and...CHECK!

what a GREAT week and weekend. I was determined this week to live life to the full....and I did! {and looking back I see I got a lot crossed off the 'ol bucket list!}

John 10:10 says...I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. {MSG}

I'm learning {slowly and painfully at times} that His life for me is WAY BETTER than any life I could dream up.

From "hot-cocoa shindigs" and reading bed-time stories to little people to dinner with girlfriends, coffee with a sweet friend, home-made soup and a hot chocolate movie night with precious friends, a fun Saturday morning date baking cookies and dancing with my favorite little Peruvian...and wrapping the weekend up with an incredible Christmas {The Story} Concert and a church Christmas night of worship...whew! It was a great week and weekend and I realize how much I am blessed. Blessed to have friends that encourage me and do this thing called life together. Blessed to have amazing parents that are constantly calling me just to "check in" and show they care...blessed to have been blessed with so much. Counting my blessings this morning definitely brings a smile to my face as to how much God loves me...how much He loves all of us. His love is unfathomable.

I was brought to tears and completely inspired by the Story concert. Basically it's the Bible set to music. Stories that I have heard and read my whole life brought TO LIFE. In the words of another friend who attended..."who knew I could relate so well to the life of Moses?" It was incredible.

I wrote down some of my favorite lines from the evening...

"When others told Joshua NO WAY...Joshua shouted YAHWEH!"

"Don't lose sight of Who HE IS...It must be YOU...Moses"

"You gotta ask if you want an answer...Esther"

"Who am I to make demands of the God of Abraham?....Job"

so many stories to relate to...and I came away from the night realizing I had lost sight of WHO HE IS. I have been consumed with my life and have missed seeing His hand prints at every step. I walked away wanting to KNOW Him more...I walked away desiring to pull my Bible out and read up on these stories that maybe have become too familiar and asking God to give me a fresh look at each one. I walked away desiring Him more.

I really needed this week...and I thank God for it. It makes me even more determined to live out this next week with the same urgency and watch what God will do!

Christmastime "bucket list"

...lately I have been quite inspired by the way my pastor is living his life. Being diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer this time last year has caused him to live his life with such an urgency. I'm inspired by how he is living life to the fullest and making the most of the time he has been given.

Shouldn't we all live life that way?

Diagnosis or not, we should all be living life redeeming the time. Making the most of every opportunity...taking every chance we get...sharing Christ with all we meet. Not only does his life inspire me to live my life with urgency, it has also inspired me to make a Christmastime "bucket list" this year. There are so many things I've always wanted to do at Christmas but either don't take the time or I'm lazy or I just let life consume me...not this year, nope! I'm determined to live my life with urgency and to make the most of every minute and enjoy the journey in the process. By that, I mean I'm gonna make a list of the things I've always wanted to do and this year...NO EXCUSES! If it's a children's activity...well by golly, I'm gonna go treat a special little person {Lord knows I may not have my own...but He sure has blessed me with loads of special little people!}...if it involves a family activity...I'm gonna invite one to go with me...God has blessed me and this season I CHOOSE to focus on what He has given me and not get trapped in the viscous lonely {down right depressing if I'm being transparent} cycle of what the holidays can be for a {single} girl...

so...here's my bucket list:

1. Christian {Christmas} Concert.
2. Church Christmas Play{s}
3. Go to a Christmas Tree Farm and cut a tree down.
4. Bake Cookies and anonymously drop them off at people's homes.
5. Hot chocolate and peppermint mmmhmmm shindigs ;)
6. Walk around the plaza to see the lights while drinking Sbux deliciousness.
7. Go for a drive in "Christmas in the Park" with my dad.
8. Christmas Caroling.
9. Send Christmas Cards early.
10. Hallmark Christmas movies...tons of them!
11. Hand-make all gifts and try not to spend a fortune on supplies.
12. Elf. {and all my other fav Christmas movies}
13. Buy some new Christmas pj's {I've always wanted some for Christmas Eve}
14. Be intentional about each activity I'm involved in...be present.
15. Be intentional with my out of town family and friends...give the gift of value.
16. Bake cookies with my nieces.
17. Take my parents to a nice dinner.
18. Go the extra mile with my clients. {I'm thinking cards}
19. Get my girlfriends and go sit on Santa's lap-picture time!
20. Christmas Eve movie with my Bro.
21. Christmas Eve Service.
22. Serve.
23. Read JKD Christmas Book diligently.
24. Make a meal for a family.
25. Have friends in my home...alot.

junk -> treasure

Ever heard the line "one man's junk is another man's treasure?"

I've seen this clearly the last couple of days as I have had the opportunity to help out with some renovations for our new salon. Laci and I have spent the last couple of days scouring through the local thrift stores and flea market along with hitting up the good old Hobby Lobby for the sales...and we were able to find some great junk...oops, I mean deals! We like to be thrifty and crafty and let's just say we have seen some junk turned into "treasures"...yes they are just temporal treasures but we are excited for this new journey and mission field God has given us and we just can't wait to make it our "new home."

As we were eye-balling things to decorate our new place with I said to her...don't look at this {the ugly frame or the weird looking mirror} for what it is now...you gotta look at it for what it CAN BE. Isn't that what God does when He looks at our humanity...so grateful for His eyesight. {now that's a message right there...} Last night we hauled all our loot to her husband's paint booth and lets just say we saw the "junk" transformed before our very eyes! Her husband {the expert} got his paint gun out and pretty soon {I'm talking really quickly} our junk turned into beautiful white pieces that looked brand new. All I could think about was how that's what God did when He sent Christ down to be our Savior...He made a way for our "junky lives" to be turned into beautiful masterpieces. The transformation that was taking place before our eyes in the paint booth is the same transformation that takes place when one decides to receive the gift God offers in His Son and chooses to follow HIM. Beautiful Transformation!

Today as I was scrubbing out the old refrigerator we will use I was reminded again of what Christ sacrifice on the cross did for me...you see, this fridge had seen better days...it was pretty dirty on the inside and out. As I worked with my rag, brush and bottle of bleach cleaner I saw the same transformation take place...what once looked like junk {I was even told by one of the workers there "good luck getting that cleaned...you'll never get it cleaned up!"} turned into a fridge that looked brand new. I love the analogy here too...how many people do we pre-judge and say..."good luck with that soul...there's no hope for them" and yet God get a hold of their lives and you see a complete transformation. A life that once looked hopeless is now brand spankin' new!

let's just say...we had a little church today! lessons learned.

guatemala '12

2 weeks later and I'm still processing. What an adventure. I truly went on this trip with NO EXPECTATIONS. I was already amazed that God let me be a part of this journey...and have a part in what He was doing in 8 other lives and also in what He was already at work doing in Guatemala. {side note: I feel humbly blessed that God allowed me to go on yet another journey to a foreign land this year...and on top of that that He would put it on the hearts of a dear out-of-state couple to support this journey is beyond what my simple mind can wrap around...He is Good and He DOES HAVE great plans!}

My worst nightmare came true the day of departure...I OVERSLEPT an hour and a half...UGH! I was supposed to pick my mother up so she could drive me and another girl to the airport at 3:30am...she called me {I was still sleeping} at 3:40am...oh my goodness! PANIC!!! God was Good and we arrived only 20 minutes after the rest of the team...how that happened...I don't know all I know is I was relieved!

My 1st view of Guatemala was breathtaking from the plane. Mountains and volcanoes...it was beautiful! Guatemala City looked like home...very modern. I truly was excited to get to the orphanage that we would call home for a week. Our new friend Darby was an excellent hostess and I praise God for how He knitted our hearts together so quickly. She was such a blessing to our team all week. I especially enjoyed learning her story and how God led her to serve there. Sacrifice and Commitment are the 2 words I will use to describe her. What a gift from God.

There are many lessons I learned while on this journey but perhaps the greatest one reminds me of an old song my mom used to sing when I was little..."little is much when God is in it." We may have been small in numbers but we serve a GREAT BIG GOD who allowed us to be a part of some huge things that week. I learned to never underestimate what God wants to do. He can use anything or anyone to accomplish His purpose. Since we didn't have a blog I updated my FB daily to keep people in the loop. I'm going to copy and paste those status' below to have for a memory. What a great adventure!

Guatemala Day 1: beautiful city/ beautiful people/ amazing ministry and staff to serve with/ challenged and inspired by YOUNG people who have sacrificed ALL to serve in this place/ incredibly blessed by and proud of this team!

Guatemala day 2: I can't even put into words the description of this day. As we went around the dinner table tonight sharing our "highs" there were way too many to share. Only one full day in this amazing place and 9 lives have already been deeply impacted by amazing peolpe. Best way to describe what we're doing: But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13 MSG) thanks for all the prayers...everyone is healthy and we start a very full week tomorrow! What a blessing to be here and serve...our hearts are full...all glory to our GREAT GOD!

Guatemala Day 3: we hit the ground running! The words of an old song come to mind tonight "little is much when God is in it..." Our team may be small in numbers but through Christ, we are seeing and experiencing so much. Highs of the day {per our team time} a rainbow in the sky~even when there was no rain/a woman in her 60's being able to see well for the 1st time/helping give better eyesight to a 15yr old/unsolicited and unconditional love from these precious people/going around the table and sharing our highs of the day as a group/worship in the salon....lets just say...it's been an incredible day! Can't wipe the smiles off of our faces!

Guatemala Day 4: the best way to sum up this day was what took place around our dinner table tonight...LOADS OF LAUGHTER! We are all definitely enjoying this journey! We are seeing miracles before our very eyes...we are using our bodies in service both at this home and in other children's homes...people have been given the opportunity to see clearly for the 1st time in their lives...We have literally felt the love of God pour out of these precious people...we had the opportunity of loving on one of the house moms today {a 22 yr. old single girl who has devoted her life to what God has asked of her and right now that looks like caring for 10 4-6yr old children...seriously~that SCREAMS sacrifice and dedication}...the boys enjoyed a game of soccer with the kids and I'm pretty sure I saw Josh and Cade turned into "horses" so the ninos could be "cowboys"...it's been a GRANDIOSO day!

Just so everyone knows...we are all ok here in Guatemala. We all felt the earthquake and it was a big one but we are all safe. The area that was greatly affected is further west of us...thank you for all the prayers and concerns! What an adventure!

Guatemala Day 5: NEVER a dull moment! Eye care team left bright and early for another children's home with 350+ children...they were able to see 215 of them today! 7.4 earthquake...for real! Josh and Cade have some serious painting skills and were also a huge help in the baby house today! Lisa, Meghan and I sorted through all the donations...the joy on the house mom's faces said it all...priceless! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be cutting babies hair while listening to Christmas music being played in Guatemala...we are definitely having the time of our lives serving here! We are humbled and blessed that we get to be a teeny weeny part of what God is doing here!

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8, 9 NLT)

Guatemala Day 6: not enough words to describe this day...from painting at the clinic to kids moment with Lisa to tons more haircuts and loving on all the precious children...our day got even better when the eye care team came back and shared all their stories with us...lets just say lots of tears! There are a ton of amazing stories from this week...PLEASE ASK US! We want to share!!! And then the icing on the cake was the send-off they have us tonight: each home {8 of them} got up individually and thanked us with cards/songs/skits for being here...it was priceless! What a wonderful week! We will end our time here tonight with Barnabas {encouragement} Time and then we are off to Antigua bright and early. Thank you for all the prayers...God is SO GOOD!

Guatemala Team is in Houston...bodies tired but hearts full!

What a great team, a great week...and a GREAT GOD! It was truly a week I won't soon forget and one that continues to keep me on my knees asking God what my role is in HIS great plan for orphans.

James 1:26-27 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

processing...

...I have to admit I have felt a little bit on "auto pilot" since arriving home from Peru...maybe I should've given myself a few more days before diving back into work, but I figured my clients had been so gracious it was time...and although it's been a challenge, I am glad I did get right back into life. I can say I have never felt so incredibly loved and missed by everyone...that feels really good. Even when I don't know exactly how to answer the questions {without brutal honesty that people might not understand} I have so appreciated all the hugs and the "welcome home" {s} and the {we've missed you!}...makes me feel great in the midst of trying to process this all out. Even though I have had several days and even a couple weeks to process this journey...the words to describe it have failed me at times. There is so much to tell. A couple of nights ago I found the booklet a friend of mine had made for me for my trip...it contains Scriptures and challenges and centering thoughts that were so timely while I was in Peru. I hadn't had the chance to finish it and little did I know, she had continued it for a couple days after arriving home...one of the days contained questions that I have found very helpful in processing. So, in trying to sum up this experience {which I am sure is going to take more than one blog post} I thought it would help me to process by answering her questions. 1} How did God challenge you this summer? ~The word {challenge} has been one that I have used frequently to describe my time in Peru. The journey was very challenging and shaping. One of the ways I was greatly challenged was in the area of dying to self. Sure, I have been taught my entire life that "you must die to yourself/ take up your cross/ follow God no matter what"...although I do NOT have this mastered by any means...God definitely challenged me in this area and I have to say I grew a smidge. Whether it was dying to myself in something small like eating rice and beans for the umpteenth time when I would've loved to have one of my favorite meals or spending time listening when I would've rather been having alone time or dying to myself in big areas of putting my desires, my plans, my dreams on the altar and saying continually..."YOUR will be done, not mine"...I was challenged daily for sure to say no to myself and yield to what God wanted for me. I will say, dying to self is painful...but I have found that there can be great joy in the midst of intense pain. How God can do that...I have no clue all I know is I experienced it and I am changed because of this challenge. I was also challenged to NOT tell God {in my heart} what I WILL and WILL NOT do. I'm ashamed to admit that I did that in my heart out of fear, insecurity and pride...but I was humbled once again and found myself in a place of repentance and submission to HIS Lordship and was reminded of the very words that are written on my wrist...{HERE AM I}. Another challenge was something I immediately have implemented on arriving home. I was challenged that my job has become a HUGE idol in my life. I am a workaholic and life is way too short for that. I need to trust that HE IS my Provider and that working less will give me more opportunity to rest, to have time for true fellowship with others {which will keep me from battling loneliness} and it will grow my faith in HIM...so, the work hours have changed and will start the last week of August. 2} How did you see the fulfillment of God's promise in Jer. 29:11 ~For those that know me, you know that Jer.29:11 was the Scripture that God used to start this whole MDP journey for me. Jeremiah 29:11-14 This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it. I think it's safe to say we {the whole gang} experienced the Sovereignty of God in this program...He had it all planned out...from Scripture lining up to what we were dealing with on the very specific day to His timing for ministry to seeing His movement in our lives...every step was PLANNED by Him and it was AMAZING to eye-witness. I truly felt taken care of BY GOD Himself...never once did I feel abandoned...no matter what was going on, His presence was near...tangible at times...and His voice spoke directly into the depths of my heart...I truly experienced Emmanuel, God with us. I can honestly say after this experience...He TRULY knows what He is doing...He can be trusted...because HE IS FAITHFUL! I learned that promise to be truth. 3} Did you learn anything new about your identity or calling? ~YES! Something my pastor challenges us to do is to search the Scriptures and write out a personal identity statement that is based on Truth. 3 years ago I did this and while this was a challenge that we presented to the MDP's, I found myself working on my identity statement more...I don't have it all quite re-written but I KNOW a new part of my identity is that I AM A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST. I can't say I really understood what that meant until this trip. Here I was placed in a place of leadership to "disciple" others and yet I walked away feeling like I had been the one discipled. {love how God does that!} So, I am purposed to study out what it means to be a disciple of Christ and build that into my identity statement. Another piece of Identity that I want to incorporate in my statement is this Scripture: Luke 9:24~If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. I relate to this verse not because I am good at it, but because it challenges me to live this kind of life...daily. I have been asked SO MANY questions on arriving home...some have been GREAT thought provoking questions that have truly helped me to process this journey...others, well...oh, no need to go there. :) Someone asked me a GREAT one yesterday: "What is one thing you miss the most?" the answer just flew out of my mouth...I MISS the living in community with others. Don't get me wrong...I am COMPLETELY SURROUNDED by friends and family that love me and shower me with that love and I am SO GRATEFUL...but my house is too quiet and I can't really say I enjoy eating meals by myself...I miss my door being opened all day long and the girls just popping in at all hours just to chat {or eat Nutella}...I miss TonyKay texting me to come join her in her apartment for coffee in the mornings...or our late night leader meetings in their cozy home...I miss being greeted by the little people for meals and sitting at a table full of people to share them with. I miss having people to say "buenas dias" and "buenas noches" to...even when I needed to take time to myself and escape to my room...I miss knowing that someone was always there...their footsteps reminded me that I was not alone...I greatly miss our daily worship/discussion times where all you could feel was God's presence embracing you...I REALLY enjoyed our community life in Peru and it is something that I will be more intentional to live out more of here because I KNOW it can be experienced here too! So when asked about my trip...be prepared...honest transparency is all I have to share...my first response has been it was by far the most challenging and shaping journey of my life BUT it was also one of the most rewarding journey's too...just because you say YES to what God asks of you doesn't mean it will be an easy path...in fact it will probably be anything but that...just look at the path that led Christ to the cross...easy??? NO. But since HE walked it for me and for you...He has shown us that no matter what path in life He asks us to walk...He will walk it right beside us...He truly knows every thought and every feeling we face as we walk the journey...He doesn't ask us to do anything that He Himself hasn't already endured. We can endure and know that the journey is worth it. To see the fruit that God produced in each one of our lives on this journey...TOTALLY WORTH IT. He didn't have to reveal that fruit this side of eternity...but HE did...and I truly believe He did because He is GOOD. And His plans are GOOD. Hebrews 12:1-2 ~Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Keeping my eyes on Jesus, ~Amy

...makes my heart beat fast!

All in a week's adventure! So, last week was a team week. We had a team made up of 7 different people from 3 different states. Let's just say they were all a blessing and we enjoyed the journey of a week full of adventures that definitely make your heart beat fast! I can speak for everyone that our quiet time and worship/discussion times were most meaningful. A lesson learned for me on this journey has been that it's not about me being in Peru "doing" things for God. God simply wants me to "BE" here with Him and just live out life with Him and engage with Him in what HE is already doing. Some highlights of our "being with God" week included community ministry where at 3 different churches we (the ladies) had the opportunity of pampering the women with manicures and pedicures. No matter where you are in the world, ladies like to have their nails pretty! A special moment for me was when I was able to give Pastora Alicia a manicure and then through our wonderful translator Eka, I was able to pray with Pastora...a moment I won't soon forget! At one of the churches we were invited to that pastors house after for coffee and toast w/jam.  I was excited for the invite and knew we couldn't turn it down but I'd also had to send our translator and another girl back to the home for the sponsorship dinner...so here we were following the pastor down the streets to her house...Dave was calling me telling me he was coming to get us and we were on a time crunch, I had no idea where we were to tell him how to find us, I couldn't communicate to ask where we were (thankfully one of the team girls knew more Spanish than me!) I knew that the pastor was making coffee for us with not so great water...prayed over that! It was crazy! Crazy but fun too to share his special time with these women! They were going from home to home to get enough mugs for all of us...I love the community living here, everyone shares! That evening was a special night! Another night we were going to Ola Grande for dinner and I was in the 2nd crew of people being transported. I was walking past the lil chica's room when I was asked by one of the girls if I would come do their hair for dinner. After ok-ing it with he house mom, I went into their bathroom to find 6 lil girls standing in front of the mirror getting all ready to go out to eat for dinner! Girls will be girls! :) on Wednesday, we went to a community right across the highway for a VBS and for the ladies pampering day. Let's just say the whole set up/prep time was a bit chaotic! When we finally got the ladies area set up and 4of us had just sat down to give manicures, the pastor runs by saying there is a fire! One of the homes in the area caught fire due to propane gas...and it spread to 3 other homes. The ladies we were working on ran out to go help. Later we found out that many people showed up and did the bucket brigade to help-a great example of community. It made me smile when the ladies returned after it was over to finish getting their nails done! So cute! Another super fun adventure on Friday was a trip to the local dairy farm! As we were piling in the van to go someone asked me what we were doing...I told them we are following Panchito and Rosa's lead, whatever they tell us to do, we will do! Well, that landed us in shoveling "fertilizer" if ya know what I mean! Ha! First we were outside the stalls....then Rosa says "follow me" into the stall with the cows AND with a cow that was in labor giving birth! I kept saying...is his really happening??? Hahaha! We couldn't quit laughing! Oh the adventures! Never a dull moment! We had a great week and I so enjoyed engaging in all that God was doing! it definitely was a make-your-heart-beat-fast kinda week! I'm finding that I crave that and that when you just "BE" with Christ, the adventures never stop! Dave has been challenging us all to "live in the moment" and I'm finding that as I do that, my life is so full...there's no room for worry...only room for faith in Christ and confidence in His Sovereignty! I've found as I've journeyed here that the only regret I've had is that I wish I would worry less and trust more! Because He is trustworthy and can be trusted with every detail of my life! I will close by quoting something Tony Kay said to me back in the beginning "God wants us to worship Him in the present instead of worrying about the future." I've made this my life-long goal. I don't want to miss out on right here, right now because of worry! I choose to worship Him right where He has me and to soak up EVERYTHING He is doing in THIS moment! 

Church

I have really enjoyed my time at the church we attend here: Camina da Vida. It feels like my home church. The worship is amazing. I have experienced the power in the presence of God in ways like never before. Even when I cannot completely understand the words, I hear His voice speak into my heart and challenge and comfort me. We are blessed that they have English translation in headsets along with having a couple guest English speaking pastors visit. I thought I'd share some lessons I've learned from the different services we have attended. A couple of the quotes are from our devotion times with Rob E when Gateway was here. I'm grateful that we have a great church here to attend as well! God is Good! CDV  Opportunity always has to do with expanding the kingdom of God. Obedience Let God prepare your life(potter/clay)  Discipline Sacrifice Work Asking for help may clarify the next step of your life-John 19 God does amazing things in our lives when we are brave enough to ask the questions! Ask! -Rob E. In places of greatest failure is when Gods grace is seen the most. Once you "deserve" grace, it's no longer grace. When you release grace, grace releases you. Grace is most appealing when grace is most apparent. Gods favor does not depend on you, it depends on God. Raise your expectations on God...He is Able!

Pastora Alicia

I remember last June when I was here having a conversation with Jim and TKay and Rob about the need for a local church to partner with here in this community. The need was something that we sat in a circle and prayed for, I gotta admit my faith was so small that day, I have been blessed to see with my own eyes a year later what God was already working on with the blessing of Pastora Alicia. Her church meets in Lomas de Marchan, very near to the home. She is pastoring the children and staff here at Hannah's also. Not to mention the countless people in the communities surrounding and her ministry extends to pastors in churches nearby. I have watched her over the last couple of weeks and have had the privilege to sit down with her and TKay on multiple occasions as we meet and seek God for the areas of community ministry here. I'm humbled everytime I'm around her, I desire to be close to her (wishing so bad I could understand everything she says) and I love seeing the Spirit of God surround her. He is what makes her move. She has a heart so big that beats in tune with the heart of God. Her compassion and passion for people is contagious! Her joy cannot be contained. Yesterday we saw once again her "walk of faith" (as Dave shared last night). Yesterday was a holiday here so the schools were out and we'd been planning an all day of ministry in a nearby town called Mala. Pastor Alicia's heart was to go there and pull along side 2 pastor friends one whose church was established but needing help with a children's Sunday school, the other needing greater help as it's a new work in a community where many do not even know the church exists. (with our North American perspective we would never probably venture out to do something like this without making sure all our ducks were in a row first, right?-not with Pastora Alicia-she showed us yesterday what faith with shoes on looks like.) We faced many obstacles trying to get there...arriving 2 hours later than planned only to find that the first pastor wasn't there. But that didn't stop this precious Pastora...NOPE! she took off on foot and by golly she hunted that pastor down 30 minutes later bringing him back in a moto! I love the importance of making sure hat there is a local pastor in each location we minister in so that when we leave, the people of that community have a face and church to connect back to! There continued to be more obstacles but we saw God prevail and we had an incredible mid-morning of service and ministry...I enjoyed seeing the church youth leaders from Pastora's church and our group integrate and minister as one body. The plan waste eat lunch together, have a time of prayer and intercession for this community and then move on tothe next location. We had the prayer time and lunch and were on our way to the next location for the next campaign and Pastora's face said it all when we pulled up and there was no one at the church...looking back I see her devastation was because he heart (of a pastor) was to help this church, to breathe some life into it, and she was disappointed that it wasn't going to happen (at least not this day...it will happen in Gods timing). From my shallow perspective it could have been seen as a "fail" because there was lack of communication prior to make sure all the details were lined up...but I believe the greatest lesson God had for us was to see Pastora's heart and that she truly ministers by walking in faith. She is led by God and she doesnt worry about what the outcome will be...she leaves that up to God. She is pastoring me while here. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be under her leadership! I am looking forward to more opportunities next week to serve with her and her church group(another wonderful group of youth leaders whose hearts are precious!) never did I see coming the blessing of meeting this woman of God and getting the opportunity to serve with her! (oh, did I mention she's a single mom too!-she amazes me! Christ in her amazes me!) Gloria a Dios!

strong start-half way-strong finish

...so, I have a confession to make...(besides the fact that it's been forever since I've blogged, I know, I'm sorry, I'm journalling and I promise to fill all the gaps from the last couple of weeks in at another time...promise!) but really my confession is: there are days (like today) when I haven't got a darn clue what it is I'm doing (in terms or leading) and you know what...(thanks to the encouragement of other leaders here) IT IS OK! I don't have to have it all figured out...I don't have to be the perfect leader because you know what...God's Sovereignty RULES over my feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. God is not looking for our perfection (only He is perfect) I believe He looks for us to be persistent in our pursuit of Him. WHEW...I feel better now that that's out! :) Today is the half-way point of our program with these girls...I find it no coincidence that God chose today to teach me this lesson...His timing: Perfecto! One of the greatest battles I have faced on this trip has been insecurities and feelings of inadequacy when it comes to leading...if you would've told me that would be what I'd face I would of laughed and said..."no way!" I'm confident as a leader...I know how to do this...I've battled insecurity before and won...I've got this! WRONG! Never fail to remember that the enemy is REAL! his roar is paralyzing...he has a mission to carry out...and he knows your (my) weaknesses. He can find he tiniest crack in your faith and turn it into a crack the size that an earthquake can make...be alert! Be aware of his tactics...STAND on Scripture and never think you've arrived...that my friends is dangerous ground to walk on. Being the half-way point I wanted to blog about my team. I've learned and have grown SO much from living in this community. My life has been shaped in ways I never dreamed. I have been challenged, encouraged and inspired as I watch these girls wrestle out what God is doing in their hearts. We have been having individual evaluations all week and it's been great to hear where they're at and what God is showing them. I'm humbled to be here. Tonight we had a team time to share what's on their hearts...(they were super excited when they saw the nutella and animal crackers waiting for them in my "home"...my room-I got to host everyone-turns out I'm not the only nutella addict!) my heart was smiling so big the more everyone was sharing...it's taken 4 weeks to get to this point...and I'm so excited to see what the next 4 hold. God is working! Pray with us...one resounding theme tonight was that many of us feel like God has us in a place of decisions to make...learning to be still and listen doesn't come naturally but we are all being challenged to do so. Life here is full. It's busy-maybe even busier than at home! It's challenging and rewarding. It's down right exhausting at times but at the end of the day, my heart is full...my joy is complete and I have complete assurance that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. Not saying there aren't days when my feet get a little shaky walking on the water...but it's then that He gently reminds me (like today) that it was HE Who called me to get out of the boat and walk toward Him...and when I don't FIX my eyes into His face, it's then that all I see is the waves and wind. Just like I'm sure it was for Peter to walk on the water, this walk of faith has been exhilarating and full of adventure...my adrenaline is constantly on go! BUT- it is a daily walk of faith. Can't just walk one step and be done...gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other to walk WITH Jesus. I don't know about you but I long to be out of the boat on the water where He is! I'm so grateful for this team and this opportunity to have my walk of faith challenged and shaped. This team ia a blessing and we are looking forward to a strong finish! To sum up where my heart is I'm gonna borrow the words of a book I'm reading, my heart is "forever ruined for any other lifestyle"...I don't have this all figured out and I'm ok with that...I'm ok with my weaknesses being exposed, I'm ok with saying...I really don't know, let's figure it out together...I'm ok with having weaknesses that force me to my knees daily and give me an offering of worship to bring to my Lord...I'm ok because in all of this, I've found a life (of faith) that has "forever ruined me from any other lifestyle."

reality

If I had to sum up the last week in 1 word it would be that: REALITY. I've been meditating a lot on that word, especially since Wednesday Night when Jim spoke to all of us about it. 1st he had us name a reality in our life. Then he walked us through Scripture starting in Genesis to Revelation about what realities are in the Bible. I'd already been thinking a lot about reality and after his lesson it almost has {in his words} made my head hurt trying to wrap my brain around realities. One reality I have come face to face with again on this trip is how wrong my thinking has been at times, towards culture, towards people, towards Scripture...this past week has been eye-opening in seeing realities of this place, of people, and of God in a whole new light. Let's face it, we all could say, things are not always what they seem to be...and you really don't know about anything till you have "walked a mile in someone else's shoes." Not that I've even come close to walking 1/10 of a mile in these precious people's shoes...but I do believe God has given me a glimpse of the reality of life here. Jim and Tkay are such a precious couple...I am learning DAILY from their wisdom. They are both feet, both hands, ALL IN in what God has called them to do here. They have been so gracious to invite us into their home and make us feel like it's ours. They are imparting truth and wisdom into my life and sometimes I don't even think they know they're doing it. They have taken time to educate themselves and pass that knowledge of this place on to our team...again, eyes have been opened to the reality of life here in this place. I'm so grateful for them...and feel very blessed to serve with them. The staff at Hannah's has been very gracious to welcome us into their home too. The reality of them is that they truly care for the children. I see it in their faces as they pour out love to the kids and to each other. It's such a blessing to give and receive love from them. One of the staff members seriously had the most contagious laugh ever...makes me smile just thinking about it. Another staff member is shy but always has a smile and can always be seen listening to worship music as she works...she graciously gives and gives. I think I might be putting on some weight due to the reality that one of the staff members is an excellent cook! She made a dish this week that was beets/carrots and 1 other thing I can't remember at the moment served over rice and with MY FAV....MAYONESA! Oh man, I was in heaven with that reality...:) Another staff member may not realize it but she is helping me learn my spanish as I am trying to really listen to her as she talks...who knows, maybe I will be a little more educated in spanish when I get back! The reality of them all is that they are very precious people that love God and are pouring His love out in this place. Some highlights from my week have been our worship/discussion time every morning...to see walls come down {in my own heart and in others} and to literally feel God's presence in this place has been a beautiful thing to witness. We celebrated 2 of the kids and one of our girls birthdays this week...party days are always fun! Homemade pizza!!! {that's always a highlight}...an earthquake...yep, you heard me right...we experienced that reality yesterday morning just 30 minutes before going into discussion time where Dave had already talked about using an earthquake as an illustration in the lesson...{as if God was saying...how 'bout I show you one to make it more real...} it was an eye-opening experience of the power of God. Yesterday our team marched in the parade {something that my church group has been able to do before} and a highlight for me was getting up early to braid the little girls hair before they left for school...this year I actually marched...it's always a great experience, one that leaves a body tired but a heart full...another highlight has been time spent one on one with my team...getting to know the girls and their stories and seeing how experiences in my life have built up for this time and place. A big highlight and reality that I feel like God has opened my eyes to see is that HE IS IN EVERYTHING. Daily I am humbled at how Scripture {HIS WORD} is connecting on so many levels...from Scripture that friends at home are emailing me that connects with our worship songs or our lessons...to listening to a message from Joey that connects with lessons...to hearing a song that speaks the same truth as something I would have read that day or earlier in the week...or how God gives me a Scripture in my quiet time that lines up with something that one of the girls needs to hear...it's been comforting and encouraging to hear His voice and see Him at work. I'm humbled by my God that is so intricately involved of every detail of my life...who am I that He would love me so tenderly. There is so much to think about when I contemplate reality and the greatest reality of all that I am drawn to is the reality of what Christ did for me and for you when He went and stood in the place of blame for us. I'm humbled and overwhelmed and feel very loved and full of hope by that reality. It's what makes me get out of bed every day and know that because of that reality, I can walk with purpose, I can live a full life {not free from trouble or pain...but full in knowing that no matter what, He's got a plan}...that reality is what makes me want to in turn be like Him and give my life away....in that, I have found freedom, I've experienced joy, I drink in the simplicity that it offers and my heart bursts inside because I desire for ALL to know the same reality is true for them too...He cares, He loves, He's in control, He's got a plan, He's relentlessly pursuing each of us...He will make a way...He's full of grace...and one day...HE will come again, just as He said...and the reality {that my heart and mind cannot fathom} of eternal worship at His throne will finally be complete.

Sweet Spot

Definition of sweet spot: the spot on a club, racket, bat, etc., where a ball is most effectively hit. The words "sweet spot" have been resounding in my heart and mind the last couple of days as I stand in this place. I'm humbled by my God who does have perfect plans for me, for all His children. I keep saying to myself, "is this for real?" and He keeps smiling down on me saying "yes, you're right where I want you to be...in the sweet spot of My plans for you." It's an incredible place to be! I've found myself looking back over the last 6 years of my life and I see (now, though I didn't then) the thread of His master plan weaving in and out of my journey. From the call to missions, in Zambia Africa in 2006...to seeing a girl (from the states) hosting teams at the airport on that trip and thinking...I'm going to do that some day...(insert my role here now) to being introduced to ChildReach Ministries in 2008 here in Peru and being asked to pray about of God would have a role for me here with them...(He was just setting the stage for right here right now) to Having a picture of me (from my 1st trip to Peru) be used as a marketing tool for what then was a vision called Reach Teams and is now today the MDP: mission discipleship program that I'm privileged to co-lead(who would've ever thought when those marketing post cards were made that where I am today would be the fruition of that vision...to being led to sell my house in 2010 to be free to serve more in missions...and it's because of that freedom that I can be here today...I'm telling you when I think about the journey...I get down on my knees and repent of my unbelief in the One Who is the perfect plan Maker for me. Has the road been sweet the entire time? No and I'm not so naive to think that it will ever be easy...as disciples of Christ, the path was never easy in Scripture...but even though there has been much pain, some "suffering" and a whole lotta "ummmmm, Lord, Your sure You know what You're doing?"...I wouldn't trade any of it to be in the sweet spot I'm in today. A place where I'm getting to go deeper into Gods Word more than I ever have in my entire life...a place where I getto take the lessons learned on my journey and invest them into he hearts of 7 precious girls who are desiring more of Christ...a place where I get to learn from 3 great leaders of God...a place where I'm getting the love dumped on by precious children...a place where life as I know it was forced to stop so I can hear His still small voice...it's a really sweet spot and I'm drinking it all in and my thirst is definitely satisfied by the livin water! As you read this, my greatest prayer is that you would know that God doesn't have favorites...I'm not special by any means...if you are His child, He has a sweet spot of life planned for you too...ASK HIM TODAY! and be ready to get your thirst satisfied too...there is nothing else in this world hat can satisfy like Jesus! Get your glass out and drink up! And don't compare your sweet spot to others' I've learned that everybody's sweet spot is individual to them...it's finding what you were made for, what you were put on this earth to do and then embracing it with both arms...if you don't have a clue what I'm talking about, I'd love to help you find the Answer hat your heart is crying out for...HIS NAME IS JESUS, and He is my Sweet Spot! Amy (stylinaim@yahoo.com)

...enjoying the journey

This week has been so full. Full of work, full of laughter, full of joy, full of growth and prayer and let me say...I'm definitely enjoying the journey! It would take too long to write everything down so I will give you bullet point highlights from the last week in Peru: I've enjoyed the journey by: ...Reading so many thoughtful cards and verses of encouragement from home...never underestimate the power of your words or how God can use them! ...memorizing in Spanish and quoting (in front of the children)Jer.29:11...God has a sense of humor, I tell ya! ...learning and growing as a leadership team with Jim and TKay and Dave...God's presence in them is inviting and comforting...I'm learning so much from each of them...and they're bound and determined to get me out of the dark ages with my computer technology (or lack there of). ...evaluating my walk with the Lord...getting things right on a daily basis...basking in His presence, never have I felt more loved by my Father in Heaven. ...enjoying a glass bottle coke from the bodega:) ...getting up early to braid the Chicas hair for school today...loved it! Can't say no to those girls! ...dancing (or trying to, ha!) with the children before and acts dinner! Last night...we were teaching the electric slide and the macarena! (if you know my dancing skills...yah, we will just leave it at that!) ...being able to listen to Joey's (my pastor) messages whole here...keeps homesickness at bay! ...getting to meet my sponsored "niece" ('s) baby niece! She was quite the giggle box! ...experiencing China Town in Lima...seriously felt like I was in a movie! ...enjoying time spent over a meal...full of laughter! ...church at Camino de Vida...worship was awesome! ...having lunch with Kelly and Lisa Guier while they're here for their adoption(s). ...shampooing 11 heads of hair in helping with treatments...loved it! ...quiet mornings spent with TKay...much needed girl talk and God talk! ...meeting new friends from CDV...sharing a meal with them and gettin to spend time with their kiddos (which included holding a 9week old baby all night: heaven on earth! ...being woke up to the laughter of children: priceless! ...using my gifts to get rooms ready and preparing for our team of 7 girls that are arriving in less than 5hours! With that said...it's GO time for why I'm here! Please pray as tonight starts the night of a 8 week discipleship program that Dave and I are co-leading...we expect great things from God alone! He must become greater and greater, I must become lesser and less. Enjoying the journey! Me :)

...simplicity

...joy is found in the simple things of life and yet we complicate our lives so much that we truly miss out on what brings true joy. I crave simplicity. I long for it daily when I am at home in the states, and I'm getting to live it to the fullest here (in Peru)and that puts the biggest smile on my face. From the simplicity of meals, to the simplicity of my room and bathroom, to the simplicity of clothing...the simplicity of using a broom and then putting a mop cover over it to have a mop (it's a 2 in 1)...life here is simple and I'm eating up every minute of it! One of my greatest joys so far has been meal time. For breakfast I have shared some precious mornings over coffee with TKay...just the 2 of us sharing our hearts and praying together...our afternoon meal has been withthe entire family here, and at the end of it the kids (and adults too) have been challenged with memorizing Jeremiah 29:11 in English and Spanish...if you know my story of this journey you will find it no coincidence that that's the verse! There has been so much laughter and joy during that time. Tonight it was so precious to see the older children helping the newer younger girls learn the verses too! Yesterday at lunch it was precious to see the eyes light up when they knew there would be dessert (which happened to be Dave's favorite so I think his eyes were the biggest!) When you walk in the door for any meal the children light up and greet you as if they haven't seen you in a long while...do you know how loved and valued that makes one feel? To be greeted everytime you come into their presence...words can't describe! As I was on my hands and knees tonight waxing a floor that will be my "home" for the next couple of months I found myself overcome with a heart so full. I think part of it stems from living by myself and eating several meals alone...it feels so good to share these meals with the family here. To hear the laughter and see the smiles on their faces...it's incredible! I want to bottle it all up! So I want to challenge all that are readin this...slow your lives down...make at least one meal time a day a priority for a sacred time with those you love...put petty things aside and greet one another in a way that makes them feel valued and loved...a hug, a kiss...whatever that looks like for you...turn the tv and radio off, the sound of laughter is much more rewarding...commit to using meal time to invest in something eternal like memorizing a verse together as a family...share highs and lows of your day...communicate, know where your loved ones are at in their journey so you can know how to encourage them...enjoy the simplicity of a shared meal...even if that looks like fast food...sit together around a table and thank God for the gift of family...You will never regret the time you spend around that table making memories...I know I won't forget the meals I have shared here...that's for sure!

...a little taste of heaven on earth

…as we pulled into Hannah's last night {or I guess I should say early this morning} one of the 1st things noticed was the size of some fruit trees that my team {last June} helped dig holes for…Jim even said, you won't believe the size of the fruit on them…he was right, when I saw them in the light this morning I was amazed. As I walked down memory lane {the name I am giving the long sidewalk here-if you've been here, you know what I am talking about} this morning I embraced it all…to see a place that has gone from "nothing" to something amazing and to know that there have been and are so many hands that have partnered with God to build it….it's truly humbling. As I looked at the trees that are now tall, strong and bearing GREAT fruit I am reminded that the Bible compares our lives as Followers of Christ to trees-fruit bearing trees. So many names come to my mind of people whose lives have started from just a small tree in the ground and now are growing into HUGE trees that are bearing much fruit for HIs Kingdom. I was able to spend some time with TKay this morning…it was very precious. As we sat there talking over coffee I felt my heart fill up with admiration and great respect for her and her husband. Jim and Tkay are TRUE EXAMPLES of what a modern day disciple of Christ looks like. The exemplify true sacrifice and surrender. They literally have left it all to follow after God's plan for their life. Their life here is so simple…an example of that is TKay's "kitchen" is a hot plate, a small fridge, a simple sink and her cabinet space is plastic shelves in a shower….they use what they have. I found myself CRAVING that simplicity as I washed her dishes in a small sink with trickling water. I don't say all this to make anyone feel guilty for what they have, I say all this to say simplicity is a beautiful peaceful thing. Simplicity is contentment. It's a taste of heaven on earth. It's something I truly believe God wants us all to experience and to invite into our lives. I'm embracing rest today, trying to mend from my pre-trip illness I always seem to get. {thank you for all the prayers!} Rest has been good. I woke up from a snooze to our afternoon meal with the children. Nothing compares to walking down 'memory lane' only to be bombarded by little ones saying…"hermana Amy!!!" and then to be smothered in hugs and kisses…another taste of heaven on earth. All the children made a welcome banner with their hand prints and wrote individual messages to Dave and I to welcome us…absolutely precious! I'm eating it all up! {they want to do a dance for us after dinner tonight…can't wait!} As I am taking time to soak up this day I am reminded of Psalm 1:1-3 Oh, the joys of those who do not
     follow the advice of the wicked,
     or stand around with sinners,
     or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord,
     meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
     bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
     and they prosper in all they do. I want to be that tree that is PLANTED by the riverbank…prospering in all I've been called to do…for when we do that, I truly believe we can experience a little taste of heaven on earth! Resting, ~Amy

lessons learned

Ask God to speak (loudly) into your walk. Listen. Be aware of how He speaks, it doesn't always come like you'd think. Open yourself to new opportunities. Seek Scripture. Pay attention when It speaks to you. Stand on It (Scripture). You can trust It. RUN in the way God leads. Don't look back. Say "yes" to Him. Count the cost. Have faith in what you cannot see. Be ready for obstacles. Know how your enemy works. Don't take the bait of defeat or discouragement. Trust God alone when tests come, and they will. Don't just say it, believe that He is Sovereign, and that He really knows what He is doing. Oh, and that He doesn't need your help. Let others journey with you...you never know how He is using you to speak to them. Be selfless. Be humble. Be totally dependant on Him...nothing of self. Confess and repent often. Be right with others. Forgive, even when you're not asked to. Don't leave anything undone. Love recklessly...no one ever regrets reckless faith and love. expect the unexpected...but know God is still over ALL. Let people help you. Be grateful. Surrender. Leave nothing unspoken. Make the most of every minute. Talk bold and loud of what God is doing. Celebrate. Cry. Find rest in His arms. Endure. Choose Him 1st. Be Spirit led. Move when He nudges you and don't ask why...you don't need to know this side of eternity. Follow. Lead. Pray. Worship. Have joy that makes others wonder what's going on inside you. Leave others wanting more of Jesus. (Lessons I have personally learned on my journey to Peru 2012)

perfect night

...my heart is so full I really think it might burst! God is so good and always gives just what is needed. Today was my last day at work {for 11 weeks~yikes!} It felt good and weird to flip the pages of my appointment book to August and to pack up things at work. After feeling down right crummy all day {thanks to my usual pre-trip gonna get sick at some point hitting today} I was completely looking forward to a girls night of prayer planned by Laci just for me. It was EXACTLY what I needed. Small, intimate, powerful. I'm so blessed to have TRUE REAL friendships in my life. The ones that listen and move at what the Spirit tells them to do. All day friends were dropping in at the salon, giving cards, hugs and prayers and that filled my heart up. Tonight the ladies surrounded me and I sat there and tears streamed down my face and my heart burst as I heard their heart lifted up to God for this journey for me and for those I will serve with and serve. Humbled and grateful my heart just kept saying Thank You Jesus. Thank You for ALWAYS giving me just what I need, thank You for being faithful. Thank you to everyone who has gone out of their way to show me their love and support...my heart is truly full and I can't wait for all the Love of Christ inside to spill over into the lives I am being sent to. It was a perfect night!

humbled.broken.grateful.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

New Living Translation (NLT)

One Body with Many Parts

¹² The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. ¹³ Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,^[a] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.^[b]

¹⁴ Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. ¹⁵ If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

¹⁸ But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.¹⁹ How strange a body would be if it had only one part! ²⁰ Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. ²¹ The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

²² In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. ²³ And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, ²⁴ while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. ²⁵ This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

²⁷ All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

I'm reminded of these Scriptures tonight as I reflect on God's provision...I cannot say it enough...seek God as to what HIS plan for you is...make sure it's HIM leading you...then, watch Him provide. I've seen way too many times {my life included} that we look at the price of what God wants us to do and then the excuses start flooding in...{I can't take off work, that cost too much, seriously, it would be ridiculous for me to do that...} Don't get me wrong, don't misread what I am saying...I'm NOT saying be foolish or a bad steward of what God has given you...what I AM saying is ...ASK HIM what He desires of your life...get CLEAR direction from HIM and when HE says GO...take the leap of faith and watch HIM provide. You won't be disappointed...I guarantee it! {if you want specific stories some time, just ask...I've got plenty to tell of His faithfulness time and time again.} 


Tonight, as I look at my blessings tree that is growing daily, I pray specifically over every name...{and even the names that aren't on there, I KNOW there are friends partnering with me on this journey...in prayer, in love, in support}....I ASK God to bless each person...more than they could ask or think...I pray that He shows them HIS faithfulness just as He has used them to show me His faithfulness...I sit here with a heart that is overwhelmed with gratitude.

I'm reminded that I AM NOTHING SPECIAL...I'm no different than any of these names...I'm humbled by so many who have said YES when God prompted them to move...I'm reminded that we All are HIS BODY...and every part of HIS body is important. I think of how each one of these lives are represented in His body...His hands {the client that quickly grabbed my hand yesterday in the midst of the salon to offer up prayer on my behalf and then 5 minutes later got to eye-witness her prayer answered}...I see His eyes {in the friend whose eyes light up with excitement every time she tells me how excited she is for my adventure}...I hear His voice {in the little voices of those who call me Tia/Aunt Amy/Mimi}...I feel the words of His heart {in EVERY sweet letter/card/text/message/email that I have received from SO MANY PEOPLE...I am embraced by HIS LOVE.}...I see His ears {in every family member and friend who has taken the time to listen to my stories...and sincerely want to hear what God is doing in my life}...I have experienced His mind {in ALL the wisdom that has been given by so many}...I see His knees {for every prayer that has been lifted up on my behalf}...and I'm humbled...broken...grateful.


You see, God is using me right now to be His feet...the one that GOes...but I couldn't GO if not for the rest of HIS body that is partnering with me...I couldn't GO if not for HIM using HIS body to provide...and all this does is make me fall to my knees and worship Him...because HE ALONE is worthy of all the praise. He is Provider. He can and will provide...all He wants is for us to say YES to HIS PLAN. I love what the verses below say..."He thought of EVERYTHING, provided for EVERYTHING we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans HE TOOK SUCH DELIGHT IN MAKING." {emphasis mine}. The GOD of this universe, Creator of the world...took delight in making plans for ME! FOR YOU! Don't you wanna know what that is??? Every day??? I sure do!...and with those plans comes provision...don't miss out! Find out what HIS PLANS FOR YOU ARE, say YES to those plans...and watch Him provide...you won't regret it!

Ephesians 1:7

The Message (MSG)

 ^7-10Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

{emphasis on Scriptures-mine}

...the time is NOW.

...when I was praying about this journey to Peru, I KNEW in my heart that I needed God's word to stand on when making the decision to go. I knew I would need it because I KNEW that the journey would not be easy. I sought for Scripture and He gave it to me, and I am so grateful He did because trust me, there have been several times where my enemy will place a seed of doubt {because of a trial of some sort} in my mind and I will immediately up root it because I KNOW God made it very clear to me that I am to GO!  God's word doesn't promise that every step we walk with Him is paved with a perfect life, no problems, no worries. No, but HE does promise that He walks every step with us and that even in hard times, there can be joy. Joy is from HIM alone, not from circumstances.


As I sit here contemplating what lies in front of me and the journey it has been to get here, I feel at rest. I KNOW I'm right where I need to be. Has it an easy road to get there? Not so much...but in every situation, I have personally seen God's hand, I have heard His voice speak stillness over my storms, I have experienced the love and support of the body of Christ in ways I never dreamed...I've been carried by His mighty right hand...and the time is NOW...I am ready to go! {no joke, bags are packed, sitting by the door!}


Sometimes, I focus too much on the difficulties around me, it seems like all there is lately is bad news. It's easy to give in to discouragement and defeat and think that there is no way out of the situation we are in {trust me, I know, this is a test I am still living out to this day...am I going to give in to defeat? or am I going to claim the Scripture I KNOW to be truth and stand in Victory?}...tonight I hear His voice saying...look up, there is hope in every hopeless situation. There is joy in the midst of sorrow. There is peace when the storm is raging...now rise up and offer that to this broken world that is hurting. I'm reminded again tonight of the words of my pastor Joey..."live a life of urgency." What does that look like. Tonight it looks like praying for those that are hurting, encouraging the broken hearted, spreading joy and hope to those who have none...{even if it's just a smile and a hello}...it's being His hands and His feet, no matter where or who. The time is NOW...how will they know if no one tells them? We have the most precious gift of all in Jesus...He is all this world needs, whether that is here at my local grocery store, or in a children's home in Peru...and living a life of urgency that ALL would know Him is what I plan to do. 


until the whole world hears,
Amy

...counting my blessings

Can I just say {as my jaw is on the ground} that GOD IS MY PROVIDER! He always has been and HE ALWAYS WILL BE. The words of a song continually echo in my head: "YOU were Faithful before, YOU'LL BE FAITHFUL AGAIN!"

As I wrote in the previous post, I HAD to have Scripture to stand on for this journey. I HAD to know that it was God leading me to do this, not my own desires. I HAD to know because I knew that once I put the money part on paper, my fears would set in...and let me tell you friends, on paper, it looks ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS for me to be stepping foot on the plane! {the ridiculous part I am referring to is being self employed and taking off 11 weeks of work with no pay...:)} BUT, let me say again...GOD IS MY PROVIDER!

I absolutely did NOT want to send out support cards...nope! My pride said..."just work a ton of extra hours, you can do this...you can make it happen!" And then God used one of my clients {thank you Shannon D.} to say..."Amy, if you don't send support cards out, then you are not letting us {others} go on this journey with you, we don't get to have a part". Well, let's just say, God used her words to kick me out of the "provider seat" that I had just gotten quite comfy in. As I was humbled, He was exalted to His proper place.

His provision began, and it has been overwhelming. Every day He has provided something for this journey, and every day I just stand in awe of how He loves. {even today, I had an anonymous very large check in my mailbox-if you're reading this and it's you...thank you!!!} I feel God's love pouring over me through His people. I feel loved and supported by so many people and I visualize every single one of them walking with me as I continue walking out the adventure in front of me. I couldn't do it without God using His people. I have learned that God is unexplainable and quite unpredictable too. I have learned that I don't want to live a life that can be explained or figured out on paper. I want to live a life that says..."yep, this looks absolutely ridiculous on paper, nearly impossible, but NOT with God." I desire to keep taking steps of reckless faith that will hopefully inspire others to walk in reckless faith too in their own journey. I don't want to miss out on 1 thing that He has planned just because my fear stood in the way. I want it ALL!

I decided to make a "countin' my blessings tree" that sits on my coffee table...a daily reminder of God's provision for me, a visual of how God is using HIS body to be a "tree of support" in my life for this journey. I'm so grateful. I cannot even put it into words...

If I could emphasize 1 thing in this post it is...PUT ALL YOUR FAITH IN THE PROVIDER. He desires to do the impossible for you too. He can be trusted...He's been faithful before, He will be Faithful again!

Reckless faith-you'll never regret it!

...God's leading to Peru 2012

...it's time...time to tell my story of the beginnings of my journey to Peru this summer.

For 2 years now, I have known that God has been preparing me for this. In January 2010, God made it very clear that it was time for me to simplify my life a bit more, sell my house, get rid of some possessions, and be FREE to follow after Him. So, I put my house on the market, I started purging out my possessions and I began a LONG wait.

Long story short, my house did not sell immediately, in fact I really thought God might of forgotten about the plan He had for me seeing as my roommates moved out and I was ALONE in the house for a little over a year. Not what I had expected.

But the year alone was good, difficult, but good. I learned to trust and depend on God in a way I hadn't been doing previously. You see, on paper, it was nearly impossible for me to afford the house payment by myself...let alone my other bills. In that year, God showed me ONCE AGAIN, that HE is my Provider. He wanted me to rely on HIM ALONE.

When I returned home from a missions trip to Peru in June 2011, I had a buyer for my home...and let's just say, life started moving...real fast!

Last November, I was on a plane back to Peru (this time to journey with my best friends to bring their long awaited adopted daughter home)...and I remember praying..."God, I NEED to hear you SCREAM what You are doing in my life. I know Scripture tells us that He speaks sometimes in a still small voice, but I was very specific with HIM and I asked Him to scream. I wanted to know exactly what He was up to. I was grateful for this 3.5 weeks to be away from home and to just get alone with Him.

The day after I arrived in Peru, we found out that again, God was moving fast and the adoption would be finalized much quicker than planned, which meant we'd only be there for 1.5 weeks...major praise! Which also allowed me to go spend 4 days at Hannah's Home {a children's home}, a place I have served at the last 4 years and have completely grown to love. Usually when I am there, I am responsible for 20+ people as I am there leading a mission trip. This time, it was just me...me and God.

The 1st night I was there I felt so alone when I was finally in my room. I remember the loneliness was nearly overwhelming. I had no phone, no internet {in my room}...and I KNOW God planned it that way. I grabbed my Bible and a stack of cards that a dear friend had given me...when I opened the 1st card there it was JEREMIAH 29:11 on the front of it...and the tears immediately filled my eyes and spilled down my face. I felt like God just grabbed me and pulled me up in His lap and said..."child, I have your story...I've got GREAT plans for you....you can trust Me!"

Jeremiah 29:11

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

I cannot tell you how many times I read and re-read that verse that night...I know I have read that verse so many times, but that night...it meant so much more than ever. It was HIS word...JUST FOR ME.

The next day, I found myself on a ladder, in a cafeteria {that I'd been in many many times} eye level, with a paint roller in hand, painting OVER....yep, JEREMIAH 29:11. Coincidence??? Don't think so...I just had to smile in my heart...God was speaking...it couldn't be more clear.

The next day I was asked to work with the children {by myself, without a translator} on making Christmas Cards for their sponsors. Ok, so I know a little spanish...I can understand it better than I can speak it, and I had 8 children that day that didn't speak much English...good times! We made it work... One-word sentences, lots of hand gestures...and lots of laughter! {mostly them laughing at me...and saying..."Hermana Amy...nooooo...."} When I was helping the youngest lil guy...I managed to ask him {in Spanish} what he wanted to write on his card...and I about fell over when he looked up at me with those big brown eyes and said in perfect English {in the sweetest lil voice} "for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord...plans to give you a hope and a future." {tears again and jaw on the ground}...I looked at him and said..."Jeremiah 29:11???"...."si! si!" he replied.

Really??? Let's see here...writing on the wall, now a audible voice...hmmmmmm...God's speaking?, um at this point, I think He was raising His voice at me...:)

...that night, I was back in my room, and I had brought a book to Peru with me that I'd been wanting to read that one of my client's had given me several months prior and I just hadn't had time. Wouldn't you know that very night the place I was at in the book was talking about Jeremiah 29:11-14

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. ¹²"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. ^13-14"When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.

God talking loudly??? YES!

I decided to get serious about finding Him...I wanted it all...everything He had prepared for me...I began asking Him to show me every step to take...

That Sunday, we went to church in Lima. Wouldn't you know...there was a visiting pastor from the states...preaching in English...and part of his message was on JEREMIAH 29:11-14...ok, at this point I am really laughing out loud, through my tears...and I just had to look up and smile because God was answering my prayer...He was SCREAMING at me that He already had things written for me...and He was revealing them.

{While I was at the children's home earlier that week, I was asked to pray about an opportunity for Summer 2012. An opportunity to co-lead a missions discipleship program for college age students...for 8 weeks. I wanted to say YES immediately, but I knew that with a decision like this, I needed to KNOW this is what God wanted and I needed Him to confirm it in Scripture. So again, I was seriously asking God to show me and make it very clear that this is what He had for me.}

2 days prior to leaving Peru, I went to borrow {Laci's} ipod charger that was in her room at the apartment we were staying at in Lima. It was laying right on top of her journal that just "happened" to have JEREMIAH 29:11 engraved on the front of it...it makes me laugh even now to remember that moment. I picked it up, put it in Laci's face and said..."do ya think God is trying to say something to me???" and then He reminded me..."uh, you asked me to SCREAM at you...member?" :) oh, yah...ok. :)

So, fast forward...I get back home, and I began to search Scripture, pray and discern about this opportunity. I remember one day, I received a text from a friend saying she was praying that God would make it very clear to me what I was supposed to do...that day when I was reading in Ephesians this verse stuck out to me...

Ephesians 1:16-17

But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers,

I asked Him to make my eyes focused and clear so I could see EXACTLY what He was leading me towards...

2 days later, I received an email from Jim {in Peru} telling me that he had the packet of info about the summer program, and did I want to see it, he understood if I didn't, he didn't want to persuade my decision. I told him to go ahead and send it...

That night, when I was reading again in Ephesians I read these verses...and then sat straight up in bed when I realized what God was saying to me...

^1-3In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

^4-6You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.

I WANT YOU TO GET OUT THERE AND WALK, BETTER YET RUN ON THE ROAD GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO TRAVEL...

It couldn't be more clear...

The next morning, I emailed Jim and TKay in Peru to tell them my decision was YES!

I kid you not, as soon as I sent the email to them, Jim's email WITH the packet of information came back to me...it was as if God was saying...the decision was between Me and you...and He didn't want anything to cloud it. Because after reading the packet...I was 10x more excited about the opportunity that was in front of me...

So, fast forward to today...I am both feet in in preparing for this journey and I am eagerly anticipating this adventure!

I will be co-leading this program with David M. and God has given us 7 college girls who will be spending 8 weeks with us in Peru as we live in community and serve with Jim, TKay, the ChildReach Staff and children at Hannah's. I am humbled and excited that I GET TO invest my life and the experiences that God has given me into these girls lives. Our summer will be focused on discipleship through missions along with studying the book of Romans as we learn who God is, what He wants us to be, and what He desires to do with our individual lives.

I covet your prayers for our team.

I will use this blog to update my journey prior to going and while I am there. I'm so grateful for all the encouragement and support I have already received...I am blessed.

Mission to Peru: May 20-August 4

Resting in HIS Faithfulness, definitely NOT disappointed, and COUNTING on Him to keep surprising me with HIS AMAZING PLAN! {Jeremiah 29:11-14}

~Amy