Monday, December 31, 2012

Restless and Ready

This week has been slow. As exams lurk in the distance, there is much time to be spent "studying". I really try not to get distracted but I think I have an undiagnosed case of ADD. Seriously, even things I am completely uninterested in can get me off task this time of year. I have updated my bucket list, Christmas shopped, done laundry, etc...productive yet so very unproductive all at the same time!

Anyways, all this time gives me time to think. Time is something that I have not had much of this semester. I find myself changing every day. Changing into someone I never thought I would be but someone I am growing to love. I have always looked at big opportunities and risks and wondered what it must feel like to be the person getting to live that life. I find myself entering into a "waiting" phase of life, a phase that is not fun but must be completed. As I look toward the future I see opportunities that scare me to death; opportunities that I would not have even considered before I spent time on the mission field this summer. I now find God molding me into that person. I find myself craving adventure and pursuit of God's will. The pursuit of a life that lives out His will instead of sitting around trying to figure out what it is. I feel God preparing me for something big. The preparation is calculated; He is teaching me patience and discipline and giving me the confidence to conquer whatever He puts in my path. 

Sunday, November 4, 2012

National Orphan Sunday

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18

Today is a special day. A day that is recognized for the hundreds of thousands of orphans in the United States alone. A day that brings awareness to a BIG problem and hope to children in need.


November 4: Today I am thankful for the orphans in my life. These people, of all ages, have rocked my world in the past year and I am ever grateful for the way it has changed me. As many of you know, my parents took their first foster can placement on November 3, 2011. These 5 children were sent to us by the sweet hand of God. They brought our family to our knees and God showed us his hand of strength to get us through the next 7 months. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to live with these precious siblings and will continue to miss them forever. Our next placement was only a few months ago and those 2 girls were very special to me as well. Although our relationship was much different, God used these girls to show me what an incredible thing it is that we are adopted by Christ. With no one to call their own, these precious souls grasped to my mom with all that they could, looking for security, love and comfort. They found all of these things and more in her open arms. 

 I have not only had the opportunity to love on orphans in my own home but also around the world. God has taken me to visit children in need in Guatemala, Haiti and the Philippines. I am humbled that God would allow me to be the one that gets to show them his love in this world; He can use you too! 

Recently, the country of Zambia has come onto my radar. This country is home to millions of orphans. MILLIONS. How heartbreaking that is for us to hear. We need to act with one voice and one purpose. 

Isaiah 1:17 tells us to "Defend the cause of the fatherless."

 Be obedient and advocate for those that have no voice.
 Accept the challenge, it will change your life. 





Check out this video! It is a great representation of what this day is all about. 



Thursday, November 1, 2012

A Time of Thanksgiving

It's November! I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. When I look back at all that has happened in the last 12 months, I am humbled by God's sovereignty and his abounding love. November brings one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving, and today I am giving a shout out to the two people who play the biggest part in who I am today. Mom & Dad, God gave me a double dose of wonderful with you two. You have taught me how to love, how to serve and most importantly what it means to be a child of God. I am blessed to call you mine!


Thursday, August 2, 2012

Fan the Flame


A final word from Nehemiah teams and it applies to all of us no matter what church we go to...let's fan the flame and for ourselves..let's feed the flame!

The Returning Challenge

It is ironic but often the most challenging part of short-term missions is not the going, or the culture- but the returning. It is so hard to express all that one has seen. Seeing poverty changes a worldview. Watching God at work in impossible situations changes one’s understanding of Him. Being used by God opens up realms of possibilities never before thought of by the individual. It is amazing how simply leaving a comfort zone can completely change a life –that starts a fire.



A fire that burns and refines- leaving the believer feeling the depth of what they are: a new creation. Eternal results. Salvations. Baptisms! DISCIPLESHIP! In short the goer “the missionary” is changed by what they experienced. And than of course the inevitable happens- planes are boarded, tears are shed, and everyone returns home.

At home, their fire still burns- their memories are fresh, names, and faces, and the stories attached have not begun to fade yet. They enter the organized chaos of America with a determined resolution to remain changed. Eventually though what was a luxury this summer becomes once again a necessity. The memories of the trip become just that, memories of a trip, slightly fuzzy but still convicting. Their audience is less interested as the stories are put on repeat. The fire begins to die, slowly perhaps but steadily.

I am not sure who is to blame, but I have seen it happen again and again. Please understand it’s not the memory of the trip or even the trip it self that is the fire. It is not even the memory of God at work- the fire is not a memory at all! It is the very presence of God at work in our student’s lives. In your life.

Church Family: Fan the flame! The students are returning from service- encourage them! Thank them for going! Give praise to our Father that we have young people who are willing to go! Ask them to share- in Sunday School, a ladies tea, or 5 minutes on a Sunday night. Push them towards holiness- encourage them to be Godly and do not hinder their excitement for missions. God is calling out young people to long-term service through short-term missions- do you really want to discourage the next Lottie Moon from God’s calling?

And to the returning missionary: Feed the flame. Stay deep in Scripture. Meditating and memorizing. Apply Scripture to your life- do not just read it. Live it. Be purposeful in praying for missions, be determined in casting a mission vision where you are. And never underestimate what God can do with faith the size of a mustard seed. Do not be deterred by disinterest. Do not live for man’s approval. Follow God, go where He leads. And obey the Great Commission where you are now.

The older I become, the less impressed I am with humanity, and the more in awe I am of my God. His love is worth any small sacrifice of man. His salvation is worth proclaiming. And the home He offers to those who believe is beyond imagination. What an amazing God that inspires such wicked people towards holiness. What a good God that gives new life to a decrepit creation. May the fire that burns within those who believe burn bright- may our life’s mission be to proclaim His love. The only love that brings salvation.

Original post by Lizzie Holmes.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Day 49

Hello again!

I honestly don't remember what I have told you and what I have yet to share {my brain seriously hurts}. So, I will just share for a few minutes what has been laid on my heart since I wrote last. 
First a quote that I just think everyone should hear-
 "God wants us to trust Him with abandon. He wants to show us how He works and cares for us. He wants to be our refuge."
Some nights I lay on my sleeping mat and listen to the stupid mouse and wonder why in the world God put me here. I lay there and pray for all of the people back home, for my teammates here in the Philippines and around the world and then I ask God to be my strength. But the end of every prayer always comes back to this - I can't do this without Him and He wants me to realize that. I got to talk to mom today and she told me about all of the people that are praying for me across the country. I just want to say thank you from the very bottom of my heart, it truly means the world.

Team break has been a blessing. It was much needed! There is this yearning for home that I just can't shake {the tears are beginning to come more ofter, sorry teammates!} -but I am excited to finish out this commitment that I have made. 

A few things that I think I may have forgotten to mention on the last post-

We hosted a circumcision day last Friday and Saturday-we were able to "tuli" 23 little boys. On Thursday we hiked to the Family farm-It's not what you would think. I fell three times on the way there-on the way back we carried firewood (trees) and I fell then too {just call me grace!} It is so difficult to put my experiences into one blog post because so much has happened. Plus, I don't need anyone to worry too much; some stories will be better shared once I am on American soil in just a few short weeks.

 I know this was a short post but I will leave you with a verse {look it up!}-

" Busa dili kita magtinapolan sa pagbuhat ug maayo; kay kon magpadayon kita moabot ang panahon nga makaani kita sa bunga niini." Galacia 6:9

Pray that I can focus on the needs of our village without getting distracted by thoughts of home. That God will give me strength and patience. He is a great God!

Ashley-LOVE YOU! Stay strong my love. Bring me good food so we can eat and talk on the way home! Milk and cookies would be nice haha See you soon!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Maayo ang Dios

Greetings Americanos!

I am dropping a quick note on our way to team break. I did not think that I would have access to internet for the rest of the trip but the Lord has provided and I am very thankful. Mom and Dad- I am still alive and doing well! We will be taking a team break in Davao City until Thursday. The past two weeks have flown by and I cannot believe that I have only 7 nights left in my village. I had a post all written out and I forgot to bring my journal with me, so we will see what all I can tell you in the next few minutes.

I honestly don't even know where to begin. I thought that I could never survive two weeks stranded in a remote village in the Philippines but God has been faithful once again. First, let me just say that I have been pushed to new limits-I preached this morning. Now, our church only has about 15 members but preparing something to say was a big deal for me! God is good. I have not bathed without clothes on for over two weeks now...the river is nice but it is certainly no shower. However, to get through the small inconveniences God has given us 4 prescious families that we have been discipling. We host bible studies with them many times each week. I know that they are growing and I invite you to pray for them. When we go back for our last week, I pray that they will have many questions for us and that the Lord will give us answers.

It has been difficult not to think of home but on the days that we are busy it is much easier. God has placed my team in one of the harder villages to reach on a personal level. They are afraid of us and, unlike the other people, they do not flock to us at the sight of our white skin. Going into the homes has been a very unique experience and one that I am very thankful for.

For all of you sleeping comfortably in your bed right now I will share with you my sleeping experiences...just so you can thank God for all that we have been given! Each night I sleep under a mosquito net that I share with a teammate. We have our sleeping mats in a room that is about 5x5. There are a few mice that just love our room and each night they torment me! I am terriffied. The little things keep me up for hours, right next to my face. I will not miss them. The little lizards and cockroaches are not fun either-Thank the Lord for that net.

I miss my town and my city. Memphis has been on my heart. Each night I think of the sweet babies that I had the privledge of living with the past 7 months. I miss them dearly and pray for them often. It saddens me that the conditions here are far better than what I imagine they are living in. Also, I encourage all of you to continue to pray for the Erwin family. I got word of their tragic loss. I know that a life lived for the Lord is a glorious and triumphant one and my dear brother Trey was quite the soldier for God's kingdom. I love you guys!

My sprits are good going into this last leg of the journey. I pray that God continues to work here. He has brought me through so many struggle and triumphs-highs and lows. We will be getting on a bus in a few hours to ride for 7 hours overnight. I cannot wait to share with you more of my thoughts and experiences once I get a chance to collect my thoughts. I thank you all for your unwavering prayers. I am reminded daily the power of prayer and I am thankful for people in my life who are willing to do their part and are lifting up my team. I could have never imagined spending a summer where I am-It is incredible. I held a monkey, don't worry I got pictures that will be posted as soon as I return. I miss dairy and pretty much anything that is very unhealthy (I ate frog-now that's desperate). I miss my toilet and my sink/faucet. I miss clean clothes and smelling good. Spend today thanking God for the small things. This journey has reminded me of so many things that I continually forget to be thankful for. Hug your family this morning-they are the biggest blessing of all!

I was reminded this week of a very powerful passage: Ezekiel 33:1-9
We are all watchmen. Whether you are at home or on vacation, just remember that very thing. As followers of Christ, we have been given a large task. Embrace it!

Much love and see you soon,
        Meagan



Thursday, June 28, 2012

Updates

(Almost) One month down, one to go!
The time I am spending on the mission field is never easy to put into words. Each day brings new struggles, new victories. Living in this place is hard. It is teaching me new things about myself and about my walk with the Lord. After today, I will be in the village for 2 weeks. This will be a tough time for me-I covet your prayers.

I will try and finish this post..but if I cannot please forgive me. I have been sick the past week and I am not feeling well at the moment. I have a whole post written to type but I honestly just don't feel up to it. The devil attacks in tricky ways- please pray.

Sunday we were able to experience worship with the local believers at MJ. We headed back to the village that afternoon-this time they put me on the wings of the habble habble.
Tuesday was our medical mission day. We had over 100 families that were registered and over 90 teeth were pulled! I pray that this opens doors for us to enter homes and share the love of Christ with them. The most difficult things I am dealing with are a lack of strong leadership and sharing my evangelical beliefs with people of the catholic faith.

Daily I must be reminded that I am here to be a servant of the Lord. My strength is there and I know that God will give me guidance in making decisions. My flesh cries our for comfort but I know I can do this! I may not be able to post for quite a while-don't forget about me over here! Continue to pray for my team. We will be working diligently this week to disciple the local believers and I am going to try and begin a
"story time" in the common area. I am horrible at teaching but I am going to give it a shot. The devil gets in when I let my guard down the slightest bit. My dad taught me that "attitude is everything" and I will continue to remember that always. Pray that God gives me strenght to lead this group when I need to and that He gives me a contagious joy. The thoughts and prays that are relayed to me through my parents mean SO much to me-they keep me going! You all are the best and I am one blessed girl to have so many precious and caring people in my life. Much love to all of you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX7z3OLR6eU&feature=endscreen&NR=1&noredirect=1

Friday, June 22, 2012

Don't do it for the adventure, do it because HE died.

Elisabeth Elliot once said, if you ever come to a crossraod in life and have a choice of an easy raod or a hard road, always choose the hard road. That is the way the Master walke. His road always included a cross.

Galations 2:20

Everyday here is an adventure.
The adventure becomes slightly less romantic the 40th something time I have rice, you have to use the outhouse in the middle of the night and your thighs hurt from squatting; there is a GIANT cockroach in the bed; you get leg cramps at night because the room is so small you can't stretch your legs; and the people don't see a need for our Savior.

We made it to our village Tuesday-Lamosig. I was so sad to leave all of my friends from the team but I was ready. I have been mentally preparing for the village and it was finally time. The road to the village was not as bad as it could have been but it was rouggghh. We rode on a habble habble (dirt bike w/ wings). Our team unity is growing but it still needs some work. It is hard to get to work together sometimes when you are together every waking moment, dealing with exhaustion and spiritual warfare. There has been a lot going on. The first our translator was sick. The second day there was a "fiesta"-lots of cock fighting, drinking and gambling. The next day it rained all afternoon. Kuya Bong and Trent brought us letters from the other village on Thursday-I was SO excited. Our host family is precious! They have offered us everything they have. It has been such a humbling experience-It is more than I ever expected. Filtered water is a commodity-we have a tiny pump for filtering. The village people just have to drink the water and many of them die from bacteria related diarrhea each month. 1 pump from the filter=tiny squirt.We have been bathing in the river. The only real food source that they have is "sweet potato" (Filipino Style). There are many health needs-UTI's left untreated turn horribly wrong. We will be hosting a medical team (doctor and dentist) on Tuesday-there will be a free clinic and we will be able to assist. Circumcisions are planned for July 4th. I will miss home that day-It is one of my favorite family holidays. Continue to pray for us-I am so encouraged by all the message that you have left and the thoughts my family has shared with me!

Papaw-I love you! Please feel better, and get a BIG hug from my mama. I am sending one all the way from the other side of the world!! I can't wait to see you. xoxox

More updates soon!!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Day 19

The days of summer continue to pas on this beautiful island. God's grace & beautiful blessings continue to amaze me. The fire in my soul fades on some days-but His glory will always be there & I pray that the fire ignites when I need it most.

6/14 Thursday
Today we went to a new area for our afternoon evangelism. I was able to share my testimony twice. The first opportunity turened out to be a little more difficult than planned. After I started sharing my testimony, she almost fell off the bench. There was too much alcohol involved in the situation for the story to be effective but, we shared our story and then moved on. We had to give her fake names because Bulong said that the communist have a list and that it was unsafe to give anyone our real name on paper. The second lady was across the street. She was very sweet and listened attentively as I shared my story and the gospel with her. This morning we learned how to perform a Filipino circumcision. We practiced sutures on a piece of old tire. We learned remedies for several different ailments. The taught us how we will help the people of Lamosig build FAITH (food always in the home) gardens. We will be given 10 kits to plant gardens while we are there. The people of the village do not have fresh vegetables and this will allow them to have food and a small income. The rats were on the move tonight-they are pretty big-they come out when we eat dinner and at night when we are sleeping in the hammocks-yuck!! Tomorrow we will have a full day!

6/15 Friday
I read Acts 8 this morning-what a true testimony to God's faithfulnes throughout the ages. Today is Tuli day! When we arrived at the clinic this morning we had about 20 litlle guys waiting. I won't post the whole graphic procedure but, it was crazy to see how different things are done here. The kids were laying on newspaper and our sterile glove package was used as our "sterile drape". The sutures are definitely the hardest part..practice, practice, practice. I got to assist and soon I will be a pro at it (hopefully!). All of the little guys were such troopers! In the afternoon some of us deceded to go looking for an adventure.  We set out on a hunt for ice cream but after a 3.5 mile hike uphill and in this crazy heat-there was no ice cream to be found. SAD DAY! We settled for a cold coke, some break and a crazy trike ride back.

6/16 & 6/17  Saturday & Sunday
This weekend we traveled. Our team of 5 headed out to a village to preach at a church. The means of transportation is always amazing to me-not much safe about any of it! A jeepney, truck and motorcycle! Last night we slept all 5 of us in hammocks in the church. The mosquitos are very bad here because we are surrounded by banana trees. The toilet is a porcelain hole and wooden walls. The house had a bamboo floor and the steepest steps I have ever seen. One of my teammates fell down them, but she is ok! Sunday morning we participated in the church service. I got to share my testimony and the white people sang again! haha

I continue to miss my family. This adventure is incredible but I wish that they could experience it with me. I think about all of you every day. Please pray for my teams as we prepare the head to the village on Tuesday.

Pray that...
-I keep my focus on the task at hand
-I continue to stay free of injury or illnes
-Spen hearts and minds for the peole we will meet and talk with
-My homesick heart
-Safety as we enter into the village

I love you all! Blessings from Butuan City.

Monday, June 11, 2012

We made it!

Maayong Buntag! (Good Morning)

I made it to the Philippines! I am still in complete shock that I am living on an island for two months-AN ISLAND! God is so incredibly good. Our journey here was quite long but, we finally made it to our final destination in Butuan City. Orientation was some of the most intense training I have ever been through. Nehemiah Teams has prepared it's members to be incredible disciples of the Jesus Christ. Leaving Alabama and seeing my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ venture out into the world was exhilarating and so very encouraging-we are not alone in this battle or in the race for glory!

Upon arriving here we spent our first day in the market. It was quite the local experience and I am very thankful that our translators/Filipino teammates were there to help us along. Our white skin and height creates quite a  commotion anywhere that we go. The first day was probably the longest because of the time change. It has taken quite a few days to adjust {12 hour difference}. We have been going to bed at 7 and I wake up around 12 or 2 wide awake. My feet have been so swollen that they will barely fit into my chacos-but I am adjusting to the heat and I think my body will begin to embrace the tropical climate. Our days are slow but the heat is draining.

Friday was our first full day of ministry. It was a new experience for me, to say the least. I am so thankful that the NT gang had adequately prepared me for sharing the word of God and facing the problem we may encounter on the way so we set off to visit our first homes! We visited three homes our first day out. We are doing house to house evangelism in the local area. The last home we visited invited us in on our way back to camp so, of course, we took the opportunity to enter their home. We were able to share God's good news with the family! We came back the next day for a bible study and the family members were very curious about the message we were preaching. The major religion in this region is Catholic. There are some Muslims in the rural villages and many Jehovah's witness churches. Our messages is quite different from anything that they have heart - they are very receptive to the true message of the bible.

On Sunday, we visited a church of believers and I gave my testimony. I was nervous but the Lord calmed my fears and with the help of my translator I was able to get the message across. In this culture, the males are expected to do the preaching so I was off the hook there (hehe). The guys all did a wonderful job and the Lord spoke truth through them. In order to get to church, we had to cross the agusan  river - Home to the world's largest Alligators (21ft)! It was a teeny tiny canoe.Our church was wonderful and after the service we were escorted to the pastors home. They served us lunch while we watched game 7 of NBA eastern finals {who would have thought?!} -I was disappointed to have to sit there and watch the heat win. Not cool. Manny Pacquiao had a fight and the whole community stopped to watch the match. He is a local hero to everyone in this country. The family was so sweet to have us into their home and we enjoyed their hospitality. 




Monday, we visited the Burangay (village) captains. It was the most fun day I have had so far! The village I am assigned to will be visited often by the local government officials because of the level of security needed. However, I trust that I am in the Lord's palm and nothing can snatch me away. {MOM} Please do not worry for my safety- they will take care of us! I will be leaving to spend two weeks in my remote village on June 19th. 
Yesterday, we saw much of the country side while riding on top of the jeepney (basically a school bus). It was beautiful, breath-taking and absolutely surreal! I feel as if I am living in a dream on most days.

Today, we are in the city to get some food items and just to take a short break. We are planning to visit an outdoor store (I need a bigger water bottle) and take in a movie or two!

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. I can truly feel them. There have been tough days and I am sure there will be more to come. Please pray for my mental and spiritual endurance. The devil will be at work as long as we are sharing the word of God. I miss my family-nothing can take their place in my life. I wish that you ALL could see this beautiful place-it is a true picture of God's craftsmanship.The Lord continues to be my rock and my shield. He is amazing and has blessed me greatly.

For updates on the team visit nehemiahteams.blogspot.com - our media team member will also be posting updates there!

Talk to you soon-In Christ Jesus,
Meagan

Monday, May 21, 2012

Congratulations!

This week will change me. It’s funny how day by day nothing seems to be anything more than ordinary and then, before you know it, something huge has happened. My baby sister is graduating from high school on Tuesday night and I could not be prouder. My sister is the smartest person I know, literally. She puts many of my college peers to shame. Tuesday will bring to an end a childhood and many memories. Although I will probably cry, I know that my sister has made the very most of her four years in high school. It has been an honor to observe a young lady who walks with such confidence in who she is and knows beyond a shadow of a doubt who’s she is.I know that the Lord has many amazing things in store for this girl as she heads off the Knoxville in the fall. I also know that He will bring a comfort and supernatural peace to those she will leave here at home! (Hopefully!!) I love you Ashley Nicole, Congratulations on this huge accomplishment. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ alone - He will be your refuge and rock in this new and exciting phase in your life. Keep your fire burning bright with a passion for the Lord and his people; He will bring you blessings beyond your wildest dreams. 




Saturday, May 19, 2012

Schedule Updates

We are almost to the single digits. I do not think there is any way that I can properly prepare myself for what the next few months of my life will hold. Since I hope to have some guests visiting the ole blog I figured I should give ya’ll an idea of my schedule and what exactly I am doing with my summer. This summer I will be joining Nehemiah Teams on my journey to the Philippines. This organization is affiliated with the IMB and this is their website, http://www.nehemiahteams.com/ -Check it out! They will be leading me to a very rural location in the southern-most islands of the Philippines and rumor has it, we will be visiting new villages that have not been part of this project in the past! How exciting!
May 31-June 4: I will be in Birmingham, AL for orientation. From what I hear, this process is pretty intense. This will include washing my clothes in a bucket (by hand), bathing fully clothed outside, and function just as we will in the field with things such as food and sleeping conditions. 
June 5: Atlanta -- Dallas -- LAX -- We will leave out of LAX at 10:35PM for a 16 hour and 30 minute flight to Manila and will arrive there at 5:55AM on June 7. We will then take further transportation and arrive at our final location on a more southern island. Can you say jet lag?! 

The Philippines is 13 hours ahead of Memphis. (12:00PM Memphis = 1:00AM Philippines) I am blessed to have been able to travel in the past and I know that my field supervisors will be experts in how to counteract the time change. I have begun to pack my bags - I still don’t see how all of this will fit into one big backpack and one little backpack but I will just have to keep packing and see if anything will have to be left behind. Papaw was horrified to find out that I will not be allowed to take a suit case - well, guess I can't take the whole closet like I normally do! Looks like I will be learning to live on less. As silly as it sounds, this could be tough for me! 
I continue to thank you for the prayers and encouragement! I know that as the days draw ever nearer that my nerves may get the best of me, but with the Lord by my side I think that this adventure will be the opportunity of a lifetime. For without Him, I am nothing. My hope is to be a vessel carrying His name to those who have not yet heard the good news. Thanks for reading!
“Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!” 1 Chronicles 16:23-24

Friday, May 11, 2012

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Summer 2012 - Philippines

Well, the number of days standing between me and the Philippines is getting smaller and smaller! 21 days until I set off for Birmingham and training with Nehemiah Teams. Honestly, I think I am still in shock at the fact I will be spending two months on the other side of the world!! It scares me and at the same time completely humbles me to know that the God of this great universe is using me to do His work.

I would like to send out a huge THANK YOU to every single person who has supported me financially for this trip. I was moved to tears each and every time I found a new name on the list of contributors. Each one of you will never know the impact that you have already had on my missions experience. YOU have made this trip possible for me, and I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. When I was reading through the book of Ephesians the other day this verse kept coming back to me - "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to his be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21) After reading that scripture, It was as if Jesus was whispering to me - I can and will provide more than you could ever even imagine in every single season of your life. What a sweet blessing and wonderful reminder that verse was for me.

Also, I would like to thank all of you for lifting me up in prayer. I know that the 10 weeks I am away are going to be a test of my mental, spiritual and physical endurance and I need dozens of prayer warriors sending up prayers daily on behalf of me and my team. I believe the power of prayer is far more powerful than most of I can comprehend but I want to have that power working for me. This summer, I may not be able to communicate my immediate prayer needs but I trust the Holy Spirit will guide you in the right direction. THANK YOU for praying! I love to pray verses "over" people and this is one of my favorites--


"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in you hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19


I am very excited about the things to come and can not wait to share this adventure with all of you! 

Friday, April 27, 2012

Today.


A year ago things were a lot different. A year ago I never would have thought I would have a “favorite” children’s TV show or humming the theme song to “dinosaur train” while I am trying to study for nursing finals. A year ago, I had no idea where I would be today. This past semester has gone by in the blink of an eye. Seriously, I knew I was living just to get through each day, one at a time, but I feel like I blinked and a year has come and gone! Where does the time go? Who would have thought in one single year I would have moved back home, transferred to University of Memphis, added 3 new members to the family that have captured my heart (and spare moments), started nursing school (which I was not mentally prepared to do until junior year), seen relationships rekindled and burn out, had the honor to watch my sister finish her last year in high school,  traveled to Haiti and have a plan in the works to spend 2 months in the Philippines this summer. I love how God works even when I am not asking for it or even wanting it. Let’s face it, I like things to be normal. I like to have my choice whether to be spontaneous or just plain ole’ boring; it’s my comfort zone. But in the past year, God has completely stripped me of all of those privileges..well, almost. I have had NO social life this semester, I mean seriously it’s pretty bad..no choice but to be super boring. He completely flipped my world over with 3 little babies which gave me no choice but to embrace change--oh, and He brought me back home. Can you say adjustment?! And, He laid missions on my heart which pretty much calls for spontaneity whether you are feeling up to it or not. God is teaching me to see him in every single thing that happens, good or bad, and to rely on him for the not so fun and the breakdown-every-5-seconds kind of days. I have learned this semester and this year that I need to make HIM the priority. Decisions that honor HIM, time with HIM and conversations/relationships that are directed and focused on HIM! 
El Shaddai- The Lord God Almighty; it brings me to tears to know that this almighty Lord love me. ME! Undeserved love doesn’t even being to cover it. 
So, on a day when a whole entire year seems to be coming to a head and I feel it all coming down it one big emotional mess, I have peace knowing that El Shaddai has it all under control. It’s all going to be okay. Thank you Lord for your unconditional love, peace, strength and provision. Deeply broken and surrendering, I cry out to you and fall on my face in your all consuming presence. 
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