Tuesday, May 27, 2008

one week from today. it's still hard to believe. yesterday we had our last meeting with my dad and the gettingers before we leave. although we met at 8:30 in the morning, which involved me getting up at 6:30 after getting home at 1:30, it was so uplifting and encouraging.

i'm still overwhelmed at how the Lord has brought the three of us girls together to work as a team, but i am also beyond thankful.

it's crazy to think back at how the Lord has answered so many of our prayers. from the other two girls having raised more than enough support to the Holy Spirit speaking to us about what the different focuses each of us girls are going to have while we are at the orphanage. and yet, even from the beginning the Lord heard my prayers about this summer and answered it in bigger ways than i could have ever imagined.

i've also found that it is so interesting how the Lord can use songs to speak to us, it seems that each week a different song has encouraged or spoken to me in some way or another, and yesterday, on the way to anderson, i heard and old camp favorite that at one part says, "...set apart for you my master, ready to do your will..." what a blessing it is that the Lord has set me apart and how exciting it is for me to continue discovering what his will for me is.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

i'm always amazed at how the Lord meets with us. and i'm so thankful his timing is always so perfect. i'm in the midst of preparing devotions and the like to share with the staff of the orphanage while i am there, and it has seemed so hard to come up with anything that i feel like i am supposed to share with them. until church this morning. i couldn't write down the notes quick enough as DeNeff preached, and my mind is continuing to race with the possibilities of how to expand on the verses and make it culturally relevant to the people in India. it is my continued prayer, though, that my words will not actually be my own, but that i will be a vessel the Lord can speak through. what a privilege and honor it is to serve Him.

1 Peter 5:2-4
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

Friday, May 16, 2008

17 days. my stomach drops at the sound of that. i can't believe it's really this close.

in 17 days, i will be boarding the plane in indy to fly to chicago only then to board another plane to fly to mumbai, and 18 hours later, when we arrive in mumbai, we will board another plane to fly to another city where we will be met by my dad and someone else to drive us another 3 hours to the orphanage. and finally, we will arrive at the place we will call home for 6 weeks.

in the 17 days that are still remaining before my dream truly becomes a reality, i will continue praying that the Lord would open my eyes to what He has in store for us, and what He is going to do in and through us while we are gone. and not only that, but i will praise Him for the opportunity and for the fact that He trusts me with a task that seems far too large for me. and the only reason i am going with confidence is because i know that i am not alone, nor will i ever be.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Refine Me; Jennifer Knapp

I come into this place burning to receive your peace. I come with my own chains. From wars I've fought for my own selfish gain. You're my God and my Father. I've accepted your son. But my soul feels so empty now what have I become?

Lord come with your fires, burn my desires--refine me. Lord, my will has deceived me please come and free me. Refine me, refine me.

My heart can't see When I only look at me. My soul can hear. When I only think of my own fears. They are gone in a moment you're forever the same. Why did I look away from you. How can I speak your name?

Lord, come with your fire burn my desires refine me. Lord, my will has deceived me please come and free me. Come rescue this child for I long to be reconciled to you. Refine me..All I can do is lift my heart and soul to you. And pray oh I will pray...


what perfect timing it was for me to hear this song.
and i will continue praying, that is for sure.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

"No one's done until they're dead."

it's surreal that four weeks from today i am leaving. i truly can't wrap my mind around it. and as much of a roller coaster these past few months have seemed to be, i am beyond thankful for the fact that i have finally recognized the importance of hope, and i am learning what it means to be humbly willing on so many different levels. praise the Lord for his faithfulness.

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
1 Peter 2:24-25

Friday, May 2, 2008

a wise and very dear friend of mine just recently told me that the Lord still uses the brokenhearted.

how thankful am i for her words of truth.