Kay Arthur Audio

I'm finally posting the messages from the Kay Arthur conference in June.  This link will take you to the Spring Lake website, where you will scroll down to see the various messages she gave. 

Listen, and be encouraged:  http://www.springlakechurch.org/Adults/Home.aspx?Page=gWomensMinistry

Women's Retreat 2013

 

 

  The Ladies' Retreat 2013

(Pink seems to be the operative color.) 

I regret that I didn't get pictures of all the speakers, particularly Sara Hoffman and her little oven-bun.  We heard from Mary Hovde, Carmi Shaw, and Sara Hoffman, and were deeply encouraged.  We had wonderful conversations, games and FOOD!  

 

A good time was had by all.  Thanks, Donna and the Froelich family!

 

 

 

A Garment of Praise

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to . . . grant to those who mourn in Zion  . . . the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit.* 

This portion of Isaiah 61 that Jesus quotes in the synagogue in his inaugural sermon spoke to me this morning.  My spirit has been faint lately, due in part to a non-healing knee which has now become a discombobulated lower and now upper back, due also to too much introspection and too little sleep.  Whoa is me, I am undone, I can say with Isaiah in his chapter 6 passage.  I am feeling undone lately. 

What is God's solution for me?  A garment of praise, given by Christ.  PRAISE instead of a faint spirit.  I'll take that (along with the hot fudge sundae my son just surprised me with!). 

This is not a garment of praise that cost nothing; this is very expensive and exquisite apparel.  What is the good news that the Lord anointed Him to bring?  That He is the bearer of God's wrath on my behalf, that He is the Redeemer the Holy One of Israel, that He is my only hope of righteousness, that He took the cross for me.  For he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness (verse 10). 

Therefore: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exalt in my God! 

Must I focus on my back, my knee, my lack of exercise, my fainting spirit?  I dare not.  I need not.  He has clothed me in this marvelous garment.   The garment of praise. Why? 

That they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. (Or, that he may display his beauty.).  

Those garments cast across my fainting spirit?  They are not meant to make me beautiful or happy or comfortable.  They are meant to display His beauty.  To bring Him great glory. 

The glory that is due Him for His greatness and His love. 


 *See Isaiah 61 for the whole kit and caboodle; it's worth it.