The Real Valentine

In lieu of Valentine's Day there have been countless articles produced all over social media. Articles full of ideas, opinions , expectations and standards that people have in regards to a day where they want to be shown love and show love in return. Soo many people who place so much pressure on themselves and the ones they love the most. Don't get me wrong I am not opposed to this day in any form . Ever since I was little my parents and significant others over the years have done amazing things to make me feel special and loved. While those special people have gone almost as quickly as they have gone it has me thinking.

As I sit in a gorgeous beach house in Rosarito , overlooking the ocean with good food and good company I am reminded of what this day should really be about. Feelings, possesions,  and even relationships come and go. There is only one love one person who feels the same way about us and is constant in His companionship day in and day out for eternity. For this I am grateful, because of this I can remain unmoved when the world tries to rock me. This year has brought many new loves into my life and I am soo excited for the chance to see God's true love manifested through each relationship. The verse from John 4:19 has been in the fore front of my mind this past week.

We love because He first loved us!!

How incredible is this verse. I mean stop and think about its significance. Read it again and try to grasp what it's really saying to us. Our desire and ability to love stems directly from Gods love for us and in us. How incredible that even on days when we don't feel like loving someone we are still able to. Not because of who that person is or what they have or have not done for us but because of who Christ is and how He chose to love us first. Even now while we are still a hot mess on most days , as a child of God we have full confidence in the righteousness and holiness of our God and Father. 

Gods love for us is not something that can be measured or tallied. Gods love holds nothing back , He gave up everything even to the point of sacrificing His only Son. Giving up what was His greatest possesion. Gods love for us had been perfect, set , complete from the beginning of time. Like human relationships where we strive to add love and brownie points to eachother based on what we do. Gods love does not grow or diminish,  it is unconditional and unquantifiable.

Because of the Spirit that resides within us , and that Christ has done for us He has called us to love deeply and with no condition. Like Christ we are called to love without expecting anything in return , giving sacrificially in  our understanding that all we have is from the Lord. I love the way John Piper put it...............

 "This Valentine’s Day, as the world keeps a tally of love, may we never forget that God’s love for us is greater than anything we can imagine. It is greater than googolplex and more than the stars in the sky. It is immeasurable, steadfast, and permanent. And that same amazing love has been given to us to extend it to others. May we give that love, without keeping score, knowing that God’s love for us keeps no record, because in Jesus, our debts have been marked: “paid in full.”

Happy Valentines Day !!!!!

Trying to Survive Without Prayer

I am currently reading Tim Kellers book on Prayer ( Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God ). I highly recommend the book. Tim does such a great job of writing from his personal experience and study , providing his readers with relatable, practical material backed up with solid scripture references. Countless hero's of our faith , even Christ Himself survived on prayer. It was a part of their lives that was disciplined , committed and highly active. The depth of our prayer life as Christians is related to the success of our lives in all other areas. Prayer is our life line , and direct communication line to our heavenly Father. I know for my self and many friends we can understand what is feels like when we know the person we love cannot be reached. Even if you could pick.up the phone and dial their number or shoot them an email. That feeling knowing they won't receive it for days, for weeks , maybe months !! Those who have been in a long distance relationship , when your friend goes on a long trip , or your loved one gets deployed to a foreign country. That feeling of distance , disconnection , and anticipation can be excruciating at times. I help but think that is how the Lord feels in His dealing with me sometimes. Frustrated that I don't pick up my phone , answer my text , or reply to His email more often then not. So many things He wants to tell me , things my heart longs to hear , information that would be so helpful and yet I don't have the time to connect for minimal times a day. I ask myself WHY ???

I am constantly convicted by the Spirit in regards to my prayer life. It is an area that constantly needs work. Quality prayer is directly linked to our view and knowledge of the scriptures and the Father Himself. Prayer is an extended conversation with the Lord and stems from the Bible , God's personal love letter to His children. May we strive to love and know the Word inside and out so that we can know directly the One we are conversing with in prayer. We long to speak to you often and hear from you Jesus even more.

Here is another great article on Prayer that the Lord brought to my attention this week. It ministered to me hope it does the same for you.

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/8-lessons-from-the-school-of-prayer

Embracing the Good Over Evil

So I am currently at work and let me tell you. There is nothing worst then writing a whole blog post on your phone like a text. But alas making the most of my down time while the baby takes his nap.

So it's confession time. I HATE social media. The junk , gossip , and dirt that can be found there is disturbing to say the least. Social media is ruining kids , families, and marriages. There have been multiple times where I am scrolling through Facebook and wonder what the heck I'm doing. Wasting time , and filling my mind with unwholesome  content. I have contemplated many times just shutting down the whole account and forgetting about. For some reason iv never actually followed through. In the process the Lord has prodded me to flood  social media with Godly articles , worship music , encouraging quotes , and uplifting content.

On the other hand of hate the Lord has also shown me what a blessing social media can be. Over the past year I have been able to meet people all around the world who have similar passions and interests. Being able to network and make new friends in Africa even before I get there has been amazing. Social media can be used for good.
For example:

 Just the other day I received a message from a good friend and fellow missionary over in Uganda. A friend and Ugandan woman they have been ministering to was serverly burned when she fell onto hot coals after being demon possed. In Uganda if you are disabled or don't look normal to the public they shun you. The way this woman is being shunned is through un-employment. In order to provide for her kids we know she needs work. In a few short minutes we were able to contact multiple ministries,  friends , and hospitals in seach of reconstructive surgery for this precious daughter of God. 

Let's chose daily to use social media to be a light in a dark world. People are watching you whether you feel like it or not . Use your stage to the glory of God. Lets use it meet likeminded people , raise awareness , promote Godly living, and fight against the injustices in the world. 

All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 

So, whether you eat or drink, orwhatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just asI try to please everyone in everything I do,not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 10

Big Life Changes for the New Year

The blog has been extra quiet over the holidays!! I was really really sick the entire week before Christmas, which landed me in the hospital dehydrated and suffering from bronchitis. The Lord always works it out with my schedule , as just the time i got sick i had a clear calendar with no pressing responsibilities. I was able to sleep and catch up on much needed rest just in time for Christmas morning. I spent Christmas Eve in bed but was able to muster enough strength to join my entire family Christmas morning and the following day.

Saturday my car was packed and I was off to explore the California Coast, San Francisco, and spend a few days camping in the Sequioa National Forrest. We drove many miles exploring the beautiful state we live in with some very good friends from college. We rung in the New Year around a fire, eating Ramen, drinking wine, and trying to stay alive in 0 degree weather. There is no place I would have rather been then basking in God's creation, looking back on all the year had brought my way and looking forward on all God has in store for 2015. ( We will talk more about that in a little bit, SOOOO EXCITING!!!!) Its such a blessing to still be so closely involved in the lives of sweet friends lives that I met in college and be able to still adventure and share life together. Even though i was not feeling the greatest , still recovering from being so sick it was an awesome week.

Now for the next bit of news. I came home from my road to meet my future brother in law (so weird to even being saying such things). My sister and her fiancé are visiting from Chicago. It has kinda been a mad house as they try to plan a wedding in what seems like a week, before they have to go back to school for the last semester before they get married. Its all new and exciting and i am happy for them. Everyone deserves to find their own great love and coming from the baby sister who swore she would NEVER EVER get married it just goes to show that everything can change when you find the right one. I never ever in my wildest dreams would ever plan for my younger sister to get married before I did , BUT I am couldn't be more content in Gods provision in my own life. The fact that He has taught me to be able to rest and trust in His perfect timing couldn't be more comforting. I LOVE the fact that the Lord is the author of my life story, because I know that He is orchestrating a plan that is so unique and perfect for who I am and what I need. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else or anyone else. The wedding is August 1st and will be here before we know it. 

Soon now we can talk about the best news last!!!!! BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! I have kept it on the down low for the past 4 months or so as I have been praying, talking and working through some details and plans. As most of you know I was given the incredible opportunity of teaching preschool and ministering in Africa this last summer for 6 weeks. I knew it would rock my socks off but I had no idea all that God would have planned for me because of that trip. God shook my world upside down and around in a few circles and placed a burden on my heart so strong that it denied me the ability to return to "normal" life as I have known it to be. In September of 2015 I will be packing up and moving my life entirely to Africa. The Lord has opened many doors for work and ministry full time there. I never would have seen this as something I would do with my life, but through the work of the Holy Spirit I can't see my life being any other way now. While it is all new and exciting and I can't wait to get back to a country and people that I have fallen in love with, I also realize the struggle that will come with leaving my family, friends , and hometown behind. It will be quite the transition but I am confidant that the Lord is slowly preparing me for all the adventures and new things I will encounter. Everyday life in a 3rd word country is not a walk in the park but I have so much support from family and friends who have been following hard after the Lord, outside their comfort zone for many many years. 

To help me settle and get situated my mom will be joining me for 3-4 months and my dad will also join us for a few weeks in the beginning. As far as the specific work I will be doing their is still in the process of being sorted , I have various avenues of opportunity that I will be pursuing. I have been given the opportunity to use my training in cosmetology to teach business and skill classes to widows. I will also be working with young woman who already have skills in hairdressing but want to open their own salon business. Teaching english as a second language will also be on the agenda as well as working in local slums ministering to young teenagers as they work through unwanted pregnancy and becoming a mother. I am beyond grateful for all the open doors and relationships that have already been established. The Lord has been so gracious in making the way clear as He has called me to this life on the mission field. The support and encouragement from family and friends only makes me more excited. There is still a lot of work to do before we actually get on the plane to fly out and I would so humbly welcome all prayers. All posts and updates will be posted on this site so stay on the look out. As it gets closer I will have more details and specific prayer requests to share. 

As I spend the last several months in the states I am trying to adventure as much as I can and spend as much time as I can with dear friends and family. While the days are long and hard and everything in me wants to jump on a plane tomorrow I know that I will never get this time back so I am not taking it for granted.  2015 has already proven to be an amazing year and I know it will only get better from here. My prayer for this year is that we would be more bold in giving our "Yes" to God. That we would be challenged to draw closer to the Lord more then ever before. That we would not bask in all that we are not but rather on all that Christ is for us. 

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in Thy presence,
in Thy service, to Thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,
but may rely on Thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth Thy praise,
testify Thy love,
advance Thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with Thee, O Father as my harbor,
Thee, O Son, at my helm,
Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to Thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
Thy comforts to cheer,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilize.
May Thy fear by my awe,
Thy triumphs my joy.

Katie Davis Interview

Katie Davis is a young lady who inspired and ignited the fire in my heart for Africa when I was first introduced to her in my early college years. Katie came to speak and share about her ministry and book at SDCC where I was attending at the time. I remember sitting there blown away and dumbfounded as my heart was burned by all I was seeing and hearing. I was overwhelmed knowing I would one day visit and serve the Lord for a period of my life in Africa I just didn't know when. The Lord was present that day and little did I know that several years later the Lord would call me to serve in the same town and the same orphanage that Katie and her mom first visited on their trip to Uganda. That place of hope and love where so many volunteers hearts have been captured and where God has wrecked lives for His glory.

Katie is amazing to say the least and a great testimony to complete faith and trust in Jesus, as she gave her full yes and followed where she saw Him lead. On her last trip to the states she was able to do a 3 part interview with Family Life Today Radio Station. I would be lying if I wasn't sitting at work listening to it. I could relate to so much of what she was explaining and sharing , bawling multiple times. My heart beat is AFRICA , all my heart strings are so sensitive to this people, culture , color and country!! I have fallen head over heels in love ........take a listen for yourself , I am sure you will be blessed.


Katie Davis Interview

The Heart Of God and Missions

Here are a couple articles I came across this week that spoke to my heart and we're an encouragment to me. I hope you get the same from them. I have not posted in awhile as work has been soo busy and i am trying to juggle so much change and preparation for more change at one time. God continues to show Himself so faithful in this process and different needs arise , He is right there providing , leading and guiding. He continues to amaze me. Just when I think I can't give anymore , He makes my heart aware of His presence , and through blessings He constantly is pouring out.
Will try to write an actual post in the next week or so as I will have some nice down time before I start a new job after new years.

Gods Changing Hearts Through Adoption:
http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-god-changes-hearts-through-open-adoption



Not All Short Term Missions Are Bad:
http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/your-short-term-mission-trip-may-not-be-worth-it

There Are No Shortuts

Grest article I came across. So often as new missionaries with new dreams and visions and a clear calling from God we jump in head first. What keeps missionaries like my aunt and uncle on the field for 17 plus years? What keeps someone from not wanting to throw in the towel after a fwe years of service? We do not want to start with fire and end in smoke , we need to start with smoke so that we can end in a big blazing fire to the glory of God. In all we do we must lean soley on the pressence and power of Jesus Christ, setting aside methods , programs and techniques as the main event. Gods desire is to make it so evident in our lives that our vitality is nothing short of His life in us. We must surrender to the pain , trials, and denial of self so that above all else God's glory is made known. It is His grace that will sustain , we are His instruments !! 

What would you say to a budding missionary candidate? I have a close friend who is a veteran pastor, missionary, and now a member care director in the city in which I serve. He says there has been a surge of young adults in recent years who have landed on the field, enthusiastic to redeem the city and bring justice to the oppressed. But they do not stay longer than two years due to exhaustion, dejection, and even loss of faith. The member care workers call this the “radical effect”—young adults, with bleeding hearts, seeking to do something radical for Jesus and the world, who do not follow through with their initial impulse. Often the prospects of formal theological training prior to going to the field seem irrelevant and demotivating.

In light of this challenge and my experience, I recently thought of these two key points of advice that I would give every missionary candidate.  

1. Doctrine Matters

Little did I suspect that some of the greatest battles for biblical truth would not only be with Muslims, atheists, and Buddhists, but with others who claimed to be serving Christ alongside me. In my experience of many years overseas, the battle lines have been drawn on issues such as the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture, the extent and the intent of God’s special revelation, the nature and mission of the church, the message and the means of gospel proclamation, the biblical qualifications of elders, the sovereignty of God and the lordship of Christ, and the nature of the unregenerate and regenerate heart. I began to observe an unspoken a-theological ethos in the missions world; indeed, in many cases, theological minimalism reigns. Mobilization efforts of would-be missionaries often focus on the prospects of exciting cultures, idealistic passions, immediate needs, and creative platforms; whole mission teams commonly unite around such emphases. 

The doctrine of choice is often pragmatism: “If it works, then it must be true.” Doctrinal distinctives are usually the least common denominator. In our urgency, there is impatience with the slow work of sowing seed and for the even slower work of training up biblically qualified, indigenous elders. The need-for-speed and result-driven methods commonly shortcut the tiresome labor of training local pastors to be mighty in the Scriptures. Yet our missionary methodology always reveals our theology, or lack thereof. For instance, a deficient view of Scripture leaves the Bible unused and/or misused in evangelism and discipleship. Defective views of depravity and regeneration employ methods of “reaching” people that do not command repentance and submission to Christ’s kingship. Errant ecclesiology leads to teaching hopeful converts that they neither have to leave their native religious structures nor forsake their religious texts.

In his book Paul the Missionary: Realities, Strategies, and Methods(InterVarsity, 2008), Eckhard Schnabel helpfully explains:

Missionaries, evangelists, and teachers who have understood both the scandal of the cross and the irreplaceable and foundational significance of the news of Jesus the crucified and risen Messiah and Savior will not rely on strategies, models, methods, or techniques. They rely on the presence of God when they proclaim Jesus Christ, and on the effective power of the Holy Spirit. This dependence on God rather than on methods liberates them from following every new fad, from using only one particular method, from using always the same techniques, and from copying methods and techniques from others whose ministry is deemed successful.

We must heed the appeal “to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). One of the enemy’s oldest tricks is to coax us to let our guard down and assume the gospel.  When the hard edges of gospel doctrine are assumed, they are quickly forgotten; the mission, then, is aborted. 

2. Pain Is Part of the Plan

I grew up with a health disability that would have prevented me from ever going to college, obtaining a job, or living a long, normal life. Before God mercifully delivered me from it, he graciously delivered me through it. Many days and nights I laid in the darkness of my room in much pain and nausea, praying in the silence that God would give me the sustaining grace to preach the gospel to the nations. I started pre-seminary at the age of 5 when God sent me my wisest and most influential teacher: affliction. Through his loving discipline, God taught me about his sovereign goodness and inscrutable wisdom. 

Having grown up facing much affliction, and having learned well the theology of suffering under a sovereign God, I was still naïve to how unrelenting and inexplicable are the trials of the missionary life. If not for the doctrine of God’s wise sovereignty in suffering, I would never have made it. Long-term missions can indeed be a place of excitement and adventure; however, it is also inescapably a place of adversity and barrenness. It is moreover the land of self-emptying and learning to laugh at yourself; learning to think, feel, dream, and reason in a foreign language; learning to enjoy the adopted family of Christ in light of distant relationships back home; learning to keep silent in the face of stiff criticism from those who once supported you; learning to eat the Word of God as your daily food; learning to pray for your wife and children because their lives literally depend upon it; and learning to navigate wisely on the path of self-denial amid a global culture immersed in self-indulgence, self-promotion, and self-preservation.

I would soberly admonish any missionary candidate that the mission field is not all romance and radical adventure; it is also mingled with heartbreak, loss, and self-denial. But therein we discover God’s boundless love and wise providence. C. S. Lewis said in in his poem As the Ruin Falls, “The pains You give me are more precious than all other gains.” Perhaps D. A. Carson says it best in his excellent book on suffering, How Long, O Lord?: Reflections on Suffering and Evil:

The more the leaders are afflicted with weakness, suffering, perplexity, and persecution, the more it is evident that their vitality is nothing other than the life of Jesus. This has enormously positive spiritual effects on the rest of the church. The leaders’ death means the church’s life. This is why the best Christian leadership cannot simply be appointed. It is forged by God himself in the fires of suffering, taught in the school of tears. There are no shortcuts.

God loves his servants so much that he allows them to suffer, so that his grace will sustain them in order to make his glory known. Our weakness is the God-ordained instrument through which the Holy Spirit fills us with the power of Christ.