Heart Choices: 2018-10-14 -->

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Five Minute Friday: WHO




It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with other writers. We get a one-word prompt and write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is WHO.

START

I am a woman who is older than I feel inside.  As I look back on my life, I realize I've had so many experiences. Most of the younger people I work with have no idea.

Growing up in the 60's I experienced the turmoil of teenage years during that time. The war in Vietnam, protests in the streets, free love, drugs. Not that I was involved in all of that, but it did surround and impact me. A friend attended the infamous Woodstock in upstate New York. I was working part-time in a record store selling music on Long Island as I was going to high school.

I dabbled in the world despite my Christian upbringing. There were people in my life who pulled me back. And I am so grateful.

My grandparents were a visible example for me. They prayed for me until the day each of them died. A friend named Connie invited me to church when I was in my twenties. A mission trip to Haiti in 1980 changed my perspective.

My grandmother's funeral changed the trajectory of my life. Although I professed to be a Christian, my life didn't truly reflect that. I felt a strong nudging deep in my soul to start attending church. And so I did.

I've had many people along the way who encouraged me.

Who am I?

I am a child of God. I am loved and accepted by Him. And I am so grateful for His patience, love, and faithfulness.

That's who I am.

END

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Priscilla Shirer Conference



 Priscilla Shirer is a Christian speaker, author, and actress. About one year ago, my friend Shelia asked if I wanted to volunteer as a prayer encourager for the event. I didn't hesitate since I knew this would be something I would love to participate in.

As Saturday approached, I discovered I would have to be at the Grand Canyon University Arena by 6:45 AM for training. Yes, I am an early riser, but I love my quiet Saturday mornings at home! So, I left my condo at 6:20 so I wouldn't be late.



I watched as the women waited to enter. It was sold out with 5,300 people attending!


I was so thankful for a seat in the fourth row on the aisle. Close up to see the speaker and yet available to leave and go to women who needed prayer. Priscilla focuses much time praying at these conferences. She asked the women to fill out a prayer request card. I was one of the volunteers who walked up and down the stands collecting the cards. It brought tears to my eyes as they called out so I wouldn't miss their requests. So many with so many needs!


 Priscilla Shirer shared from her heart. She's a dynamic speaker as she shares stories to illustrate Biblical principles. She walked around the stadium as she looked into our faces.

"The cure for exhaustion is intimacy with Jesus."

 She encouraged us to come away from the busyness and social media and spend time alone with Jesus. Instead of complaining about what you don't have, redirect your energy to what you do have. God can supernaturally multiply what little you think you have.

Anthony Evans led the time of worship. He is Priscilla's younger brother and he was so inspiring. I remember him as a contestant from Season 2 of The Voice.


I loved having the opportunity to reconnect with women I'd not seen in years.

Shelia and me

Mary Kaye and me
Mary Kaye is a worship leader at her church.  We worked together years ago in a women's leadership group called Woman to Woman. We organized a yearly conference for women, along with Shelia and many other women. She had no idea that my life had turned upside down in 2010. As soon as she heard a bit of my story, she cried and prayed for me. What a blessing!

I wish I had taken a photo of my dear friend Helen. She attended the conference with a group of women from her church. We used to spend so much time together when she lived closer and both of us weren't working. We were prayer partners for so many years. But time turned back as we tried to catch up during the lunchtime. We chose to stay in the stadium and munch on hotdogs so we could savor every moment together. I'm so grateful for that time.

It poured all day in Phoenix. At one point, Priscilla asked what that noise was. She probably assumed it never rained here but it poured. The Holy Spirit was surely pouring down. :)

I drove home in flooded streets but it was well worth it. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of these events, I'd recommend it. I'll leave with the trailer from the movie War Room. Priscilla is one of the main characters in this film.



Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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