Taking The Lead

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! 

 

I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscious the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. ~ 2 Timothy 1:3  

What a privilege we have in prayer! It is such an opportunity to encourage and love one another. Life prior to FPO was good, but only a gleam to what I have now. It has been such a freedom to learn how powerful prayer and intercession for others. I know that been covered in prayer and for that I am thankful.

How can you pray…? 

• Ask that the Lord will give me guidance in all my plans and aspirations. May the Lord give me wisdom as I research for clarity in difficult situations. Ask that the Lord keep me focused on Him and His will for my life.
• Kimber, who will be my partner on the field, will be arriving at orientation in May. Please begin to pray for her and her time here. May she be blessed and grow abundantly in the Lord.
• Preparations for the summer youth camps are currently underway in
  Swaziland. Please pray that the Lord guides all of these plans.
• My Pastor will be leaving in the matter of a week to prepare to go as an Army Chaplin to the war in
  Iraq. Ask that the Lord be with his wife and their 2 young children. Pray for our church and that through this the bond of unity will remain.