Summer Update

Mary Claire: Alright, hello friends. We are back after a
Hillary: Alright, hello friends, we are back after
Mary Claire: big summer break. Hillary and I have been here talking about outrageous and contagious 2027. So it's coming, it's happening. More details will be coming around soon. Make sure you're following our Facebook, Outrageous Grace Ministries. We can't wait to share those details with you. and we will be getting back to our regular rhythm.
Hillary: Big summer break. Yes. Hillary and I have been here talking about outrageous and contagious 2027. So exciting. It's coming, it's happening. More details will be coming around soon. Make sure you're following our Facebook, Outrageous Grace Ministries. We can't wait to share those details with you. and we will be getting back to our regular rhythm with the podcast, but I think for today we're just kind of catching up and talking about our
Mary Claire: with the podcast, but I think for today we're just kind of catching up and talking about our summers and before you immediately hit skip, I mean hopefully you'll get something out of it. Just we're gonna talk about how God's what we say I did. Yeah, yeah. So not just like, I went to the beach. No one cares that I went to the beach, but yeah. You might care what God's been doing. Yes, we do. We do. So that was Mary Claire. I don't know if you said your name.
Hillary: summers and before you immediately hit skip, I mean hopefully you'll get something out of it. Absolutely. We're gonna talk about how God's what we've seen God do. Yeah, yeah. So not just like, I went to the beach. No one cares that I went to the beach, but Yeah. You might care what God's been doing. Yes, we do. We do. So that was Mary Claire. I don't know if you said your name. yeah. I'm Mary Claire. I'm Hillary. It's us again. We're back.
Mary Claire: yeah, I'm Mary Claire. I'm Hilary. It's us again. We're back.
Hillary: We are so excited about Outrageous and Contagious Twenty Twenty Seven and I've missed these conversations. So I'm excited. Mm-hmm. If you have something that's comed up came up this summer
Mary Claire: We are so excited about Outrageous and Contagious twenty twenty seven and I've missed these conversations. So I know. I'm excited. I've missed you too and like studying for something specific and the questions that y'all give us. if you have something that's comed up came up this summer, send us a question. Yes. Or a topic, whatever. But today is just a summer recap. Yeah. Well do you want to start? Sure. I it I told Mary Claire it's been a
Hillary: Send us a question. Yes. Or a topic, whatever. But today is just a summer recap. Yeah. Well, do you wanna start? Sure. I it I told Mary Claire it's been a busy summer, but it's been good. It's been I have seen the Lord move for sure.
Mary Claire: busy summer but it's been good. It's been I have seen the Lord move for sure. in in a lot of different settings and so it's been
Hillary: in in a lot of different settings and so it's been good. The Heightsman crew went on our first ever mission trip. Nice. Yes, in July we went to Beverly, Kentucky, so that was awesome. If you saw me on Facebook, I was trying to do live recordings of the devotional that we were working through with our wet feet ministries. and so I was just reading and then praying. those were powerful. I loved it.
Mary Claire: Good. The Heightsman crew went on our first ever mission trip. Nice. Yes, in July we went to Beverly, Kentucky, so that was awesome. If you saw me on Facebook I was trying to do live recordings of the devotional that we were working through. with our wet feet ministries. and so I was just reading and then praying. those were powerful. I loved it.
Hillary: The it was called the Exodus. Okay.
Mary Claire: It was called the Exodus. Okay.
Hillary: And it was just about how God walked the Israelites out of Egypt and how He was with them and He led them and just experiencing God and we still today get to be eyewitnesses to what God's doing and He is leading us and He's guiding us. And while I wish it was by a pillar of smoke and a pillar of fire,
Mary Claire: And it was just about how God walked the Israelites out of Egypt and how he was with them and he led and just experiencing God and we still today get to be eyewitnesses to what God's doing and he is leading us and he's guiding us. And while I wish it was by a p pillar of smoke and a pillar of fire,
Hillary: He still he's he does. He leads us and guides us and where he needs us to go. And that's what I've seen. So I guess.
Mary Claire: He's still he's he does. He leads us and guides us and where he needs us to go and that's what I've seen. So I I guess I want to tell you that when I started the summer, our our first big thing was we went to an FCA coaches camp, took a couple of kids to the leadership camp. Hold on, for those that don't know, that's high school organization, Fellowship of Christian athletes. It's for athletes but also non athletes too, right? Absolutely. So FCA camp. FCA camp, yes, and we had some
Hillary: I guess I wanna tell you that when I started the summer, our our first big thing was we went to an FCA coaches camp, took a couple of kids to the leadership camp. Hold on, for those that don't know, that's a high school organization, Fellowship of Christian athletes. It's for athletes but also non athlete students. Absolutely. So FCA camp. FCA camp, yes. And we had some
Mary Claire: really
Hillary: really good messages. The preacher was this guy from Athens, Alabama and he was awesome. And it was just good ti like seeing these kids on fire. We were at Epworth by the Sea, seeing these leadership camp is thirteenth no. Yeah. Thirteenth through eighteen. wow. So seeing them, my goodness, Mike, I cannot tell you how my heart would just glow when I would go for a walk
Mary Claire: good messages that the preacher was this guy from Athens, Alabama, and he was awesome. And it was just good time like seeing these kids on fire. We were at Epworth by the Sea, seeing these leadership camp is 13 no. Yeah. 13th through 18th. wow. So seeing them, my goodness Mike, I cannot tell you how my heart would just glow when I would go for a walk.
Hillary: early in the morning. I'm talking like six. And the there were kids already lying in the sidewalks sitting
Mary Claire: I'm talking about six and the there were kids already lying in the sidewalks. So my
Hillary: And having Bible study with their Bibles open and talking. It just it was powerful. There's nothing better than seeing well, I mean, I'm a youth director, so I'm a little partial and you are but seeing some kids like on fire. Absolutely. That's the best. So that was powerful, but it was kind of like
Mary Claire: God in Bible study with their Bibles open and talking. It just it was powerful. There's nothing better than seeing well, I mean, I'm a youth director, so I'm a little partial and you are too. Absolutely. But seeing some kids like on fire for Jesus. I mean Absolutely that's the best. So that was powerful, but it was kind of like
Hillary: growing. So that was we ha we we had a lot of to together time, a lot of things with other people, not a lot of quiet
Mary Claire: So that was we ha we we had a lot of to together time, a lot of things with other people, not a lot of quiet interreflection kind of thing. Yeah. But then I went to the next week and I was at a church conference down back at At Worth by the Sea and I was by myself in a condo for the first time. Hold on. I need to like figure out how to put a sound effect in here or something that shows you like the significance of this. Hillary, how many children do you have again? I have five children. Uh-huh. The oldest is 16. I've been married for eighteen and a half years. So you were alone.
Hillary: interreflection kind of things. But then I went to the next week and I was at a church conference down back at Epworth by the Sea and I was by myself in a condo for the first time. Hold on. I need to like figure out how to put a sound effect in here or something that shows you like the significance of this. Hillary, how many children do you have again? I have five children. Uh-huh. The oldest is 16. I've been married for 18 and a half years. So you were a alone, not a single other person in that condo for two nights. Yeah. But okay, here's the crazy part. I asked her about this. I said, was it the best? And her answer is No No. It was the best. I I enjoyed it. I did not sleep. Yeah. I did not sleep. I missed the noises and the people and the things. So but it was really a good time
Mary Claire: single other person in that condo for two nights. Yeah. But okay, here's the crazy part. I asked her about this. I said, was it the best? And her answer is No No. It was the best. I I enjoyed it. I did not sleep. Yeah. I did not sleep. I missed the noises and the people and the things. So but it was really a good time for
Hillary: for that
Mary Claire: that
Hillary: inner reflection that I had not had time for the week before. And I it it was like a journey. Hearing the good messages kinda set the tone for me walking into that church conference and that time alone saying, Where's God? Where where can I see God? Mm-hmm. Where can I see what God's doing? And I got to go to a women in ministry breakfast and it was
Mary Claire: inner reflection that I had not had time for the week before. And I it it was like a journey. Hearing the good messages kinda set the tone for me walking into that church conference and that time alone saying, Where's God? Where where can I see God? Mm-hmm. Where can I see what God's doing? And I got to go to a women in ministry breakfast and it was
Hillary: really good to sit around a table and just talk about what's go how God's moving in other places and with other churches and across the world even. Our bishop had been in Mexico, all these different places. It was just incredible to hear from other people. And I left there and I had zero things to do because the next conference session didn't start for several hours in the afternoon. Mm-hmm. So I was like, well
Mary Claire: really good to sit around a table and just talk about what's go how God's moving in other places and with other churches and across the world even. Our bishop had been in Mexico, all these different places. It was just incredible to hear from other people. Yeah. And I left there and I had zero things to do because the next conference session didn't start for several hours, in the afternoon. Mm-hmm. So I was like, well
Hillary: I'm I I don't have anything to do. And I I said, Well, I never get to walk around downtown St. Simon. So I'm just gonna go park and I'm just gonna say a prayer and I'm gonna say, God show me you. You know? I I wanted to see God. And so as I'm walking, down I think is it Mallory Street, the main thing with and so I head towards the pier and I turn and I'm following. It's beautiful. It's hot, but it was beautiful. It was mid morning.
Mary Claire: I don't have anything to do. And I I said, Well, I never get to walk around downtown Saint Simon. So I'm just gonna go park and I'm just gonna say a prayer and I'm gonna say, God show me you You know. I I wanted to see God. Yeah. And so as I'm walking, down I think is it Mallory Street, the thing with and so I head towards the pier and I turn and I'm falling. It's beautiful. It's hot, but it was beautiful. It's mid morning.
Hillary: And I s found a little bench in the shade overlooking the ocean slash intercoastal, I guess. and I sat down. I was sitting there for a few minutes and this guy pedals up on his bike and sits beside me. He asked. He said, Is anybody sitting here? I said, No. I'm just taking a little break. I'm just walking around. So he we sat there and had a fifteen minute conversation. And about halfway through that conversation, it was nothing
Mary Claire: And I sat found a little bench in the shade overlooking the ocean slash intercoastal, I guess. and I sat down. I was sitting there for a few minutes and this guy pedals up on his bike and sits beside me. He asked. He said, Is anybody sitting here? I said, No. I'm just taking a little break. I'm just walking around. So he we sat there and had a fifteen minute conversation. And about halfway through that conversation, it was nothing
Hillary: radical. It wasn't anything like, God is here. It didn't feel holy. I just realized that he's a child of God. Yeah. And like God is in the moment because he's made us and he sees two of his children having a conversation about this beautiful place and what we're doing and and God is in that moment.
Mary Claire: radical. It wasn't anything like, God is here. It didn't feel holy. I just realized that he's a child of God. Yeah. And like God is in the moment because he's made us and he sees two of his children having a conversation about this beautiful place and what we're doing and and God is in that moment. Yeah. So I got up and walked around the lighthouse and saw a few more people and then I wandered down
Hillary: So I got up and walked around the lighthouse and saw a few more people. And then I wandered down through some of the shops and got to have a really nice conversation with a lady that was in one of the shops just about how God works things out. And she was a previous educator, so we had a lot of conversation about that. And it was a good conversation. Again, nothing like
Mary Claire: some of the shops and got to have a really nice conversation with a lady that was in one of the shops just about how God works things out and she was a previous educator so we had a lot of conversation about that and it was a good conversation again nothing like
Hillary: God is definitely here. Just another he
Mary Claire: god is definitely here just another
Hillary: He is here because he's here. Because he is in every moment and he's good and he's setting up conversations for us to have that we don't even know. So I wandered and took a couple of phone calls and just
Mary Claire: He is here because he's here. Yeah. Because he is in every moment and he's good and he's setting up conversations for us to have that we don't even know. So I wandered and took a couple of phone calls and just realized by the time I got back in the car, I I had lunch by myself, which I don't think I've ever sat at a restaurant and just Yeah ate lunch. But I'd bought a book which I really enjoyed and now I can't rate it was a trilogy set in St. Simon's. That's cool.
Hillary: realized by the time I got back in the car, I had lunch by myself, which I don't think I've ever sat at a restaurant and just Yeah ate lunch. But I'd bought a book which I really enjoyed and now I can't rate it was a trilogy set in St. Simon's. That's cool. And it was The Lighthouse by Eugenia Price and there's a whole like monologue in there that just spoke to my heart. But this came later. So as I was leaving downtown St. Simon's I'm like
Mary Claire: And it was The Lighthouse by Eugenia Price and there's a whole like monologue in there that just spoke to my heart. But this came later. So as I was leaving downtown Saint Simon's I'm like
Hillary: I don't have to see something radical for it to be God. Like he's just in the ordinary. Yeah. He's in the big radical things, but he's in the ordinary moments. He meets me right where I'm at. I don't have to do anything grand. I don't have to have a falling on my face moment. I can, I might. Right. That's a possibility, but it's just the beauty of just walking with the Lord and just letting him guide our paths.
Mary Claire: see something radical for it to be God. Like he's just in the ordinary. Yeah. He's in the big radical things, but he's in the ordinary moments. He meets me right where I'm at. I don't have to do anything grand. I don't have to have a falling on my face moment. I can, I might. Right. That's a possibility, but it's just the beauty of just walking with the Lord and just letting him guide our paths. Occasionally now I can't do that this week or you know normally because there are other obligations and responsibilities but it just felt so free and to just walk around with my
Hillary: Occasionally. Now I can't do that this week or you know, normally because there are other obligations and responsibilities, but it just felt so free and to just walk around with my eyes wide open. I think now's a good time to tell the story about Amelia because just walking around with a childlike wonder. Yeah, I was telling Hillary earlier how much my four-year-old
Mary Claire: A good time to tell the story about Amelia because just walking around with a childlike wonder. Yeah, I was telling Hillary earlier how much my four-year-old blesses me with her childlike wonder because I mean a couple of weeks ago, we were literally just riding in the car in our neighborhood on the way somewhere, you know, her neighborhood that she has seen many, many times. And she's in her car seat in the back, and she just goes, Wow, God.
Hillary: Blesses me with her childlike wonder because I mean a couple of weeks ago we were literally just riding in the car in our neighborhood on the way somewhere, you know, her neighborhood that she has seen many many times, and she's in her car seat in the back and she just goes, Wow God
Mary Claire: Look at all these beautiful trees you put in our neighborhood. And it just warmed my heart so much. I was like, You have seen these trees, you know, a bunch of times and we're not walking around like these exquisite red ferns or Japanese maples or something. They're just good old South Georgia pine trees. But she sees the beauty in that and And I think we could walk around with that childlike wonder in our day.
Hillary: At all these beautiful trees you put in our neighborhood, and it just warmed my heart so much. I was like, You have seen these trees, you know, a bunch of times, and we're not walking around like these exquisite red ferns or Japanese maples or something, they're just good old South Georgia pine trees. Yeah, but she sees the beauty in that, and and I think if we could walk around with that childlike wonder in our day, just what does God have? It walking with the Lord should be an
Mary Claire: Just what does God have? It walking with the Lord should be an adventure.
Hillary: Adventure. It should feel like an adventure because he has a purpose and a plan for us in this day. Yes, for our whole life, but like in this day, there's something he wants to show us, something he wants us to see. And it might just be a conversation. It might be
Mary Claire: Right. It should feel like an adventure because He has a purpose and a plan for us in this day. Yes, for our whole life, but like in this day, there's something He wants to show us, something He wants us to see. And it might just be a conversation. It might be
Hillary: pine trees. Yeah. And I want to point out too, I know you weren't saying this like for a pattern.
Mary Claire: Yeah. And I wanna point out too, I know you weren't saying this like for a pat on your own back or anything like that, but I do see like I think what transformed your walk around downtown Saint Simons to just, you know, an
Hillary: anything like that. But I do see like I think what transformed your walk around downtown Saint Simon's to just, you know, and from an ordinary, like, not super memorable adventure to seeing God was that you set your posture and you asked him, like, let me see you. Yes, and I had hoped it would be something I mean if I'm being real honest. I think profound Yeah, I thought I w I had hoped it would be something really profound. But I
Mary Claire: From an ordinary, like not super memorable adventure to seeing God was that you set your posture and you asked him, like, let me see you. Yes, and I had hoped it would be something I mean, if I'm being real honest. Like something profound. Yeah. I thought I I had hoped it would be something really profound. But I I
Hillary: I I almost took more away by it not being what I expected. Yeah. Like just the normal. Well and I think about like when I am, you know,
Mary Claire: almost took more away by it not being what I expected. Yeah. Like just the normal. Well, and I think about like when I am, you know,
Hillary: maybe in here in my living room 'cause that's where we are right now, Mary Claire's living room, and if my kids are in the next room over and they're just playing nicely together and having a casual conversation, sometimes it'll just I don't know, I'll
Mary Claire: Maybe in here in my living room, 'cause that's where we are right now, Mary Claire's living room. And if my kids are in the next room over and they're just playing nicely together and having a casual conversation, sometimes it'll just I don't know, I'll get so overcome and think like I just love them, listen to them. And it was kinda like you and that cyclist. It wasn't anything profound, but just two people having a good conversation. And wishing each other well. Take care of yourself, be blessed. I mean
Hillary: get so overcome and think like I just love them. Listen to them. And it was kinda like you and that cyclist. It wasn't anything profound but it was two people having a good conversation. And wishing each other well. Take care of yourself. Be blessed. I mean that
Mary Claire: That I don't I don't even think I know his name. I don't think he gave it to me. We just had a good conversation. Yeah. Well,
Hillary: I don't I don't even think I know his name. I don't think he gave it to me. We just had a good conversation. Yeah. And well
Mary Claire: okay, so you talked about what was the name of the book you said? The Lighthouse trilogy. Yeah, okay. St. Simon's trilogy, but the first book in the trilogy is called The Lighthouse, Eugenia Price. Okay. 'Cause I know this is not like a book club podcast, but I'll tell you about a book I finished this summer and it took me forever just because I'm a
Hillary: Okay, so you talked about what was the name of the book you said? The Lighthouse trilogy. Yes, it's Saint Simon's trilogy, but the first book in the trilogy is called The Lighthouse, Eugenia Price. Okay. 'Cause I know this is not like a book club podcast, but I'll tell you about a book I finished this summer and it took me forever just because I'm a mom and it takes me a long time. The library hates to see me coming 'cause they know I'm about to renew this book two or three times.
Mary Claire: It takes me a long time. The library hates to see me coming because they know I'm about to renew this book two or three times. But I read Theo of Golden.
Hillary: The O of Gold. Have you heard of that? Yes, I've read it. Yes, my god. my goodness. When you said the guy on the bike, I don't want to spoil anything in case you haven't read it, but go read it. But I thought about the character Ellen on her bike and basically just this character Theo, I think I mean he's a metaphor for God and how he
Mary Claire: Have you heard of that one? Yes, I've read it. Yes, my gosh. When you said the guy on the bike, I don't want to spoil anything in case you haven't read it, but go read it. But I thought about the character Ellen on her bike, and basically just this character Theo, I think, I mean, he's a metaphor for God and how he's
Hillary: sees us. And it's just all these ordinary stories. Like something crazy happens. But that's what it made me think about. Yes, now that you say that, that is a per
Mary Claire: sees us and it's just all these ordinary stories. Like nothing really crazy happens. But that's what it made me think about how now that you say that, that is a perfect
Hillary: Perfect. Yes. Theo saw things through the best lens. Right. in the story. And I think we forget that that's how God sees us. Like he delights in us. Yeah. And Theo delighted in these characters that he got to know and he saw the very best in them and
Mary Claire: yes. Theo saw things through the best lens. Right. in the story. And I think we forget that that's how God sees us. Like he delights in us. Yeah. And Theo delighted in these characters that he got to know and he saw the very best in them and
Hillary: Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. Actually Brother Jay gave me Theo of Golden to read and I was so sad. I literally cried when it was over. yeah, same. Well I'm I wanted more. Yeah. I wanted more. there's another book that that guy anyway. Levi Levy, is that his name? That's a tangent I was about to go on because he there's another book of his that I want to read, but I haven't yet. I didn't know he had another one.
Mary Claire: Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. Actually Brother Jay gave me Theo of Golden to read and I was so sad. I literally cried when it was over. yeah, same. No spoilers, but I wanted more. Yeah. I wanted more. there's another book that that guy Alan Levi Levy, is that his name? That's a tangent I was about to go on because he there's another book of his that I want to read, but I haven't yet. I didn't know he had another one. Yes. Okay what it is.
Hillary: Yes. I can't think of what it is. But Yes, that's such a good analogy. Or tying that
Mary Claire: Yes, that's such a good analogy, or tying that in.
Hillary: in. I've read a lot of books this summer. They were not all. I think I've read ten. my gosh. How are you? I love to read. And it's like my favorite thing to do at night right before bed. Yeah. And so when I had extra time and if I'm supervising kids in the pool, I'm reading. Yeah. I love it. They weren't all
Mary Claire: this summer they were not all I think I've read 10. my gosh. Who are you? I love to read. And it's like my favorite thing to do at night right before bed. Yeah. And so when I had extra time and if I'm supervising kids in the pool, I'm reading. Yeah. I love it. They weren't all
Hillary: religious Yeah, some are just or some are just for fun, yeah. Mhm. Some I'm like, gosh, I cannot wait for
Mary Claire: religious. Yeah. Some are just for fun. Some are just for fun. Yeah. Some I'm like, gosh, I cannot wait I'm done with this storyline. But I won't talk about those. man. Well, yeah, and like, I don't know, as a former English teacher, you know, I love my good, like good
Hillary: this book to be over. I'm done with this storyline. But I won't talk about those. man. Well yeah, and like I don't know. As a former English teacher, you know, I love my good like Good literature, but I also just love a quick romance with a predictable plot and I'm like, man, here's the conflict. They're not getting along. I wonder when they'll make up and it's like I know exactly where this is going, but there's just something comforting in that one. Well, okay,
Mary Claire: literature, but I also just love a beach romance with a predictable plot and I'm like, man, here's the conflict. They're not getting along. I wonder when they'll make up. And it's like I know exactly where this is going, but there's just something comforting in that. Well, okay and
Hillary: and that ties the whole conversation back in. God is in the comfortable. Yeah. He's in the normal. He's in the hot mountaintop moments, and then he's in the
Mary Claire: ties the whole conversation back in. God is in the comfortable. Yeah. He's in the normal. He's in the hot mountaintop moments and then he's in the back to reality moments. Yeah. And so we can find him.
Hillary: back to reality moments. I and so we can find him
Mary Claire: Even in the mundane. Even in the mundane.
Hillary: Even in the mundane. Even in the mundane. Yeah. And I think we wanted to touch on that too, 'cause I mean, we're both blessed that we've had pretty exciting summers with some fun opportunities, some mission opportunities, but if you've had a summer where you're just like at your nine to five every single day thinking about how blistering hot it is and there's nothing And bless you if you work outside. my gosh, I know.
Mary Claire: Yeah, and I think we wanted to touch on that too, 'cause I mean, we're both blessed that we've had pretty exciting summers with some fun opportunities, some mission opportunities, but if you've had a summer where you're just like at your nine to five every single day thinking about how blistering hot it is and there's not been any rest. my gosh, I know. So we just wanted to mention that too, that Yeah, he's with you. And he he still
Hillary: So we just wanted to mention that too, that Yeah, he's with you. And he he still has you on an adventure too. I mean you might not be able to go to a church conference or a youth trip or a mission trip. Like I got to go on my first mission trip this summer.
Mary Claire: has you on an adventure too. I mean Absolutely You might not be able to go to a church conference or a youth trip or a mission trip like I got to go on my first mission trip this summer.
Hillary: and I wanna talk about that. But first I want you to tell us about your youth trip. my youth trip was so great. I I adored my youth group. They're great and we're we're a small little group but
Mary Claire: First I want you to tell us about your youth trip. my youth trip was so great. I I adore my youth group. They're great and we're we're a small little group but it's also a group that I feel like we've really been growing together and I mean I feel like we're making disciples. I hope they feel that way too and that this will carry
Hillary: it's also a group that I feel like we've really been growing together and I mean I feel like we're making disciples. I hope they feel that way too and that this will carry on
Mary Claire: on with them, you know, in the next chapter of their life after they're not with me anymore. But anyhow,
Hillary: with them, you know, in the next chapter of their life after they're not with me anymore. But anyhow,
Mary Claire: we went to Panama City and I knew we wanted to do something fun. I knew we wanted to have a mission project and just spend a lot of time in the Word. So we went through the whole book of First Peter. Okay. And so
Hillary: We went to Panama City and I knew we wanted to do something fun. I knew we wanted to have a mission project and just spend a lot of time in the Word. So we went through the whole book of First Peter. Okay. And so,
Mary Claire: the kids too, they're just
Hillary: The kids too, they're just they were amazing, like the conversations they would have and I when they're having small group discussions, you know, I'd like kind of walk around and monitor but I feel like some kids who won't talk in the whole group. Whole group, you when they're that's a good idea. And just hearing them and like what God had been speaking to them through First Peter was
Mary Claire: they were amazing, like the conversations they would have and I when they're having small group discussions, you know, I'd like kind of walk around and monitor but I feel like some kids who won't talk in the whole group, you know, when I'm there they'll talk in their little groups of, you know, four or whatever. And just hearing them and like what God had been speaking to them through First Peter was incredible and so that was great but then for the mission project it was so crazy Hillary when I was trying to get this mission project together I but I reached out to like a dozen different organizations or churches and people would either just not get back to me or say like we already have a crew helping us with something this summer we don't really need anyone and I'm thinking like
Hillary: incredible and so that was great. But then for the mission project, it was so crazy Hillary. When I was trying to get this mission project together, I but I reached out to like a dozen different organizations or churches and people would either just not get back to me or say like, we already have a crew helping us with something this summer. We don't really need anyone and I'm thinking like
Mary Claire: really you there's no
Hillary: Really there's nothing
Mary Claire: Nothing we can do for you? I'm like there's not a catch. We're just free labor. We wanna, you know, do something. Yeah, right.
Hillary: we can do for you? I like there's not a catch. We're just free labor. We wanna you know, do something serve. Yeah, right. But finally this one organization got back to me. I had never heard of them and now I can't even think of what the name was. It's like something with Bay County,
Mary Claire: But finally this one organization got back to me. I had never heard of them and now I can't even think of what the name was. It's like something with Bay County.
Hillary: gosh, I'll have to go back and look at that and I'll put it in the notes. But this organization reached out to me and said, like, yeah, you can come help with our food ministry, which immediately I was like ding ding ding because we have a food ministry at our church so important to us.
Mary Claire: gosh, I'll have to go back and look at that and I'll put it in the notes. But this organization reached out to me and said like, yeah, you can come help with our food ministry, which immediately I was like ding ding ding because we have a food ministry at our church and it's so important to us. and I was like, Okay, we've got experience in food ministry, we can definitely do that. And the woman I was speaking with said, I unfortunately will not be able to be there the day of, but
Hillary: and I was like, Okay, we've got experience in food ministry, we can definitely do that and the woman I was speaking with said I unfortunately will not be able to be there the day of but
Mary Claire: one of my associates will be leading you, blah blah blah. And I was like, Okay, that's fine. Well we get there and so it's a man and I won't say his name, but he was talking to us and just saying, like, okay, so where are you guys from? And we told him, and he was like, You're kidding. He's
Hillary: associates will be leading you blah blah blah and I was like okay that's fine well we get there and so it's a man and I won't say his name but he was talking to us and just saying like okay so where are you guys from and we told him and he was like you're kidding he's
Mary Claire: Like, I'm from there. And we were like, What?
Hillary: like I'm from there and we were like what
Mary Claire: And come to find out, there was a tragedy in the community a few years ago where a teenager unfortunately passed away and he was the father of this young man. So they moved to Panama City, I guess, like after this happened. But first Peter talks so much about how when you do go through something hard, like still
Hillary: And come to find out, there was a tragedy in the community a few years ago where a teenager unfortunately passed away and he was the father of this young man. So my goodness. They moved to Panama City, I guess, like after this happened. But first Peter talks so much about how when you do go through something hard, like still
Mary Claire: basically being Jesus so that other people's will s other people's other people will see God even through your hardship and that just like that was crazy to me. I was involved in a minute in a organization that's ministering to food and here he is like doing this food ministry and helping people who are unhoused and helping people with mental health struggles after all that yeah after
Hillary: basically being Jesus so that other peoples will s other peoples other people will see God even through your hardship. And that just like that was crazy to me. And he's involved in a minute in a in a organization that's ministering to people through food and here he is meeting this food ministry and helping people who are unhoused and helping people with mental health struggles after all I got chills. Yeah.
Mary Claire: all
Hillary: He
Mary Claire: He has been through and so like I we had the opportunity to pray over him and I told my kids later I was like that is what first Peter is is this man. Yes. And so it was just incredible that
Hillary: has been through and so like I we had the opportunity to pray over him and I told my kids later I was like that is what first Peter is. That's what it looks like, yeah. Yes. And so it was just incredible that
Mary Claire: you know, I got all these no's and like I almost gave up on doing a mission and I like, Well, I guess it'll just be, you know, a little fun trip. But then I don't know, God just had the perfect opportunity in store for us. I hope y'all ministered to him, these teenagers coming down to work. I hope so. I mean our I believe God is so good to set things up like that. Yeah. Yeah, we were able to
Hillary: you know, I got all these no's and like I almost gave up on doing a mission and I like, Well, I guess it'll just be, you know, a little fun trip. But then I don't know, God just had the perfect opportunity in store And I hope y'all ministered to him, these teenagers coming down to work. I hope so. I mean I I believe God is so good to set things up like that. Yeah. Yeah, we were able to
Mary Claire: Make some like soundboards, what are they called? That like absorb the sound.
Hillary: make some like soundboards, what are they called? That like absorb the sound.
Mary Claire: And they're turning it into a full on resilience center and their philosophy is they want to help people and meet their needs but also help them like move forward. And so they're helping them like apply to jobs and things like that. And so it's a really neat place. And it was awesome to be a part of it. Actually our ministry partner from Outrageous and Contagious, Mercy's Edge, yeah. They want to be something similar. Right now it's a group and a meeting, but they want
Hillary: And they're turning it into a full on resilience center and their philosophy is they want to help people and meet their needs but also help them like move forward. And so I love that helping them like apply to jobs and things like that. And so it's a really neat thing. That's incredible. It was awesome to be a part of it. Actually our ministry partner from Outrageous and Contagious, Mercy's Edge, they want to be something similar. Right now it's a group and a meeting, but they want they
Mary Claire: They desire that for our community. So that's incredible that you got to see it being lived there. Yeah. It's great. It was awesome. God is the great orchestrator. I know. And it's just crazy. I also just to like brag
Hillary: desire that for our community. So that's incredible that you got to see it being lived there in Panama City. That's great. It was awesome. God is the great orchestrator. I know. And it's just crazy. I also just to like brow
Mary Claire: for a second, another great part of my summer is my husband and I went to Jamaica. I'm jealous. my gosh. well, we have not done anything like that since we've
Hillary: a second. Another great part of my summer is my husband and I went to Jamaica. I'm jelly. my gosh. I know y'all had a good time. You deserved it. well we have not done anything like that since we've
Mary Claire: had
Hillary: had
Mary Claire: kids and it was just it was amazing but there was this excursion I went on where I was snorkeling and chances not a snorkeler but he was happy to sit on the boat and supervise things, you know
Hillary: kids and it was just it was amazing but there was this excursion I went on where I was snorkeling and chances not a snorkeler but he was happy to sit on the boat and supervise things you know but he had your back right right and when I was snorkeling I just was overcome by all these colorful fish and like the reef and it was just beautiful and I
Mary Claire: Right, right. And when I was snorkeling, I just was overcome by all these colorful fish and like the reef and it was just beautiful. And
Hillary: I was thinking like this God who made all of this cares about little old me. Amen.
Mary Claire: I was thinking like this God who made all of this cares about little old me.
Hillary: And so whether your summer was like a snorkeling in the reef summer or whether it was a you know mundane working in the heat. Yeah. Surviving. Yeah, God cares about
Mary Claire: And so whether your summer was like a snorkeling in the reef summer or whether it was a you know mundane working in the heat. Yeah. Surviving. Yeah, God cares about all of it. he does. He does. Speaking of which, yes. I guess this is a story that we can kinda end with. This was like the pinnacle. Yeah, telling you it was like a build up. So I had the FCA camp and then I had the personal quiet time where I walked with God and it wasn't anything special. And then we went up on the mountaintop, literally.
Hillary: He does. Speaking of which, I guess this is a story that we can kind of end with. This was like the pinnacle. I was say telling you it was like a build-up. So I had the FCA camp and then I had the personal quiet time where I walked with God and it wasn't anything special. And then we went up on the mountaintop, literally,
Mary Claire: Literally in Kentucky the next week, and it was as I've mentioned my first mission trip, but it was really special because I got to go with my husband and our kids, plus my mom, my mother-in-law.
Hillary: in Kentucky the next week. And it was, as I've mentioned, my first mission trip. But it was really special because I got to go with my husband and our kids, plus my mom, my mother in law, my father in law, brother in law.
Mary Claire: n niece and then church family. Wow. There were about twenty of us with the Wetfeet Ministries family and it was great. After day one, Monday, it was a hard work day. At one point Milo looked at me and said, Mama
Hillary: n niece and then church family. There were about twenty of us with the Wetfeet Ministries family and it was great. After day one, Monday, it was a hard work day. At one point Milo looked at me and said, Mama I didn't know we were gonna have to work this hard. And I said, Baby, I didn't either. Is it too late to tap? Can we go home? Yeah. Monday night I was so sore. We were putting underpinning under a house, mobile home
Mary Claire: I didn't know we were gonna have to work this hard. And I said, Baby, I neither Wait, is it too late to tap out? Can we go home? Yeah. On Monday night I was so sore. We were putting underpinning under a house. mobile home.
Hillary: to keep out the critters. Well, there were wasp everywhere. Three or four team members got stung.
Mary Claire: To keep out the critters. Well, there were wasp everywhere. Three or four team members got stung. no. We were battling that. It was hot. It was a heat wave in Kentucky, so even though we were in the mountains, it was hot. Mm-hmm. And there were just some difficult terrain. It was yeah. Like we had to walk down a clay kind of mount steep
Hillary: We were battling that. It was hot. It was a heat wave in Kentucky. So even though we were in the mountains, it was hot and there were just some difficult terrain. It was like we had to walk down a clay kind of mount steep side to get to the little mobile home anyway. It was tough. It was just tough. So one of the big takeaways from my mission trip was that I can do hard things through the power of God whose strength gives me strength. 'cause I did not think Monday night that I was going to go back on Tuesday. I thought there was no way I was gonna be able to get out of bed. And I got up and I did my devotional reading and I read in his word and he encouraged me through Isaiah, even though I had been dragging my feet and not wanting to read in Isaiah. Every morning
Mary Claire: side to get to the little mobile home anyway. It was tough. It was just tough. So one of the big takeaways from my mission trip was that I can do hard things through the power of God whose strength gives me strength. because I did not think Monday night that I was going to go back on Tuesday. I thought there was no way I was going to be able to get out of bed. Yeah. And I got up and I did my devotional reading and I read in his word and he encouraged me through Isaiah, even though I had been dragging my feet and not wanting to read in Isaiah. Every morning
Hillary: I read something that was pertinent to that day. Which is incredible. That's only God. He he orchestrated that. But then I have to tell y'all this, and the reason I want to end with it, if you've made it this far through our ramblings, I think you're gonna be encouraged by this because I I have been. The last night, they typically have reflections. Well, we did communion and
Mary Claire: I read something that was pertinent to that day. Mm-hmm. Which is incredible. That's only God. He orchestrated that. But then I have to tell y'all this, and the reason I want to end with it, if you've made it this far through our ramblings, I think you're gonna be encouraged by this because I I have been. The last night, they typically have reflections. Well, we did communion and
Hillary: Mike mentioned to the guy, the WordCamp director
Mary Claire: Mike mentioned to the guy, the work camp director, hey, we're still gonna do the reflections, right? And he was like, Wow, we could just get out of here and Mike's like, You know, I think it's important. So he did it. And so he was like, well, I guess it's the time in the program where we do reflections. Anybody got anything to say? And I I mean he was just about to move on to No, all right, thank you. Yeah, right. But several people shared and and there were sweet thoughts, there were funny thoughts, and there were just
Hillary: Hey, we're still gonna do the reflections, right? And he was like, Well, we could just get out of here. And Mike's No, I think it's important. So he did it. And so he was like, I well, I guess it's the time in the program where we do reflections. Anybody got anything to say? And I I mean he was just about to move on to no, all right, thank you. But several people shared and and there were sweet thoughts, there were funny thoughts, and they were just
Mary Claire: a lot. There were five other teams there and we were all working at different sites in this area.
Hillary: A lot. There were five other teams there and we were all working at different sites in this area of Kentucky. About thirty minutes away is where we would drive through to from this camp. So it was like our home base. Well, one of the last people that stood up was this young guy. He looked to be about nineteen and he said boldly, I'm not a Christian. I just came because I thought it'd be a good thing to do.
Mary Claire: Area of Kentucky, about 30 minutes away, is where we would drive through to from this camp. So it's like our home base. Well, one of the last people that stood up was this young guy. He looked to be about 19, and he said boldly, I'm not a Christian. I just came because I thought it'd be a good thing to do. Wow. And I just was amazed that he was so honest. And he said, but
Hillary: And I just was amazed that he was so honest. And he said, But
Mary Claire: I can feel God moving. And before I could stop myself, I said, What's your name? We need to pray for you. Or I said, What's your name? And he said, Casey. And I'm saying his name because I don't know his last name. But I'm I want to ask you to pray for him because he needs
Hillary: can feel God moving. And before I could stop myself, I said, What's your name? We need to pray for you. Or I said, What's your name? And he said, Casey. And I'm saying his name because I don't know his last name, but I I want to ask you to pray for him because he needs to hear from God personally. And the more people praying for him, I mean it's going to be an act of God.
Mary Claire: To hear from God personally and the more people praying for him, I mean it's going to be an act of God. It it's just incredible that we get to pray for people. Right. And he was bold enough to ask for it or to, you know, say this. And so I said, What's your name? And he said, Casey. And I said, Casey, we need to pray for you. And I was thinking, I'll write your name in my prayer journal when I get back to the cabin and I'll pray for you. But
Hillary: It's just incredible that we get to pray for people. And he was bold enough to ask for it or to, you know, say this. And so I said, What's your name? And he said, Casey. And I said, Casey, we need to pray for you. And I was thinking, I'll write your name in my prayer journal when I get back to the cabin and I'll pray for you. But
Mary Claire: Praise God. Casey stepped forward and he said, Okay. Like let's do this right now. Yeah. And I was like, okay. Like right now. Okay. And I stood up and there's like sixty people in the room. I rub I'm like, I don't have my oil. My husband says all the time that I have oil and will travel. Like I'm ready to win.
Hillary: Praise God, Casey stepped forward and he said, Okay. Like, let's do this right now. Right now. And I was like, okay. Like right now. Okay. And I stood up and there's like 60 people in the room. I rub, I'm like, I don't have my oil. My husband says all the time that I have oil and will travel. Like I'm ready to anoint somebody in a heartbeat. So I just start rubbing my hands together. I don't know. I building up some warmth. I don't know. I cross his forehead and say in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Mary Claire: somebody in a heartbeat. So I just start rubbing my hands together. I don't know. I filmed up some warmth. I don't know. I cross his forehead and say in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And I said, I anoint you, Casey, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And I'm like, let us pray. And then I look around and nobody's standing up. It's just me and him.
Hillary: And I said, I anoint you, Casey, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And I'm like, let us pray. And then I look around and nobody's standing up. It's just me and him. So I'm like, Y'all come on, put your hands on this man. We're praying. So we crowd around him, we're hands on him, we're praying. And I don't remember what I said. I don't even think it's important because it was Holy Spirit. Yeah. It was totally driven by the Holy Spirit. It was a beautiful moment where God just reached down and touched his children in that room.
Mary Claire: So I'm like, y'all come on, put your hands on this man. We're praying. So we crowd around him, we're hands on him, we're praying. And I don't remember what I said. I don't even think it's important because it was Holy Spirit. Yeah. It was totally driven by the Holy Spirit. It was a beautiful moment where God just reached down and touched his children in that room. And I've been thinking about it since because I realized how passive I was willing to be. Mm-hmm. I was willing to just write his name down in a book and pray for him later. Yeah. And thank God he was so bold to step forward and say, No, let's do it now. And that has carried me back into my relationships here at home.
Hillary: And I've been thinking about it since because I realize how passive I was willing to be. I was willing to just write his name down in a book and pray for him later. Yeah. And thank God he was so bold to step forward and say, No, let's do it now. And that has carried me back into my relationships here at home.
Mary Claire: people that I come in contact with, people that I'm helping or have developed a relationship with. I'm not okay to just meet your physical needs anymore.
Hillary: people that I come in contact with, people that I'm helping or have developed a relationship with. I'm not okay to just meet your physical needs anymore.
Mary Claire: I'm not okay to just write your name in a prayer journal. I want to pray for you right now. Yeah. I want to ask you, do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior right now? I I I care more about your salvation than your comfort. Yeah. I care more about your salvation than I care about my own comfort.
Hillary: I'm not okay to just write your name in a prayer journal. I want to pray for you right now. I want to ask you, do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior right now? I I I care more about your salvation than your comfort. Yeah. I care more about your salvation than I care about my own comfort.
Mary Claire: Mm. All because of Casey. Wow. All because he was bold enough to say, I'm not a Christian, but and the Holy Spirit moved and worked in that.
Hillary: All because of Casey. All because he was bold enough to say, I'm not a Christian, but and the Holy Spirit moved and worked in that.
Mary Claire: And so we took this class, I think I've mentioned it to you, missional formation, and it talked about different worldviews. And this is another thing that I had f forgot that I wanted to mention. The biggest world view right now is indifference.
Hillary: And so we took this class, I think I've mentioned it to you, missional formation, and it talked about different worldviews. And this is another thing that I had f forgot that I wanted to mention. The biggest worldview right now is indifference.
Mary Claire: Ugh.
Hillary: We're fighting just apathy. Yeah. People don't see a need
Mary Claire: We're fighting just apathy. Yeah. People don't see a need for a Lord and Savior. And I I can understand when when life is hard, you're worrying about survival. Right. But I just want to encourage, if you're listening to this, God has a plan for you, a purpose for your life. Be bold in it.
Hillary: For a Lord and Savior. And I I can understand when when life is hard, you're worrying about survival. But I just want to encourage, if you're listening to this, God has a plan for you, a purpose for your life. Be bold in it.
Mary Claire: Yeah. You know, state his name with regularity. Let Jesus be the name always on your lips. Praise the Lord.
Hillary: You know, state his name with regularity. Let Jesus be the name always on your lips. Praise the Lord.
Mary Claire: Thank you, Jesus. it doesn't have to be something radical where you
Hillary: Thank you, Jesus. it doesn't have to be something radical where you Do you know, like I wanted something radical in the beginning and God said it's in the mundane. As you go about your day, how can you be the light of Christ to a lost and broken world? How can you show one person today that you love God but most importantly, He loves them. Mm-hmm. He loves you and and I just I
Mary Claire: Do you know, like I wanted something radical in the beginning, and God said it's mundane. As you go about your day, how can you be the light of Christ to a lost and broken world? How can you show one person today that you love God, but most importantly, He loves them. Mm-hmm. He loves you. And and I just I care if you're listening
Hillary: care if you're listening.
Mary Claire: and you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I need you to know something. He's crazy about you. Yeah. Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead, so that we could have eternity in heaven, not so that we can sit in a lost and broken world.
Hillary: And you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I need you to know something. He's crazy about you. Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead, so that we could have eternity in heaven, not so that we can sit in a lost and broken world and suffer for n for not. Yeah. We have the hope of heaven when we believe in Jesus. So I I just let's pray.
Mary Claire: And suffer for n for not. Yeah. We have the hope of heaven when we believe in Jesus. So I I just let's pray because I want to pray for those people and then I want to pray for the other people. Yeah. Who are gonna be proclaiming the name of Jesus in the streets. And let's pray for Casey too. Yes. Dear Heavenly Father, we turn to you now and we just we praise you.
Hillary: Because I want to pray for those people and then I want to pray for the other people who are gonna be proclaiming the name of Jesus in the streets. Let's pray for Casey too. Yes. Dear Heavenly Father, we turn to you now and we just we praise you. We thank you for the lives of your children, for your for the life of your son who made it possible for us to have the hope of heaven. Lord, we pray for all the lost. We pray for Casey. We pray that you continue to search
Mary Claire: Thank you for the lives of your children, for your for the life of your son who made it possible for us to have the hope of heaven. Lord, we pray for all the lost. We pray for Casey. We pray that you continue to search or seek him and pursue him. And I pray that he just knows how much he's loved. And if there is a single person listening right now who doesn't know you, not not about you.
Hillary: All right, seek him and pursue him. And I pray that he just knows how much he's loved. And if there is a single person listening right now who doesn't know you, not not about you, but who doesn't know you and your great love for them, Lord, I pray that you would intervene in a radical way
Mary Claire: But who doesn't know you and your great love for them, Lord? I pray that you would intervene in a radical way.
Hillary: right now. Just fill him with your presence. Lord, we ask that you give them a special touch and you just let them know that they're not alone. Let them feel your warmth and your peace and your
Mary Claire: Just fill them with your presence. Lord, we ask that you give them a special touch and you just let them know that they're not alone. Let them feel your warmth and your peace and your perfect presence, Lord. We pray that they would be saved in the name of Jesus and that they would have the hope of eternity in heaven with you. Not because of deserving it, because I certainly don't. But because we know the one who does, who does it all.
Hillary: Perfect presence, Lord. We pray that they would be saved in the name of Jesus and that they would have the hope of eternity in heaven with you. Not because of deserving it, because I certainly don't. But because we know the one who does, who does it all. We pray all this in your most holy name. Amen. Amen. And then there's those of us who know Jesus, but we're
Mary Claire: Pray all this in your most holy name. Amen. Amen. And then there's those of us who know Jesus, but we're
Hillary: You know what th it is for me it's comfort. Well, and if you don't mind me putting you on the spot a little bit because this might be comforting to some people to know, 'cause I mean, Hillary, you're a spiritual example to me and to so many of us. That's scary.
Mary Claire: You know what th it is for me, it's comfort. Well, and if you don't mind me putting you on the spot a little bit, because this might be comforting to some people to know, 'cause I mean, Hillary, you're a spiritual example to me and to so many of us. But No. It's like they said at my kids school orientation the other day, like we're Christians but this isn't heaven. But
Hillary: No. It's like they said at my kids' school orientation the other day, like we're Christians but this isn't heaven. But
Mary Claire: you were just saying like when you came back from the mission trip, you know, you're on this literal mountaintop experience and then, you know, you got back.
Hillary: You were just saying like when you came back from the mission trip, you know, you're on this literal mountain top experience and then, you know, you got There's a lull. Yeah. Yes, absolutely about that. Absolutely. I have been doing a fifty Bible in fifty two weeks and I joke that I probably am up to seventy now because I drag my feet. And so w g trying to get back into the routine
Mary Claire: Yeah. Do you mind sharing about that? Absolutely. I have been doing a fifty Bible in fifty two weeks and I joke that I probably am up to seventy now because I drag my feet. And so g trying to get back into the routine in the past it would have really thrown me for a loop. I'm able to see through it a little bit more now because it's not what I do. Right. In the past I tried to earn it and think well if I get my Bible reading done and I check that box and then God'll love me. But no
Hillary: In the past it would have really thrown me a for a loop. I'm able to see through it a little bit more now because it's not what I do. In the past I tried to earn it and think, well if I get my Bible reading done and I check that box and then God'll love me. But no. I but I have struggled with just the lull of trying to get back into things and fit a worship in here or a prayer in there and and I can feel not close. But that
Mary Claire: But I have struggled with just the lull of trying to get back into things and fit a worship in here or a prayer in there. And and I can feel not close, but that that's when I have to rely on knowledge, not feeling. I hi I know that God is with me. Yeah. Because He's walked with me this summer, because He's walked with me through hard things in the past, because He His His Word tells me that He's with me. Right. I don't have to earn that. Right. Praise the Lord. I mean, I don't.
Hillary: That's when I have to rely on knowledge, not feeling. I ha I know that God is with me. Because He's walked with me this summer, because He's walked with me through hard things in the past, because He his His word tells me that He's with me. Right. I don't have to earn that. Right. Praise the Lord. I mean, I don't have to do anything. Yeah. And I think it's just a good reminder too that if you are in a place right now where you're not like
Mary Claire: to do anything. Yeah. And I think it's just a good reminder too that if you are in a place right now where you're not like
Hillary: completely on
Mary Claire: completely on fire because you know, I'm in love with Jesus always, but I think I go through certain seasons where I am, you know, just on fire and then certain seasons where Jesus is always doing his part, but there are times where I'm not doing my part. And so I don't feel it as strongly. And I just heard this perfect analogy. Picture a a spiral coal. Okay. Okay. Spiral coal. The walk with God.
Hillary: Right. You know, I'm in love with Jesus always, but I think I go through certain seasons where I am, you know, just on fire and then certain seasons where Jesus is always doing his part, but there are times where I'm not doing my part. And so I don't feel it as strongly. I just heard this perfect analogy. Picture a a spiral coal. Okay. Okay. Spiral cool. The walk with God. We we want it to be linear in the upward, up and right direction.
Mary Claire: We we want it to be linear in the upward, up and right direction. I'm making progress, there's no peaks and valleys, it's just straight across. But I heard somebody I can't even remember who it was, that it's more like a spiral coil. So you're moving in an upward direction but you have highs in the coil and you have lows in the spiral coil. Yeah, that makes sense. And they're all drawing you closer to him mhm and more like him, but it doesn't always feel the same.
Hillary: I'm making progress, there's no peaks and valleys, it's just straight across. But I heard somebody I can't even remember who it was, that it's more like a spiral coal. So you're moving in an upward direction, but you have highs in the coil and you have lows in the spiral coal. Yeah. And they're all drawing you closer to him and more like him, but it doesn't always feel the same.
Mary Claire: wow. Yeah, that's good. And and I've heard another Meghan Marshman has a
Hillary: wow. Yeah, that's good. And and I've heard another Megan Marshman has
Mary Claire: teaching on this where consolation versus desolation. Mm-hmm and consolation is where we feel close to God. It's the salvation moment, the mission trip moment, the youth retreat moment. And then desolation is I'm back to normal. Yeah. I don't feel close to God.
Hillary: teaching on this where consolation versus desolation. And consolation is where we feel close to God. It's the salvation moment, the mission trip moment, the youth retreat moment, and then desolation is I'm back to normal. Yeah. I don't feel close to God. That's when we have to remind ourselves that He's still there. And we do more growth in the desolation than we do in the consolation. Wow. So maybe again talking about that posture, how you said God
Mary Claire: that's when we have to remind ourselves that he's still there and we do more growth in the desolation than we do in the consolation. Wow. So maybe again talking about that posture, how you said, God, help me see somet like help me see you in something when we're in those desolation seasons, like God, you know, I'm just not feeling it right now. Help me see how, you know, I can grow closer to you and thank you for this growth. And there is means of grace. There is prayer and fasting and reading the word.
Hillary: me see somet like help me see you and something when we're in those desolation seasons like God you know I'm just not feeling it right now help me see how you know I can grow closer to you and thank you for this growth. And there is means of grace. There is prayer and fasting and reading the word
Mary Claire: and and personal worship. But those things are just we have to know that he loves us. So we have to accept that, receive it. And then
Hillary: and and personal worship but those things are just we have to know that He loves us. So we have to accept that, receive it and then
Mary Claire: these ways are just ways that we know we can be close to him, but they're not to be checked off just to do just because I want to earn his and just sometimes it's just uncomfortable and we can just sit in the discomfort
Hillary: These ways are just ways that we know we can be close to him, but they're not to be checked off just to do just because I want to earn his and just sometimes it's just uncomfortable and we can just sit in the discomfort that we weren't made for this world. Yeah. There's a whole hope of eternity in heaven and that's where we'll be complete. That's where it'll be there won't even be a line. We'll just be with him.
Mary Claire: That we weren't made for this world. Yeah. There's a whole hope of eternity in heaven and that's where we'll be complete. Thank God. That's where it'll be there won't even be a line. We'll just be with him. man. Holy, holy.
Hillary: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. Amen. Well, thank you, and I hope that has given someone some encouragement and Absolutely. I hope you had a great summer too. We like we said in the beginning, we're looking forward to getting back into the regular of the podcast. And if you have anything specific you want us to share, please Yeah, send us some topics or questions, text.
Mary Claire: Amen. Well, thank you. And I hope that has given someone some encouragement and we hope you had a great summer too. We like we said in the beginning, we're looking forward to getting back into the regular rhythm of the podcast. And if you have anything specific you want us to share, please. Yeah, send us your topics or questions, text, call, whatever.
Hillary: Call, whatever. All right. Well guys, we will see you next time. Love you.
Mary Claire: Well, God bless you, friends. We will see you next time.