Across the Street

Following God is such a fun and fascinating journey!  I had the distinct honor and privilege of leading a good friend to Christ this morning...

This = our group pic after LifeGroup... me, Josie, Katie, Ashley, Natalie, Haley, Amira, and baby Esther (who literally took her first steps during group, which was also pretty exciting)!!

Katie felt unprepared and considered canceling yesterday; I offered to help lead, then a few things felt off and I didn't want to step into potentially hard conversations, so I was honestly debating whether to go to group at all this morning.  Checked my email when I woke up, and that included Christine Caine's "First Things First" devotional (a daily email that's been fruitful and timely multiple times lately - highly recommend subscribing HERE).  Today's email was titled "Across the Street," emphasizing that God wants us to be willing to cross the street to reach out to the lost and hurting world who needs Him.  Katie's house is quite literally across the street from mine, so that was a fairly clear sign I couldn't ignore. lol

I arrived early to help prepare and co-lead.  Katie and I prayed together and discussed the need to clarify and not overcomplicate the gospel message (pic below = her reading the Genesis account of the fall of man from a children's Bible).

We were covering the basics of what we believe, and one of the women had sincere questions (no names out of respect for her privacy).  We discussed the Romans road Scriptures below, why christening doesn't save you (not a personal choice), why baptism is symbolic but not essential for salvation, and the differences between conviction and condemnation.  Because I had a closer relationship with her, Katie texted me that I should lead her through the prayer if I was comfortable with that.  I carefully asked if she wanted to make that choice, and she was ready and willing and excited (and a little nervous) about it.  The group gathered around to support her, the Holy Spirit gave me the words to say, and I led her through a prayer to make Jesus her Savior and Lord.  We all clapped and celebrated together, continuing to share support and answer questions.  (Today had marked a painful anniversary for her, so we talked about it being good that she will have a better anniversary to celebrate on this day moving forward.)  It was a sacred moment, and I really feel so much gratitude for the way God showed up there!! ❤

Looking at Facebook later, I realized this is the 3-year anniversary of Babah's funeral service.  Speaking at her graveside and memorial service took courage for me that day, and I am glad I leaned into that and followed God's call to be brave.  My talk included the verses below, and it was encouraging for me to re-read them today.

"Be steadfast, strong, and immovable...
nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted or without purpose."

AMEN to that!!

❤

K-Faith and friends celebrating their victory at the Tulsa tournament today!

Proud of them, and happy they have one last tournament in Norman on Monday!

Kyndal with Coach Jantzen (Heidi, who was in the class of 2003 between Rach and I at CHA)

I've been praying for God to work in me and through me and for me, and He is showing up in all the ways.  I'm deeply grateful for that!

OSU also had another exciting victory today - go Cowboys!

I missed it because I was watching the Avengers save the world (again) - my first theater movie since August 6th, a familiar gem that spurs so much Kingdom hope in my heart!

So today included a delicious chicken and waffle sandwich, a favorite movie in theaters, a FaceTime call from Kyndal, a butterscotch Icee, time with Mom and Dad, co-leading Lifegroup, and leading a good friend to Jesus!!  What a gift!

Also thankful for the identity-affirming gift of mentors who really believe in me, and for so many timely devotional emails as I gear up for a rebuilding season - God knows I need all of it - the internal rebuilding always comes before the external!

God is with you, and He is for you.

Hope you have a restful Sunday ahead!

❤ ❤ ❤