Just like the mist

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning mist--it's here a little while, then it's gone." James 4:14

It's only been a week since my previous post and MY how things have shifted. So let's update!

I'm NO LONGER going to Africa in August alongside my friend Sara. God's plan for her August has shifted, and He has the final say. I was stunned to say the least, but not worried. Nothing was going to seperate me from this conviction God has put on me heart. Chip Ingram once said, "When you and God agree on something, NOTHING can seperate that calling from turning into a reality." And I am witnessing that truth first hand.

The exact same day Sara told me that she couldn't come to Africa, I got a call from a friend who asked if I would be willing to change my trip dates and accompany a group of amazing people to Uganda/Kenya in December. It took me all of two seconds to decide to make the switch! Some of you might think that's disorganized, or that I should've prayerfully considered the idea for a few weeks then got back to him, but my theory is this: God doesn't work around MY schedule, or yours, or ours, for that matter. The will of God is unpredictable, sure, but it's not invisible. This opportunity came at a moment where my "praise" for God was dwindling, and I was wondering why He would throw this "fork" into my plan for the summer. And that was the whole point. August in R/E with Sara was MY plan. My analytical, well-thought out plan. Not God's. Even in the efforts to do something great, an act of servitude, somehow I put my wants over God's. Yeah, that sucks to say, but it's honest. 

So for the verse of my blog: My life is but a mist, that vanishes as the day goes on. My plan is also that mist, easily lost as the Son comes out and shines HIS plan through brightly. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have NO idea what God has in store for me now, all I know is that He's got the pen in His hands, and He's writing my biography! And MAN is that the coolest thing in the world or what??

SO, long blog short: I'm STILL serving, I'm STILL asking for prayers. Just the details of my trip have changed. I'll be going to Uganda/Kenya on December 26-Jan 6, with the protection of God's grace.

Thanks for staying up with my trip! There will be more details to come as I know this! But for now, I'm going to STOP worrying about the "plans" and the "details" and simply follow where God leads.

Redeemed, JAS.

Give Good A Chance

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Listen up "good men"!!

I was talking with a girl today in one of my (more stressful) classes. It's what us well-on-our-way-to-graduation-juniors call crunch time! Scholarship deadlines are everywhere, EVERY class has a project or two underway, and it's "Stress Level Midnight!" Needless to say, everyone is ready for summer, but we can't check out just yet. ANYWAY. 

She began ranting about the evils in the world and how some people just can't be born with a conscience. She mentioned Hitler, then somehow we got to Westboro Baptist Church members. (yikes!) Then came the universal question that I think many people have found themselves asking:

"Does [insert name here] have a conscience?" "Does [insert name here] know what "good" looks like?"
"Are people born good or evil?"

John 1:6-9

"God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe him. John himself wasn't the light, he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The One who is the true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world."

This verse lets me know that everyone, EVERYONE has a little bit of good/light in them. Even the people I can't stand or that I think are plain hateful, they have good in them. This verse tells me that at the beginning of time (or our existence) God gave every man a piece of himself to provide for them a conscience. How comforting. Moral of the verse? Give people a chance. They WILL surprise you. Sometimes the surprise is a lesson you were needing to learn. Randy Pausch (google him!) used to say that no matter how much evil a person may show you, if you give them an honest chance, the good will come out of them somewhere. 

What about the Hitlers and the sects of the world? It just goes to show how far we have fallen from Grace and in a sense, lost their moral compasses. 

Spring Break 2011!!

So before we let the evils of the world triumph, examine where the hearts of "good men" dwell. Are we giving people, (God's people) a fair chance? NO ONE is too evil for the gospel to change their lives. When we stop believing in that, we stop living. God created them too. Hatred has no place in a Christian's heart. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. 

Give people a chance, they might surprise you.  

Redeemed, JAS.

P.S. Africa details SOON to come! Thanks for the prayers and support thus far!

To Whom It May Concern

I decided the details of my trip to Africa were FAR too long for a Facebook status, so, here is where I'll describe the last few months of my life (cliffnotes style!):

Ever since I graduated high school I knew I wanted to travel abroad. Whether it was for school or for a mission trip, or for vacation, the travel bug had hit! My mom and I have gone to many different places across the US, and I'm EVER grateful that she has instilled in me the mindset of how travelling the world can help you better understand your own. Shout out, I love you mom!

Skipping ahead what would be the last 3 years of my life of "avoiding" trip opportunities and/or "making excuses" as to why I shouldn't go (for reasons which most of you would deem exceptable) God basically said, "THAT'S IT! I've had enough!" It's all in or all out! For context, this was about the time the first earthquakes hit Haiti. I felt more than "called" and more than "emotional" about what had happened to the people there. Even prior to that, the tsunamis across the world had hit home with me at a young age, and Katrina. I knew I wanted to help. Didn't matter where, for how long, or what exactly for. But I knew/know I am able and willing, so God would lead me.

 A friend of mine, *he who must not be named* (but not Voldemort) began telling me details about his upcoming trip to Africa last winter. This Voldemort is truly a blessing in my life, as he well knows, and I began to "regret" that I hadn't been doing what he was getting ready to do. That's when God said it again, "I've had enough!!"...of my excuses and half-hearted vision of helping others. And then, as God so perfectly does, the Word got to me. Scripture after Scripture put a conviction on my heart SO STRONG, I'd be an inch from hell if I had ignored it.

Why was I "jealous" of a friend doing an act of love for God? Why do I say "I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength." But then I wasn't really living that? I'd become a hypocrite, a luke warm Christian.

Skipping ahead a few months, I applied. I took my "here I go" moment and ran with it! And now I'm going to Ethiopia and Rwanda in August 2011 for 11 days.

I wish I could say that I've gotten nothing but support and that my life has become richer, but quite the opposite. See, whenever you step out in obedience to what God has told you to do, your red dot pops up on the devil's radar and he has it out for you. Whether it's a frightened family member, or a friend who thinks I'll never make a difference, I won't be scared, and I will make a difference. Yes, I've met obstacles, and I'm sure more will come. But if God is for me, NOTHING can stop me.

I'll be going with an organization called Visiting Orphans, (google them!) whose sole mission comes from James 1:27-- to love on orphans in their distress.

I'm not saying going to Africa makes me any more "spiritual" than anyone else. There's a difference between taking a radical step of faith and a reckless step of foolishness. I have the chance, and I'm going to take it.
More to come, as always!


Redeemed, JAS. :)

What I Expect



My best friend. :)



And me. :)



"The world is a dangerous place, but not because of those who do evil, but because of those who see evil and do nothing."

I can officially start blogging about my trip to Africa! I'm SO excited. Excited isn't even a grand enough word for it! Also, my friend Sara will be going with me! If you're reading this, I ask that you lift BOTH of us up in prayer, it's going to be one heck of a year!

I think my main point this morning as I'm typing is that I've heard a lot about "growing where you're planted." Which is great! What I mean is, the main thought/facial expresssion I've received when I say something like, "I'm going to Africa!" is either, "Why?" or "There's plenty to be done right here in the US." Both GREAT thoughts, and I look forward to answering more just like that. :) Here's one answer I've given and wanted to share:

I believe in the power of story-telling. Yes, story-telling. Like parents do for their children late at night, or the storyline of a movie. I believe in the power of relaying a message with visuals, with "characters." Jesus did too. He used COUNTLESS parables throughout the New Testament to enlighten the men of His day. Those "stories" stuck with them to the point where the "hidden truth" among them was a daily lesson to be learned. 

Now, I'm a STRONG missionary for the area of Midwest City, Oklahoma, USA. My heart breaks DAILY for the people I interact with and the choices that come before me each week. But who's to say I should've do both, if I can? Some would say what "dent" can you make in the orphan crisis in two short weeks, what are you possibly expecting to "get out of this." And that's where the shock comes in:

 I'm expecting EVERYTHING out of this. Before you say, "HOW SELFISH!" Hear me out:

Jim Elliot (an amazing man of God, google him if you want!) used to say something like, "The world has yet to see what God can do to a man, through a man, and for a man, who's completely sold out to Him." (Insert your name.)

I think it's a Tenth Avenue North song, but the lyric goes, "At first I was afraid, but not because of fear. I was afraid because the Holy of holies was inviting me near. " The God of ALL creation has invited me on a spiritual journey and He promised He'd never leave me. That's all I need to know. And guess what? Two of us agree! (see the promise of Matthew 18:19)

What do I expect to "get out of this trip," then? Everything. I expect to never be the same, I expect to leave a piece of myself there, (emotionally and physically, ha!) I expect to change the lives of the people around me while I'm there. And more than that, I expect to get a story or two. Or two hundred. :) A story that when I come back to my mission field of MDUB, people can't help but hear it and be changed. FOREVER. I'm living proof that a "story" about what God is doing in the lives of His people is all it takes to change someone. ANYONE.



TFS & JAS

I'm praying for a new story for my own life, and for yours. And I'm so thankful to the One who's writing mine daily.

"...he who has ears let him listen..." -Jesus.

REDEEMED, JAS. :)

P.S. Happy Birthday to Jimmie Tribble. The godliest man I know, and have ever known. He was CRUCIAL to my salvation, and for that, I'm forever grateful. LOVE HIM!

Janky

: What this blog is currently.
: Also, the speed my mind moves compared to my life around me.

I swear blog, I will update you soon!

STILL redeemed, JAS. :)

Commanded, Not Called.

Today I woke up with this thought:

Why do people say they are or aren't "called" to do the work of God?

Is anybody "called?" No, actually we're COMMANDED. I feel as if we have unknowingly erected lines of defense against the global purpose God has COMMANDED for our lives. "Well, I'm just not called to foreign missions." They way we talk about "foreign missions" makes it seem like it's an optional program at the church for only "those who are called" to take part in. But where in the Bible is missions ever identified as an optional program at church? What select few have this crazy task to complete alone?

The point is this: Jesus himself didn't merely CALL us to go to all nations; he has CREATED us and COMMANDED us to go. We have taken this command and reduced it to a "calling," a "conviction." The Great Comission that SO many of us could cite off in our sleep doesn't say "Therefore (some of you) GO..."

We like to rationalize God's word in other ways too to make it fit better with our lives, instead of the other way around. We read the command in Matthew to make disciples of all nations, and we think "that means other people." Then we skip back a few chapters and read ANOTHER command that says, "Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." And we think, "that means me." We take Jesus' promise in Acts that His Spirit will lead us to the ends of the earth and think, "I just can't." Then again in John, Jesus promises to give life abundantly, and we think "That I can handle."

We're assigning the obligations of Christianity to a few, while keeping the priveleges of Christianity for all.

Some would say things like this: "What about the needs here? My mission field is the United States." Here's my stance:

Out of the 7 billion people living on the Earth right now, (and counting) 1/3 of the people consider themselves a Christian. The other 4.5 BILLION(ish) who don't claim to know Christ, will spend an eternity seperated from everything that is good. By the way, most of that number live outside the United States. But let me be clear in saying that I'm not bashing hometown churches or anything of the sort. My mom always says, "You grow where you are planted." And I'm a firm believer in that. Now, I'm growing farther out than she was expecting. :)

For those who think they'd never have time for, the resources for, the health for going overseas, or even the mere desire, please know that we have been commanded. And why can't we do both? If your mission field is here, then MAKE IT your mission field. BEAR FRUIT. And if you refuse to go, please help to send. Let's work together and stop compartmentalizing "missions" and see the need. And meet it! If God is for us, what can ever stop us?

God has blessed us with living in a country where we don't wake up scouring for food, running for our lives, or living on the streets. MAN, I love the United States!!! But, He blesses us not for our sakes, not because He loves us, (which He truly does), but it's to help spread HIS name, HIS glory.


I'm blessed to be apart of the diverse, worldwide body of believers. I'm thankful for my church, the fellowship I grow with each week, the pastors who challenge me daily, and the ability to worship freely. I'm overflowing with blessings, that I just have to share.

REDEEMED, JAS. :)

Peace over worry

"True peace isn't found in the lack of conflict or in the feelings of contentment. True peace is knowing that the God of the universe is in total control of your life."

AAAAAMEN. I feel as if people from all around the world wake each day in a pre-determined state of stress/worry. One of the first things we think each morning is, "What time is it?" Are we wondering the time because we're grateful for another day? Hardly. We usually wonder what time it is to see if we're running late, if we slept too long, or if we can hit the snooze another 5x. It's almost like our days are instantly going to be driven by what worries us most. Did I finish that assignment for class? I hope we don't have a test in there today. Is there gas in my car? Did I call so and so back? Do I have time for a Starbucks which I so desperately (think I) need?? All of these things seem harmless and just thoughts, not worries. But are they?

I've always considered myself to be a citizen of the utopia world that The Beatles would've lived in. Where people simply "Let it Be." But the more I've examined my life, I see that I am controlled by my anxieties, by my schedules. And for lack of a better word, it's pathetic. 

Let me share a way that God has taken control over my anxieties and is letting me know that He knows what He's doing.

This morning I woke up with my typical worries. Am I running late? Yes, I was. Instead of worrying, I decided to drive safely rather than frantically, and let it go. Did I end up being late? No, I didn't. Did ticketmaster overbook my Valentine's Day present for this Saturday and therefore ruin my weekend plans? Yes, they did. After a 30 second rant, I let it go instead of letting it ruin my day. Did my amazing boyfriend come up with something even better for us to occupy our time with for Saturday? Yes, he did. And most importantly for today. I've been waiting on an important email back from the organization that I'm hoping to travel with this summer. It's been over a few weeks, and all day I'd been worrying about whether the spots on the trip would be filled or not. Did she email me back tonight JUST as I was letting go of the situation? Yes, yes she did. :) The point? God will bless your obedient decision to LET GOD and stop worrying!

In Philippians 4, Paul wrote: "The peace of God, that surpasses ALL understanding will guard your heart and your mind."

And DANG is that true!

The peace that comes from God is something unexplainable, or as it says, completely unfathomable. The feeling of having God be in control of a situation in your life, rather than you taking control, is TRUE peace. And if you're a true follower of Christ, you're striving to have God control EVERY area of your life to gain that true peace that surprasses all understanding.

Tonight, I've decided to do just that. It's something I have to remind myself of daily, but I'm letting go, and letting God give me peace of mind that only He can give.

I'm applying for my trip to Africa in the morning, so continue to pray for all involved as well as the area we'll be travelling to. More to come! :)

Redeemed, JAS.