Sing Praise to Him

This last week was spent in Indiana training with Experience Mission. First off Fort Wayne Indiana is beautiful and I could totally see myself returning at some point. The training was not only essential before leaving but has already given me the opportunity to be challenged in new ways. Whether it was learning about cross cultural differences or acknowledging topics such as hope and dignity it was needed. This was also the first time I met my team, and already it is clear God is at work. We're all coming from very different places, but with a common compassion of wanting to be there to help others and individually grow. It is so easy in a materialistic world were resources can be abundant and we are taught to pick up our phones to complain before even trying to independently problem solve. God far too often takes the back burner. Being able to leave with little communication and limited resources will give us the room to grow in areas in our lives we may have previously been un...

Hey friends! First off I would like to say thank you again for your support on this new adventure! People would ask "are you sure you'll get the money?" My answer was always yes, I knew God was calling me to overseas missions. But never did I expect it to happen so fast. Everything fell right into place. It was a gentle reminder that my worldly eyes are just that, worldly eyes. The plans God has are far greater than the ones I've ever planned for myself. As many of you know I am a Rehabilitation services major at UMF, focusing on trauma and crisis work. I love this field and the opportunity to assist individuals during some of the hardest moments of their life. These last few years have had many ups and downs, but ultimately I had a steady plan. I finished rehab classes fast, and had a found two jobs I truly loved. I had a home and was fortunate enough to have transportation to and from. Next I would be finding an internship, and applying to graduate school. But ...

I have been holding onto this song the last few days, as I pray continously for those around me who are in pain and hurting. It seems ever where I turn there is a family member or close friend whose heart weighs heavy with the burdens of life. Every job I have is within the helping field, calling me to give of myself in many different ways. The crying shoulder as someone mourns their loved one. The unbiased listener to those who feel abused and lost between the cracks of public assistance, whose daily routine consists of finding the next meal and making it back to the shelter for the night. Weekends are spent answering helpline calls for a sexual assault crisis center, where I spend the evening helping individuals through flashbacks and nightmares that leave them terrified. Yet, at the end of the day- I lack the power, the means, and the strength to take away anyones pain. How I would love to wave a magic wand, and make all better. Though God has given me the gift of intuition ...

Today while speaking to a friend about my excitement/nerves about officially saying yes to the trip she spoke about a sermon she recently heard, and the analogy was that of a green light. Just to GO. On my way home after being getting my physical travel clearance by my doctor this song came on. The first few words, "Give me the green light, show me the finish line No more spinning in circles, no more wasting time So let it start today, where I flip the switch and say You're my light, I won't fight, I'll go wherever You say To the top of the highest mountain, to the bottom of every valley I'll be the spark that turns into the grand finale This love is something everyone needs to know Hearts are calling', no more stalling It's just ready set go". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgkzlu-FaMU ‪#‎ IgetitGod‬ ‪#‎ Greenlight‬ ‪#‎ LIVEYOURMISSION‬ ‪#‎ YES‬

I twiddled my thumbs, I prayed, I questioned, I prayed some more and then when I least expected I found an E-mail sitting there- unopened & it sunk in. I WAS ACCEPTED! 6 Month Journey to the Caribbean:  1 week in Indiana  2 weeks at a Navajo Reservation  Haiti  Jamaica  Belize Costa Rica  (7 weeks at each location)  Spreading the LOVE OF JESUS!  I couldn't help but laugh at how God works. I've been so impatient these last few years, wondering- waiting, questioning- and right when I catch on and learn the lesson He was working in me for so long it is then I get the news.  Pastor Dick from the Mechanic Falls Vineyard often says "Faithful with a little and He will give you more." Below is a link to learn more about the program: http://experiencemission.org/immersion/

               This last past year has been a year of growth, accomplishments, trials and loss. It has been a roller coster ride of events, and my faith wavered at times. I was unsure what was next on my path for life and I was becoming frustrated that I didn't know exactly what was next. Struggling with personal baggage, and holding onto past events left me chained down. I was angry at God for not helping, when I was so frustrated. Months later, through prayer, tears and patience I came to realize I was the one who was holding myself back.               I chose to let go of the past which was holding me captive. Some days I still find myself looking back, questioning and pondering- but ultimately I must continue ahead. I've learned that it is OK to look back, but instead of focusing on the negative's of a situation, shifting gears to focus on the blessings of God and the testimony of how HE helped you throu...

I found this old writing I did in High School, and the irony is- every bit of this is what I have been currently struggling to grasp. A sweet reminder of His love, a love that has no boundaries. "I'm absolutely convinced that nothing-nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable-absolutely nothing can get between us and God's LOVE because of the way that Jesus, our master has embraced us," (Romans 8:38-39). So, God is good. He loves us and has promised to never leave us; not ever. Let me guess, this isn't the first time you've heard this, is it? I'm sure you've heard many truths about God. Maybe you've heard them so much and so often that they sound meaningless or superficial. You see though, these truths about God aren't just facts; so called “guidelines for Christians” or even do's and don't. We should be clinging to the truth no matter what life throws our way. But instead we...