Second Chances!

 Jesus has given me more than a couple of second chances. I've had more do-overs than a two-year-old on a bad day.  I appreciate that about my relationship with Jesus. At times, it still feels like it isn't enough like I'll never get it exactly right. 

I'm all for other people getting their share of second chances. I attended Terri Savelle Foy's Icing Conference.  (I'm not sure about the rules for borrowing pictures I do not own, so here's the link with all the details about the event. Icing)

There are two main things I carry with me from the conference.

1.  Give Grace

One of the speakers was Fab Morvan, one-half of the Pop Duo Milli Vanilli. If you are old enough to have needed your own heaping of do-overs, you probably remember what happened. Mistakes were made. Watch this!

Fab went on to build a life and a family. He's making his way back. Fab came to the Icing Conference to share a little of his story, dance, and even sing. He sang acapella at times, maybe he had a reason for that.  And the dude still has moves.  For a few moments, during one of his most famous hits, the Nostalgia was flowing. "Girl, You Know Its True!"

However, to a group of "Church Women", he wasn't polished.  He certainly doesn't know "church speak".

Terri Savelle Foy, the headliner and creator of Icing could have had any number of reactions.  Her response was an excellent example of giving grace.  It was beautiful! 

Terri told Fab:  "You may not know it yet, but we overcome the enemy through the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony!"  (At least those are the words I remember.)  Terri made sure to encourage him and show him Godly love.  She stopped and took time to give grace and minister to him.  That is what Jesus did and does. 

I admire the effort. I'm cheering for Fab and more importantly, I'm praying for Fab.  It takes a lot of courage to have your do-over on stage with everyone watching.  Wherever Fab is, has been, or is going, my prayer is that he accomplishes all that God created him for. 

2)  We Do Not Stand Alone!

I served with nearly two hundred other like-minded women. Smart women, on fire for God, who are doing things.  The enemy wants us to feel like we are strange and alone.  The Bible does say that we are a peculiar people, but we are not alone.  1 Peter 2:9 (It is okay if we laugh at ourselves a bit.) 

Whatever you face today, give grace to others, allow yourself to receive grace, and remember, you are not alone. 

 "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 NIV 

Ireland Via Dallas?

God does work in mysterious ways. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV

Psalms 2:4 tells us that the "enthroned one in Heaven laughs."   As much as we laugh at babies, can you imagine how much God laughs at us? 

I'm working toward my Doctoral in Ministry.   I've been thinking about what I will write about.  Scottland and Ireland have been on my heart in the process.   I didn't have anything planned for my research there, not yet.  

I planned to be in Texas on April 4th & 5th for the Icing Women's Conference.  On April 3rd, I received a notification from the airline that I could move my flight at no charge due to possible weather delays. 

I changed the flight and arrived in Dallas on April 3rd.  On the shuttle to the hotel, I met Margaret."  It so happens that Margaret missed her connecting flight to go home. 

Guess where Margaret is from?  Northern Ireland!  Margaret is also a Christian.  We had a lovely conversation.  We continued our conversation in the hotel restaurant. 

Margaret mentioned:

Modern churches are loud and lively. 

Small Groups are popular.

Hillsong-style music is popular. 

Margaret goes to what we call a "Mega Church." 

People there aren't as fond of marriage and church as they used to be. 

Many beautiful historic churches are being shut down and/or repurposed.

Life in villages is more conservative than life in the larger cities. 

Evangelical churches were prominent after the reformed revival. 

The village where Margaret lives is known as the Bible Belt. 

It is remarkable because I could have said the same thing about Tennessee!  Well, her accent sounded nicer than mine. You can tell I'm from Tennessee when I speak. 

I love how God brings people together!  

Also, as a side note, when I was in Tijuana, Mexico, earlier this year, I met a Margaret with whom I talked about Jesus.  My friend and Sister-in-Christ, Kristi, has spoken much about patterns lately. I'm intrigued with the Holy Spirit's work.