Monthly Archive

A big thank you goes out to all of those who prayed for me as well as my collages during our personal application this past week. The day was beautiful, the sun was shining, and the wind was blowing. I truly felt that God had given me a piece of heaven that afternoon. I felt his presence and truly met with God out the field near the lake. I lifted my hands and I praised God as I feel I never have before. For the past two weeks I had felt so oppressed by the enemy and the tricks he was playing with my thoughts. I finally admitted that I couldn’t go on acting as if everything was okay. God has given each of joy and that joy is to be abundant. No one can rob us of this joy. Joy is not the same as happiness though. Happiness is an emotion or a state of being and joy is ordering our life correctly. Remember, my second teacher teaching us this acronym for how to have true JOY in our lives…J-Jesus, O-Others, Y-Yourself. Philippians 2:1-18 speaks about humility as to how we are shine for Him. When I read these words God spoke to me and said, “Julia, what are your priorities? Where do I fit in? You are being sent out by me to a people who need to know about my love. How can you reach them when you think so highly of yourself?”

In Beth Moore’s book, Praying God’s Word, the first chapter questions “Why does God allow us to spend so much of life in the heat of battle? Because He never meant for us to sip His Spirit like a proper cup of tea. He meant for us to hold our sweating heads over the fountain and lap up His life with unquenchable thirst.” 

 “Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.” ~ Philippians 2:3-4 

That afternoon, I laid my face to the ground and asked that the Lord make me humble in order to prepare me for the people He has sent me to.

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” ~ Philippians 2:13  

As scary and outside the comfort zone these places that I am headed for seem to be I am confident in this, God has led me to
Swaziland; however, now I must be made ready for the culture and the people. As Americans we believe we have innate rights, yet as we leave to follow God’s call to the ends of the earth we are no longer American. We are entering into their culture and we must meet them where they are no matter the cost.

“Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God.” ~Philippians 2:5-6

What I’ve learned…

As the weeks seem fly by I see myself looking back to pages of my journals and realizing just how much the Lord has changed my life. The journey thus far has been life changing and I can only imagine how the Lord will continue to move in my life. As we have studied Acts throughout our classes I have been so impressed with Paul’s character and how each time the Lord has revealed a nugget of knowledge. It’s interesting how we can teach a subject, yet when we are students the story somehow takes on a new life in itself.

During our discussion of Acts 27 and 28 yesterday morning one of my friends, Alys, brought up a great point. “Paul didn’t focus on his destination.” She explained, “See, Paul wasn’t originally supposed to go directly to Malta; however, when Paul arrived the Lord used him to witness to many Gentiles and performed healing miracles.” Initially Paul was had planned to go to Rome instead of Malta, but God used Paul because he was willing to follow God not his own plans. In our minds we often look at things as to going from point “A” to point “B”. God doesn’t look at our journeys in life as points on a map, but rather as ways in which He can receive the glory. As we all head out to various places in this big world God doesn’t want us to focus on where it is that we plan to be going, but He desires for us to be devoted to his plan wherever that might take us. Over the past few weeks we’ve been reminded in our classes that some us may leave FPO and never reach our intended destination on the field. We may find ourselves in a completely different culture or even a completely different country. However, what God is looking for is that our desires are not to on where we land but rather on the BIG picture, which is God’s glory.  

I wish that everyone could experience this time away from the world.  No television has been interesting, yet it has been refreshing. I have found new ways to wind down before bedtime. Memorizing scripture has been one of these. “My body may be taken captive; however they can not take over my mind.” Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 During our studies of the persecuted church we have heard many stories from those who have been arrested or taken captive due to their faith. Throughout all these stories there seemed to be one common thread, which was the memorization of scripture. Each one of these young believers in Christ or missionaries on the field had hidden God’s word in their hearts. Even though I may not be traveling to a country where the likelihood of being arrested or taken captive is high, I still find comfort in knowing that God word’s can never be taken away if its hidden in my heart. For I never know when Satan will attack and sometime my only arsenical might be the scriptures I have hidden in my hearts. Throughout my time studying the persecuted church as well as contingency I have found a new confidence not only in myself, but more importantly in Christ. 

Oh the fun we will have…

 “Dad is coming!” I couldn’t wait to see my Dad. Three weeks with no Daddy time was definitely hard; however, it was all worth it when I got to spend time with him. I know, I know I am 24 and I need Daddy time? Well, you can say I am little bit of Daddy’s girl. We had a blast though as we shopped for a new digital camera, watched basketball games, and watched a movie. Dad and I both would concur that those 2 days were the best time we had spent together in a long, long time.

“Thai food anyone?” I had never Thai before, but I definitely wanted to get off campus and the only other choice was the IHOP. So, Thai food it was! It was great food, but don’t just take my word for it. One my friends that went with us actually grew up in
Thailand and she agreed as well…”The food was amazing!” About 12, Journey guys and girls, made the trip Friday night for Thai food followed by cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory for dessert.  

“I’m up for a road trip! Are you?” The road trip ensued that Saturday afternoon as about 15 of us piled into cars and headed to Hampton Rhodes where my friend, Sue lives. On our way there we found the scenic route and definitely enjoyed the view. Once we arrived at Sue’s house we settled in with some snacks and then enjoyed some time sailing. After hanging out by the pond we all enjoyed our time around the dinner table as we ate hamburgers and toasted one another with sparkling grape juice. As the sky grew darker we headed inside for story time with Johnny and the famous 80’s dance party. We can’t help ourselves whenever we get together we just have to dance!