Perseverance

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This quote is one that you are probably familiar with. I know it is one that has got me through some difficult parts in life. In fact, it is a picture of what a large part of my teen and young adult life looked like. It also paints a picture of perseverance, a paradigm I am very familiar with.

Perseverance can be defined as: (n.) steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Perseverance is something that has been woven throughout my faith over my lifetime. It is one key piece in my walk with Christ. In terms of a biblical view, perseverance can look like remaining, patient waiting, endurance. 

And if I am honest, there have been several moments in the thick of it where I just wanted to throw in the towel. Have you had those moments in a season where your vision is so clouded you can’t seem to see through the thickness? Girl! I have had so many. My vision can be so clouded, and it’s easy to focus on the problems in those moments instead of remembering what Jesus said; “I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.” (Revelation 3:11 MSG) Somehow even when I forget, in each one of those moments, there is something that makes me keep going… in the very core of my being there is a whisper that says “Keep on, keeping on!” and so I do. It is an innate quality I am always thankful for.

I persevered through teen pregnancy and a very unhealthy relationship.

I persevered through college and part time jobs.

I persevered through my very close grandparents dying.

I persevered through addiction plagued family members and suicide.

I persevered through lost jobs and a rollercoaster of a career.

I persevered through shifts in my faith.

I persevered through depression coming to a head after the birth of my second child and losing my rock of a father shortly thereafter.

And I will persevere through anything that comes next. And you know what? YOU will too! Because in this life, we know the One who gives life! “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV)

In my meek position I may not understand fully what that means yet but I keep going because I know that is what Jesus has for me. Life isn’t always easy or smooth, it doesn’t always feel good but we keep going. We keep going because God is way bigger than our doubts. He’s way bigger then the mountains in front of us. He is bigger than our attitudes, our circumstance, or our brains (y’all know what I’m talking about here! That negative self-talk.) God is bigger!

You have read part of my story here today and maybe your story looks different but one thing is the same, we all have struggles or seasons of struggle. Jesus tells us to keep going. Even in our doubt and wandering He is there, in the midst. And one thing I do understand is that nothing can take God’s love from us, so we keep going.

From the song: “Love has found us” by Gateway Worship

Nothing on earth

Above or below

Nothing in all the universe

Can take us from your love

You came to us

Made us your own

You have redeemed us from the fall

You paid the ransom once for all

Eyes on the prize, sweet friends. Keep on, keeping on!

With love,

Jimmie Lee

I don’t know what type of season you are in or what you may be struggling with but I would love to lift you up in prayer. I believe much of my innate ability to keep going is because there were and are folks praying for me. So I am praying in general for you ladies, but if you want to be a little brave today, I would love to get specific in my prayers for you individually. Please leave a comment below or send an email to women@westridge.cc

The Key Retreat - Recap!

Ladies, I think all of us in the Bloom Ministry are still in a bit of awe and amazement at all God did through our recent event, The Key Retreat!  We all had such a wonderful day spending a sunny, autumn Saturday with over 45 ladies at Chapel Valley Estate (http://www.chapelvalleyestate.com/) in Ellwood City.  To all the women who took time away from their usual Saturday routines and joined us – thank you!  Your attendance at the retreat was truly a blessing to each and every one of us in the Bloom Ministry!  And for those of you who weren’t able to join us, settle in for a recap. I am going to fill you in on all the details.  Grab your pumpkin spice latte and get cozy!  Let’s get started...

The Key Retreat began bright and early!  All of the ladies were eager to get started when we began at 9:00.  As ladies entered the event space and registered, they were given a special gift!  Each attendee received a tote bag (That somehow was folded into the smallest rectangle I ever saw! Crazy!), chocolates, and pen.  Then tied to a ribbon holding all the goodies together, was an uncut key.

Our event kicked off with even MORE chocolate.  M & M’s to be a bit more specific.  Ladies were invited to participate in a fun ice breaker game in which you answered a question about yourself based on what color M & M you drew from the candy dish.  Smiles and laughter were exchanged as we answered questions like, “Where did you go on vacation?” or “Tell about a family member or pet at home.”

After some great discussions, we came back together and lifted up our voices for our first worship session of the day.  Special thank you to Marlene, Erik, & Cailyn Kerr as well as Laura Molter. They made up our Worship Team for the retreat and they did a fantastic job! 

The first message of the day was by Pastor Jennifer Goebbel.  Jennifer is the Women’s Pastor at West Ridge.  Her message reminded us that we all have “Goliaths” in our lives.  Those things in our lives that loom heavy and ugly over us.  She explained that we have two options when we see those Goliaths.  We can ignore them or... the best choice, place them under God’s authority.  She spoke to us about David’s stance toward Goliath.  David knew who God was and had no problem saying it with authority.  He ran toward his battle with Goliath and not away from it.  Then petite, demure Jennifer gave us some startling advice about our Goliaths...  We needed to cut them off. AT. THE. HEAD.  The thing is, God wants those Goliaths taken care of, dead, GONE.  At the end of Jennifer’s message, ladies were invited to come up during the worship song to write their Goliaths on an antique window. It was a picture of God’s bountiful grace, love, and power as each woman was compelled to come to the front, making the choice not to run away from, but to face their Goliaths.

After the first session ended, we broke for some refreshments (i.e. COFFEE!!) and snacks.  Felicia Bruck and Gloria Lattanzio handled all of the food for our retreat.  They set out a lovely spread of energy packed treats and everyone enjoyed a few minutes of fellowship before we settled back in for the next session.

Session 2 opened up with another worship set and then we heard the testimony of Mindy Papsan.  Mindy shared her story of how her faith grew in the midst of scary and daunting circumstances.  After her young daughter became gravely ill with a brain tumor, Mindy realized she needed to place her focus on God and draw near to Him.  Since then Mindy has seen God perform miracles and witnessed His healing Hand at work.  She has grown in her faith and encouraged us to seek Him as well. 

Next up to speak in Session 2 was Nicole Yoder.  Nicole shared that only you have what it takes to do what God has called you to do.  She pointed to the life of Moses.  God knew Moses, wanted him, and called him by name.  God knows us in the same fashion.  Nicole reminded us that God gave Moses what he needed for victory and that God will give us the abilities we need for victory as well. She also pointed out that we have a helper in the Holy Spirit. Nicole closed her message by encouraging us that God will give us the confidence we need to move forward into what He has called us to.

After two great sessions and worship, we were hungry and ready for lunch!  It was such a gorgeous day. Our lunch was enjoyed outside, while soaking up the sunshine.

Lunch concluded and then Jimmie Lee DiIanni instructed all of us on our craft for the day.  We decorated mason jars (You guys, I loooove mason jars! Am I the only one?!).  There was a variety of ways to make the jar your own.  From different paints to burlap to ribbon to all three!  The ladies customized their jars and then filled them with elegant flowers and hand-made scripture cards.  It was so fun to see how each jar was different!

When craft time was over, we all had the opportunity to enjoy some quiet time.  Women were urged to find a solitary spot on the picturesque grounds and spend time with the Lord.  Prayer and reflection on what we had heard that morning was encouraged.

Quiet time closed out and after some free time (Just wondering who all had to answer a text from the hubby or babysitter by that point? LOL!) we gathered back together for more worship.  Then Pastor Jennifer began Session 3, our final session of the day.  

Jennifer walked us through the story of Joshua and how God tells us ahead of time who has the victory.  We were posed the question, “What’s next?” Jennifer explained to us that Jesus wants us to share Him with the world!  For some of us, we were reminded that we have been set apart for a purpose while others had their hearts opened to this truth for the very first time! Jennifer concluded her message by proclaiming, “When you are ready to say YES to God; He is waiting, ready to say YES to you!” She then invited ladies up front once again.  This time it was to trade in their blank, uncut keys for scrolled, intricate cut keys.  Keys that could unlock things.  Keys that had power.  Sweet friends, my heart still skips a beat as I recall trading in my uncut key for a lovely key, a key with a purpose!

Our amazing retreat ended with a delicious dinner.  We were seated at carefully set and decorated tables where prophetic cards had been lovingly placed. We then broke bread with each other one last time for the day.  Laughter and conversation filled the room as we filled our bellies! It was a great way to cap off our event and I won’t soon forget it.

Many attendees opted to spend the night at Chapel Valley Estate.  They enjoyed a bonfire later in the evening.  Then the next morning, ladies were welcomed into the dining room of the B & B to a fantastic breakfast spread! 

The Key Retreat was an amazing day filled with God’s truth and packed with His promises.  I believe we all left feeling refreshed and renewed!  If you have a testimony that you’d like to share about your time at the Key Retreat, we’d love to hear from you!  Email us at women@westridge.cc

Visit our Facebook page - West Ridge Women  - to see all the photos from the Key Retreat!

P.S. Special thank you to Tara Joyce for all the gorgeous decorations she made to make our day extra delightful! And thank you to Tom & Pat Bishop and their staff at Chapel Valley! They always make us feel right at home : )

Post by: Marcy Gates