A Million Directions

My mind is going in a million directions (literally).

I'll be in Spain in 19 days. Need to blog about that and what God has been doing.

Thinking about ministry. Both for next semester and the future. God is taking my heart to new places...ones I never even thought I'd consider. Exciting? Yes. Scary? Definitely. Blog post to follow.

Realizing I have exactly one week left at school with this "family" of believers. Blown away by His faithfulness to me this year in giving me community.

Still pondering those families and ministries on the previous post.

Looking outside, seeing the SUN (hallelujah!), and wanting to go out and play BUT.....

I have a huge Spanish final tomorrow. Which is why none of the above posts will be written until this weekend.

Have a lovely rest of your week!

I'm Excited

Why am I excited?

Because other people are excited about serving the Lord.

Because regular, old families with a mom, dad, and a couple kids are doing BIG things for the orphan. These families live paycheck to paycheck just like you. They have to shop the clearance racks, watch the sales, follow a budget. They don't have extra money to go adopt children. They don't have hours of time to give to starting non-profit organization. But they're passionate, they're called, and they're obedient! SO COOL.

Share in the excitement with me and hop on over to these family's blogs/websites I just discovered. I hope someday I can sit down with these mammas and talk about life as a wife, mother, and woman of Christ. These women are my heroes and I pray my life reflects Christ as theirs do.

Shelly's blog: wife, mommy of 3 from her tummy and 2 from Uganda :)

http://www.goodtobecrazy.com/

Shelly's kiddos came up with The Cupcake Kids. Precious little hearts for the orphan.

Joy: Shelly's best friend, a pastor's wife, mommy to 4 from her tummy, and waiting on little ones from Uganda.

http://www.thefruitfulfamily.com/

Sixty Feet: the organization that Joy and Shelly's husbands started to raise money for an orphanage in Uganda

I'm excited to follow these families (cause we all know I need more blogs to read) :)

Ripened

Ripened

The harvest is ripened, yet the fields are rotting

There are hearts that are crying out for the truth

That someone would love them, teach them, save them

What if they’re looking to me and you?

We are called to be fishers, disciples, teachers

Why are we waiting till we’re done with our youth?

It makes my heart ache to see the days that we waste

When they’re calling out for help from me and you.

Let us lead lives of purpose, with boldness and courage

With eyes set on Jesus, in our weakness His strength

Though we’ll face opposition, let this be our mission

To reach our neighbors, the world, no matter the length

Be it listening, talking, praying, or crying

Showing grace, hope, and love is a beautiful thing

Adopting the orphan, feed the hungry, hold the dying

We’re just simple hands working hard for the king

Our energy’s plenty, and the harvest is ready

I have only one life, this I surrender to You

That they would know from my words, my smile, my touch,

The redeeming hope and love that only comes from You.

4/23/11

I was up late last night with this poem on my mind and in my heart. I'd written the first stanza several weeks ago but hadn't had the time to sit in the stillness and let the Lord speak to my heart. In my cozy room at home, late last night, I was able to sit and collect my thoughts and finish this poem.

The Lord has been burdening my heart for the needs, both physical and emotional/spiritual of both the unreached and of the Church. The fields are ripe, ready for harvest. Where are the workers? I include myself in this COMPLETELY. How often I choose my own selfish comfort rather than investing in someone else. How often I chase after my own dreams rather than ministry opportunities.

I encourage you to ponder along with me.

Where/who/what is my "field?"

What changes do I need to make in order to serve there?

How can I best prepare myself for future ministry?

Psalm 86:9
“All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.”

"You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ^9(B) You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:8-9

I was drilling Scripture into my head, reminding myself of God's truth when I remembered the above verses from Galatians. Write the Word of the Lord on your doorpost, post it everywhere, so you are reminded. I express myself through art and writing, so this was a way to do that as well as provide another place for my eyes to rest on the truth. So thankful for a roomie who loves having Scripture all over our walls as much as I do :)

A Familiar Ache

I've had that familiar ache in my heart this week to return to Guatemala again.

To see Claudia. To hug Ornoria and heart the twins laugh again as they cook up all kinds of mischief. To see the new precious ones who have found refuge at Eagle's Nest.

Sometimes the memories lessen, and I can try to "forget." But as I pay attention to that dull ache, I remember again. And my heart longs to help, and to be there for those kids. I long to be there to help clean up all the pain and hurt in this world. I watched a documentary last night on human trafficking and felt so overwhelmed with the enormity of it combined with the orphan that all I could do was go up to my room and cry as I prayed.

It's in times like these that I only find peace in Romans 8:26, "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For^(B) we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but^(C)the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

I honestly don't know how to pray when my heart is breaking for the orphan, the slave, the girl who is trapped in sex trafficking. It is all too heavy for my heart. I so want to find a solution. I want to bring hope and freedom. And I just don't know how to do that. BUT- we have been given the Spirit who will intercede for us, for the orphan, the starving with groanings too deep for words. The groans of the Spirit will be far deeper, far more sorrowful than the cries of our hearts could ever be. And somehow, this Truth meets the heaviness of my heart. Knowing that there is One who sees the pain, and meets us there.

And, after the ache in my heart and the longing I have to grow up and DO something, seeing the absolute JOY on this sweet girl's face brought a smile to mine. There is HOPE, there is JOY, there is a FUTURE. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." Galatians 5:2

I'm ready to be apart of setting these children free!

Linny and her daughter Emma from A Place Called Simplicity just got back from beautiful Uganda after a week of loving on orphans and street children, witnessing miracles and brokenness. Her post, titled Undone, (click on the underlined title to go read it. Please. It's short.), brought my mind back to days of Guatemala trips as I struggled with brokenness, emptiness, and an overwhelmed feeling of the pain in this world. I asked questions of why we spend money to go, be love in these children's lives for a week, and then leave. I loved her openness, and I liked her opinion on short-term missions.

I still haven't come to a conclusion on what I feel about short-term missions. If you remember my post HERE, on Rethinking Short-term Missions, I grappled with the question of what is the BEST way to minister to people. What is the BEST way to love on the orphan? I don't think I'll ever come up with a true solution, because it is a fallen world. But....I have had a few thoughts as my heart has gone back to memories of Guatemala and the orphan. (Just as a disclaimer, these thoughts are not applicable to all short-term missions, but only to those focused on orphans)

1. Ultimately, I believe that it is the Lord's will and plan for the orphan to be in a Christian family. However, that is obviously not possible. And in this fallen world, not all orphans can even be adopted. So someone needs to minister to them.

2. As Linny talked about, the Lord calls us to care for the orphan and widow. The Lord says that faith without works is dead. So, IF the trip has been done in an economic fashion, IF the time is being used in order to minister to the most amount of children, then it is not for us to say that we should not go and serve. This step requires trust that the Lord will bless our efforts instead of cause more heartache and feelings of abandonment in the children/people we minister to.

3. Also, if you're like me, then you're 19, unmarried, and in college. Not exactly the profile of an adoptive parent. So, if the Lord has given me a burden for the orphan, then I'm going to trust that He wants me to act and not be silent until I am old enough, ready, have the money, etc. to actually adopt.

4. SO. If the Lord is calling you to serve the orphan, DO IT. Trust that He will bless your efforts, that the orphan may know the love of the Father.

I think I probably just rambled. But I'm just going to go ahead and post it.

Blessings :)

Seeing fruit...

I mentioned awhile back that I've had the privilege of tutoring Y, a senior from Puerto Rico. She's planning on attending the same college as I do next fall, but is completely lost in the application process. Who wouldn't be?! It stressed me out and I've spoken English my entire life. I got the opportunity today to tell her how I really want to help her with all of the college stuff, and make this as easy for as possible. If there's anything she needs, or if she wants me to go with her to meetings or show her around campus, I want to be there. We spent our tutoring time today filling out her application, and there was lots of smiles and laughter. I'll be taking her to the admissions office next week to meet with them and make plans for the fall. Our time was so sweet, and the Lord is building trust and hopefully a friendship out of my time with her. It is so encouraging to see fruit from this ministry. I have such a love and compassion for this girl that only comes from the Lord. I can't wait to see what He does in her heart in the coming months and years. :)

Trust Me.

God and I had a conversation that lasted all day long. It went something like this:

"Lord, I am scared."

-Remember when I provided for your family when you sold your house?

"Lord, I am tired."

-Remember when I brought you to Guatemala?

"Lord, I am weak."

-Remember how I've provided this diet in the first place?

"Lord, I don't like giving up control."

-Remember the miracles that brought you to this school?

"Lord, I don't understand."

-Remember how I gave you a community of people who love you and who love the Lord?

-"Lord, it's so hard to trust."

-Don't you realize my faithfulness?

-"Yes, Lord, I so want to trust. I so want joy."

-Then trust me, my daughter. I will give you peace, hope, joy, regardless of the circumstances.

It's been really hard to trust this week, and my heart has been gripped with worry, fear, or discouragement multiple times.

But God has been SO PATIENT. All day long, He brought to mind examples of His faithfulness, reasons for me to trust Him. I sat down tonight and journaled, did some scrapbooking with Scripture (pictures to come!), :) and listened to worship music. His faithfulness just completely overwhelmed me. Am I still frustrated with struggling with health issues and a new diet? Yep. Am I still completely scared about going to Spain and finding food that I can eat? Yes. But is there peace? Yes. And my heart has joy after a day of seeking for it on my own strength.

It's a journey to joy. But it's a road I get to walk with my hand strong in the grip of the Father. And every time that I lack trust, joy, or peace His grace and faithfulness will never waver.

Trust me.

Journey to Joy

This is the new theme of my life. I'll probably be writing about it a lot.

Discovering joy in the LORD, learning what it means to live out 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Stay tuned for more...

It's the little things!

So the likelihood of anyone reading this blog who is on a sugar-free diet is like one in a bajillion. But just for kicks I thought I'd share some tips/tricks on going sugar-free and enriched-flour free (aka eating only whole wheats). I also need to remind myself that I can do this. There's not as many sugar-free bloggers out there as I thought there would be. Probably because, let's be real, people don't just do this for fun. Splenda is great but it is NOT a thick, gooey brownie with ice cream and chocolate sauce. I've had to literally sit on my hands a couple of times to not grab the dessert from the plate of the person next to me in the dining hall hahaha. Anyways, if anyone is reading this who is doing sugar-free, that would make me so happy, so you should comment. :)

1. Don't deprive yourself of a sugar-free treat because of the fat content. Sugar-free is generally going to be high fat. But you have to put it in perspective. If you're like me, those sugar-free opportunities happen very rarely, and it's not going to kill you to have some extra fat. Those days where you can get something sweet and know you won't feel awful afterwards is one of my favorite days. So forget about calories and just enjoy. It will seriously refresh you and give you new resolve to stick with this diet.

2. If you can, eat small portions of things with a little sugar in them. For example, I "splurge" on

Annie's Organic Whole Wheat snacks. My favorite are the "Bunny's Chocolate Chips." These aren't sugar-free, but they are whole wheat and low in sugar. If I ate a bowl of them, I would definitely feel it the next day. But a few little bunnies give me a taste of something sweet and make the day a little happier :)

3. Rold Gold Honey Wheat braided pretzels. Yummy. This is my favorite once-a-day snack. They're made with enriched flour, not whole-wheat.

4. Whole grain tortilla chips and salsa. For when the munchies hit!

5. Propel Zero. This is made with artificial sweeteners- no sugar and no calories. I get sick of milk and water so this is a great alternative drink.

6. I bought a sugar-free cake mix and icing today. I'll let all you sugar-free foodies how it turns out!

If you made it through to the end I am SO impressed. But at this point in my life, it's these little things that keep me going!

Remembering

Remembering has been on my mind alot this week.

Wednesday service was on Romans 15. The key point from the night was verse 13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." The speaker talked about the importance of remembering God's work. This remembering leads us to believing in His faithfulness, which allows us to trust Him and be filled with hope for the future, both immediate and eternal. We have no shortage of goodness to remember. From the beginning of the Bible, through the promises to the Israelites and the patriarchs, to the Cross, the Resurrection, and on until the individual ways that God has blessed us. Remember His faithfulness.

Thursday's small group is focused on worship. We talked again about remembering, and the Lord challenged me even more. If you haven't read the sermon "A Room Called Remember" by Frederick Buechner, I highly recommend it. Buechner talks about how we are constantly moving, and when we are not moving we are quick to turn on the radio or TV, turn to the computer, stay busy. We don't readily take advantage of moments of silence in order to ponder, remember. Why don't we? Sometimes it hurts to remember. It hurts to remember times of sin, times of pain or disappointment. It makes us regret. In 1 Chronicles 16 David says, "O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples!....Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually! Remember the wonderful works that he has done, the wonders he wrought, the judgments he uttered." David had alot of yuck to remember. Adultery and pregnancy with Bathsheeba, the murder of Naboth, the loss of his son. Yet, David saw the value, the necessity of looking back on his life because the Lord saves! God is glorified when we look back on our lives, because we see His goodness, and are reminded that we are here only by His grace. It is beautiful. And when we remember the happy times, we are blown away by His incredible blessing. Remember is crucial. It produces trust in God, a reminder that we are here by grace alone, and we are filled with hope.

Shonni over at Nations Around Our Table posted about remembering today as well. I encourage you to read her post. She wrote about remembering her children's pasts before they came home to their family. Her life as a mom requires her to face her children's scarred pasts daily, to meet their wounded hearts with compassion as they work through wounds from years as orphans. This is an example of something hard to remember. Yet so crucial for her to help their precious hearts come to a place of healing. And I imagine that remembering where they've been and where they're at now is an encouraging experience, to see all that God has done in their family and children through adoption. Sometimes we are called not to remember our own lives but help others remember. I spent some time on the phone today with a friend trying to help her remember God's goodness in her life.

Remembering is life-giving. Take some time to ponder what God has done. What has He saved you from? What has He done for you? What blessings has He brought to you? This can be an important influence in childhood, your family, a hard season that ended up changing you, etc. Anything that reminds you of His faithfulness, His sovereignty, His grace. Make a list, and praise the Lord for each one!

Remember. See His faithfulness. Trust. Hope.

Miracle

"Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

Hebrews 7:25

"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

Romans 8:11

"And these signs will accompany those who believe....they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." Mark 16:17-18

Oh how I love the sweetness of seeing the Word of the Lord come alive in my life, word for word. It is one of the most beautiful things, and evidence of God's faithfulness. Those words that He spoke to the people long ago, those promises that came from His mouth are true today. In the craziness of my week, I hadn't had time to truly ponder an AMAZING work of the Lord. I had not taken time to give Him the glory and praise He is due for what He has done. The past week or two since starting my new diet I have had more energy than I knew what to do with. I feel normal again. (well, normal for me, as in if I keep up on my snacks every few hours and eat the right food then I feel great, which is fine with me!). Food works again for my body and that is such a blessing.

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

The Lord truly fulfilled the promises of this Scripture. I was physically faint and weak and He has given me strength.

I was sharing my joy and thankfulness with some friends the other day and without thinking said, "It's really a miracle." After saying that I stopped in my tracks and was astounded- This IS a miracle. We had prayed that the Lord would restore energy to my body and He has. I didn't exactly want to give up sugar or be on a restricted diet but He answered yes to our prayers and I give Him the glory!!

Our God is life-giving. Healer. Great physician. He hears our prayers and ALWAYS answers them- just not always in the way or timing that we ask Him. Our God is faithful. He provides.

If you are aching over a long-awaited answer to prayer, or healing for a broken body, cling to HOPE. Our God is mighty to save.

Countdown....

1 day till my dad visits.

9 days till I go HOME for Easter to see my family!

23 days till I leave school.

23 days till I finish my first year of college. Where did the time go?!

33 days till I leave for Spain. Yikes!

BEAUTY

This is why I love spring. And friends who love photo walks just as much as I do :)

Stubborn

Well, I'm laying in bed with a sprained ankle. I fell on the stairs last night and thought I was fine...but when I woke up to a throbbing ankle around 6 AM this morning I decided otherwise.

All week long the Lord has so obviously been trying to teach me that I'm not in control. Each day has been frustratingly overwhelming and seemingly out-of-control. Hmm...I guess that's because it IS out of my control. But yet, every day I've tried to take it into my own hands. I've set a schedule for myself, goals for each day, a plan that should go according to the way I foresee it.

But instead, the 3 hours I allotted for my trigonometry test turned into 12 hours of test taking over the past 2 days. The work I had planned on doing during that time didn't really get done. The classes I had planned to register in for fall were closed. All of these little things that I had worked so carefully to plan out. I laugh about it now, looking back and seeing how frustrated I got.

Monday's Jesus Calling was just what I needed, but I obviously didn't take it to heart or otherwise I may have handled the bumps in the road a little bit better. Sarah Young reminded me of God's control, of His power, of the peace that I can have with every unexpected moment: "This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the author of your circumstances. The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situations, so that good emerges from it. To find Joy in this day, you must live within the boundaries. I know what I was doing when I divided time into twenty-four hour segments. I understand human frailty, and I know that you can bear the weight of only one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow or get stuck in the past. There is abundant Life in my Presence today."

I was too stubborn to change my perspective, to stuck in the stress of the moment, the endless list of tasks at hand. But, as I laid awake at 5:55 in the morning, unable to get the 8 hours of sleep I had planned, unable to go on the jog I had planned, unable to help set up for the worship service tonight, I finally let my wall down. "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 Nope, this week didn't go as I had planned, yesterday did not go as I had planned, and this day will not go as I had planned. But you know what? That's ok.

I can let my earthly plans go. I can let my expectations and standards fall to the ground. Because I have a God who is bigger than the 24-hour day. I have a God who knows the hurts of the past, every detail of my present, and each moment of my future. His faithfulness and provision will continue each and every day. All I need to do is offer my life with arms wide open, ready to live each second on the grace and strength of Jesus Christ. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

So I go into my day, ready for whatever the Lord has for me. And who knows, it could be fun to learn how to walk on crutches.

Things to ponder:

1. Am I living each day with open hands, giving Him my to-do lists, my expectations?

2. What parts of my life am I unwilling to release control of?

3. Am I praying that His purposes might be my main desire and goal of each day? Abandoning my own desires for the Kingdom?

Jesus, i give you this day, this hour, this second. I pray that my eyes would be open wide, unwilling to miss any opportunity you may have for me to be your hands and feet. Would you break my heart of stubbornness and selfishness that my heart would be fixed on You and Your kingdom. Thank you for your grace that covers all the moments in which I have failed at this. Thank you for second chances and new attitudes. I love you. Amen.

My cup overflows

As I thought about my week, the only thing that could accurately describe it was, "my cup overflows." I have seen an outpouring of the Spirit on my life the past 6 months unlike anything I've ever experienced. This past week was no different. The funny thing about this week was that it was really really hard. There were a lot of tears, a lot of searching around in my heart, a lot of discussion with God about hard things. But yet looking back on growth the Lord brought, I see His provision and blessing time and time again. It was such a cool thing yesterday to call my mom and tell her all that God has been teaching me this week, and then to rejoice together and praise the Lord! The Lord turns our mourning into dancing, and as He stretches parts of my heart, I see Him coming right back and soothing it with love. It's beautiful.

"You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23:4-5

I also started on a sugar-free diet again to see if that will help my weird blood-sugar issues. I'm allowing myself one piece of chocolate a day and then some pretzels/animal crackers :) The amazing thing is, that I've only been doing it for a few days and I've felt better than I have in a month. Though I'm taking things away that I love (aka ice cream), I have still been able to see the "overflowing cup" in my life. I have people who will support me in this, a grocery store full of sugar-free foods to explore. The last time I did sugar-free I didn't have a great attitude. But I'm really striving to change that this time around. I have nothing to complain about. Nothing. Finding joy in this will be a daily battle, but I'm excited to pick up the sword of Truth and fight. :)

I know that it won't be long before I reach a point where it's hard to see the overflowing of the Lord. But He has promised to lavish goodness, mercy, and love on us all the days of our lives and I believe His words are true.

Some things to ponder:

1. Am I seeing the overflow of goodness and mercy from the Lord in my life or am I focusing on the things that are not going my way?

2. Make a list of things that are "overflowing from your cup." Could be material blessings, relationships, or spiritual growth.

3. Are there certain areas of my life I refuse to find joy in? I often find myself being too stubborn to let go of what I had planned for a situation. This keeps us from praising the Lord for His sovereignty and provision, and steals the joy we could find even in disappointment or trial.

4. PRAY! Make notecards and hang them everywhere. Tell someone else and have them keep you accountable for your attitude and thoughts.

Have a blessed weekend!

Molly

Just because....

Just because these pictures are too cute not to share.

My roommate (who also happens to be my wonderful friend) :) and I planned a double date for us and our boyfriends. So much fun.

We got dressed up, made dinner for them, took pictures, played games, and went star-gazing.

The sky was so full of stars that I literally laid on the ground in silence, just staring up at them. Never had I seen the night sky glisten so brightly.

I was completely overwhelmed as I praised the Lord for His greatness, His goodness to me, these precious friends I have been given.

Like father...

(notice the bow tie..and there's suspenders under his lab coat...)

Like Spencer...
They always say that the guy you like will be just like your dad. I always wanted to find someone who had the humor, personality, and character qualities as my dad. My dad also exhibits an occasional (or frequent) nerdiness that includes but is not limited to: duct-taped shoes, super-glued glasses, bow ties, and suspenders. When Spencer showed up to our double-date last weekend in big Harry Potter glasses and a bow tie, I knew that I'd gotten lucky enough to have a little bit of every part of my dad that I love in the guy that I'm dating. My dad's nerdiness makes me smile just as much as his love for the Lord, his dedication to our family, and his ability to make people laugh. Like father like Spencer?? I'm happy with that- bow ties and all :)

Glory

So I wrote my previous post a little bit earlier this evening after praying and seeking the Lord for encouragement and strength. I was in a funk, with a bad attitude, and was so frustrated at my inability to find joy in this trial.

Not even 3 hours later, I was sitting in our Wednesday night worship service and it was like a veil was taken from my eyes. The lyrics, "May everyday, and every way I live bring GLORY to you." just hit me. My day, my week has been so selfish. I have been focusing so much on how I feel, how much it stinks to change my diet, how much I just want to go and eat a giant bowl of ice cream and not worry about feeling gross. Where is God in this? I had totally lost perspective the past couple of days. We were created to bring Him glory. Each day, each breath is for HIM, for HIS purpose. We are here to bring Him praise, to lead others to bring Him praise, to love, to serve, to learn, to grow, to build community. As I praised the Lord for who He is, what He has done for me, and what He has in store for me, my eyes switched to these "light and momentary troubles" to the eternal perspective of bringing the Lord glory. Praise the Lord for the grace He gives everyday as my selfish heart takes over!

Pure Joy

An excerpt from His Princess Warrior: Love Letters of Strength from Your Lord by Sheri Rose Shepherd:

"Many times I will allow trials and tribulations in your life to draw you closer to Me and prepare you for battle. Just as I was with Daniel in the lions' den, I am with you in every trial. You are being prepared for greatness, My beloved. I prepared My king David while he was running for his life and hiding in caves. I blinded My apostle Paul until he was ready to see Me as his source of sight. Your trials will lead you to an abundant life of effective and everlasting ministry if you will allow Me to carve in your character a true reflection of Me while you are in the fire where your faith is being tested.

Love,

Your King who suffers with you"

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4

Jesus, I Come

1. Out of my bondage, sorrow and night,
   Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
   Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
   Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
   Out of my sin and into Thyself,
   Jesus, I come to Thee.
2. Out of my shameful failure and loss,
   Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
   Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of earth’s sorrows, into Thy balm,
   Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
   Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
   Jesus, I come to Thee.
3. Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
   Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into Thy blessed will to abide,
   Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
   Out of despair, into raptures above,
   Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
   Jesus, I come to Thee.
4. Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
   Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into the joy and light of Thy home,
   Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of the depths of ruin untold,
   Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
   Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
   Jesus, I come to Thee.
5. These words met me where I was at today. To come to Jesus with brokenness, tears, and pain and be met by love and grace is a humbling and beautiful thing. Jesus, I come to Thee.