Last week Candy, our Learn Pastor, at First Baptist Church Richardson sent this.  Be still my heart.  I was so blessed reading her testimony, and I asked her if I could share it with you.  I realize that some of you have read it, but I wanted to share it with everyone on the blog.  

Last week, I was privileged to spend a few days in retreat amidst the gorgeous ambiance of New Mexico.  I was with others for some of the time and intentionally alone for part of the time.  The alone time was mainly spent at Christ in the Desert Monastery. I have traveled there several times over the last 10 years.  It is a remote and beautiful spiritual sanctuary. The drive north of Santa Fe is as special as the destination itself because of the watercolor mountains and rugged terrain. Tears come to my eyes every time I ascend to the mountains and drive the long dirt road leading to the monastery.  I am always blown away by the breathtaking beauty of God’s masterful hand.

I go there to pray, cry and spend time with God in that unique setting. The time alone is rich and contemplative. I felt my heart wanting to explode with the nearness of God.  I love worshipping with the monks as they pray through the Psalms. The retreat helps me gain perspective on my relationship with Jesus, my personal calling and the needs of people.

One day I stopped for breakfast on the way to the monastery. I sat at a large “community” table. One by one, people sat down near me with eyes glued to newspapers and phones. A young 19 year old woman sat down and extended her hand of greeting. “Hi, my name is Lauren”, she said with a smile. Everyone kept to themselves for a few minutes before I broke the ice by asking some of the people about their vocations, etc. When I asked Lauren what she did for a living, she struggled with answers as she opened up about looking for a job, moving toNew Mexico from Maryland and enrolling in a community college. She turned to me and said with tears in her eyes, “I guess I am a little lost and I am trying to find my way”.

For the next hour and a half, it was if no one else was in the room but the two of us. The Lord provided the opportunity to share how Christ can fill her life with purpose and direction. She was soaking it up like a sponge. After blessed dialogue, we bowed together and Lauren prayed to surrender her life to Jesus… right there in the Tecolate Café. What a thrill!  I happened to have some books with me, perfect tools to help her along.  I am contacting a local church and I am praying she will make a connection. We have continued to visit through email.  Pray for sweet Lauren.

Later that day, I prayed for Christ to fill my life and renew my heart asking God “What to you want me to know right now?”  Then it hit me – “Lord, you have already answered the question long before I arrived today at the monastery”.  The experience at the café was not only for Lauren but it was for me as well. He spoke as powerfully to me as he did to her.  They were God’s words.  He spoke of grace, unconditional love and an eternal relationship.  He spoke of the cross and resurrection.

Reflecting on the conversation, I was reminded of the simple, life transforming love of Jesus that took hold of my life as a child, propelled me into ministry and provides the heart and purpose of my life today. The source of the revelation was not the monastery itself but the journey to get there was where God’s voice was undeniable.

Isn’t the journey itself where discipleship lives and where God reveals himself?  I have asked the Lord to give me a heart that is awake to opportunities he sets before me on my daily journey right here in North Dallas.  I know this is where he will place hurting people in my path, those who need to know God’s grace. I also know this is the path for my own transformation.

I pray that during your day you will be open to the message God has for you! I love you all.

Thank you Candy for sharing your blessing.  You are a blessing to all of us.  I am also praying that we may be open to God’s opportunities. 

Blessings to you and yours,