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Our Mission
Our mission is to disciple, counsel, and instruct men, women, couples, young adults, adolescents, and families how to live more openly in relationships, and how to live in and experience the freedom and fullness of the life Jesus Christ has promised for us all. |
Eyes of the Heart Quicklinks
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 Acceptance & Humility
There are many people associated with Eyes of the Heart Ministries who know my story, but for many of you this newsletter could possibly change your perspective of me. Sometimes being truthful can be painful and healing at the same time, and this part of the story is crucial to the lesson at hand.
I worked in the computer industry for over fifteen years before I became a counselor. In every company where I worked I was promoted in a short period of time to sales manager, division manager or some form of leadership. In many instances I ran the companies I worked for or owned them. At one of these companies the sales people within the organization gave me a mouse pad that said, "Lead, follow or get the &%$# out of my way". I rose to the top of these companies sometimes at the expense of others. I was not always the best guy to work for in those days. Even as I write this newsletter I am reminded of what Jesus said in the book of Matthew, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled". Little did I know how true this verse would be in my life.
Over the last five years I have worked as a janitor for a good friend of mine and a local private school to provide income for my family while I was in seminary, and the first three years of existence of Eyes of the Heart Ministries. When people asked what I was doing now I would always lead with, "I am the Executive Director of Eyes of the Heart Ministries". What's so funny is the fact that Phil and I have been the only employees until this year. Boy, what a huge organization! I think I was still lacking some humility?
Well God has a tendency of sneaking up on me and exposing areas of my life that are still in need of repair. One day in December I was mopping the floors at the private school when a young girl no more than nine or ten walked into the classroom I was working in, and she asked me this question, "Are you the janitor?" My mind scurried to find some prophetic answer, but all I could amass was "Yes, sweetheart I am the janitor" Immediately I heard God whisper in my ear after the exchange, "Now you are ready."; you see the rest of the verse in Matthew says, "and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." For the first time in my life I accepted myself for who I am and where I am in my journey. Tears rolled down my face as I ducked into the bathroom to avoid further questioning from the young philosopher. Thank you God for loving me just like I am and right where I am in my walk and my life.
Your faithful janitor,
Mike
May we all learn to walk humbly before our servant savior, Jesus Christ. |
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The Story Of Marriage
 During our wedding ceremony over 12 years ago, the minister reminded us that we wouldn't need our vows on that day; we would need them weeks, months, and years down the road when the excitement had waned and the pressures of life had set in. How wise he was! He also helped us understand that God chose marriage as a way to show a dying world what His love was like - a living picture of His relentless pursuit of us and His unending faithfulness toward us. Marriage shows others a reflection of God's love. Is it any wonder why Satan attacks this particular relationship so vehemently? Many marriages are floundering, and even the best of marriages are not without struggle.
As a response to our own passion for strong marriages, and our belief that they are worth fighting for because of their importance in the kingdom of God, Christy and I have been leading a community of couples on a journey to strengthen our marriages. We are prayerfully considering beginning a second group soon. We have delved into several pertinent issues over the past few months, and now some of these couples are ready for the next step in the journey.
Since life is a story of danger, risk, adventure and romance (does this sound like the Gospel?), during this season of our marriage group couples will begin by telling their stories to one another as a means of better understanding these themes in their own lives and in the lives of their spouse. Telling our stories is a wonderful way to begin to see the handprint of God in one another's lives, the specific and purposeful attacks from the enemy, and the ways these things have shaped us into who we are today.
We hope to help men learn to offer their strength to their wives, and women to offer their beauty to their husbands, so they both can be freed to become who they were created to be. Facing the inevitable hardship, suffering, and opposition in our marriages is necessary before restoration and healing can be fully enjoyed, appreciated, and applied. It is our prayer that God would use us to help couples more fully illustrate the love of God through their own commitment to one another. | |
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Upcoming Events at Eyes of the Heart Ministries
A Celebration of Eve-Valentine Dinner
 Come enjoy the music of Blake Scafidel as we celebrate the wonderful women in our lives. There will be music, good food and possbily dancing for all of our Baptist friends.
Where: The Man Cave, 400 Monroe Street, Clinton MS 601-924-5433
When: February 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Dress: Business Casual, but bring your dancing shoes.
Sitting is limited and it will be a first come first serve occasion. Cost is $100.00 per couple
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| "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you" Apostle Paul |
| Eyes of the Heart Ministries
402 Monroe Street
Clinton, MS 39056
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