Lisa Shares: Remember When?

Remember When?

Tommy recently asked us at Pageant if we remembered when we got that special present we asked for one Christmas. I do. It was Christmas of 19.., oh well, that doesn’t matter. Let me just say I had just turned 6 and wanted a "big girl bike." There it was on Christmas morning; a shiny, royal blue Schwinn. (That was top of the line in those days!)

I couldn’t wait to get outside to ride it, but my Mom said I had to wait. So my Grampa winked at me and told me to follow him. I went down the hall to my bedroom where he met me and said “Hop on!” “Really?” Yep, we were going to ride gently down the hall. Now mind you, the hall was probably 10 feet long.

Well, I hopped on, got a little push and down the hall I went. Bam!
I didn’t know how to stop it and I crashed into the wall by the kitchen. My Mom came flying out and stood in the hall with her hands on her hips and observed the GIANT black tire mark on the wall. That was the end of the bike for the day.

Have you ever worked really hard for something, or maybe even manipulated a situation, thinking the thing or result was going to make you the happiest person alive? Then, surprise, you realized that thing or person only caused you grief or heartache? Life is full of those lessons, like the bike. Got one to share?

How did u-connect?

This past weekend over a hundred wild-for-God women spent time drawing closer to Him and each other. This was not just a "nice gettaway in the mountains"- it was purposeful time to break the magnetic draw of the everyday and purposefully connect with what the magnificent One has to offer in living through Him. There have been so many stories shared of how God changed some hearts and will change some lives. We wanted to give some space for you to share how God spoke to you.

What did this time change in me? The message on Friday night is still rolling around in my head. It has shifted my thinking about Christ's blood. It's always been hard to imagine God did all that for me. It sometimes felt like too much pressure, you know? But understanding the sacrifice process and that the blood wasn't "for me" but "for God" has liberated my mind!! Understanding that God is "satisfied", I can grasp the thought that there is no time I will ever be loved by Him more than right now. Most of us probably struggle with feeling unworthy of receiving the blood- but if it was for God's satisfaction and not mine- that flips a thinking pattern in my mind. And it strangely brings a fresh freedom perspective that I can't "unworth" my way out of.

At iConnect, I also received the blessing of new friendships and a tighter sense of community.

I love you, HillsideWomen!

What an experience!!

Ok, we're going to be sharing more about iConnect and some great life stories later this week. But frankly, we're so spent from the experience that all we can really share on this misty, fall afternoon is "Thank You." Thanks to all the women that risked attending a retreat for the very first time! For the women who wondered if it was going to be worth the investment of their time. Thanks to those who came anticipating a weekend that would challenge their walk and inspire their spirit. Thanks to the teachers and leaders who sacrificed their time and served in every way- from carrying the women's luggage to teaching deep and wonderful classes. Thanks to Becca, Rob, the band and Tommy for worship experiences our women will not forget. And for a teaching time that really flipped our understanding of the blood of Christ!

This morning we began to read your stories. We are so touched by your transparency and by how God has moved you. Stay tuned to share in the blessings!

iConnect with God

We are super excited for the kick off of iConnect, our HillsideWomen’s fall retreat, Oct. 10-12. The cost is $120. (Registration is still open through Sept. 30th. Late registration after 9/30 will cost you an extra $15) We are thrilled at the variety of ages and backgrounds already registered to attend this year!! There are three tracks to choose from:

iConnect with God

iConnect with Family

iConnect with Community.

Each track will present teaching that challenges us to draw near to God and to those around us. We believe that women who are more connected with God are more engaged as women with their family, friends and the world.

Here are some of the classes offered in the iConnect with God track.

iDentity: Who is God to Me… Who am I to God?
iExplore: What are My Spiritual Gifts?
iExam: Taking a Spiritual Check-up
i2i : The Power of Connecting Through Solitude
iTime: An Hour of Solitude with God

… as well as classes on how to begin journaling without being overwhelmed, on how we hear God speak, the spiritual disciplines and a panel discussion about how God speaks to women today.

There will also be open time to spend with God in the peaceful mountains of northern New Mexico. It’s going to be amazing!

This track’s class leaders are Dianna Melson, Kris Collins, Margaret Willis, Cara Hunt, De-Vonna Clark, Judy Lynch and Gayle Mustoe. They are terrific ladies who really, really love the Lord and really, really, love people.

Tommy Politz will be speaking to us during our large group times. Rob & Becca Attaway will be leading worship. Are you getting as excited as we are now??

Sponges: Amazing creatures... if they live in the ocean.

This past Sunday, the Pest Control series put the squeeze on "The Sponge."  (This kind of person might complain about a hangnail in the middle of an MD Anderson waiting room)

There is no shortage in this world of people who are IN NEED.  But what about people who are just plain NEEDY.  How do you help them walk into a healthy perspective of life, without having them suck the life out of you?  Have any of you ever encountered someone with a terminal case of "sponginess"?

Do you ever fear you are becoming a sponge?  How do you keep the fear in check with reality?  

Just a note!  Thanks for letting us know that our system wasn't allowing comments this past week!!  We had some server issues that prevented emails from entering our system.  We think it is all fixed and really look forward to hearing from you this week.  You guys have had great wisdom to share!  Keep it up!  Thanks for your patience.  :)