Omnipotent

God is doing something in me that I can't quite explain. There is comfort in the fact that he is actually moving in my life, but there is also an anxious wonder of what in the world is actually going on.

One thing I am starting to see is that I think I'm maybe becoming a little bit like my mother. This is a beautiful and wonderful thing by the way. I'm no where close, but I think that my prayer to be a woman of faith like her is starting to manifest itself in my life. My momma is a woman who is constantly after the heart of God. She is faithful to Him. So faithful. Every morning she dedicates time aside for her and Jesus. She reads her Bible in a booth at Panera Bread every morning. She prays God's Word and pours her heart's desire to Jesus every day. She prays for me. She prays for my siblings. She prays for so many people and for so many different things. I can bet she's even prayed for you. Yes, you.

I want to be a woman of prayer like my mom. But in the back of my mind at times I have struggled (and still do) with actually believing that God could and would answer my prayers. I have had difficulty believing that my prayers can make a difference. But I believe God is taking me on a new journey...and I believe that this journey is going to strengthen my faith in a way that I have never known or experienced.

I know that you're probably like, "what is she trying to say here?"

In all honesty, I don't really know. But I am at a point in my life where I am asking God to do great and mighty things, and I am ready and willing to believe that God is going to do great things in lives of certain people who don't know Him and need Him desperately. I have it stuck in my head and heart that here I am, here we are, worshiping and talking to a God who made manna fall from the sky to feed his people, who made the sun stand still so a battle could be won, who preserved the lives of 3 men who were supposed to burn to death in a fiery furnace; a God who raised people from the dead, and healed the blind and lame. Here we are, talking to a God who holds all the power in the world to do any and all that we ask...but we fail to remember and recognize his ability to do so. I fail to ask and believe in the God of power. I am good at praying and believing in the God of love, comfort, patience, peace, grace, and mercy. For some reason, I've got that down...or so it seems. Of course God is all these things at all times, but I haven't been recognizing this pretty big aspect of who He is - the God of power...Almighty Father...Omnipotent One.

And so I go from here...with an expectant heart for the power of Jesus...and He will be glorified.

Jesus, I'm ready...







But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 (NIV)



...Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord..... James 1:7 (NLT)

Help Me Believe

Take me back to the time
When I was maybe eight or nine
And I believed
When Jesus walked on waters blue
And if He helped me, I could too
If I believed

Before rationale, analysis and systematic thinking
Robbed me of a sweet simplicity
When wonders and when mysteries
Were far less often silly dreams
And childhood fantasies

Help me believe
Cause I don't want to miss any miracles
Maybe I'd see much better by closing my eyes
And I would shed this grownup skin I'm in
To touch an angel's wing
And I would be free
Help me believe

When mustard seeds made mountains move
A burning bush that spoke for You, was good enough
When manna fell from heavens high
Just because You told the sky to open up

Am I too wise to recognise that everything uncertain
Is certainly a possibility
When logic fails my reasoning
And science crushes underneath
The weight of all that is unseen

Help me believe
Cause I don't want to miss any miracles
Maybe I'd see much better by closing my eyes
And I would shed this grownup skin I'm in
To touch an angel's wing
And I would be free
Help me believe

When someone else's education
Plays upon my reservations
I'm the first to cave, I'm the first to bleed

If I abandon all that seeks
To make my faith, informed and chic
Could You, would You show Yourself to me

(Help me believe, cause I don't want to miss any miracles)
Maybe I'd see much better by closing my eyes
And I would shed this grownup skin I'm in
To touch one of their wings
And I would be free
I would be free
I would be free
Help me believe
Help me believe
Could You, would You show Yourself to me
Could You, would You shoy Yourself to me

Help me believe

-Nichole Nordeman

Dreams

So lately I've been having some interesting dreams. I've never really taken dreams seriously, but today I got kinda curious. I know that there are general explanations for common dreams that people have. Like falling dreams = feeling out of control of something in real life. Naked dreams = vulnerability or unpreparedness. At least that's what I've heard...

Today I got to thinking...maybe God is trying to speak to me through my dreams. I mean, why not? He did it all the time throughout scripture...both Josephs, Jacob, and Peter just to name a few. What if my dreams have more meaning to them than what is at the surface...?

I'd like to think that they do. Not because I think I'm anything special...but because I long to hear from God about specific things in my life...and if he's trying to tell me something, I don't want to miss it.



"If we come to Him doubting His ability to speak, we will have a difficult time listening. So we must come expectantly..." -Charles Stanley

Habakkuk 2:1 - "I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me."

Job 6:8 - "Oh that my request may come to pass, and that God would grant my longing!"

Au désespéré

Today has been a sad day. I mean, the activities that I have participated in today aren't out of the ordinary and were quite fun and happy...woke up, had breakfast, went to the Lex. Farmer's Market, came back home and took a nap, and am now sitting in Starbucks (soon, my friends, this Starbucks sitting will come to an end!)

What has made this day sad were two events that I actually had nothing to do with...two events that happened within the last 24 hours...two events concerning love.

My heart was and has been burdened for two people today. Two people that I'm not even sure are really hurting...but my guess is that if anything there is certainly a tinge of pain.

I know that God has everything in control, and He sees the bigger picture that we do not. But right now, I know that that truth is FAR from comforting.

I've mentioned in a previous entry that I struggle with the desire to have control over everything in my life. This desire for control extends to the lives of those I love. Friend, I wish that I could change things and make them how you and I wish and think they should be. I wish that I could help write the story and give you your happy ending. Because I love you and you deserve nothing less.

It has truly been hard for me today to acknowledge that your happy endings seemed to go to the wrong people. My heart has been angry and frustrated because I just believed, hoped, and prayed as much as you did that things would change...that what appeared to be happening wouldn't really happen...and all would be ok again.

I want you to know that I have never forgotten about you. When it felt like the world didn't care anymore about your hurt, and everyone moved on and accepted how things now were, I didn't forget.

When it comes to love, moving on is no easy task. Yes, there will come a time when God will nudge you to get up, dust off your knees, wipe away your tears, and walk in His strength to find the greater gift that he has had in store for you...that has been waiting for you just beyond the pain of this unbearable reality. There will come a time when you are ready...but that time may not be today...and that's ok.

But friend, please do not give up. When you feel him nudging, please be willing to give it a try. Please be willing to accept that God does have something better for you! Please be willing to take that step with Him, because I know He wants to bless you with GOOD things. But you will never know if you are not willing to take the first step...


My heart goes out to you...




I love you both. So much!!!










The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. -Psalm 34:18.

My day

So, it's Saturday...and my day has been pretty great so far. I woke up around 6:30 with Kyle and ate WAFFLES for breakfast! That was a great way to start out the morning. We headed to Starbucks because Kyle had work! The past 8 months he has been closing every single Saturday...so for him to have Saturday night off is fantastic! haha.

The original plan for me today was that I would hang around Starbucks until Kyle got off of work. I'm used to being here for long periods of time...but today I realized I really didn't want to be here for 8 hours doing nothing. So, I made a little POA (Plan of Action)...and then proceeded to follow that plan.

I went to Kroger and picked up some ingredients to make Keith and Alison baked ziti for dinner. They just had a baby, so Kyle thought it would be something nice that we could to do for them. I headed back to the Wilmore and picked up a couple of ingredients I forgot when I was at Kroger...haha.

Another part of my plan was to do LaUnDrY! (I don't even know why I just spelled it like that...I hate when people do that...) I sorted all of our linens and piled it all in two baskets. Being the muscle woman I am, I decided to take everything down at once...Detergent, dryer sheets, baskets with laundry inside, purse, and book. I successfully made it down stairs and to the laundromat...but realized I pulled a couple of muscles in my legs due to my ambitious act. It's really cause I'm lazy, and I couldn't bare to take two trips up and down the stairs. ha.

I did all the laundry then headed back to the apartment to cook the Walters' feast. I think it was my best baked ziti yet. I prepared and cooked everything very efficiently...this made me proud because I'm getting up to the skill level of my momma in the kitchen  :-)...although I will never be as good as her. She is the most amazing cook ever!

I am now here back at Starbucks...lol. Kyle gets off at 4:30. Tonight we get to eat dinner with the Lyells and meet Stephanie's parents! I love those Lyells...

Anywho, this is my day so far...and again I have no clue why I just wrote all this useless information out. I haven't blogged like this in a while. Weird.



Peace out cub scout.

Tenth Avenue North

I've got voices in my head and they are so strong.
And I'm getting sick of this, oh Lord, how long will I be haunted by the fear that I believe.
My hands like locks on cages of these dreams I can't set free. But if I let these dreams die, if I lay down all my wounded pride...will I find that letting go lets me come alive?

So empty my hands
Fill up my heart
Capture my mind with you

These voices speak instead that what's right is wrong...and I'm giving into them, please Lord, how long will I be held captive by the lies I believe. My heart's in constant chaos and it keeps me so deceived. But if I let these dreams die, if I could just lay down my dark desire. If I let these dreams die, will I find you brought me back to life...

My mind is like a building burning down. I need your grace to keep me from the ground.

And my heart is just a prisoner of war...a slave to what it wants and to what I'm fighting for.

Hold On

It will find you at the bottom of a bottle
It will find you at the needle's end
It will find you when you beg and steal and borrow
It will follow you into a stranger's bed

It will find you when they serve you with the papers
It will find you when the locks have changed again
It will find you when you've called in all your favors
It will meet you at the bridge's highest ledge

So baby don't look down- it's a long way
The sun will come around to a new day

So hold on
Love will find you
Hold on
He's right behind you now
Just turn around
And love will find you

It will find you when the doctor's head is shaking
It will find you in a boardroom mostly dead
It will crawl into the foxhole where you're praying
It will curl up in your halfway empty bed

So baby don't believe that it's over
Maybe you can't see 'round the corner

To hang between two thieves in the darkness
Love must believe you are worth it
You're worth it

-NN 

Wow, I didn't realize I could post pictures on this blog! haha...



I love my husband!!!!

Thoughts in Captivity

Do you ever experience personal battles that you just can't seem to conquer? Do you feel like you ask God to help you overcome the struggle, the pain, the frustration, or whatever it may be, and you still find yourself at square one? I've been here for quite some time, but I've finally been able to see that perhaps it's not God who isn't helping me conquer it, but rather it is myself and my actions that are hindering the victory...

I've written a few blog entries that reveal I have been fighting a personal battle in the past several months. I haven't disclosed too much information about it, because it is personal after all. But to vaguely sum it up, it was just about two years ago that my heart was deeply hurt by two people in particular. My battle has been a plethora of things: the struggle to let the past go and instead dwelling on it, the struggle to truly forgive and forget, the struggle of being prideful and spiteful, the struggle of not wanting to accept what happened and being ok with it, the struggle of holding onto this past offense with the false and impossible hope of changing the outcome.

This whole ordeal has certainly been a process for me...a process that has revealed the ugly parts of my heart...as well as a process that is teaching me and shaping me to be a more beautiful reflection of my sweet Jesus.

God has used this situation to teach me how to be content and confident with the way I look, the way I'm made. Through it he has revealed to me that I desire too much control over my circumstances in life, and I need to learn to trust in His sovereignty a lot more than I ever have. He has revealed to me that we are all broken people who hurt one another, but there is enough of His grace to cover the wrongs we do towards one another...that meaning, I need to personally extend the beautiful gift of His grace towards these people who wronged me - and those who will wrong me in the future. He has shown me that he allows painful situations to happen to us so that we can learn to depend on His goodness, His love, His mercy, His deep compassion for us, His good plan, and His strength. Even though I do not like one bit of what happened in all of this, I am so thankful of where it has brought me. It took this painful experience to make me a better woman of faith, a better wife, a better friend. Sometimes I wish some of these painful things hadn't happened, but I'm starting to understand and believe that God allowed those things to happen so that the others involved in this situation could also be transformed. God really does take the stupid mistakes we make and turn them into learning opportunities. I guess the choice is ultimately ours to actually learn from the pain.

I feel like I have slowly but surely been learning from the pain. It is my prayer (and has been for quite some time) that I will finally be able to free ALL of this into the hands of my loving Father. I have been choosing to fight this battle...but it's already been conquered in the strength of Jesus. I think I am just now realizing that I must choose to take the victory that already has taken place because of Christ. I know that God would have been pleased if I had simply trusted in His goodness and His Word in the first place, and walked away at the start from this painful situation without a word or question. I would have not traveled this long road of personal pain if I had just accepted his grace, trusted His Word and His perfect plan to begin with.

But I have seen the beauty of his grace in my stubbornness to hold onto this battle, that I didn't have to fight. He has been with me through it all. He has heard every prayer - even the childish, immature ones. He has held me in the pain. But most importantly, he has guided my hand and heart through lessons that I desperately needed to learn.

Today, as I was writing in my journal about this situation, the Lord revealed to me something I need to practice (and obviously haven't been throughout all of this). He put two verses in my head.

The first verse he gave me was Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

This is a command! And a command I have not been following...

The second verse he gave me was this:

2 Corinthians 10:5

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and WE TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY thought to make is OBEDIENT to Christ."


I recently have been wondering why I still allow myself to think about the painful happenings of the past. I have been wondering why it has been so hard to finally let this all go and not think about it anymore. And through this verse, the Lord revealed to me that I have not been taking my thoughts captive. I have not been giving them to the Lord and putting them under His control. Any time I have had a memory about the hurtful reality of what happened, I have been dwelling on it and allowing it to explode. I allow a thought of something that happened two years ago to feel very current and fresh, as if it happened yesterday. I came across this beautiful explanation as I was doing some research about this certain passage.

"...we are to take our very thoughts captive. What happens to one in captivity? In the case of a caged bird, for example, the bird may no longer fly freely in the air; it may no longer alight in the trees; it no longer has the freedom to do as it wills. Hence, to take one's thoughts captive is not to allow them the freedom to wander where they wish to go. Taking them captive shuts down all thoughts that are not thoughts that God would wish us to have."

And what is really neat, is that the author of this statement writes,

"As people are still in the flesh, it is very difficult to accomplish this task 100%. We should strive to do so, and when we fail, we may claim the Blood of Jesus to cover our sins."

And he continues..."I have found a sure-fire way of taking such thoughts captive. Paul tells us how in Philippians 4:8-9... "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.""


How beautiful! These two verses that God gave to me prior to even coming across this person's website, go hand in hand! The Lord has revealed to me that whenever I get a thought about the painful past, I need to hand it over to Him. I need to take it captive and not give it room to explode into more memories of the past. I need to put it immediately in His care. But that is not the end of it, I need to then replace the thought that I have given to the Lord, with a thought that is characteristic of what is outlined in Philippians 8. True thoughts, honest thoughts, just and right thoughts, pure thoughts, lovely thoughts. Virtuous thoughts, praiseworthy thoughts! And as a result not only with God's peace be with me...but the actual person and presence of the GOD OF PEACE will be with me.

I am so thankful for how the Lord works...and even as I have been writing this entry he has reminded me of his faithfulness and love for me. Praise be you to Jesus who takes a mess and makes it a masterpiece.


Lord, I realize now that I'm thankful for this process you've allowed me to go through...while I think this particular process may soon be coming to a close, I look forward to how you still want to teach me. Help me to take every thought captive, and not just the thoughts that have to do with this particular experience. Thank you for this sweet victory in you! You are worthy to be praised!



I love you!




http://www.bibleword.org/captive.shtml

Eyes on the Cross by Denise Munton

Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. Hebrews 3:12-13.

"Before I began to understand the Lord's grace, the sin of having a critical spirit was alive and well in me. I had it all figured out, even when I couldn't live up to the standards I set. I just couldn't figure out why other Christians didn't get it. Family, friends, you name it, the standards for Christian living had all been set for us - at least in my mind.

As the Holy Spirit revealed His grace, my heart melted. I immediately recognized my legalistic mindset that was hardening my heart and hindering my intimacy with the Lord. I had made a list of "don'ts" instead of living in the incredible "dos" the Lord had for me. I stopped looking at other people's splinters and saw the gigantic log in my eye. I was surprised at the freedom that came over me. I didn't have to worry about other people's so-called shortcomings anymore. That was between them and God.

The process of sanctification in a person's heart is very individual. And there was a lot of sanctification that needed to take place in me. All I had to do was allow the Lord to reveal my sin and then allow Him to cleanse me and change me. Instead of harboring a critical spirit that keeps me bound and miserable, I now can keep my eyes on the cross that keeps me free."

-Denise Munton

Even though I walk through the valley of the death and dying...I will not fear.

Well it seems as if I haven't posted in a while, so here we go.

Kyle and I just got back from a trip to Clearwater, FL. The circumstances that brought us home were undesirable, however it was a blessing to be with family. My grandmommy passed away about 2 weeks ago, and we went home for her funeral. It was and still is very difficult to swallow the reality that she is gone. She originally went to the hospital for a somewhat common procedure (blood transfusion), but while she was there things all of a sudden went downhill. She already had a bad heart and lung, and various stress and infections she got while at the hospital took a final toll on her life. I did get a chance to talk with her on the phone...very briefly. It saddens my heart though that I did not get to see her while she was in the hospital...but what comforts me is that my last memory of her was at Christmastime, where she was doing very well and was her normal, loving, grandmotherly self. I miss her...a lot.

I have a really hard time with death. I mean, most normal people do...but the thought and reality of death and dying is really really hard for me to wrap my head and heart around. I know that when I die I will immediately be in the presence of Jesus Christ, but even in light of that truth, for some reason I still have a hard time being comforted and at peace with the process of dying. It really scares me. I guess it's just the realm of the unknown that is most scary. Even though my eternity is secure, the process of getting there is completely up in the air and out of my control...and I don't like that. I just pray that the Lord will give me the peace I need when this fear creeps in. Something that gives me a little comfort is that my grandmommy even admitted, "This dying thing is really hard to do." But she knew that the Lord would give her the strength she needed to face it. And he certainly did. She's with Him now! What's also pretty cool is that she is with Granddaddy too. I immediately pictured them embracing one another and dancing together. She really missed him these past 10 years...but not anymore.

I could keep writing about this topic...but I think that dwelling on it is making me frustrated and sad...so I think I'm just gonna leave this post at that.







I love you Grandmommy and look forward to the time when we get to be together again...and have a tea party. A really big one...

So remember that post I wrote about applying for a new job...















I got the job!!!!!!!!






Big changes ahead...but very good ones.

Thank you Lord for your sovereignty in my life!

List!!!

I have been trying to use this blog for posts that have thought, meaning, etc. But, today I just can't help from writing about some good things that have made me excited and happy today. So here's a list!

1. I got paid today, and was reimbursed $77 that was taken out of my paychecks for health insurance that I didn't sign up for. Getting a paycheck gives me a very rewarding feeling!

2. I found out my work schedule for next week...and I have three days off in a row! That never happens! Although, it is somewhat sad (from the money standpoint) that I was cut 8 hours for the week...BUT, it is nice to get some time off every once and a while!

3. I applied for a position at the Seminary today. It is a Cashier/Housing Coordinator position. I know that the Lord has me at Cracker Barrel for a reason, but I know that I'm not supposed to be there forever. So this was a step of faith. I get nervous and anxious about new things and change...so I feel really good that I followed through with applying.

4. I saved 10 cents per gallon on gas today at Kroger!

5. Kyle surprised me with Pistachios and an energy bar when I got off work today! He is so thoughtful! (I LOVE Pistachios...ALOT!)

6. Kyle and I's trip to Nashville with Faceless International is coming up in 2 weeks!!! We are super excited to go and learn more about trafficking, and work with the refugees! Also, Nashville is awesome, and we get to enjoy the city while we are there!

7. My parents and Nicholas (and possibly JoWAY!) are coming to visit Kyle and I in 3 weeks!!! I am super excited to see them. I miss my family so much and many times wish I was still in Clearwater...but I know the Lord has Kyle and I here in KY for His purpose...so it's ok. Still doesn't mean I can't dream and search for apartments online in Pinellas County...:-)

8. The sun is shining BRIGHT today in Kentucky! It is so beautiful today...the wintry, drab weather is getting OLD. I'm getting pumped up for spring...the weekend is supposed to be in the mid 50s...which is WARM! Hopefully Kyle and I can go for a walk or bike ride.

9. This really sweet, old man named Bill is sitting next to me in Starbucks right now. He and I are buddies cause we are both here a lot. He holds much knowledge and wisdom, and it's really an honor for me to know him. I have a lot of respect for elderly people. They have so many neat life stories to share and valuable lessons to teach if you are a willing listener.

10. Sometimes I still can't believe that I am married to the ONE person that makes my heart do somersaults. I got to wake up today next to my best friend and have cereal with him before going to work! While He is not nor ever will be the One who fulfills my life...he certainly does make me a happy girl! I love you KDM.


That's it for now...I think I'm gonna do a crossword puzzle now, since those are my favorite. :-)

Contentment? No, it's selfishness.

I just got finished reading a devotion for today and the topic was about being content financially. This particular devotion talked about how during these hard economic times many families are having to make sacrifices, and as a result we can and should take it as an opportunity to be content with what we do have.

I think the thing that struck me the most though was the nature of the sacrifices that we as an American people are having to make these days.

Not going out to eat anymore
Not going on a vacation this year
Not going shopping for new clothes
Not getting our nails and hair done every 2 weeks
Not buying that new car just yet

And the list goes on and on...



Wow, we are a spoiled people. And it is sad to think that we have to learn contentment when such trivial things as listed above are taken away from us...

I mean, yes any opportunity in which we can learn something that is good and challenging from the Lord is awesome...but perhaps at times when we think he's trying to teach us one thing, he desires us to learn something much greater, to gain a deeper perspective.

From this devotion, I learned not only do I need to learn to be content, but I also need to work on my selfishness as an individual. How dare I complain that I can't eat out when there are children and families across the world starving to death. How dare I complain that I can't go shopping for new clothes, when there are people who have to wear the same thing every day because they have nothing else to wear.


Forgive me Lord for my selfish, self-centered way of thinking. Teach me to be content in all circumstances...but even more remind me that the "sacrificing" I may have to do is absolutely trivial and selfish in light of the many desperate unfulfilled needs that others face in this broken world.

Matthew 18:15

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over."



"If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would be reconciled. The principles of these rules may be practised every where, and under all circumstances, though they are too much neglected by all.

But how few try the method which Christ has expressly enjoined to all his disciples!"

Matthew Henry

Control Freak

It is somewhat frustrating when you learn things about yourself that are not so wonderful.

I have come to realize that I struggle with the desire to have full control of my life and situations that I go through. If I can't have my hand in it at all times, then I feel as if I can't be content with the process and outcome of whatever the situation may be.

I recently dealt with a unique situation where I sought reconciliation with another individual over something that was troubling my heart for quite some time. I sent this individual a message explaining my heart and how I felt hurt and betrayed by a certain situation that occurred. The response wasn't ideal (from my selfish point of view). I realized after the fact that I had left out some pretty big details of things I was aware of that this person thought I had no idea about, things I should have mentioned, but did not. Because of my failure to communicate clearly, this person was left thinking things that were not accurate. Perhaps that explained the less than desirable response...perhaps not. Either way, I was left feeling defeated...

I realized that out of my desire for control, I had built up my own expectations for how this whole scenario should have unfolded. When I got a less than desirable response/outcome, I felt frustrated and upset because things didn't go how I wanted them to. (Very childish, I know)

And even now, my desire to control comes forth, causing me to wish that I could still explain myself better to this person and to make things right the way I see fit.

It is somewhat embarrassing that I act in this manner. #1 It shows my lack of trust in our sovereign Lord. #2 It reveals my ugly, selfish, childish pride.

I need to learn to be content and trust that the Lord knows what concerns my heart and will be faithful to make things right and work things out in my life for His good purposes, even if that means I don't get to have a say in how that is done. I think that the Lord used this particular situation to reveal to me my silly need for control, and how I have a tendency of not giving Him room to work.

I am learning how to accept things, even when they don't go the way that I want.



I have also realized that even though we are called to operate as a unified body of believers, we are still broken people who will still mess up from time to time and unfortunately hurt one another. All I can do (and must do) is allow God's love to permeate my heart and mind so that I can overlook the hurt I may face, and also be humbled with the truth that I too am broken and may hurt others (whether intentionally or unintentionally)at some point in this lifetime.


After all that's said and done, I am thankful for a Father who loves me enough to discipline me and teach me in a loving manner, so that I can become more like Him. I am humbled, yet thankful, that he uses my flaws to do so...








"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Faceless International Trip

I am currently sitting in Starbucks, drinking a delightful Vanilla Rooibos Tea, while Kyle is working making caffeine addicts happy.

I haven't written on my blog in a while...there have been a few posts that I have started writing, then I'd get frustrated half-way through them and realized they were too personal or angry to post, therefore no new entries...haha

I don't know if I really have anything interesting to write about though. Here's a couple of things I suppose.

1. Kyle and I are planning on going on a trip with Faceless International. Faceless is an organization that seeks to help people who are exploited all across the planet. Whether these people be coffee farmers or sex-slaves, this organization desires to give them recognition and help. They desire to raise awareness in the community about social issues that need to be fixed. They offer various trips throughout the year for various causes. Right now, their main focus is on the issue of sex-trafficking that is present world-wide...even in the United States.

According to Wikipedia: "Human trafficking is the practice of people being tricked, lured, coerced or otherwise removed from their home or country, and then compelled to work with no or low payment or on terms which are highly exploitative. The practice is considered to be trade or commerce in people, which has many features of slavery, and which is illegal in most countries. The victims of human trafficking can be used in a variety of situations, including prostitution, forced labor (including bonded labor or debt bondage) and other forms of involuntary servitude."

Sex-trafficking is specifically where victims (primarily young children/women) are forced into prostitution and for other sexual acts. Many times these victims are kidnapped and sold. They have no say in the matter...it is very evil, frightening, depressing, and unjust.

You may ask, Why don't these victims just leave? They can't. They are usually threatened with being killed or with physical abuse. They are trapped.

What you saw in the movie "Taken" is very real. It's happening all around us...and it's time we do something about it.

My heart breaks for these women and children who are facing this injustice. That is why Kyle and I want to go on this trip...we want to learn more about the issue of sex-trafficking. We want to help spread awareness. We want to bring about change...

Yes, this is a very scary, depressing, and daunting issue...but unless we actually get off of our butts and do something about it, then it simply remains a very scary, depressing, and daunting issue.


So this trip that we are wanting to go on is in Nashville, TN at the end of March. We will be hearing a lot of speakers and what not on the issue, but will also be working with refugees from all over the world that have settled in the area.

The biggest thing Kyle and I need is the money to go on this trip...so if you have any ideas for fundraising, please let us know!



OK...

2. I have spent so much time thinking and writing about Faceless/sex-trafficking that I forgot the other thing I was going to share...haha!


Thanks for reading...whoever actually reads this. :-)

I just wrote a cryptic blog entry, but realized it was way too risky to publish! :-)