OH HOW HE LOVES US!

I have to share a personal victory as I am exploding with God's love and mercy today! Almost a year ago I set out to make what seemed like an impossible change in my life. I wanted to let go of my personal crutch that I had become fully dependent on for fulfillment in life, and instead, I wanted to grab a hold of God and be completely satisfied in Him, knowing that He is enough and everything else is a loss compared to knowing Him. As I said, this seemed IMPOSSIBLE, especially with the deep habits that had built up in my life and shaped much of who I had become and the everyday decisions I made. In the midst of this pursuit, I was faced with the trial of letting go of, forgiving, and moving on from a person who hurt me deeper than I knew a person could possibly hurt someone. A fear of this person built up in my heart and Satan delighted in using the situation to torture me mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. For many months I found myself completely broken, in deep pain, and a slave to this person.

I had to see this person last night.

And the victory was mine in Christ! I was able to show this person God's grace, mercy, and love. I know with all my heart that it was not me sitting with and conversing with this person, but Christ, and I pray they saw Christ sitting with them and not me. I had worked so hard to forgive this person and to see myself as God sees me, instead of seeing myself through this person's eyes as small and worthless. In coming to see myself as loved, holy, and a bride of the King, I know that I am loved to the max by my Savior, and so I can live confidently and joyfully without fear of what other people say or think of me. I now know that I am HEALED and this person no longer has power over my life! PRAISE GOD! I honestly believed that I would never get to a place in my life where I could let go of my personal crutch. God did the impossible in my life, once again...I am no longer hung up on anyone but HIM! HE is more than Enough. I am HIS bride. I am HIS beloved. I am HIS child. OH HOW HE LOVES US!

"My Beloved is mine, and I am HIS!" ~Song of Solomon 2:16

Surrender to Him, whatever your personal crutch is, whatever you are holding on to. His plans and His love are so much greater. Don't know how to begin to let go? Pray for God to turn your heart back towards Him. Pray for Him to SMOTHER you in His love and to reveal His delight and His affections for you. Don't believe He delights in you? Read Psalm 139 and BELIEVE what it says. His love doesn't just apply to those around you, it applies to YOU too! Dive into the Word, soak in His love, and surrender! Fall in love with your Creator!

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." ~James 4:7-10

Trip is Paid Off!

It seems like yesterday I was asking people to pray as I stepped out in faith to accept the call to go to Zambia this summer. 2 months ago, $4300 seemed like an impossible amount to raise for a trip in just 3 months. I have rejoiced over every donation received and now I rejoice in God's abundant faithfulness as the trip is officially paid off. I am so aware that it is not just me going on this trip. Everyone who has donated, prayed, encouraged, and supported me is going with me. I am blessed to be representing everyone who has contributed to reaching orphans for Christ in Zambia. Throughout this process I have posted prayer requests; there are still many prayers needed as June quickly approaches, but I want to take some time to lift up praises to our Faithful Provider, God.

Praises:
-$1000 down payment was made in January a day before the deadline.
-Money for immunization shots was provided by my sweet family.
-My friend of 16 years took time out of her day to drive me to get my shots.
-Individuals from church, school & life groups have provided ALL the supplies needed for the blessings boxes I'll be taking to Africa with me.
-Money for a VISA when I get to Zambia has been provided.
-Extra funds for buying travel necessities, traveling expenses, etc. have been provided.
-The total $4300 for the trip has been provided 2 weeks before the deadline.
-The opportunity to share what God is doing in Zambia with total strangers and non-Christian friends.
-Meeting new brothers & sisters in Christ, and developing new bonds & friendships as we come together in the common interest of serving God through missions.
-Seeing the most giving church I've ever encountered smother me with their love, kindness & giving hearts.
-Experiencing God change my heart as He prepares me for Africa.
-Knowing and experiencing HIS love in totally new & passionate ways.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. ~Ephesians 3:20-21

Special Africa Need. Please Read!

I had my first team meeting for Africa last weekend and found out that we will be giving the kids "blessing boxes" on our last day there. For those of you that are familiar with Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child, the boxes are kind of like that. I will have 15 kids in my group and will be responsible for all 15 boxes for them...basically, if I don't bring it with me, they don't get it. Soo...I need your help! They've asked us to get our church involved in giving to these boxes. The list below is what I need to bring with me to Africa. If you feel led to donate any of these items, please feel free to contact me or drop them off at the church office.

Blessing Box Items:
15 Boxes of 16 Count Crayons
75 Pencils (5 per child)-- I was amazed at how many brand new pencils I had laying around the house!!
15 Pencil Sharpeners
15 Pink Erasers
30 Ballpoint pens (2 per child)
15 Toothbrushes
15 Bottles of lotion (2 oz. size)
15 Bars of Soap
15 Sheets of Stickers
15 Beanie Babies, Webkins or Small Stuffed Animals
$10 per box - in total, $150 for 15 boxes (this covers the cost of the plastic box containers being bought and shipped to Africa)

Everyone has been so awesome to be apart of this trip through prayers and donations. I am beyond grateful. We are getting closer to the $4300 needed to make the trip each day! Thank you, thank you, thank you! God is good!