In the Hills and Mountains of South Dakota

What a beauty it was to see God’s creation in the hills and mountains of South Dakota. Not only did the awesomeness of nature revealed the sovereignty of the Almighty but also the people God placed there as well. There I was willing and able to give an inspirational word from the LORD and yet they deposit more into me as Queen Sheba received from King Solomon.

Participating in the South Dakota Conference women retreat uplifted my belief that God is diverse, just as many places have made that known in the past. The women were wonderful. The hospitality and multiply spiritual gifts of the staff and participants were amazing as they presented the elegance of Christ.

Often times, God gives us moments to be reminded that he indeed wants to guide us. This includes stepping out from our comfort zones to do and think of things we have never done, such as traveling to South Dakota for the first time or revisit topics such as to ‘Be Still and Know that God will guide us with His own eyes’.

How captivating moments in life are as we reflect on God’s continuous molding, shaping, and twisting us to see Him in different angles, hearts, and places of the world He created. My foot is much better now, my walk has been enhanced, even my soul. This is the breakthrough of our spirit, mind and body.

View Pictures:
The Beauty of Hills and Mountains in South Dakota

Women Retreat

Placerville Camp, SD

Mt. Rushmore

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Preaching the Gospel

For the past few weeks I have been meditating on what I will be preaching May 31 and June 7, 2009. It has been ten years now since I began preaching from the pulpit. Each time is a nervous moment. I desire to be conscious of what God desires me to say. In the meantime, I try to consider the season on the Christian calendar, the life events of my church family, the local community events, as well as, the global happenings and how they affect our lives. Most importantly, I try to focus on the biblical text. I enjoy that part. The text has so much to say to us. The late Rev. Dr. Miles Jones, my homiletic professor, used to say, “What is the condition of existence of the text.” Mmmm…. what words do I have to ponder as I pull together my manuscript. In the midst of it all, I try to be guided by the Spirit. I have come not to think whether or not the congregation will like the message, as long as I am faithful to God in delivering it. In spite of the size of the congregation, there are a few who will appreciate what is being said. It is those who will allow God’s word to be planted in their hearts and someday manifestation of that Word comes to be a major part of developing God’s Kingdom.

Mowing the Grass

Between parenting, speakings, writing, teaching, networking, and schooling, most people often tell me I am very buzzzy, as most people who pursue goals in life.  Well, I am.  Through it all, I do stop and reflect.  I have found that mowing my grass is very relaxing and meditative, as it did today.  It gives me the time to think while on the riding mower.  Often, I think about the paper I have to pick up in which people have thrown from the highway.  It amazes me to think how in preaching, teaching, writing, etc….we are still picking up or trying to move things that do not belong in order to make things/situations look better, feel better, and act better.  The blessing is after doing our part, such as picking up paper and planting seeds, God comes and does a greater work in us.  Over time, when it is finished, the yard looks so beautiful….not just our yard…but God’s garden.   We can look back and say…as God has said…”It is good!”