Well, shoot.
I have been meaning to write at some dramatic
time like during a layover in an airport or something...but here I am...
writing after getting home from the four walls that have known me the
longest! Praise God I flew from Hawaii on time at 10:03pm and arrived
in San Francisco California at 2:30am my time and around 6:30am
California time. I had a three hour lay over before I flew to
Sacramento- God is so good. I was dreading the three hour layover being
so tired and not having slept much- but when I got the SFO and found my
gate, I sat down and they started announcing an earlier flight to
Sacramento. I went to the counter and asked...actually, I barely had to
ask- the guy behind the counter was so friendly and got me right on the
next flight! I called my dad to warn him I'd be in Sac earlier and as
soon as I hung up- I boarded! An hour later I was in Sacramento. My
body was starting to get really upset with me for not sleeping or eating
in several hours. So I tried to relax a bit and in swift time my dad
and stepmom were there to get me! Home by 11:10am..in bed by 11:20am...
slept for 3 hours. Made myself get up so that I could sleep last night
(which was NOT going to be a problem!) We are so used to go go going
that when I woke up I didn't know what to do w/ myself. I washed my
beloved blessing of a vehicle, charged the battery, had dinner w/ my
brother and took it for a spin 'around the block.' I felt so grown up
driving my truck!! It is really something to not have your own
transportation for the better part of a year. I confess my legs are in
great shape after walking all over that mountain... but oh the joy of
hopping in your car to run errands at a distance! Praise You, God for
your gifts to us!!
I have had $8. in my checking account for
about a month. I wasn't freaking out because He has taught me to know
better. When I need something, He will provide it; and everything in
June had been accomplished...but here comes July ;) So! I traveled
home and am scheduled to go to Palm Desert (Southern California) to
visit my 'other parents.' I knew the gas of that would cost about $100.
and I knew I could cancel if I didn't have the money by Monday (when I
am scheduled to leave.) I just trusted that if it was God's will He
would provide. (I don't know when visiting family is NOT God's will,
but, timing possibly...so... I trusted.) I got home and an envelope had
been sitting in my room for 3 months. It was from blood work that I
had done a year ago. It was a refund check from overpaying last year!
$178. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. He is so generous and
on time, I cannot express. So I have money to go visit my 'other
parents' and enough to cover my phone bill that will be coming in a week
or so...plus a bit. Hallelujah.
It's strange to be home.
Strange to think of all these winter clothes that belong to me. I will
be having a yard sale in the next couple of weeks to earn money to print
off the materials that I need to teach the seminars on how to study the
bible- still working on the exact dates of those, but they are coming
sooon!! I think most will be August dates, but we shall see... maybe
one late July.
I am both nervous and eager to teach these seminars.
School
ending was super emotional. So many months we had fought together to
achieve our goal and when it was finally over it was-well- over. We
cried and had a fantastic graduation dinner and slide show. All the
faces that had become so dear. My best friends and I just clung to each
other dreading the minute we had to let go. When we did it was just
brutal. I love these girls beyond what words can express. To have
fought so hard and so long for something while experiencing all the
transformation that comes with it along the way must be a bit like
having gone through war together. (Not an accurate comparison at all,
but you get the gist of what I'm saying.) No one else can quite
understand what you just went through or what it took out of you. All
that you learned and what was poured INTO you. The bible nerd jokes and
new language. Thank God for modern technology! We have been 'voxing'
each other regularly with constant updates of flights and feelings.
Thank God for Facebook (how many people can say that?!). That was a
hard earned 48 units of credit and I am grateful for the gifts of my
room mates and friends that went through it with me. Love those guys.
Now
in September (just 9 weeks from now) I will be returning as staff.
This means that I will grade the homework of the new students, have one
on one counseling with them when they want or need it, teach...oh,
Lord! Teach! and do all the things that need doing... which is
anything and everything they tell me to do! I am eager to see how many
nations we will be pouring into this year and be the truly sympathetic
ear when they are struggling. It is a battle I have fought and am eager
to help others fight well also.
I praise God for His faithful
provision. I never had to go without my vitamins, I always had food to
eat (even when it sucked) and people I could turn to. I absolutely know
that I have grown stronger in my spirit through His and that I am not
who I was 9 months ago. I have the foundation of God's word locked into
my heart and understand His intentions for us through it. I am clear
on what I believe and why I believe it. I have had questions answered
and doctrine solidified. I look forward to continuing my education and
pouring out to the nations all that has been given me.
If you
EVER want to visit Kona- I hope you will! I hope you can sit in on a
day of lecture and experience what God is doing and how He is moving.
How we would love to have you!
In the meantime please pray about
attending one of my Inductive Bible Study seminars. I would be honored
if you would consider coming!!!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!! Blessings.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Giving Glory to the One!!
God is trippin' me out!!
He is unbelievably generous and attentive. It's amazing how being in the center of His will for you comes with such eerie provision and guidance. One wonders why they ever wasted time anywhere else!! Remember THAT when facing temptation!! (as we inevitably do...)
I wrote before that I knew God would get me home to accomplish all that needs to be done this summer- I didn't know HOW I would get there, but I knew if it was His will, I would get there...well... my dad and stepmom allowed the Spirit to rouse them and decided to give me some of their flyer miles to get me home and back again!! This is a miracle in more ways than one, and I am grateful...so grateful. When they called (which is also uncommon) I was blown away- upon hanging up I was literally on the floor laughing and crying, making strange noises that my room mates may have wondered about from the kitchen; nonetheless I could not control myself. I know He will provide, I try my best to walk in the faith of trusting He will provide, but it's not as easy as it should be...so He just keeps showing Himself to me in these huge ways. When it happens I cannot help but stand in such humbling awe. His timing is flawless- always exactly when it's needed.
Here is another story of my 'trying my best' to trust Him fully. (It's not that I don't think He is trustworthy- I KNOW HE IS TRUSTWORTHY- it is my earthly lack of trust in people from past hurts that transfers over to my God, even tho He is so undeserving of such hesitation.)
So- my cell phone bill was coming due. Funny how that happens every month ;) It was coming due and I did not have the full amount. I just prayed, "Lord- you know what my needs are. I am not going to ride the emotional roller coaster every time I have a need. I trust You." These words are easier prayed than done. It was going to be taken out of my account automatically in two days. The first day I called my mother- and asked for it. Way to trust God! She could not transfer money from her bank in the Netherlands to mine in California. So we were both praying. I called my best girlfriend...and asked her for it (so embarrassing). Way to trust God! She didn't get my message until way too late- the next day it would come out of my account. I called the phone company and asked them to not take it out automatically- this would cause my account to bounce and be charged $32. over what the bill would even be! The bill itself wasn't due until the 9th and they take it automatically on the 6th. I told my Mom jokingly, "I bought God a couple of days." (Like He needs it. such a joke.) SO!! The part you are waiting for... my room mate had a fundraiser that evening. I usually help her in that she is from India and all students from other countries must have an American to accept the money for some legal reason. So- we did her fundraiser. That evening she comes to me with her tithe. I, of course, tried to refuse like a good prideful child. I tell her the money is for her outreach, yada yada... She tells me in firm fashion that it is not her tithe just from this night, but from other things as well and that it is between her and God and she is insistent on tithing... wants to give it to me! ugh. so humbling. So- it's in cash. I can't get it to my bank in time or pay online with it. I am thinking, 'how can I pay my bill?' She asks me about it- because she thought my mom had paid it- I said, 'No, she hadn't. Couldn't.' "Oh!" she exclaims, "I can give you the tithe from my card if that is easier-" SO SHE PAYS MY PHONE BILL. Again RIGHT on time... I didn't need to buy God time or anything. He had it covered. He knew what she was going to do, He knew her tithes together would equal the exact amount of my bill. He knew the day and hour it was due. It is always especially humbling when missionaries give to other missionaries. It is a great feeling to be able to support each other in our needs. I confess I much prefer being on the giving end...but hey... God is in control. So- all that to give Glory to the One who is able to keep me and do exceedingly abundantly above or beyond anything I can wrap my head around.
As I come home (in 18 days!!!) I am overwhelmed by God's goodness to me. I have so much more to write, but you know how I feel about blogs that are too long. So please just be praying for the ability to accomplish all I need to while I'm home. I need to:
* Have a yard sale to earn money (yuck, right?)
* Go down south and visit my in-laws (yay!)
* Arrange and pay for health insurance for the next year (so I can be on the YWAM base)
* Practice and Teach 2/3 educational seminars on the Inductive Bible Study Method (who's in?!!!) (This also requires printing off the materials before the seminars... yard sale money?)
* Decide once and for all what to do about my truck...
(God is leading me towards shipping it here...which should cost about $1100. - about what I would pay for a moped. This will allow me to get to church next year and also take students places, grocery shop, run errands, etc. You know... HAVE TRANSPORTATION.)
* Try to see my doctor
* Try to see a dentist? (probably not)
* I know I am leaving things off :)
I covet your prayers!!! Love and thanks, guys!! xoxo
He is unbelievably generous and attentive. It's amazing how being in the center of His will for you comes with such eerie provision and guidance. One wonders why they ever wasted time anywhere else!! Remember THAT when facing temptation!! (as we inevitably do...)
I wrote before that I knew God would get me home to accomplish all that needs to be done this summer- I didn't know HOW I would get there, but I knew if it was His will, I would get there...well... my dad and stepmom allowed the Spirit to rouse them and decided to give me some of their flyer miles to get me home and back again!! This is a miracle in more ways than one, and I am grateful...so grateful. When they called (which is also uncommon) I was blown away- upon hanging up I was literally on the floor laughing and crying, making strange noises that my room mates may have wondered about from the kitchen; nonetheless I could not control myself. I know He will provide, I try my best to walk in the faith of trusting He will provide, but it's not as easy as it should be...so He just keeps showing Himself to me in these huge ways. When it happens I cannot help but stand in such humbling awe. His timing is flawless- always exactly when it's needed.
Here is another story of my 'trying my best' to trust Him fully. (It's not that I don't think He is trustworthy- I KNOW HE IS TRUSTWORTHY- it is my earthly lack of trust in people from past hurts that transfers over to my God, even tho He is so undeserving of such hesitation.)
So- my cell phone bill was coming due. Funny how that happens every month ;) It was coming due and I did not have the full amount. I just prayed, "Lord- you know what my needs are. I am not going to ride the emotional roller coaster every time I have a need. I trust You." These words are easier prayed than done. It was going to be taken out of my account automatically in two days. The first day I called my mother- and asked for it. Way to trust God! She could not transfer money from her bank in the Netherlands to mine in California. So we were both praying. I called my best girlfriend...and asked her for it (so embarrassing). Way to trust God! She didn't get my message until way too late- the next day it would come out of my account. I called the phone company and asked them to not take it out automatically- this would cause my account to bounce and be charged $32. over what the bill would even be! The bill itself wasn't due until the 9th and they take it automatically on the 6th. I told my Mom jokingly, "I bought God a couple of days." (Like He needs it. such a joke.) SO!! The part you are waiting for... my room mate had a fundraiser that evening. I usually help her in that she is from India and all students from other countries must have an American to accept the money for some legal reason. So- we did her fundraiser. That evening she comes to me with her tithe. I, of course, tried to refuse like a good prideful child. I tell her the money is for her outreach, yada yada... She tells me in firm fashion that it is not her tithe just from this night, but from other things as well and that it is between her and God and she is insistent on tithing... wants to give it to me! ugh. so humbling. So- it's in cash. I can't get it to my bank in time or pay online with it. I am thinking, 'how can I pay my bill?' She asks me about it- because she thought my mom had paid it- I said, 'No, she hadn't. Couldn't.' "Oh!" she exclaims, "I can give you the tithe from my card if that is easier-" SO SHE PAYS MY PHONE BILL. Again RIGHT on time... I didn't need to buy God time or anything. He had it covered. He knew what she was going to do, He knew her tithes together would equal the exact amount of my bill. He knew the day and hour it was due. It is always especially humbling when missionaries give to other missionaries. It is a great feeling to be able to support each other in our needs. I confess I much prefer being on the giving end...but hey... God is in control. So- all that to give Glory to the One who is able to keep me and do exceedingly abundantly above or beyond anything I can wrap my head around.
As I come home (in 18 days!!!) I am overwhelmed by God's goodness to me. I have so much more to write, but you know how I feel about blogs that are too long. So please just be praying for the ability to accomplish all I need to while I'm home. I need to:
* Have a yard sale to earn money (yuck, right?)
* Go down south and visit my in-laws (yay!)
* Arrange and pay for health insurance for the next year (so I can be on the YWAM base)
* Practice and Teach 2/3 educational seminars on the Inductive Bible Study Method (who's in?!!!) (This also requires printing off the materials before the seminars... yard sale money?)
* Decide once and for all what to do about my truck...
(God is leading me towards shipping it here...which should cost about $1100. - about what I would pay for a moped. This will allow me to get to church next year and also take students places, grocery shop, run errands, etc. You know... HAVE TRANSPORTATION.)
* Try to see my doctor
* Try to see a dentist? (probably not)
* I know I am leaving things off :)
I covet your prayers!!! Love and thanks, guys!! xoxo
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