It seems like it was so much longer ago that we sat down together over lunch and shared our vision for Together Called 2013. So much has happened in hearts over the last several days that the clock itself seems to have been anointed by Him.
Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders spoke to us that morning as we prepared to receive 61 couples. The resort was quiet except for the buzz and laughter of the 8 of us over lunch. God unified us a team, together called, readied our hearts just as we knew He was readying the hearts of the 122 men and women, together called, on their way there.
It all was His work–every dollar brought in to offset costs, every t-shirt given away, every cupcake and biscotti and book and mug given away. It was His work–every prayer interceding for every single couple coming, every hour spent in preparation for a main session message or a smaller breakout, every decision for every song in the worship set. And, as He welcomed us into His work, the work He simply swept us up into along the way, we put a stake in the ground together as He had called us to. We made a commitment to not shrink from declaring anything that would be loving and serving and blessing and directing to the truth of the grace of our Father. Nate and Sara had a platform to teach publicly. And, Carl and Kim had a platform to bless publicly. But, we all committed to not shrink “from house to house” as well, praying that every conversation, every exchange of words and glances that weekend would be glorifying to Him and make us fade away and make Jesus more.
We’re tired tonight, physically exhausted. Yet, our spirits feel like they have just picked up more momentum. The experience of the Body truly working together using the gifts He gave us to use for His purposes–it’s a beautiful symphony written by the most talented composer of all time.
What a joy to hear testimonies of transformation last night and throughout the day today through notes and personal conversations and emails and online posts. We are full–not because of anything we did or will do but because we have seen the work of His hand up close. You can’t see Him up that close and not be changed. We were led by the master composer and got to play first string even though we’re out of tune and missing strings. And, the music was beautiful.
We said that very thing tonight at dinner…it was anointed.
So beautiful! Still just in awe of His working this weekend! What a precious vessel you are! So blessed to work alongside you, Mark, and the sparrow fund. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!
We came away so blessed and filled and charged up in our spirits. Thank you for the prayer that covered every aspect of the weekend. Thank you for the attention to even the littlest details. Thank you for the sacrifices that you and your team and your family all made to facilitate all that God planted and will continue to bloom. We are so excited to see how it grows in us and in the community that was formed at this event. I’m working on getting my thoughts and feelings out like this – processing all it meant to me so I can make a “stake in the ground” for our gang. Thanks for all that you opened yourself up to, that allowed God to do HIS work this weekend.
I’ve said it many times already, but thank you for your willingness to serve. It was amazing and miraculous to watch God work through you and Mark, and oh He did! What a special, restorative weekend. God definitely spoke to us and we are doing our humanly best to make sure we follow His direction going forward. Thanks for being a very important conduit. And I LOVE your symphony analogy, out of tune, missing strings, and all :-) Love you sweet friend!
I thought of you all often this weekend. I am so glad to hear that it went well. Well… better than well it sounds like! Blessed and something His hands were all over. You two are servants of His heart!
nancy