Saturday, August 3, 2013

Magic~n~Miracles - She Speaks - My Heart is Full

It is hard to believe that a week ago today we were saying good-bye to new friends, taking pictures with our favorite authors/speakers, and eating some incredible desserts as we mixed and mingled.  Yes, it was our last night of SheSpeaks.  I wasn't ready for it to end. In fact, I have had a difficult time readjusting to reality!

Our worship music was by led by the very beautiful London Gatch of Elevation Church and the amazing Michael O'Brien,  Our keynote speaker was Lysa TerKeurst.  Once again she blew me away with her life stories, that by the way, can always be taken back to an episode in the bible. Mostly, I am anxious to have dinner at the TerKeurst's home  so I can sit at the "Sticky Farm Table" on family night! PS.  I'd really love to know what a Sticky Farm Table is! Whatever it is though, I'm in!

God showed up and He showed out.  Many experienced pretty amazing God moments, I was not excluded from that!  He chose my roommate on purpose,  I sat beside an amazing Jesus girl at a special invitation lunch, had several of my Online Bible Study sisters there to meet in person; incredible things occurred all weekend.  'This' is what is keeping this Jesus girl from coming down off of a 'God High' and making her way back to reality! God's presence kept us in awe. 

Do you imagine it was like that in the bible?  God performed miracle after miracle.  In Luke 2 the bible tells us that 'they spread the word and were amazed at what they heard of this new baby', much like the 750 of us at SheSpeaks. 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen.

Mary 'treasured'  all these things and pondered them in her heart.  My heart is full as I continue to 'ponder' the wonders of this world, the wonders of what He brought to SheSpeaks; the blessings provided by His people, His disciples, those He uses as His vessel to share the good news.







Thankful and praying for each Jesus girl that attended SheSpeaks2013.  May God continue to direct and guide you as he molds you into the person He desires you to be.  Looking forward to 2014!

Treasuring and Pondering the Memories.




In God's Light
<3 Kelley   

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Magic ~ in ~ Miracles - The Story Behind the Title



We live in a world that is full of grown up 'stuff'. Ever since we were old enough to understand news reports our lives changed in big ways.  Some of us changed even before that because we were born into families that were already struggling. But each one of us needs a place of escape; a place for the positive, a place for encouragement, laughter, and smiles. A place we can be free for a few minutes as we bask in the sunshine and see the world through the eyes of a child.  Nothing makes a child happier than watching a magician do his tricks.  They look on with their eyes bright and glittery while rabbits are pulled from hats, or while scarves are pulled from sleeves.  It's a time of nothing but sweet, sweet fun and escape.  Sure, they know these are tricks - but are totally fascinated nonetheless.  And well, miracles - we all love a GREAT miracle! 

Miracles don't require much explanation.  These are those beautiful things that are brought to us courtesy of our astonishing God!  Miracles can be big or small and if we aren't careful sometimes we may even miss one. But they come in abundance and fill our lives daily.

I sat teaching my beautiful K-5 kids in KidZone a couple Sunday's ago.  Our lesson covered Peter's story.  They sat on their puzzle mat watching the story on the big screen, their eyes were big and there wasn't a whisper to be heard.  They were mesmerized.   As Jesus performed miracle after miracle for Peter they were drawn more and more into the story.  For them it was a lot like magic! To look in their eyes and watch their little brains process these amazing feats was for me a gift in itself.

For a few minutes I simply gazed at those children, my eyes tearing up and glazing over as I watched them experience the works of Jesus.  They were in awe and so was I.  It was like they were seeing Jesus for the first time. And for some of them, it could have been the first time. 

There is absolutely nothing more wonderful and beautiful than witnessing Jesus through the eyes of a child ~ or seeing life through the eyes of a child.  Of seeing a little 'magic' and escaping from the world of chaos and calamity.  It is a bit like witnessing Disney World and getting to walk in a world of make-believe while inside those gates.

In John 11:40-44 Jesus performs a 'miracle'. Telling Mary and Martha, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?".  He then raises Lazarus from from death.

Priceless. To see the world through the eyes of a child; to be awestruck every day as you see and experience the beauty of knowing Jesus Christ. To feel that magical presence daily.  To know that He is going to show up and provide blessing after blessing so you can see the glory of God.  Although as adults we know the difference between magic and miracles ~ its precious to be able to live in a magical place with my Heavenly Father every day, as I attempt to see the world through the eyes of a child.

Experience some 'magical' today as you experience Jesus!!!

<3 Kelley