Aaaaand groups have begun. After a summer with only about five last year, to have the whole summer booked up every week with volunteer mission groups coming daily is kind of awesome. It's a lot more responsibility in a different way, but at the same time, it's cool to be able to build relationships with them and see how God works through them during the week- not to mention, they are so encouraging when we're exhausted!
You know what's crazy? It's so easy to tell the difference when you're in prayer and not by how our days go. Yesterday, we were supposed to get this HUGE order of food in before kids club started- you know, 40 containers of chicken, 100 containers of corn, all that jazz, nothing big- and instead of coming two hours before the kids came, it came 5 minutes prior. Ha. Hilarious, right? So as the kids poured in, all 20 of us with the group (who is awesome! they are absolutely wonderful!) ran around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to get the food in the building, to the pantry, and organized. All the while, the kids were crazy. I walked in once, and our director was struggling to get everyone checked in and a couple of boys were in a fight. Well, that never happens. Not kidding.
The thing is, we didn't pray that afternoon. Every day before club, we always-always! pray. Prayer is so powerful. When we put our problems at the feet of God and trust Him with them, He will help us follow Him and will help us control our attitudes...
So, that's my brain-fried struggle of a thought for the day. Sorry if it didn't make a whoooole lot of sense. I tried.
Things you could pray for:
-We're taking our preteens and children on a field trip on Thursday- pray that things will go smoothly, kids will show up, and that no one gets lost or hurt!
- Unity in our house. I can tell prayer has had an effect!
- VoBS- Vocational Beginners School. We've just started this program this year for our teens (ones who have shown clear direction and motivation in their lives) to help train them on how to approach the work world in an informed and Godly way. It's pretty cool. Pray that it will be effective and will raise leaders in the community.
And that's about it for right now! Oh, and I did get cheesed at the last church we visited. At the dinner afterwards, a fifteen year old boy who was quite the awkward fellow asked me how to say "I'm going to spend my life with you in spanish."
Ahem.
No sir.
Anywho, spend some time in prayer today! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says that we are to "pray without ceasing."
I know that's said a lot, but let's live it out. :)
grace and peace
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Monday, 13 June 2011
Surrender
If you know me at all, you probably know that I am a planner at heart. I live by my hour-by-hour purple planner and I have (or had) my entire class list at Mercer planned out via Excel sheet saved on my computer.
Well, today, at a church, I shared my testimony. I talked about how although in the search to find something to make me feel whole in this world, I suffered a lot and went through so many situations that were detrimental to my spirit- but even though those things happened, I knew that the Lord had been with me all the way and knew what was best for me. All of the things that hurt me at the time, like not getting into the school I wanted to, my grandmother dying, relationships crumbling- they led me to my knees and eventually God worked them together to get me here in a place where I feel more loved, more purposeful, and more joyful than any other time in my life. Not only that, but the most growth I have ever felt in my walk with the Lord has occurred here.
After saying all of that, I proceeded to spend the rest of the evening distracting myself with possibilities. Possibilities upon possibilities about where I may end up in the next four years-planning, anguishing over details, overall breaking my trust in God for my own selfish gain.
But what do I gain?
Matthew 6, which I apparently still cannot get into my head from last night says that I gain nothing from stressing myself out about the future- God knows where I will be and what I will be doing. I don't need to know- all I need to do is serve Him and glorify Him where He has put me right now. How easily I forget what a blessing it is for me to even be here, even if just for a moment!
I can't be in two places in time at once, but God has my life planned out to the t, and He knows exactly what's good for me.
Pray that I will be able to surrender to that and trust that God will place me where I ought to be, and that I can focus on the amazingly awesomely wonderfully perfect place that God has put me right now. Well, perfect for me. I cannot get over how much I love this place.
In any case, exciting news- We had block parties for the kids and preteens on Saturday- ours was super precious. It was farm themed, and all of the kids got little farm animal visors and got to have fun and all that jazz, so hopefully any new ones will come back for club tomorrow! Also, a Korean church is helping at all 3 centers next week, so pray that we will be equipped to lead them with humility and love.
Well, today, at a church, I shared my testimony. I talked about how although in the search to find something to make me feel whole in this world, I suffered a lot and went through so many situations that were detrimental to my spirit- but even though those things happened, I knew that the Lord had been with me all the way and knew what was best for me. All of the things that hurt me at the time, like not getting into the school I wanted to, my grandmother dying, relationships crumbling- they led me to my knees and eventually God worked them together to get me here in a place where I feel more loved, more purposeful, and more joyful than any other time in my life. Not only that, but the most growth I have ever felt in my walk with the Lord has occurred here.
After saying all of that, I proceeded to spend the rest of the evening distracting myself with possibilities. Possibilities upon possibilities about where I may end up in the next four years-planning, anguishing over details, overall breaking my trust in God for my own selfish gain.
But what do I gain?
Matthew 6, which I apparently still cannot get into my head from last night says that I gain nothing from stressing myself out about the future- God knows where I will be and what I will be doing. I don't need to know- all I need to do is serve Him and glorify Him where He has put me right now. How easily I forget what a blessing it is for me to even be here, even if just for a moment!
I can't be in two places in time at once, but God has my life planned out to the t, and He knows exactly what's good for me.
Pray that I will be able to surrender to that and trust that God will place me where I ought to be, and that I can focus on the amazingly awesomely wonderfully perfect place that God has put me right now. Well, perfect for me. I cannot get over how much I love this place.
In any case, exciting news- We had block parties for the kids and preteens on Saturday- ours was super precious. It was farm themed, and all of the kids got little farm animal visors and got to have fun and all that jazz, so hopefully any new ones will come back for club tomorrow! Also, a Korean church is helping at all 3 centers next week, so pray that we will be equipped to lead them with humility and love.
Sunday, 12 June 2011
¡fiel es el Señor!
Woah. Ever had that time where you prayed, and you really believed that God would answer your prayers in His time and in His way because He loves us that much?
Well, that's one of our theme ish question things this summer- What if we believed God? What if we believed that prayer is powerful and that God truly does work through it? Well, you know, earlier this week, when I was wearing the shirt that said that, I thought to myself and was like, huh. You know, there are a lot of times where I really don't believe that-times that I pray easy prayers, ones that surely God will answer, or half-believingly pray something pretty big, thinking in the back of my mind that God will never, ever do such an awesome thing in my simple little life.
Psht. Who am I kidding? Am I really thinking of the same God whose son was resurrected from the grave, who parted the seas, brought the dead to life, and will bring justice to this world? I couldn't be.
Seriously.
God has a plan for this city, and He has a plan for me. He doesn't want my halfway prayers; He doesn't want me to kind of believe His promises.
He wants me to have faith that hearts can change, that souls can be saved, that He is enough for us all.
So here it is. Here I am, believing that God can and will change the hearts here, that lives will be changed, and that God will continue to give me faith that His will is perfect for me and that I need Him more than anything in this world.
Pray that I would continue to have faith. Pray for the community, that their hearts would cry out for God to fill the hole that sin has left within them. Pray that our team would be strengthened and unified in the goal of glorifying God in everything that we do. Pray that love would overcome the sin abounding here.
And finally, this song has been weighing on my heart for most of this week, so I figured I would share it.
Lord I Need You by Chris Tomlin
Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
The only way we can go on living is through trust and faith that God will pick us up when we fall and that He has everything that we need to go on. I pray that you will walk in faithfulness to our God.
Matt. 6:25-34
Well, that's one of our theme ish question things this summer- What if we believed God? What if we believed that prayer is powerful and that God truly does work through it? Well, you know, earlier this week, when I was wearing the shirt that said that, I thought to myself and was like, huh. You know, there are a lot of times where I really don't believe that-times that I pray easy prayers, ones that surely God will answer, or half-believingly pray something pretty big, thinking in the back of my mind that God will never, ever do such an awesome thing in my simple little life.
Psht. Who am I kidding? Am I really thinking of the same God whose son was resurrected from the grave, who parted the seas, brought the dead to life, and will bring justice to this world? I couldn't be.
Seriously.
God has a plan for this city, and He has a plan for me. He doesn't want my halfway prayers; He doesn't want me to kind of believe His promises.
He wants me to have faith that hearts can change, that souls can be saved, that He is enough for us all.
So here it is. Here I am, believing that God can and will change the hearts here, that lives will be changed, and that God will continue to give me faith that His will is perfect for me and that I need Him more than anything in this world.
Pray that I would continue to have faith. Pray for the community, that their hearts would cry out for God to fill the hole that sin has left within them. Pray that our team would be strengthened and unified in the goal of glorifying God in everything that we do. Pray that love would overcome the sin abounding here.
And finally, this song has been weighing on my heart for most of this week, so I figured I would share it.
Lord I Need You by Chris Tomlin
Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
The only way we can go on living is through trust and faith that God will pick us up when we fall and that He has everything that we need to go on. I pray that you will walk in faithfulness to our God.
Matt. 6:25-34
Monday, 6 June 2011
Flexibility
So, when I was younger, I did gymnastics. More of, I lived gymnastics. Everything I did had to do with it. About 20 hours a week were given to the sport between the ages of 6 and 14 of my life. For that, I was required to be quite flexible, which took a lot of discipline, but not only that- pain as well.
Well, it seems nothing changes. Flexibility is still something I learn on a daily basis, but just not so much while wearing leotards and prancing around a gym. Flexibility is such an important part of the life of someone in missions, whether it be a week or a lifetime. Things change. The more we try to plan, the more God shows us that His plan, and His plan only is good.
All of this to say that today, I found out due to a lot of things happening, I am no longer teaching a class of 7 to 10 year olds, but instead, I'm teaching the 4-6 spanish Bible study. There's just a teensy bit of change there. You know. Language. So, while it took me a minute (or two) to adjust to the challenge of that, I know that God has a plan for this. I know I need practice in the language. I know that I need to spread out my experience with different ages of children. And not only that, but I'm not alone. I have a supervisor that will do anything to help me, and wonderful friends who are fluent in spanish and would love nothing more than to help me translate, so there it is again-God showing that He is in control and He will provide anything I need for me.
The other thing is, well, I feel God convicting me to drop French as a major. While I love languages with all my heart, I've been struggling with French. It's not that it's terribly, terribly hard, I just don't have a passion for the culture as much as I do for the hispanic culture, and that poses a problem. So, that will be hard. So just pray that I'm listening to what God is saying and willing to follow him no matter what and no matter where he leads me.
But anyway, ministries start tomorrow! Pray for us! I am so, so excited :)
Isaiah 42:1-4
Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law..."
You should really read the rest of that. That's the kind of servant I am striving to be. One that does not shout aloud or lift up his voice, gently leading God's people to their Father...
grace and peace!
Well, it seems nothing changes. Flexibility is still something I learn on a daily basis, but just not so much while wearing leotards and prancing around a gym. Flexibility is such an important part of the life of someone in missions, whether it be a week or a lifetime. Things change. The more we try to plan, the more God shows us that His plan, and His plan only is good.
All of this to say that today, I found out due to a lot of things happening, I am no longer teaching a class of 7 to 10 year olds, but instead, I'm teaching the 4-6 spanish Bible study. There's just a teensy bit of change there. You know. Language. So, while it took me a minute (or two) to adjust to the challenge of that, I know that God has a plan for this. I know I need practice in the language. I know that I need to spread out my experience with different ages of children. And not only that, but I'm not alone. I have a supervisor that will do anything to help me, and wonderful friends who are fluent in spanish and would love nothing more than to help me translate, so there it is again-God showing that He is in control and He will provide anything I need for me.
The other thing is, well, I feel God convicting me to drop French as a major. While I love languages with all my heart, I've been struggling with French. It's not that it's terribly, terribly hard, I just don't have a passion for the culture as much as I do for the hispanic culture, and that poses a problem. So, that will be hard. So just pray that I'm listening to what God is saying and willing to follow him no matter what and no matter where he leads me.
But anyway, ministries start tomorrow! Pray for us! I am so, so excited :)
Isaiah 42:1-4
Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law..."
You should really read the rest of that. That's the kind of servant I am striving to be. One that does not shout aloud or lift up his voice, gently leading God's people to their Father...
grace and peace!
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Wow.
I really couldn't think of a better title than that. I mean, really. I don't think you understand how good our God is. I certainly don't. Daily, God blesses me and loves me more than I can imagine- and I'm floored.
Well, I'm home. It's super surreal. Since I left 10 months ago, I've been hoping and praying and wanting to be back here doing what is so close to my heart, and I'm here and it simply doesn't feel real. It feels like I never left.
Already, though, God is teaching me. I know this will be another summer of good, hard, heart-wrenchingly beautiful lessons.
I had myself entirely geared for differences this year. We only have 13 missionaries, as compared to 21 last summer. I have a new bed (by choice, haha-it's a lot darker and quieter in my new corner), new friends (plus Lauren and Karenie, my dear friends and sisters from last summer), and expected and prepared my heart to be in a new center.
Ha.
Just when I was completely at peace with the idea of meeting new kids and doing new things and loving them all the same no matter what, as we played a game of heads up seven up (no really, we're that awesome) to see who was at which center, Gano and Fletcher missions were chosen.. and, well, I wasn't. Imagine my confusion. Our supervisor, Ginger, has a strict policy against sending returning missionaries to the same center.
Well, some things change. I'm not complaining. Nor is Lauren. We're actually quite elated.
Here's the deal, though. This year, I'm Joy center's 'team leader.' Woah. So, as I said, a summer of learning. I really am excited to see God work in my weakness, through water or fire-His will is good.
I really can't express my excitement. I'm still having to pinch myself, though. Going to my favorite places, seeing my favorite people, the amazing staff that I love, being back with friends, being in a place that I feel is so close to God's heart... I'm humbled by God's love. Eight months ago, I didn't think I would have the opportunity to come.
God really does work all things together for good. Really, He does.
No, really.
Even after a tough semester, where honestly, I feel like I didn't leave much with, God has me back here where He brought my heart so desperately and happily in love with Him- and just as Jesus brought Peter back to where they first met, reminding him of his betrayal in John 21-here I am, reminded of my brokenness, yet at the same time hopeful-because our God is faithful and abounding in steadfast love (it says so in Psalm 86 :)
So meditate on that, breathe it, and remember: Though we fall time and time again, God will bring us back to where we have been in pure communion, reminding us of where we've been, not to hurt us, but to show us that He loves us more than we can even begin to know.
That being said, please continue to keep our team in your prayers- pray for unity and strength and that we will rely on God throughout the summer and never get weary of time with Him. Pray for me, please. Pray that I will lead as Christ did-not as someone above, but as a servant leader in humility, relying on His word. Pray for the people we will be serving this summer, that their hearts will be open and that we will have opportunity upon opportunity to share God's love with them- and that the love we have for them is not ours, but God's.
I love you all a lot! Grace and peace!
Well, I'm home. It's super surreal. Since I left 10 months ago, I've been hoping and praying and wanting to be back here doing what is so close to my heart, and I'm here and it simply doesn't feel real. It feels like I never left.
Already, though, God is teaching me. I know this will be another summer of good, hard, heart-wrenchingly beautiful lessons.
I had myself entirely geared for differences this year. We only have 13 missionaries, as compared to 21 last summer. I have a new bed (by choice, haha-it's a lot darker and quieter in my new corner), new friends (plus Lauren and Karenie, my dear friends and sisters from last summer), and expected and prepared my heart to be in a new center.
Ha.
Just when I was completely at peace with the idea of meeting new kids and doing new things and loving them all the same no matter what, as we played a game of heads up seven up (no really, we're that awesome) to see who was at which center, Gano and Fletcher missions were chosen.. and, well, I wasn't. Imagine my confusion. Our supervisor, Ginger, has a strict policy against sending returning missionaries to the same center.
Well, some things change. I'm not complaining. Nor is Lauren. We're actually quite elated.
Here's the deal, though. This year, I'm Joy center's 'team leader.' Woah. So, as I said, a summer of learning. I really am excited to see God work in my weakness, through water or fire-His will is good.
I really can't express my excitement. I'm still having to pinch myself, though. Going to my favorite places, seeing my favorite people, the amazing staff that I love, being back with friends, being in a place that I feel is so close to God's heart... I'm humbled by God's love. Eight months ago, I didn't think I would have the opportunity to come.
God really does work all things together for good. Really, He does.
No, really.
Even after a tough semester, where honestly, I feel like I didn't leave much with, God has me back here where He brought my heart so desperately and happily in love with Him- and just as Jesus brought Peter back to where they first met, reminding him of his betrayal in John 21-here I am, reminded of my brokenness, yet at the same time hopeful-because our God is faithful and abounding in steadfast love (it says so in Psalm 86 :)
So meditate on that, breathe it, and remember: Though we fall time and time again, God will bring us back to where we have been in pure communion, reminding us of where we've been, not to hurt us, but to show us that He loves us more than we can even begin to know.
That being said, please continue to keep our team in your prayers- pray for unity and strength and that we will rely on God throughout the summer and never get weary of time with Him. Pray for me, please. Pray that I will lead as Christ did-not as someone above, but as a servant leader in humility, relying on His word. Pray for the people we will be serving this summer, that their hearts will be open and that we will have opportunity upon opportunity to share God's love with them- and that the love we have for them is not ours, but God's.
I love you all a lot! Grace and peace!
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
ζουν εκ προθέσεως
Along with being blessed enough to be able to serve in Htown, this summer has potential to be quite interesting.
Right now, I'm enjoying my last just-family vacation before my brother is married.
In the next two weeks, my sister will give birth to her first, Elijah James.
In about a month and a half, my brother will marry his Georgia Honors Program sweetheart.
In August, I'll be moving into my first rental house.
With all of these events, chapters coming to a close, new ones beginning... the first thing to come to mind is:
Weird.
Typical, I know. I'm still getting used to this whole real adult stuff, I guess. Call me naive or immature, but woah. It seems like yesterday that my brother and I obsessed with bringing friends on vacation so it wouldn't be boring. I don't really feel quite old enough to be an aunt, but I'm super excited nonetheless. Honestly, it's crazy (and really exciting) to think that Nat's getting hitched. I would think the whole house thing would be crazier, but hey, I'm blinded with excitement about having a kitchen. For real.
I guess that's how life is though, doors opening, doors closing... I always seem to slightly dread these changes, but every time I seem surprised to see how God has truly blessed each and every chapter of my life so far. It may be different, but it's awesome to see His hand in everything that has happened.
This is how it's going to be for the rest of life. Things are occasionally hard to let go. It's still hard for me to think of the suddenness of my grandmother's death nearly three years ago, but my new step-grandmother has brought so much joy to my family already. I miss my high school friends occasionally, but oh, God has been so good to bring amazing friends who are practically my family all over Macon and even sweet friends around the world. I'll miss having my siblings so close to me, but I am overjoyed to see what God has in store for their new families. So while there may be pain in the offering, giving up control and giving up holding onto those things leaves space for the joy that God brings when we give Him the reigns in our life.
In At the End of the Spear, Nate Saint's son expresses the grief that he felt along with his family when God revealed to him that it was time for him to stop living alongside the Waodani people and let them grow as a sustained people, leaning on God and one another rather than those from the outside world. Although this was painful for all, in the long run, it was necessary. It has helped the Waodani to gain respect from the outside world and thrive as a people, rather than dying out.
To bring back an old quote that I adore:
"The disposition... to leave the dearest objects of our hearts in the sublime keeping of the general and unspecific belief that God is now answering our prayers in His own time and way, and in the best manner, involves a present process of inward crucifixion which is obviously unfavorable to the growth and even the existence of the life of self"- TC Upham
Inner crucifixion. That describes perfectly the experience we have as we learn to die to ourselves, to understand that God has the best intentions for us all, whether we can see it yet, or if we're still having trouble keeping focus from the pain of a chapter ending. But that's it--God does have our desires in mind when our minds and hearts are set on Him. When we are seeking Him, He will be faithful. That is the most comforting thing in the world. No matter what happens, when my heart is bent to His, His joy and peace will be upon me. His will will be done.
So my encouragement to you in this rather random post is to continue to trust that God works all things together for His good. I know we've all heard that a trillion and five times, but once again- all things work together for His good. Repeat it and remember the love of our God to His people.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. -Romans 8:28-30
Right now, I'm enjoying my last just-family vacation before my brother is married.
In the next two weeks, my sister will give birth to her first, Elijah James.
In about a month and a half, my brother will marry his Georgia Honors Program sweetheart.
In August, I'll be moving into my first rental house.
With all of these events, chapters coming to a close, new ones beginning... the first thing to come to mind is:
Weird.
Typical, I know. I'm still getting used to this whole real adult stuff, I guess. Call me naive or immature, but woah. It seems like yesterday that my brother and I obsessed with bringing friends on vacation so it wouldn't be boring. I don't really feel quite old enough to be an aunt, but I'm super excited nonetheless. Honestly, it's crazy (and really exciting) to think that Nat's getting hitched. I would think the whole house thing would be crazier, but hey, I'm blinded with excitement about having a kitchen. For real.
I guess that's how life is though, doors opening, doors closing... I always seem to slightly dread these changes, but every time I seem surprised to see how God has truly blessed each and every chapter of my life so far. It may be different, but it's awesome to see His hand in everything that has happened.
This is how it's going to be for the rest of life. Things are occasionally hard to let go. It's still hard for me to think of the suddenness of my grandmother's death nearly three years ago, but my new step-grandmother has brought so much joy to my family already. I miss my high school friends occasionally, but oh, God has been so good to bring amazing friends who are practically my family all over Macon and even sweet friends around the world. I'll miss having my siblings so close to me, but I am overjoyed to see what God has in store for their new families. So while there may be pain in the offering, giving up control and giving up holding onto those things leaves space for the joy that God brings when we give Him the reigns in our life.
In At the End of the Spear, Nate Saint's son expresses the grief that he felt along with his family when God revealed to him that it was time for him to stop living alongside the Waodani people and let them grow as a sustained people, leaning on God and one another rather than those from the outside world. Although this was painful for all, in the long run, it was necessary. It has helped the Waodani to gain respect from the outside world and thrive as a people, rather than dying out.
To bring back an old quote that I adore:
"The disposition... to leave the dearest objects of our hearts in the sublime keeping of the general and unspecific belief that God is now answering our prayers in His own time and way, and in the best manner, involves a present process of inward crucifixion which is obviously unfavorable to the growth and even the existence of the life of self"- TC Upham
Inner crucifixion. That describes perfectly the experience we have as we learn to die to ourselves, to understand that God has the best intentions for us all, whether we can see it yet, or if we're still having trouble keeping focus from the pain of a chapter ending. But that's it--God does have our desires in mind when our minds and hearts are set on Him. When we are seeking Him, He will be faithful. That is the most comforting thing in the world. No matter what happens, when my heart is bent to His, His joy and peace will be upon me. His will will be done.
So my encouragement to you in this rather random post is to continue to trust that God works all things together for His good. I know we've all heard that a trillion and five times, but once again- all things work together for His good. Repeat it and remember the love of our God to His people.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. -Romans 8:28-30
Monday, 16 May 2011
Houston-Round Two
In two weeks and one day (not to be counting down of, course-how juvenile!), I will be home. Home, home, home. Not that Peachtree City isn't great, or that I don't love Macon or anything, because I do, so much, but as they say, home is where the heart is-and that's the thing-God's stuck my heart right beside those people. You know, the ones there in ghetto of Houston-the rich and the poor, especially the poor, the widowed, the broken. It's not that I don't see that here, because Macon is certainly hurting, but there is no feeling like knowing that God has called you to a particular place or people. If you know me at all, you should know that while I love my amazing friends and family here, there is nothing I love more than latino culture. I love talking to them, serving them, being friends with them, and I would certainly would love to live alongside of them one day.
All of that leading up to the fact that I'm restarting my blog for the summer. I've been posting on and off as of late, but I guess, that's mainly been for my own good. This will be, too... but I guess now it's public-er. So, here we go. My lovely revamped blog (did you notice? I like it.) is back.
A few things that I'd love for you guys to do (whoever you are...) as I prepare to get back to the wonderful west:
Pray for me. God has been so good lately in bringing me closer to Him and showing me areas that I can improve, but you're prayer would mean so much, and God listens.
Pray for MCH. Pray that the hearts of the people there would be opened to His word and His love. Pray that God will provide-oh, how He does!-but pray that people would be obedient in listening to Him about donating to keep this wonderful organization going.
Pray for my team. It's going to be quite a bit smaller this year, but I'm excited to gain some more brothers and sisters as I did last year. Pray that we will be unified in prayer and in our love for the Lord, just as we were last year. Pray that we will be strengthened, not only physically, but in spirit as well. We'll need it.
And one selfish plea: Send me letters? :) There is no better thing than coming home from a delightfully trying day to snail mail. Trust me. It's wonderful.
Catherine Lee
c/o Gano Mission Center
1815 Gano Street
Houston, TX 77009
So there you go. I am so, so, so excited to be back. I know it will be different, but wherever God wants me, I am so ready. Thanks for your prayer and encouragement! I love you all! And just because I really liked this...
"The Bible is hundreds upon hundreds of voices all calling at once... And somewhere in the midst of them all one particular voice speaks out that is unlike any other voice because it speaks so directly to the deepest privacy and longing and weariness of each of us that there are times when the centuries are blown away like mist, and it is as if we stand with no shelter of time at all between ourselves and the One who speaks our secret name. 'Come,' the voice says. 'Unto me. All ye.' Every last one."-Frederick Buechner
So my encouragement to you today is to go past the voices around you in this world and look into God's word and hear His voice, a voice sweeter than anything found in worldly happiness, love, or peace. His is stronger and greater than all of those, filled with a love beyond any human understanding.
gracia y paz.
All of that leading up to the fact that I'm restarting my blog for the summer. I've been posting on and off as of late, but I guess, that's mainly been for my own good. This will be, too... but I guess now it's public-er. So, here we go. My lovely revamped blog (did you notice? I like it.) is back.
A few things that I'd love for you guys to do (whoever you are...) as I prepare to get back to the wonderful west:
Pray for me. God has been so good lately in bringing me closer to Him and showing me areas that I can improve, but you're prayer would mean so much, and God listens.
Pray for MCH. Pray that the hearts of the people there would be opened to His word and His love. Pray that God will provide-oh, how He does!-but pray that people would be obedient in listening to Him about donating to keep this wonderful organization going.
Pray for my team. It's going to be quite a bit smaller this year, but I'm excited to gain some more brothers and sisters as I did last year. Pray that we will be unified in prayer and in our love for the Lord, just as we were last year. Pray that we will be strengthened, not only physically, but in spirit as well. We'll need it.
And one selfish plea: Send me letters? :) There is no better thing than coming home from a delightfully trying day to snail mail. Trust me. It's wonderful.
Catherine Lee
c/o Gano Mission Center
1815 Gano Street
Houston, TX 77009
So there you go. I am so, so, so excited to be back. I know it will be different, but wherever God wants me, I am so ready. Thanks for your prayer and encouragement! I love you all! And just because I really liked this...
"The Bible is hundreds upon hundreds of voices all calling at once... And somewhere in the midst of them all one particular voice speaks out that is unlike any other voice because it speaks so directly to the deepest privacy and longing and weariness of each of us that there are times when the centuries are blown away like mist, and it is as if we stand with no shelter of time at all between ourselves and the One who speaks our secret name. 'Come,' the voice says. 'Unto me. All ye.' Every last one."-Frederick Buechner
So my encouragement to you today is to go past the voices around you in this world and look into God's word and hear His voice, a voice sweeter than anything found in worldly happiness, love, or peace. His is stronger and greater than all of those, filled with a love beyond any human understanding.
gracia y paz.
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