As I sit here, overwhelmed by God's presence, I wanna share with you my heart. There's been alot of things God's been doing in me the last few months. To put it simply, He's been revealing and dealing with alot of deep-rooted fears I've had. And often, as you're going through that process...it's hard to articulate what exactly, you're feeling and how you're dealing with it. Seeing imperfections in ourselves is a very hard thing...and quite frankly, we'd rather not see it.
But this is exactly what God has continued to do in me. And though it is painful, I've been asking Him to help me to embrace these weaknesses (as Paul did), knowing that they are pushing me closer to God, and causing me to rely on Him more than myself. This is the place I want to be, leaning into God...knowing that the only way I'm going to remain on this path He's leading me on is IN Him. There ain't NO way I can do this in my own strength. (Funny how often we start to try though, isn't it? And that's when, in His grace, He shows us our error...and calls us to come deeper in Him.)
This time of preparing to go to Africa again has been fun, and yet stretching too. God is wooing me closer to Him, and calling me to live a life of complete trust in Him. Do you know how much the flesh wants to resist that? Ooooh...my flesh has wanted to take control SO many times, and MAKE things turn out how I want. But that isn't the way that'll lead me to deeper intimacy with God.
As I'm writing, I don't yet have all the money for tickets to Africa. I quite like to have "all my ducks in a row" and preparations made WELL in advance, with a good "buffer zone" so I don't even have to think about such things. But this is the part where God's saying, "Trust ME." "I'm your Provider...and I will NEVER fail you. Not only will I get you to Africa, but I will get you there with MORE than enough, so you can pour out that abundance on others." But oh...how this trusting goes against the grain of human tendencies! And though I know I've been in this place before, it's different somehow. I suppose every time God asks us to take a step (or leap, as may be the case) of faith, it is exactly that...by FAITH. Not by sight.
I know that HE will provide. I know I am going to Africa, He's promised me that. But right now, He's taking my dirt (insecurities and fears) and in their place, giving me jewels worth more than gold or silver..worth more than any earthly treasure could replace. Though He could simply make things happen in a blink of an eye, I'm glad that He's choosing this "refining/stretching" route...'cause it's pulling me SO much closer to Him. And I feel that I'm beginning to smell His fragrance.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Next Adventure: Mozambique...a journey of Love
To partner with God in serving others truly is the joy of life. To go where He leads, without hesitation or reservation...may seem scary at times, but if He's promised His presence every step of the way, there ain't nothin' holdin' me back from walkin' in it today.
I've got some exciting news...I'll be traveling again! =) As you know, a year and a half ago, I went to a Missions School in Mozambique, where I was healed and transformed in the presence of God. The last year and a half of being back in North America has been an interesting one....of learning to live in the path God's leading me on. But yet a joyful journey of serving here, and enjoying the people God has placed around me. He brought me through a season of rest, into a season of pouring out, and now is calling me overseas again. To finally be able to write you and say "I'm going overseas!!" brings joy to my heart. Though, it was quite a process. Multiple times, God had me lay down my desire to travel, and it appeared as though I wouldn't be going. But now, He's made it clear that the next step is going back to Mozambique. I feel that He is leading me there because this is part of the preparation for what He's asking me to walk in.
So, it is final! This spring/summer, I will be volunteer-staffing at an International Missions Training in Mozambique. (the same school I went to in Oct. '09) As staff, there will be many areas I will be serving in, and many areas that I will be grown and stretched.
God has told me that I can't even attempt to do this alone...having others network behind me is key in this next step. And those standing with me will share in the blessings of this journey. So this is an opportunity for you, to share in the amazing adventure...will you stand with me in prayer?
for MORE of God!! that my hunger for Him will increase, even as I'm pouring out
that I'll remain in God's rest
for abundant favor
for all the needed funds to come in
that everything will go smoothly/for unity in the staff
that God will prepare the hearts of the students...and the people in the villages, who will be experiencing God's love...some for the first time
If you are interested in partnering with me financially towards this next step of my journey, you can contact me by email or phone.
OR
If you are willing to pray for me and would like to receive updates (i don't know how often I'll be able to write them, as it depends how much spare time/internet accessibility I'll have....but will try to at least send out a couple during my time in Africa) please contact me with your email address. =)
I've got some exciting news...I'll be traveling again! =) As you know, a year and a half ago, I went to a Missions School in Mozambique, where I was healed and transformed in the presence of God. The last year and a half of being back in North America has been an interesting one....of learning to live in the path God's leading me on. But yet a joyful journey of serving here, and enjoying the people God has placed around me. He brought me through a season of rest, into a season of pouring out, and now is calling me overseas again. To finally be able to write you and say "I'm going overseas!!" brings joy to my heart. Though, it was quite a process. Multiple times, God had me lay down my desire to travel, and it appeared as though I wouldn't be going. But now, He's made it clear that the next step is going back to Mozambique. I feel that He is leading me there because this is part of the preparation for what He's asking me to walk in.
So, it is final! This spring/summer, I will be volunteer-staffing at an International Missions Training in Mozambique. (the same school I went to in Oct. '09) As staff, there will be many areas I will be serving in, and many areas that I will be grown and stretched.
God has told me that I can't even attempt to do this alone...having others network behind me is key in this next step. And those standing with me will share in the blessings of this journey. So this is an opportunity for you, to share in the amazing adventure...will you stand with me in prayer?
for MORE of God!! that my hunger for Him will increase, even as I'm pouring out
that I'll remain in God's rest
for abundant favor
for all the needed funds to come in
that everything will go smoothly/for unity in the staff
that God will prepare the hearts of the students...and the people in the villages, who will be experiencing God's love...some for the first time
If you are interested in partnering with me financially towards this next step of my journey, you can contact me by email or phone.
OR
If you are willing to pray for me and would like to receive updates (i don't know how often I'll be able to write them, as it depends how much spare time/internet accessibility I'll have....but will try to at least send out a couple during my time in Africa) please contact me with your email address. =)
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