2017 Conference!



Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

It's 2017 and this year it is a very short trip with a very targeted purpose. To present at the Minister's Equipping Conference. Our focus: Souls in Our Care, Connecting Counseling and Pastoring.

As always your prayers and comments are definitely coveted and encouraged!

Monday, January 14, 2013

Arriving in the Bright Light of Fellowship!


But if we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin. 1 John 1:7 (NLT)     
 A blessedly good flight brought me safe to the Collins family welcome --  a laughing chorus of "Miss Jo, Miss Jo"  I was immediately engulfed in hugs!   Lisa, the children -- Zach (12), Eli (10) and Miri (8) and I caught up,  and I finally met Joe who had been serving in Texas when I was here last. We were all surprised at how exited  the little dog Spike was...apparently he didn't forget me in two years.. ..and yes that helps with the "missing-my-Chihuahua-Meshach" factor.   
     Lisa's grand plan to help me avoid jet lag was to keep me busy so I wouldn't sleep!! On Saturday we all drove around and did some errands.  Then off to a concert --  Dave and Joyce Owen (President of PIU and wife) were singing Handel's Messiah with the Contate.. . and I only slept just a little bit. ;-)
     Sunday,  I again felt a warm family welcome back at the Lutheran Church of Guam.   After Church we went on to Gab-Gab for some swimming and snorkeling.  Sunday night we snuggled on the couch to watch movies. 
     Today I spent the morning getting to know Joe a bit more.  Then, Lisa and I headed to campus to attend a faculty meeting.   I got settled in the counseling office then enjoyed  an opening semester BBQ.  Although many of the students I knew have graduated, the ones remaining gifted me with wide smiles and big hellos -- as did familiar staff and faculty!  Finally, Miri and I drove home while Lisa headed off to a class and Joe took the boys to scouts.  I am arrived!  I am humbled.



     How incredible is His family! Can there ever be enough reminders of how profound the privilege of fellowship actually is?   This body, this bride, this is to be cherished.  To be an active member of this  fellowship anywhere is all about glorifying Him. We are blessed with treasured family and friends.   What sweet balm is the giggling voice of a 8 year old laughing with me as I fumble in the dark trying to get the "car"  to actually go...."Miss Jo, we're having an adventure!"  As this year's work begins to unfold....counseling, training, whatever is required. . .I pray that I can consistently see the blessing and wonder of fellowship with the open eyes of a grateful heart!

4 comments:

  1. O my goodness....How fun and exciting to be on The GREAT ADVENTURE. The blessing of sharing God's love in this place. I love the vedio. It is really cool to see who you are with. It makes me feel like I am there and it helps me to not miss you so much. Church was real good. Pastor Mike talked about what we are all about as a church. LOVE,SHARING,CARING..being a part of and giving it away. I thought I heard you say a few amens, but it was me. It was a little quiet without you. I bet the concert was amazing. There seems to be a lot of people who have the flu. It is really bad here. I am not one of them thank God. We had two new ladies come to bible study. It was so good. The veido was real good the lesson was digging real deep. It talked of not loving this world and how do we die to ourselves. The next three days left are going to be just are deep. I am really getting into this study this year. It is not so difficult and I think I am growing. Spending more time with God. It is finally soaking into my heart. So long for now. I love you and pray you are well. Debbie.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Debbie, thanks for the encouragement! Yes, I too am following along in our study...it is nourishing! Glad you are well!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well, it's only been less than a week and you're not jet-lagged are you?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! I can't believe how filled your days are starting out! Unfortunately, with my iPad I couldn't see the video, but hope to soon on my computer! Maybe you could post a picture of your family! This is great that we can follow along on your Guam Fellowship adventure. You are missed at Bible study, Shirley is doing great without her sidekick, but I'm sure is looking forward to your return

    ReplyDelete