Small Town USA from West to East and Home Again

Spring makes me happy! You, too?

The first week of March, there were two feet of snow in Idaho, but the following week in upstate New York, daffodils were pushing their way through the rich soil and trees were budding. Gotta love the season changes …

Cascade, Idaho ~ Population 1,012

Yes, I spent a week teaching on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit for a YWAM Discipleship Training School. I was struck once more with the reality that, without the Holy Spirit we do not have:

• a personal awareness of Father God’s love
• conviction of who Jesus is
• a message of real help to others
• the right words to speak
• comprehension of the thoughts and mind of God
• any help in our weaknesses
• freedom from slavery to sin and harmful habits
• any of the gifts of the Spirit
• any of the fruits of the Spirit
• guidance from God
• the ability to set our minds on things of the Spirit

May these reasons and so many more motivate us to cultivate a daily relationship with the Holy Spirit! May you know Him as the very personal presence of God in your life today.

Lima, New York ~ Population 2,099

After three days of rest, laundry, and repacking, I headed to the Rochester, New York area. According to AI, “upstate New York” generally refers to the area of New York State north and west of the New York City metropolitan area, excluding New York City and Long Island, often encompassing a more rural and suburban landscape. Soooo, everywhere except the city! Who knew?

I partnered with a local church to debrief a missionary couple. I never tire of hearing the stories of those who have surrendered everything to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead. It’s not easy for them; it’s not supposed to be. But saying ‘Yes!’ to Jesus and yielding to Father God’s original design for our lives is worth it. The couple I debriefed said ‘Yes’ many times. So have I, and I know that you have, too. Sitting with people, truly listening to their stories, praying with them, guiding them to Jesus, processing forgiveness and grief so that healing can begin … it’s all such an honor. Thank you again and again for supporting me with your financial gifts and prayers and friendship so that I can continue to do this all-important work. When you and I both do the work that God has placed in our hands and hearts, we will see His kingdom come and His will done on earth. What a privilege it is to serve Jesus.

I’m not sure how it happened, but once I rested from the New York trip, I settled into a daily rhythm like I have not experienced since I moved to Loveland eight months ago. Not for a lack of trying, mind you; I just couldn’t find a routine that worked. So, I’m immensely grateful, and man, have I accomplished a Lot! It feels so good to have set my pace and to check things off the list that have been untouched for a long time!

Coming Up …

Within the next few days, I will be facilitating a workshop about the Bible as a Story at a women’s ministry gathering for a local church. Did you know that the Bible is 75% story and narrative? When we engage it as a story, the Bible comes alive in surprising ways! If you’d like to explore the Bible in this way, let me know and we’ll get a group together. 😊

Quarterly Debrief — You’re Invited!

If you’re in the area and would like to attend a quarterly debrief, you’re welcome to join us on Saturday, April 12, from 9:00 AM to noon at my home in Loveland. This is a set-apart time to get God’s perspective on January through March and look ahead to the coming 2025 quarter. My facilitation will be minimal; most of the time you’ll be on your own. There is no fee. Let me know if you’d like to come!

May the steps you take today be established by the Lord, and may you delight in His way and walk in His truth. (Psalm 37:23)

Take good care, friends. And thank you for being on my team.

With much appreciation, Mary Jean 😊

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Ways to partner: Give online at getthewordout.cc/give · Venmo: @Mary Jean Powers / Get the Word Out · By check: Get the Word Out, 4210 Vulcan Creek Dr. Unit 208, Loveland, CO 80538.