Last week Keith and I were so excited about going to District Council. This is a time for those in the ministry to get away for fellowship and special services.
It's a time to see friends and be with those that share the same vision and calling in ministry. It's an opportunity to share our experiences good and bad with one another.
I love the services in the evenings and especially the praise & worship! It's a time of renewal, refreshing and refilling.
We all need that desperately and if the truth were told....we need it more often than once a year! Giving out constantly is exhausting and draining in every way.
Keith and I enjoyed Monday and Tuesday night and were blessed abundantly! we were rejoicing in the great time of ministry. Afterwards, we enjoyed great fellowship and saw friends we hadn't seen in a long while.
However, during the wee morning hours on Wednesday Keith became violently ill and by 8 am it hit me. We both were so sick....I can't begin to tell you how awful it was! So, I won't be graphic. Neither of us slept for two days except for dozing and running to the bathroom.
We were suppose to leave Wednesday morning to go home for our mid-week service. There was no way we could travel. We had to stay in the hotel...sick and miserable! There is nothing worse than being so ill and away from home from your familiar surroundings.
We sent Ramon and Laura our Youth pastor's home to conduct the services in our place.
We went through a day and another night of this Hell! I'm not exaggerating!!
The day before at Tuesday's Women's Ministries luncheon our guest speaker,
Dawn Raley shared a powerful word.
The one quote that sticks with me from her sermon was "If you can take it, you will make it!"
We didn't realize how true those words would ring!!!
The last couple of years have been very difficult for Keith and I...the hardest we've ever had to deal with since being in the ministry. Praise God we're still standing! WE TOOK IT AND WE'VE MADE IT!
The scripture comes to mind as it has become a favorite in recent years.
Philippians 3: 12 - 14.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
We know the enemy is out to kill, steal and destroy. He will use "whatever" to bring his plans to pass! We must be on guard at all times.
We're not looking back, but pressing forward towards the goal to win the prize!
Remember, "we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us".
If we can take it...we will make it! Especially with the Lord on our side!
Hugs,
LaDonna
