A Time For Everything...My First Message

Twenty-four hours later and my heart still flutters, my eyes still tear up, and my smile continues to stretch from one ear to another. I am so blessed by last night’s experience. I’m thankful and appreciative of all the prayers lifted for me as I prepared and spoke, the prayers for everyone in attendance, and the prayers for God’s Word and love to be felt in the hearts of us all in a personal way as the message was shared. The response I’ve heard so far, those prayers were heard and answered. Thank you, Jesus!

It was amazing to see the community come together for a time of fellowship, worship, prayer, and fun. Women, chocolate, and the Lord ~ how could the evening go wrong? It was a God-orchestrated event from the beginning. As we prayed, planned, and emailed it was obvious His blessing was upon this time together. Just think, it’s only with God as your PR agent that Mexico, New York ends up on the AOL homepage for two days in a row! Go God.

 During the time of fellowship I was overwhelmed at those coming through the doors to hear my story. My initial plan was to remain in the sanctuary for the entire fellowship time yet my emotions overcame me as friends, neighbors, and complete strangers flooded the doors. I retreated into the loving arms of Jesus in the prayer room for a time of quiet reflection and prayer. And of course God went above and beyond, just like Ephesians 3:20 – 21 tells us. Before a few moments alone with Him, the ladies of Believers’ Chapel prayed over me and for all those on their way for the evening’s event with the ladies of Community Alliance worship team practice serenading our prayers heavenward. A blessing…

My dear friend Beth introduced me with words that moistened my eyes as I ascended to the podium. Upon my first look into the audience my heart melted at to see how many people set aside time in their busy schedules to hear the message the Lord placed on my heart; and so I began with the His strength and your prayers to see me through to completion.

It was a great evening with audience participation, interaction, tears, and laughter. We had a great time together; even when my “visual for reinforcement of my message” physically broke ~ we still learned “There is always hope when we have a relationship with Jesus.” Although the search ribbon busted, the message was heard. Such a God-thing, thank goodness.

After I finished and Chrissy closed us in prayer I was overcome at the hugs, love, and words of encouragement expressed by so many as they left. Oh my…My first hug was from my Mom. And so the tears came ~ what can be better than sharing how God has worked in my life with the ladies of the very community that loved on us the day Heidi disappeared? I think the hug and orange roses from my mom take the cake, pardon the idiom, but it was the best way to end my presentation.

Thank you:
·         Believers’ Chapel North for hosting
·         Community Alliance Worship team for the harmony in your voices and hearts
·         Beth A. and Chrissy for their event planning
·         Beth S. for her beautiful introduction
·         Katherine for taking photos
·         The Women (and men, yes I saw you) who set time aside in their calendars
·         My many prayer partners and warriors
·         My friends and family for supporting me
·         For all of you who came together in the name of Christ – may He be glorified

If you were unable to join us last night Believers’ Chapel North has graciously posted the audio of last night’s message on their website. Click on the top photograph for a direct link to their site or copy and paste the address from below. The message is titled, “A Time for Everything” on December 1st, 2011. http://www.bcnorth.org/messages.php

Thank you ladies for everything, you blessed me. I’ve also developed a “Feedback Forum” for you to comment on and respond to each other. Feel free to share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections either here or in the forum.

I look forward to hearing from you. http://lisabuske.weebly.com/feedback-forum.html

Isaiah 60:1 – 5a
 “Arise, shine, for your light has come,
   and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
   and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
   and his glory appears over you.  
Nations will come to your light,
   and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
“Lift up your eyes and look about you:
   All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
   and your daughters are carried on the hip.
Then you will look and be radiant,
   your heart will throb and swell with joy;