Well, to start off, I had a great experience with my niece last week. She has been desperately upset with me that I am moving "far away to go to school". She has been asking me why for awhile now. I usually just say something like, "It's just something I have to do" or "Everyone goes to different schools and mine is just far." But we were driving and those answers weren't cutting it. (You see, all our important Why-Because conversations happen in the car. During a monsoon one day, she asked, "Why does it rain?" I then told her the story of the flood.)
Finally she said, "But why do you have to go to that school? I just want you to play with me every day."
"I need to do what God wants," I told her, "and God wants me to go to that school."
"Why?" I was really starting to hate that word.
"Because I the Bible tells us that we can show Jesus we love Him by doing what He wants. Part of that is playing with you and teaching you about Jesus. But there are other people who don't know about Jesus, and He wants me to tell them how much He loves them." At this point we entered a parking lot with a familiar green circular sign.
"Are we at Starbucks, now? I thought we were going to a friend's house with hamsters." And the conversation ended.
Last night, I was talking to her mom, certain my niece hated me for planning my trip. Her mom assured me that she is fine. She told her mom that I have to go because God told me to, and I have to tell other kids about Jesus. I am crying now just thinking about it. She is such a blessing!
In other news, and we know I always have other news, my life has been spinning around for the last, oh two months. Not that it was ever calm before that, but its roller coaster-ish right now. Between work, babysitting, drama, and family, I have had no time for my friends. I realize many people face the same issue, and so I feel this is a universal topic. But God showed me something great.
He reminded me of something I think I forget too easily.
God desires our happiness.
I am a fairly friendly and outgoing person, and in the absence of my dear friends (especially Masa and the newest Mrs. Reade) I have started to feel lonely. I have felt a fear that this loneliness will continue and strengthen as I go to Peru. Unfortunately, I was beginning to feel that this was God's desire; that I walk alone through this new experience.
Through this time, God has given me some new contacts with girls from my new school. One even lives in this area! And I am hoping to meet her before we leave the country. He proved His love by sending me words of unity and encouragement from others in the same situation as me.
He also brought me some older-sister figures into my life who have lead me closer to Him and held up my arms in prayer. He also grew another level in my relationship with my family that I think will keep us close as I travel the world.
Many Christians feel they must always be a martyr, suffering in their walk. They must be alone, secluded and desperate, or they aren't following God. This isn't true.
Sometimes, God does call us to a time alone with Him. Sometimes God allows such times to grow us in our faith and dependence on Him, but He never intended for us to be alone as a life style. If you don't believe me, read Paul's letter to the Philippians. He loved them, and reminded them of the importance of fellowship and unity.
Looking back, this is not the first time my Daddy God has done this for me. In fact, I have many sisters in Christ who have come into my life when I needed them most. I know that they are each gifts from God, and I am thankful that He loves us enough to bring us together in Him.
So, here's the challenge: if you have felt lonely, go out and find a godly, Christian friend who can encourage you in your faith, and remind you of God's desire to bless you. And if you are in that place, alone with God, rest in Him and see what He has for you. He is great company.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Trusting in God
Dear Family and Friends—
This year has been a rollercoaster of faith and doubt for me. In September, I found out about an opportunity to serve God in Ethiopia, and I made a step of faith to go. In the months between the decision and the actual trip, I faced many doubts and fears (and even a car accident). But God proved His faithfulness over and over again to me. Through financial miracles and great sacrifices of family, friends, and even some people I have never met, God provided for me to travel across the globe and serve those who could never dream of the kind of money I spent to get there.
Since my trip to Ethiopia, I have applied and been accepted into Calvary Chapel Bible College in Lima, Peru. Throughout my life, I now see, God has used every little success and struggle to prepare me for the next task He has for me. I believe that through my studies in Peru the next two years, I will grow closer to God, and become thoroughly prepared to serve Him where He next calls me. I am trusting that God will provide for me, and my parents have been beacons of hope and pillars of strength as they remind me that our God is faithful and will never let me down.
Now, here’s the part where you come in. While I am in Peru, I will be participating in some missions projects that could cost anywhere from $130 to $450. I also recently learned of an opportunity to study for a week in Israel. I am certain God will provide for me whatever I will need, but I know that provision may come from other believers who wish to share in the blessings I am sure to experience through this service. Any amount you could spare would be greatly appreciated.
So many of you have given me so much support, spiritually and financially, in the past, and I am asking that you give now only what you feel God is asking of you and nothing more. I value your love and prayers so much more than your money, and hope that you will remember me as I continue my race to eternity.
If you would like to help me financially, please click on my Chip-In Widget (or ask me for more information).
This year has been a rollercoaster of faith and doubt for me. In September, I found out about an opportunity to serve God in Ethiopia, and I made a step of faith to go. In the months between the decision and the actual trip, I faced many doubts and fears (and even a car accident). But God proved His faithfulness over and over again to me. Through financial miracles and great sacrifices of family, friends, and even some people I have never met, God provided for me to travel across the globe and serve those who could never dream of the kind of money I spent to get there.
Since my trip to Ethiopia, I have applied and been accepted into Calvary Chapel Bible College in Lima, Peru. Throughout my life, I now see, God has used every little success and struggle to prepare me for the next task He has for me. I believe that through my studies in Peru the next two years, I will grow closer to God, and become thoroughly prepared to serve Him where He next calls me. I am trusting that God will provide for me, and my parents have been beacons of hope and pillars of strength as they remind me that our God is faithful and will never let me down.
Now, here’s the part where you come in. While I am in Peru, I will be participating in some missions projects that could cost anywhere from $130 to $450. I also recently learned of an opportunity to study for a week in Israel. I am certain God will provide for me whatever I will need, but I know that provision may come from other believers who wish to share in the blessings I am sure to experience through this service. Any amount you could spare would be greatly appreciated.
So many of you have given me so much support, spiritually and financially, in the past, and I am asking that you give now only what you feel God is asking of you and nothing more. I value your love and prayers so much more than your money, and hope that you will remember me as I continue my race to eternity.
If you would like to help me financially, please click on my Chip-In Widget (or ask me for more information).
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Who's your Daddy?
Since it is Father's Day, I would just like to say thank you to all the fathers who may have stumbled across my blog. Especially, my dad who I cannot thank enough.
But it's been more than a month since I've posted and I have something to get out, so I'll try not to spend to much time rambling at the beginning like I usually do.
In two months time I will be in Peru, so that is that. Moving on.
Today, I spent time with my dad by attending church with my parents. They are part of a church plant. Mom leads the kids, and Dad heads up their men's ministry. I don't visit there often, since I am so involved in my church, but I am blessed each time. Today was special because there was a child dedication.
I love these. At our church, Pastor K. gets so excited to see the little babies and children and pray over each one, and our friend Pastor Scott is not much different. Quite a few children were dedicated this Father's Day, including his own youngest son. But that wasn't what got me. It was the last two babies dedicated that made me tear up today, and not because they were cute (which they were), but because they were foster kids.
Their foster parents have such love and commitment for these children, that they brought them before the church and dedicated them to the Lord. And as the pastor spoke, I couldn't help but think of something my mom had told me when my oldest sibling left for the Navy. She said, "Its not easy to watch your baby leave, but he doesn't belong to me. He belongs to God, and he's only mine for a little while."
I have always loved to hear stories of adoption because they remind me of how God, like adoptive parents saught us out and was willing to pay a great price to make us His children. And as Christians, that is what we are. He is our Father, the Bible tells us that our spirit calls Him ABBA, Daddy. He is our Lord, yes; our Savior, of course, but also our Daddy. He made us His. And He longs, just like any adotive father, to hear us call Him that. We have been reborn into His family and are now co-heirs with His Only Begotten Son, Jesus.
But while on this earth God has given us each "foster" parents. Some of us are fortunate in the way Jesus was to have earthly parents like Mary and Joseph. I also have parents who love God and have chosen to raise me and my siblings to follow His Word and to love Him as they do.
Like those babies I saw today, my parents realize that although I am only theirs for a little while, they have a great responsibility to care for me, not just for my sake, but for the glory of their Abba God who has trusted them with four of His own children.
Many Christians, unfortunately are not blessed like I to have loving Christian parents. However, many times God provides them with other earthly "foster parents". My own parents were such to many a child, teen , young adult, and baby Christian my whole childhood, and are now to many more. Many find great mentors in church leaders, pastors, or just the nice couple in the next pew. They are just people who love their Father, and accept His call to care for His children, just for a little while. Like my mom and dad, they care and provide for them with the knowledge that they are not their own, all the while loving and sacrificing for them as if they were.
So today, Father's Day, I am exceeding greatful for my Heavenly Father and the love and grace He gives me each day, especcially in the form of my very own earthly father, and the other men, who have at times taken on the role of "foster father" in my life.
My challenge: Say a prayer for your own earthly father, whether or not He is a Joseph, and for the other men who have been like a father to you. Thank God for His great plan in bringing them each into your life, and for preparing them for the work He has called them to do for His kingdom.
Happy Fathers Day!
But it's been more than a month since I've posted and I have something to get out, so I'll try not to spend to much time rambling at the beginning like I usually do.
In two months time I will be in Peru, so that is that. Moving on.
Today, I spent time with my dad by attending church with my parents. They are part of a church plant. Mom leads the kids, and Dad heads up their men's ministry. I don't visit there often, since I am so involved in my church, but I am blessed each time. Today was special because there was a child dedication.
I love these. At our church, Pastor K. gets so excited to see the little babies and children and pray over each one, and our friend Pastor Scott is not much different. Quite a few children were dedicated this Father's Day, including his own youngest son. But that wasn't what got me. It was the last two babies dedicated that made me tear up today, and not because they were cute (which they were), but because they were foster kids.
Their foster parents have such love and commitment for these children, that they brought them before the church and dedicated them to the Lord. And as the pastor spoke, I couldn't help but think of something my mom had told me when my oldest sibling left for the Navy. She said, "Its not easy to watch your baby leave, but he doesn't belong to me. He belongs to God, and he's only mine for a little while."
I have always loved to hear stories of adoption because they remind me of how God, like adoptive parents saught us out and was willing to pay a great price to make us His children. And as Christians, that is what we are. He is our Father, the Bible tells us that our spirit calls Him ABBA, Daddy. He is our Lord, yes; our Savior, of course, but also our Daddy. He made us His. And He longs, just like any adotive father, to hear us call Him that. We have been reborn into His family and are now co-heirs with His Only Begotten Son, Jesus.
But while on this earth God has given us each "foster" parents. Some of us are fortunate in the way Jesus was to have earthly parents like Mary and Joseph. I also have parents who love God and have chosen to raise me and my siblings to follow His Word and to love Him as they do.
Like those babies I saw today, my parents realize that although I am only theirs for a little while, they have a great responsibility to care for me, not just for my sake, but for the glory of their Abba God who has trusted them with four of His own children.
Many Christians, unfortunately are not blessed like I to have loving Christian parents. However, many times God provides them with other earthly "foster parents". My own parents were such to many a child, teen , young adult, and baby Christian my whole childhood, and are now to many more. Many find great mentors in church leaders, pastors, or just the nice couple in the next pew. They are just people who love their Father, and accept His call to care for His children, just for a little while. Like my mom and dad, they care and provide for them with the knowledge that they are not their own, all the while loving and sacrificing for them as if they were.
So today, Father's Day, I am exceeding greatful for my Heavenly Father and the love and grace He gives me each day, especcially in the form of my very own earthly father, and the other men, who have at times taken on the role of "foster father" in my life.
My challenge: Say a prayer for your own earthly father, whether or not He is a Joseph, and for the other men who have been like a father to you. Thank God for His great plan in bringing them each into your life, and for preparing them for the work He has called them to do for His kingdom.
Happy Fathers Day!
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