Listen - Day Forty - IF: Gathering

.......this weekend I was privileged to be one of the many women who were streaming the simulcast from Austin, Texas, the IF:Gathering.  Powerful. Obedient.  The women who formed this idea, this dream into a live event.  Their obedience is powerful. Their enthusiam and love for Jesus was evident from the prayers they each offered at the beginning to the unity they exhibited at the end.  
     Yes, I heard a number of women speak.   I can't name them all but I give them credit for this blog entry. Jennie Allen, Angie Smith, Christine Caine, Jen Hatmaker, Ann Voskamp, Rebekah Lyons, Shelley Giglio, Tara Jenkins....and more....
     I also heard God calling me to receive their message. I listened. So many women today give and give and give, without ever taking the time to refresh and renew ourselves.  The giving isn't bad, it's just that our race is a marathon and we women need to learn to pace ourselves. We need time to BE WITH JESUS. In His word, in His presence, in the time we set aside to be still and know that He is God...we can be renewed. 
     So, hands opened to receive, heart opened to receive, I listened. I leaned in and surrendered to His ministering.  I heard that "Jesus is better" than anything we can think of.  Of course I knew that but say this aloud: Jesus is better than the most perfect spouse we can imagine. Jesus is better than that house in that neighborhood that we covet. Jesus is better than your dream job, or your dream portfolio, or your retirement travel plans.  So why do we spend our time and energy working to get the one, when The One is better?
     I also heard about Wild Grace. Don't you love that term?
     And "keeping my eyes above the waves" and walking on water.
       These are just the notes the first hour!
     So what did God want me to hear?  That I tuned my spiritual ears to listen for His Sweet Spirit in me to point out? 
     "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." (Gal 5:1 NIV) It's time for me to cross from the desert wilderness into the freedom of the Promised Land. Thank you Christine Caine for that message!
     So, I will be listening eagerly(I am addicted to my morning listening time now) to hear what direction God, Jesus and the Blessed Spirit have for me.  Blessings to you.