspired by all he witnessed. Over 3 years, Aaron has read many many books relating to Urban Issues - he thirsts for learning. 

With no doubt, Aaron is a man lead by God. He has been provided a vision and is patient. Tonight is the first opportunity that Aaron will be able to share the vision of Urban Ministry on a big scale. We are so excited. God is so good! I am so blessed that I have had the opportunity to work behind the scene with logistic details - so cool. The Urban Ministry has grown and been blessed with amazing VOLUNTEER leaders in 11 different ministry areas - WOW all in only 3 years.

This is just the start .... what an amazing thing God is doing, not just in the City, but also in the 'Burbs! 

So was I surprised when the word from Joel struck me .... NO WAY! 

At the Appointed Time

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time…it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day"
(Habakkuk 2:3, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God is looking for people who have a made-up mind; people who will trust His timing. You may not see His promises happen overnight, but they will happen. In the Bible, Abraham waited 20 years to have a son and see his promise come to pass. Moses waited 40 years to fulfill his purpose and lead the children of Israel out of captivity. You might say, “Joel, I’ve been waiting for a year, and I don’t see anything happening.” No, something is happening. Right now, God is working behind the scenes in your life. He is arranging the right people, the right breaks, and the right opportunities.

Today’s scripture tells us that at the appointed time, the promise will come to pass, and it will not be one second late! When is the appointed time? It’s when God knows the timing is best for you. When you understand and accept this principle, it takes all the pressure off. It’s a very freeing way to live knowing that as long as we stay in faith, God will release His favor, His increase, His restoration, and His healing at exactly the right time in our lives!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for working behind the scenes in my life. I trust that the appointed time for me is on its way. I am content in You, knowing that You have a good plan for my future. I bless you today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

THE LORD IS GOOD! All the time:) 

GRACE AND PEACE! 

Wheew - Thursday already!

Where has this week gone! Many projects going on, that will be culminating soon.

1: Good Neighbor Night, at Northview Christian Life Church. Friday May 29, the focus will be Urban Ministry. This will be a major turning point in our ministry ... knowing how God is going to capture hearts. There have been a number of people working hard behind the scenes - I am looking forward to the event! FYI: 6:30 - 8:30 pm in the Main Lobby at Northview. All are welcome.

2: Loving Well Women's Retreat, at Brookside Community Church Saturday June 6. The leadership teams are discussing the videos and the decoration team is busy creating. I am so blessed with awesome women who have stepped into roles to assist in this inaugural event. If you want to attend shoot me an email and I will get you more info: bethshelby@gmail.com

3: KidsGames, at Brookside Community Church June 14 - 18 .... planning the curriculum and partnering with ConnectionPointe Church in Brownsburg. 

All are awesome and while they have each been challenging on different levels eye opening in how the Lord has equipped me to do all the tasks. My years teaching, coaching and working with Student and Class Councils - WOW! 

Yesterday was a fun filled day. I started the day with my Mothers "Strider's" group. This is a group of women that do a bible study then go on walks. Yesterday I helped them make prayer bracelets - it was a great time. Many of the women I have known for some time - my parents still attend the church where I grew up. It was wonderful to listen to their plans for the bracelets ... and create VERY cool art. 

From there, I met with my sister and her 3 little ones and headed to my friends house for a Discovery Toy party ... all the kiddos were 3 and under - my friend created the perfect kid friendly foods - they all had a great time. It was nice to hang out with the moms - and the toys kept them all VERY entertained. 

The day finished with the retreat leadership team viewing the first 2 lessons from Beth Moore - she is GOOD. It was an excellent way to cap off the day. 

My reading from yesterday ... (I just started Jeremiah, last year I was in this book when Aaron and I had our first ultra sound, receiving Jeremy's prognosis ... different eyes reading this time)

This is what the Lord says: stand at the crossroads and look; as for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

prayer: Lord, show me the path you have for me so that I may walk in it and find rest for my soul.

Lord,  thank you that you direct me on your path. Create in me a heart that is willing to be filled with your love and desire. Thank you that when I grow weary you lift me up and I am never alone. Thank you that you have sent your Holy Spirit to be with me always. Thank you that you go before and come behind me with a hedge of protection that is greater then anything I might face. My strength is all from you - you are my anchor Lord. Continue to pour into me Lord, so that I can pour into others.  In your Son's Holy and precious name Jesus. AMEN.

GRACE AND PEACE!

The Tradition Continues

Since 1993, I have gone to Union Chapel Cemetery (one of the oldest in Indy) with my Dad (and his American Legion Post) to put flags on all the Veterans Graves. Some of the stones are back to the Civil War. This year was one of the nicest days in our 16 year history. Some years it has been cold, rainy and down right yucky. Today, perfect.

That first year, I was just home my from my freshmen year in college and said okay when my dad asked me to go with him. I had no idea at the time how so many years later it would become something we all expect to do. Section F (the part we are responsible for) was difficult to maneuver and determine where all the veterans were resting in the early years. But now, after so many years, it is like visiting old friends. 

The first year it was just me and my dad ... since then our group has grown, both my sisters and their families. It is really cool. 

Jack, my sisters oldest is 10, opted not to sleep over with a friend Friday because we were doing the flags Saturday. What an awesome tradition - and not to mention an excellent way to remember what we are celebrating on Memorial Day. 

Enjoy the day ... and the weekend.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Ephesians

In the journal I am writing, there are scriptures along the bottom. Even with reading the Bible daily and God Calling ... it is amazing that the encouragement needed has been pre-printed on the page that I turned to write today .....

 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

My Prayer today:

Lord, thank you that you are my Father. That you have loved me and guided me as your child.

For, I am God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do. Thank you Lord for passing your peace to me. Help me to pass the same peace to others. In your son's precious name, Jesus. AMEN.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Of Course ...

An excerpt from an email from My Special Nurse:

Thought of you a lot over the weekend and wanted to say hello…this is a really profound time frame within the first year, the 3-4 month mark up to about 6 months is brutal, that’s what other families would want me to say.  If you feel like it’s all unraveling and you’re not doing “as well” as you once were, that’s to be expected

This morning I was writing for a very long time in my Journal. Aaron was waiting on me, He said "lots to write today". I shared with him the note from our Special Nurse - for the past 2 weeks I have been in a funk. But not until this note was I able to figure out that it is part of my grieving process - so yes, I had a lot to write about. Aaron also said that for the past few weeks he has been thinking about Jeremy often and found himself agitated and short. But neither one of us brought it up ... For me I do not bring Jeremy up often because I do not want to burden others or make Aaron (or anyone listening) think he is ALL I ever think and talk about. So I have been guarding my tongue and trying to suppress feelings that I thought I was over.

I am having a hard time realizing that I am still on this journey, the race will not be over until I enter into His glorious presence. What a day that will be ... I am so thankful for Aaron and all the prayer warriors. 

I am thankful that we can choose how we trek on this journey ... I long to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant"

From Joel today:

Choose to Rejoice

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Rejoice in the Lord, you [consistently] righteous (upright and in right standing with God), and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness"
(Psalm 97:12, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

All through the scripture we are told to rejoice in the Lord always. It’s interesting that the word “rejoice” doesn’t just mean to be vocal and to give God praise with our words. Rejoice also means “to brighten up,” “to spin around,” and “to leap for joy.” In other words, you rejoice with your actions. You rejoice with your countenance. Do you realize you can rejoice by simply putting a smile on your face?When times are tough, when things aren’t going as planned, many people have a long, sour face. They’re down, discouraged, worried, and upset. But when you choose to rejoice, you smile and have a pleasant demeanor no matter what. And it’s not because you necessarily feel like it or because everything is perfect. You just simply smile by faith. You smile knowing that your expression is saying to God, “I trust You. I know you are working all things out for my good.”
Make the decision today and every day to rejoice in the Lord! Put a smile on your face and let the whole world know your hope is in the Lord.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, I choose to rejoice in You. I know that Your goodness goes way beyond my difficulty. I know that even when I don’t see a way, You are making a way for me. Fill me with Your supernatural peace and joy as I surrender every area of my life to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Knowing

Knowing Which Way to Go

"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' " Isaiah 30:21

from STORMIE:

... All to often we don't hear that voice behind us. We hear the voices clamoring around us instead; we hear our own internal concerns and issues; we're in a hurry, and so we just forge ahead on the path ans hope that everything will work out in the end.

When Isaiah gave this promise of God's guidance, it was in the midst of a description of people turning their hearts back to God. He has just prophesied to them about God's compassion in waiting for them to get their priorities in line. When they established right priorities, when their hearts were drawn in the right direction, God's voice would guide them.

As you seek guidance, listen for God's voice. It will be there. Take a few quiet moments to wait on HIM and give HIM time to respond.

The past three weeks have continued to OPEN my eyes. While stepping down from coaching was  a big step for me - there has been a peace surrounding me like none before, the Lord has been opening my eyes and many doors around me. TOO COOL! 

Looking forward to sharing details soon ... enjoy the beautiful weather Aaron and I will spend this Monday in our yard ... 

GRACE AND PEACE!

Isaiah

My reading today ... 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me."  Isaiah 6:8

I daily ask to be obedient to how the Lord desires to use me. I pray for continued obedience, a faithful trust that HE indeed has a good and perfect plan -  my part is to be willing and move out when told. This continues to be a struggle for me. I am remain compartmentalized. Some areas that I have given complete and total control to God, then others I am holding on quite tight - but my grip is loosening. 

my prayer:

Lord, I will GO, I will DO - I am prepared and equipped by you to do the good works you have prepared for me in advance. With your loving hand you have moved me, placed me in a new position. You have created in me a new heart - a new will and a new desire. Lord light me on FIRE for YOU. Thank you Lord for your clarity and the opening of my ears and heart to recognize Your hand in my life. Continue to loosen my grip on areas that you desire to control. Thank you for your patience with me - thank you for your continued pursuit of me fully as your child. 

 In your son's precious name, Jesus. AMEN.

GRACE AND PEACE!