One of the memories I treasure most from my adventures while in Brazil was hang-gliding from the top of the mountains in Rio, gliding over the entire city, and landing on the beach. It was an incredible experience, and I remember feeling as though I was flying with the birds… the wind in my hair. It was incredible!
But before I was able to glide in the wind, I had to jump. There was this rickety old ramp (seen in the picture above) on the top of the mountain where you had to run across and just jump off of. It was the scariest moment of truth. Over the edge of that ramp was nothing. No safety net, no wires attached, just a drop of death. It was a leap of faith, putting trust in the gilder that the wind would pick you up and send you soaring peacefully in the air.
Today I woke up and felt like I was standing on that cliff again. That same feeling I got right before I jumped off that rickety ramp all those years ago came rushing back. I was nervous. I was scared. I was self-doubting.
This was a different type of cliff diving. This was a real life, dream accomplishing, future making type of diving…and I started feeling overwhelmed about it all. I had received news that the bid I placed for the building of the youth center was accepted! I was officially about to embark upon the vision God had placed in my heart for ministry, and it sent butterflies to my stomach.
This is a HUGE step for Shine, the first of many. Funds must be secured, volunteers acquired, renovations completed, etc. etc. but the first step is complete, and we’re about to jump.
Yes, I’m diving off the cliff right now….. but I KNOW that soon I’ll be soaring with the eagles who are flying all around me.
Maureen,
Reading this sent chills down my spine. I love your writing and your story here is even greater. I will continue to pray for you, your center, a nice flight, and a happy peaceful landing on the beach as you had in Brazil.
You are embarking on great challenging things that will mean so much to so many. Keep up the great work and God Bless.
Chris
Hi friend,
Yeeeeeaaaaahhhhh! you and GOD did it!
i am so blessed and excited for you and … for many who will be blessed right along with you
KNOW that I am praying for you, Faithfully and with all certaintly that God has it all laid forth. Continue to walk with HIM stride by stride. HE never fails us!
can’t wait to talk to you soon ..
love you!
k
We’re with you all the way!! It is a mighty leap of faith but the Almighty’s arms are all around you. You’ve been waiting and now we pray that your strength will be renewed as you mount up with wings as eagles. You will run and not be weary and walk and not faint. Continue to wait upon God and He will bring it to pass. Shine, shine, shine!!!
I’m reminded of Isaiah 40:31 “those who wait upon the Lord, will renew their strenght, they will mount up with wings as eagles…” you are now entering the thermals where you will be soaring in heights where you have never been before. God has been preparing you for this time through other life experiences. Enjoy the view, rest in God and trust also in Him. He will meet your every need. I am so excited for you.
Uncle Jim and I are so proud of you for believing in the dream God put within your heart and acting on it. Maureen, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make the crooked path straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6. This is just the beginning of what God has for you and every person this minsitry will touch. Know we love you and are praying for you.
Maureen..you have an amazing story and an even more amazing God who is helping to make this all happen. I’ll be in agreement with you for continued favor and open doors, funding and volunteer support for this to all happen.
Thanks everyone
Maureen, since Katherine’s death on January 14, I have become more keenly aware of how Katherine shared her faith with so many. She journal-ed often and last night I was reading some from 2001 and 2002. She even wrote how she fell short on various days and asked God for forgiveness and the strength to do more for Him, quoting scripture and writing down who she is praying for, including her husband to be. I have learned to never stop praying, God sees us thru whatever route He lays before us, and our prayers will be answered in His time. I can see that you have a heart like Katherine’s. She had a little block of wood that says…Pray Hard, Work Hard, Trust God.
I love you Maureen. You have been an encouragement to me.
Love Lois
Lois… to say that I have a heart like Katherine’s the hugest compliment I could ever receive! The tears are literally falling as I read your comment. I love you so much too!!!
Soar in the Spirit Mo!