Thursday, August 16, 2012

busy.



"How have you been lately?"

"Just busy.  Really, really busy."

Sound familiar?  It seems like I have this conversation at least once a day.  I've been on both ends of the conversation, either inquiring of my "busy" friend or being quick to boast in my busyness.  It's as if somehow, we have equated "busyness" to "productivity".  Busyness has become a good thing, a sought-after title for the middle-class American.  We've bought into the lie that the busier we are, the more value we have, the more necessary our existence is.  Most likely, you're guilty of this thought pattern and I certainly am too.

I find myself relating easily to Martha as she "was distracted with much serving" (Luke 10.38) while her sister, Mary, basked in the presence of Jesus, sitting at his feet and listening to his teaching (Luke 10.39).  Sometimes I find myself wanting to do more than I want to be.  But I think we can learn a lot from Mary's discernment.  She realized that there was a time to be Jesus' hands and feet and there was a time to be at Jesus' hands and feet...a time to be still, to listen and to learn.

God doesn't call us to be busy, he calls us to be productive.  And sometimes the most productive thing we can do is stop being busy for Jesus and start being with Jesus.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Gladness

Today...
Look, listen, feel, smell, taste.
Take time to smell the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.
Savor the flavor of fresh summer produce.
Thank the Lord for giving you life.

Smile at the ones you love.
Better yet, tell those people that you love them.
Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.
Thank the Lord for his goodness.

Praise others ten times more than you criticize.
Be joyful always...in the busyness and the calm.
Look for ways to be a blessing.
Thank the Lord for his timing.

Today is a day filled with laughter and tears,
noise and quiet, stopping and going.
Today is filled with moments and memories,
good and bad, teachable moments.
Today is filled to the brim with more than we can imagine.

But sometimes we forget the most important thing:
This is the day that the Lord has made...
take time to rejoice and be glad in it.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

4 weeks in 15 minutes: watch :)


"To the end of the earth" 2012 from Morgann Green on Vimeo.

Monday, June 4, 2012

{cricket, cricket...cricket, cricket}

Yes, it has been a little quiet over here in the blog corner...  I apologize.  Things have been a little bit, well, messy around here the last few days  :)

My last post asked for quick healing and I am happy to say, I am fully healthy now!  I helped at the school all day and I am feeling great.  However, the weekend was challenging  ;)  I found myself in a Brazilian hospital bed on Friday afternoon getting re-hydrated and un-nauseated from a nasty virus that grabbed ahold of my stomach last Wednesday night.  Ick.  Praise the Lord, I am much better and my last couple days have been wonderful.

That said...

I'm leaving Brazil TOMORROW.  As in, my flight back to the states departs around 9pm.  I've never been more full of mixed emotions in my life than I am right now.  I am so excited to be home and see my family and yet I am dreading having to say goodbye to everyone here.  I adore my family in Brazil.  

This will most likely be my last post abroad.  Please pray for a sweet last day tomorrow, filled with friends, family and shared faith.  I pray that God is glorified and that I am satisfied in that.  

Thank you for following me on this journey.  Please keep following...God is still working!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

A plea for praise and petition

Last night, by nearly anyone's standards was miserable.  I went to bed with a stomach ache around 10pm and woke up around 12am sprinting to the bathroom--I was both kinds of icky sick.  I couldn't keep anything down and I couldn't keep anything in.  I probably got somewhere around 45 minutes of sleep total between 12am and 8am.  Fun, right?  Not so much.

In situations like this, I am so tempted to get frustrated...I was not able to go stay in Sao Paulo like we had planned today, I didn't get to participate in any soccer ministry today and I simply don't feel well.  I...I...I.  That's the thing...it's not about me.  It's never about me!

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, but which he as granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." 2 Peter 1:3-4

God, through his Holy Spirit has given me everything I need for life and godliness with NO conditions!  On the best days, on the worst days, on the healthy days and on the sick days, I have the ability to choose godliness.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galations 5:22-23

The gift of the Holy Spirit is that in these times, I get the privilege of having joy!  I get the privilege of showing patience to those around me, even when I'm tempted to snap at them.  I have the privilege of giving thanks always.  Because right now, I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, running water, my own bathroom, clean water to drink, people who are praying, my Bible, clean clothes, time to pray, time to encourage, and for goodness sakes, I'm still breathing! I'd say it's time to praise our Most Holy God.  It's not very often that life slows down enough that I get to enjoy all of these things at one time.  But today, in my icky sickness, I do.

Man, our God is most gracious, isn't He?  Wow.  

I tell you this to encourage you that no matter what is going on in your life, with Christ, you have the opportunity to choose godliness, to go against the grain, to become a humble servant in the worst circumstances.  

I am asking you to pray for quick healing for me, but I'm also begging you to take time to praise God for his grace, that he would put me in the situation and give me no choice but to rely on him.  That right there, is life to my soul.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Wednesday update

Praise reports:
1. I got to sleep a whole 8 hours last night!  I really needed it.  I'm feeling awake and "with it" today.
2. Last night I got to go to a futsal tournament and it was so much fun!  I'm quickly becoming a huge fan of this sport.
3. Tonight is "family night" and we are all getting together to watch the Brasil vs. USA soccer game  :)  It will be a friendly rivalry (Juca's promise).  I'm excited to have some quality time with family because...
4. TOMORROW I head to Sao Paulo for the next 4 days!  I will be living with another couple families during my time there.

Prayer requests:
1. I am starting to feel a little sad about leaving.  I have grown to love this place and the people here.  I have less than a week left :( Please pray that my time left here will be well spent and full of life!
2. Pray that I will be a blessing to the families I will be staying with this weekend.  Please pray that somehow we will be able to communicate even though no one speaks English and I don't speak much Portuguese.
3. Pray that Monday and Tuesday are great days with the Cerpe family.  They will be my last two days in Brasil.

Continue to pray that I have opportunities to share the Gospel and to share my testimony.  Pray that the Lord will change hearts and lives.  Pray that God is glorified!  He must become great and I must become less.

Love you all...see you [soon].

Monday, May 28, 2012

Time to breathe!

Once again, life has been crazy here and this is the first time I've had a chance to update!

Praise reports:
1. Against all odds, Rose's mom has come out of the coma.  The doctor says that physiologically she is doing better, but mentally, she is still really out of it.  Nonetheless, it seems that the antibiotics are working and the outcome is looking a little bit more hopeful!
2. This weekend was filled with family time!  We played Xbox Kinect on Friday night and it was so much fun  :)  
3. I had the incredible opportunity of going into the city and seeing "downtown."  I got to ride the bus in (with Juca, of course) and then take a mototaxi back!  There were moments of nervousness, but overall, it was wonderful!
4. Tonight I got to play soccer with a bunch of girls close to my age from church.  I got to share my testimony and hopefully encourage some believers.
5. Tomorrow night I get to go to my first official soccer game!  Yayyyy!
6. I am thoroughly enjoying my time helping at the school.  The kids are so much fun and Julia has been so great at letting me participate, teach and be involved  :)

Prayer requests:
1. Continued to prayer for Rose's mom.  God is healing her as we speak, but she still has a long way to go before being "healthy".
2. Prayer for health for me...I am around little kids all day every day and they are walking germs!  Lots of sickness is going around right now (it's winter here).  So far, my immune system is holding up well!
3. Pray that I would be sleeping well at night.  The last few nights have not been very restful and it is making the days a lot harder to get through.
4. Pray for God to be glorified, for unbelievers to come to know Christ and for believers to be encouraged!
5. Please continue to pray for Juca and his family.  Their ministry here stretches far beyond the boarders of Atibaia.  God has anointed this man for this purpose and it is our call to pray for him.  

Sorry this is short...hopefully I'll have time to update again soon!  To see pictures of ministry sites and other happenings in Brasil, check my album on facebook  :)  It is much slower to upload them to the blog from Brasil :)

Friday, May 25, 2012

Organized chaos :)

The last few days have been a whirlwind!  I haven't even had a chance to write a prayer update, but the Lord has allowed me a little bit of down time this evening to keep you all in the loop.

Praise reports:
1. Yesterday, 3 boys decided to make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior!  Praise God!
2. We have been able to share the gospel and minister to over 175 kids!  This is what Juca does on a weekly basis.  It's absolutely incredible.
3. So far, no injuries and my health is holding up pretty well!
4. On Wednesday night, I had the blessing of cooking for the Cerpe family and some of Rose's extended family.  They requested tacos (they don't have them in Brazil) and I gladly prepared food for an army!  
5. We were supposed to have soccer ministry this morning, but it was pouring down rain and so we had to cancel...but the Lord opened up a door for me to be in the school today even though we had not originally agreed on it!  So fun!  I also go to help in the 1st grade class today for a little while  :)
6. I get to stay with a family next week for four days!  No one speaks English and I am so excited to be fully immersed in the culture.  I met Sane (Sunny) at soccer ministry yesterday.  She is a pastor's wife.  It the first time that this family has offered to host for YMI!  I am so excited.  They have three children and I am going to babysit for them one of the nights that I'm living there so that the parents can have a date night.  God is so good!

Prayer requests:
1. Please continue praying for Rose's mother.  She is still in ICU, but has been moved to an isolation room because she has contracted a highly destructive bacterial infection.  She is still being sustained by a feeding tube and an oxygen machine.
2. Please continue to pray for the Gospel to be preached and well received.  Pray that God is glorified and that His name is praised!
3. Pray for rest for Juca and his family this weekend.  They have been going nonstop and I know that everyone really needs some down time.

Once again, thank you for your prayers.  Thank you for your encouragement.  I wish I had time to respond to everyone, but God has kept me pretty busy here.  Please know that I read every comment on my blog and facebook page and on pictures.  Each time I get to hear from one of you, it brings a smile to my face.  

Love you all!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

BREAKING NEWS...














 Ready for it???















Tonight I scored my first TWO soccer goals!!!!

Smile...God is working :)

It's been a couple days since I have posted, but that doesn't mean God hasn't been working  :)  I've just been busy with the family and taking advantage of every opportunity I have to do life with them.  Here's a quick update (as usual):

Praise reports:
1. The Lord allowed me to share my testimony and encourage believers at a small church in Atibaia on Sunday morning.
2. I was able to join the family at their normal church on Sunday evening--I was even able to understand most of it, thanks to the notes on the screen (Portuguese looks similar to Spanish on paper).
3. After church, the Lord allowed me to go to dinner with Julia, Abner and their friends at Subway (yes, they even have Subway in Brazil...)
4. Yesterday, God gave me favor with the preschool director at the school Julia and Abner teach at, and I will be helping out every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 to 5!!!  The kids are adorable and I love helping them learn English.  
5. Today, I am headed to the school once again and Julia and I get to play futsol with some older girls after school.  I'm praying for a ministry of encouragement to take place tonight.
6. I woke up to my alarm this morning and I had slept through the ENTIRE NIGHT without waking up!  That's the first time this has happened in over 2 weeks.  Thank you, Jesus!!!

Prayer requests:
1. Please continue praying for Rose's mom.  She is in ICU and now has pneumonia.  
2. Please pray that tonight, the girls are encouraged if I get to share my testimony and that their hearts are open to hear what God has to say.
3. Pray for Juca and YMI Brazil.  He has his hands full with ministry and the Lord continues to give Him strength.  Pray for wisdom for him and a spirit of joy even in tough family circumstances.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Our God is a mighty God and He loves YOU just as much as He does the people of Brazil.  

My challenge to you today is to consider who God has put in your life to minister to...maybe your spouse, children, friend, co-worker, boyfriend/girlfriend.  Don't take that lightly!  Be ready to serve wherever you are in whatever capacity God has given you  :)  

Sunday, May 20, 2012

His delight

The Lord is teaching me so much already here in Brazil.  One of the most important things I have been learning is the importance of prayer.  We serve a God who listens to our prayers and delights in answering them so that He may be glorified!  This week God has answered so many prayers and I think now is a good time to recap them all:
  1. Safe flights from Seattle to Dallas and Dallas to Sao Paulo.
  2. So far, safety while I've been in Brazil.
  3. My eyes were open while I was traveling--I got to meet a sweet old man who had an incredible testimony, a young woman in the Army reserves, little Adelaide and her mommy and sweet Maria who taught me some Portuguese!
  4. So far, I have stayed healthy!
  5. God has been glorified in many ways--I have been able to share my testimony and the Gospel at least once every single day that I have been here.  That means that over 100 people have heard the Gospel in the last 3.5 days!  Wowza!
  6. When we prayed for the Gospel to be well received in church ministry, 4 kids accepted Christ that night.
  7. I have been able to serve lots in Juca and Rose's home--I have been able to do most of the dishes each day, I get to help clean the house tomorrow and I will be cooking a few meals this week for the family.
  8. I have been able to sleep at least 8 full hours each night.
  9. We have had lots of family time over the last few days...we have gone out to lunch/dinner a couple times, Julia and I watched part of "Peter Pan" and "Avatar" yesterday afternoon and Julia, Juca and I watched "The Blindside" last night.  A couple nights ago, Julia, Abner and I went for a run around a nearby lake with a couple of their friends.  Julia translated for me at church this morning.  I got to go to the Mother's Day celebration at the school that Julia and Abner teach at.  Julia, Rose and I went to downtown yesterday because Julia needed new shoes.  Wow!!!  God is good  :)
  10. We have been praying for extra rest for me because my body hasn't full adjusted yet...and this afternoon, everyone in the family is resting/napping!  So after this post, I get to catch up on sleep.  
I write this all down to remind you that our God really does answer specific prayers.  He is showing me His tender care for His children.  Which is why I beg you to pray with me for Rose's mother.  She has been in the hospital for three months, having undergone two different back surgeries.  Up until Wednesday, she was doing alright, but things have taken a rough turn.  Early yesterday morning, she slipped into a coma, which required a feeding tube to be inserted and oxygen to be turned on.  Around 3 o'clock this morning, she was moved to ICU because she spiked a fever due to infection.  Right now, they are administering antibiotics to fight off a UTI as well as an infection in the lungs.  Rose's three sisters are now in town and staying at the house with us because visitation hours are restricted in ICU.

Please pray for complete healing for Rose's mom.  Pray for comfort for Rose, her sisters and the rest of the family.  Pray that I am able to serve this family well in a tough time.  May my eyes be open to their needs.  More than anything, pray that no matter what the future brings, that this will be an opportunity for the saving message of Jesus Christ to be preached to the extended family.  Rose's mother is a Christian, so we have hope in Christ no matter what.

There is power in prayer, friends.  Wonder-working power.  Let us pray.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

God continues to work!

Praise reports:
1. I got to share the Gospel and my testimony to a group of thirty 15-year-old boys today!
2. I got to go with Julia to the school she teaches at and watch their program for Mother's Day.  It was so sweet!  The kids sang songs and the moms loved it  :)
3. I am still feeling healthy!  Praise the Lord!
4. I have been able to spend time with the family over meals and hanging out in the evenings.  I love them!

Prayer requests:
1. Morning and evening ministry tomorrow, for hearts to be open to the Word of God and for lives to be changed.
2. Rosemary's mother is in the hospital in a coma and things aren't looking great.  Please pray for healing and for comfort for the family as things get harder and harder with each day that passes.
3. Continued rest...I'm still feeling pretty tired; I don't think my body has fully adjusted.

Overall, things are going really well here.  The Lord is doing incredible things through YMI Brazil and I am blessed to be a small part of it for these few weeks.  I will continue to keep you updated on what God is doing!  

Friday, May 18, 2012

Quick update

Praise reports:
1. First and foremost, last night at church ministry, 4 kids asked to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior!!!!
2. The kids here have stolen my heart.  I absolutely adore them; they bring me so much joy!
3. I got a full 8 HOURS of sleep last night and woke up rested this morning.
4. Juca and I have been able to minister to over 40 kids from just yesterday and this morning.
5. This afternoon is free and Juca and I are going to head into the big city (Sao Paulo) and explore/run errands!
6. I am slowly, but surely learning how to play soccer...and I really like it!

Prayer requests:
1. For God to be glorified in ministry this weekend (Sat. morning and evening, Sunday morning and evening).
2. Good family time tonight with Juca, Rosemary, Abner and Julia.
3. Continued prayer for health and rest for me.

I will try to keep these quick updates going when I have time.  It seems like a good way to keep prayer support up to date at home and it only takes a few minutes on my end. 

I am just so thankful for this time here.  Our God is awesome and mighty and worthy of praise!

Also, thank you to those of you who wrote in my devotional for this trip.  It is really encouraging to see your handwriting, and hear your heart behind the words.  Each and every morning and evening, God has been faithful to teach me what I need to be taught and to encourage me with His spirit through your words.

Well, for now, I am going to do some office work for YMI Brazil.  Thank you to all of you who are praying  :)

A day late :)

(NOTE: This is a blog I wrote yesterday, but am just now posting.  I will post another update soon.  Sorry there aren't pictures, it takes a realllllllllly long time to upload them! Watch for them on Facebook  :)

I made it!  I am safely at Juca and Rosemary's home in Brazil.  It is beautiful here!  I am praising the Lord for his goodness and his faithfulness to bring me here for a few weeks.

Here's a quick recap of the last couple days:

Yesterday morning I left for Dallas at 7:15am.  I had asked everyone to be praying for opportunities to minister while traveling and God was faithful to answer.  I ended up meeting an older gentleman from Alaska who has an incredible testimony.  We talked the whole plane ride and laughed lots.  He thanked me for serving the Lord and even offered to buy me breakfast on the plane!  What a blessing. 

Later on in the flight, there was a young mom  sitting behind me who had a 15-month-old daughter named Adelaide.  Right around 11 in the morning, this sweet little girl hit nap time and it was game over!  She wanted to be up walking around, but there was turbulence and it forced us to be in our seats.  After screaming for about ten minutes straight, I remembered that I had brought a tiny little stuffed animal.  I offered it to sweet little Adelaide and she took it and cuddled it until she fell asleep on her mom's lap.  So cool how God used something so small to serve a purpose.

I arrived in Dallas around 1pm their time.  My flight for Sao Paulo wasn't until 8pm, so I had a fair amount of time to kill.  I spent some time sleeping in the airport and I rode the tram around the airport full circle twice...ahaha.  Hey, it was a great time-killer!

I was so ready to go when the time came.  The airplane to Brazil was HUGE!  I had forgotten how large planes are for international flights.  I was blessed with a window seat and it was lovely.  God had his hand on everything...as I started to talking to the woman sitting next to me.  Her name was Maria.  I found out that she was born in Brazil, moved to the states and learned English.  She is now a professor at the University of Iowa and TEACHES PORTUGUESE!!!  So, I took advantage of this God-given opportunity to learn a little bit of Portuguese!  Ahhhh.  God is so good.  I got to share with Maria about YMI and what I was going to be doing in Brazil.  We had some great conversation!

Upon arriving in Sao Paulo, Rosemary and Juca greeted me with warm smiles and big hugs.  I love them already!  We made it to their house around 10am this morning (6am Seattle time).  It is beautiful here.  They live in a mountainous part of Sao Paulo covered in exotic trees and flowers.  I'll post pictures later  :)

They have been gracious to give me some down time to rest today and then tonight starts full-time ministry!  I can't wait to see what the Lord has already done here and to see what he is going to do in the next few weeks.

Prayer requests:
1. That the Gospel is well received tonight during church ministry.  I will be giving my testimony and presenting the Gospel.
2. That I am able to serve well in Juca's home.
3. That I can get some rest today and tonight so that I may serve best tomorrow and in the days to come.
4. For God to be lifted HIGH!!!

Praise reports:
1. God used me on my flights, just as we had prayed!
2. I made it safe and sound.
3. I am still healthy!
4. I was able to get about 5 hours of rest on the flight to Sao Paulo.

Thank you for supporting me through this!  As I serve here, be encouraged to serve wherever you are!  The same God who is working in Sao Paulo is working in Seattle, Federal Way, Kent, Simi Valley, Santa Barbara, Torrance and everywhere else  :)

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

5...4...3...2...1...

BLAST OFF!!!
 
So...training is over as of 9pm tonight!  I was blessed to train alongside my [new] friend, Taylor, over the course of the last 2.5 days.  YMI did a wonderful job covering a whole lot during that time and I am blessed to have these three days leading up to my launch to Brazil.

Tomorrow morning is an early start for me...I am being picked up for the airport at 4:30am!!  What a wonderful way to wake up--knowing that I'm on my way to Sao Paulo  :)  That said, this post will be short.  

I would love it if you would praise the Lord for these things with me:
1. A wonderful few days of training
2. God has replaced my nervousness with excitement
3. A new friend! (Taylor)
4. I get to do one last load of laundry tonight before I leave  :)
5. The Lord has provided financially above and beyond what I could have imagined

I would love it if you would pray for these requests with me:
1. A safe flight from here to Dallas and Dallas to Sao Paulo
2. Safety while in Brazil
3. For my eyes to be open to people while I am traveling, not just once I get there
4. That I would stay healthy while I am there
5. For the Lord to be glorified above ALL

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your support and encouragement.  I will do my best to update here as much as I reasonably can.  

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  Acts 1:8

Friday, May 11, 2012

Time flies...

I've heard it said that "time flies when you're having fun."  So I must have been having a TON of fun these last few weeks because I was convinced that I was leaving for training for Brazil on Wednesday (the 16th)...BUT...yesterday I found out that I leave for training this Sunday (the 12th) and fly out to Brazil on the 16th.  Haha.  Needless to say, the last 24 hours have been filled with speedy shopping, frenzied packing and lots of laughter.  I'm not what most people would call "forgetful," but this situation sure did give me a few giggles.

Anyway, praise the Lord for His grace and mercy--I am almost completely packed and ready to go.  I'm going to soak up the next 48 hours with my family before I leave.  I can't believe it's almost HERE!!!  

Please follow my blog as I venture off to Brazil for a month.  I will update this as frequently as possible (I'm hoping at least a couple times a week).  My hope is that you will be able to hear about my joys, my challenges and how God brings me through it all.  I will also update this blog with prayer requests and praises! 

Brazil.....HERE I COME!!!!



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Messy Madness

This is my life right now...
 packing...
 packing...
and MORE packing.

This year I have lots to be thankful for.  The Lord is teaching me more and more each day about who He is, how He works and what it means to serve Him faithfully.  My room is a mess and I am eager to get home in less than a WEEK.  However, I am going to miss "my girls" who have simply become my friends, late night talks, laughing til my abs hurt and rooming with Abbie.  The Lord has blessed me greatly this school year.

Now, here I stand with just a semester left of school.  I will be a college graduate this December and I will start grad school in January.  Lots of big changes are ahead of me.

But for now, I am going to live in the moment.  I'm going to soak up the freedom of a messy room, empty drawers and a busy schedule.  This is what God has ordained for me for today, and I will choose to be joyful in the midst of the mess.  

My God is still on His throne.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

beach, friends and smiles.

Last weekend, we had our Engstrom 4th East Hall Retreat.  We stayed in an incredible beach house on the coast in Santa Barbara.  It was glorious.  The weather was wonderful, the fellowship was sweet and the rest was much needed.

"If your grace is an ocean, we're all sinking..." 





 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down form the Father of lights with who there is no variation or shadow due to change."  James 1:17



"The heavens declare the flory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."  
Psalm 19:1 







"I praise you,f or I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."  Psalm 139:14

Sunday, March 25, 2012

calm my anxious heart

1 hall camping trip to organize
3 books to read before Saturday
3 papers to write before Friday
3 presentations to finish before the end of the semester
4 projects to finish before the end of the semester
5 days until spring break
6 papers to write before the end of the semester
14 days until Easter
30 days until I turn 21
37 days until I am DONE with this semester
44 days until I am off contract as an RA
52 days until I leave for Brazil!

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat of what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.  is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?  And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?  And why are you anxious about clothing?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient of the day is its own trouble." Matthe 6:25-34

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm...other times He calms His child.  

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Engstrom Bowling Night

On Monday night, we had an all-Engstrom bowling event!  The theme was "Neon" so we all dressed in bright colors.  I rocked my crazy tights, my Engstrom shades and my "Choose Joy" foam finger.
That's right.




It was a fun night of laughter, healthy competition and hanging with some rad people.

p.s. post to come soon about my best night so far as an RA.  To sum it up in one sentence, my residents are incredible and my God is sovereign.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Kid time

If you know me, you know I adore kids.  I'm pretty sure I would rather spend my time will silly little ones than with adults most of the time  :)  One of my favorite things about being in Rezlife is getting to know the RDs and their families.  Kelly is an RD here and he and his wife have three beautiful/handsome children.  I get the blessing of hanging with them occasionally and I love it!  On Sunday, we got to spend some time together while their parents were out.  So. Much. Fun.
Kyler and I worked on a puzzle for a little while.

Brayden loves the Bible.  Like really loves it.  
So...Brayden and I built the Temple in Jerusalem out of blocks  :)

Right now, they are fostering five kittens until they are old enough to be weened and given away.  They are so funny to watch...they are just now starting to play with each other!  Haha.

We had breakfast for dinner (my personal favorite): breakfast potatoes, eggs and turkey bacon.

This is sweet Naiya.  She was lovin her applesauce and sweet potatoes.

This is the second time building the Temple. (I'm telling you...he really loves the Bible.)

"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me.  Don't stop them! For the kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.'" Matthew 19:14

Monday, March 19, 2012

The people I love most.

As many of you know, my family came to visit me last weekend.
It was an incredible time of laughter, rest and quality time.

While we were here, my wonderful friend, Amie, took my brothers' senior pictures and also snapped a few family pics.  We haven't had family pictures in sooooooooo long.  Thanks, Amie!

My best friend in the whole wide world.

Daniel and Kendall...aren't they good looking? :)

We're just models. nbd.

The parentals.

My parents have THREE seniors this year!!  
The boys will graduate in June and I will graduate from college in December  :)

I miss these people already.  Thank you, Lord for an amazing weekend.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

KONY 2012


KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Soul care.

This week has just been on of those weeks.  One of those weeks where everything seems to be packedtogetherthistight and there's not room for anything beyond the necessities.  I feel like I'm just trying to keep my head above water--just trying to endure the waves and wait for calm seas again.

This week has included many events that have given me a run for my money:
-Sending out support letters to fundraise for Brazil
-Trying to get sleep even though my body has decided to stop sleeping through the night
-Turning in my "Intent to Graduate" forms
-Finding housing for next year (eek.)
-Having to fight feeling inadequate, overwhelmed, happy, sad, frustrated, humbled, angry, isolated and even depressed
-Choosing to trust the Lord even when I feel this way
-Being a student (papers, student teaching/service learning, projects, tests)

It's times like this when I just want to run far, far away.  To get away from life.  I yearn to be home with my family.  I miss my mom's hugs, my Dad's talks with me and my brothers' laughter.  I just keep waiting for my spirit to find rest.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11: 28-30


So for now, I will seek the Lord with all my heart.
He promises that when I do, I will find rest.
But more importantly, I will find Him.
And He is more than enough.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

"In your presence there is fullness of joy."
Psalm 16:11

Monday, February 27, 2012

Sabbath

This season of lent, my roommate and I decided to give up doing homework on Sundays in order to gain a Sabbath.  Yesterday was the first day that we got to enjoy the fruits of our labor and it was wonderful.  When God gave the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament, the fourth command was to keep the Sabbath.

 "Remember to Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.  On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day.  Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."  Exodus 20: 8-11


The Lord took the most time to explain this one of all the commandments.  He specified that the Sabbath was for everyone.  The Lord really laid it on my heart that there is wisdom in keeping a Sabbath--a day of rest, especially for college students.

This last week, I spent my free time making sure my homework was done and I was ready for this week.  I spent Saturday working instead of playing all day.  When Sunday rolled around, I had nothing to do except rest.  I got to go to church and not rush home to get homework done.  I go to go to the park with friends and play kickball.  I got to go to a dear friend's house for dinner and not even think about homework the whole time.  I went to bed without being exhausted and woke up this morning feeling more rested and ready to face the week than I have in a long time.  

I think this whole Sabbath thing might just have to stick around for longer than Lent season.  I'm thinking this might become a life practice.  It's amazing how the Bible is just filled to the brim with wisdom that I so often overlook, but boy is it sweet when the Lord grabs my attention and draws me in closer.  Thank you, Jesus.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

On my heart.

I'm going to Brazil.

Yep, I'm about as shocked as your probably are/were.

I'm not really sure how it all happened so fast, but the Lord is clearly leading me there.  So, I'm going.  I will be leaving just 4 days after my last final of this semester and returning just two days before my brothers graduation in May.

Crazy, huh?  I think so too.


This is Sao Paulo.  See all those homes?  Maybe the people living in them will hear the good news of Jesus Christ while I'm there.  Only God knows.

But boy am I excited to go.  Here am I, He's sending me.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Fruit of the Spirit

I CHOOSE LOVE...
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness.  I choose love.
Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY...
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...
the tool of the lazy thinker.  
I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God.  
I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE...
I will live forgiven.  I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE...
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.  
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place,I'll invite him to do so.  
Rather than complain that the wait is to long, 
I will thank God for a moment to pray.  
Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, 
I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS...
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.  
Kind to the rich, for they are afraid.  
And kind to theunkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS...
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one.  
I will be overlooked before I will boast.  I will confess before I will accuse.  
I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS...
Today I will keep my promises.  My debtors will not regret their trust.  
My associates will not question my word.  
My wife will not question my love and my children will never fear that their
father will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS...
Nothing is won by force.  I choose to be gentle.  
If I raise my voice, may it only be in praise.  
If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.  
If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL...
I am a spiritual being... After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.  
I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.  I choose self-control.  
I will be drunk only by joy.  Iw ill be impassioned only by my faith.  
I will be influenced only by God.  I will be taught only be Christ.  
I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  To these I commit my day.  If I succeed, I will give thanks.  If I fail, I will seek his grace.  And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

MAX LUCADO
When God Whispers Your Name

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

A little reminder of Walkabout

I suppose it's about time for another post  :)  This weekend was filled with time with my girls.  On Saturday a bunch of us went into LA on the metro/train system.  It was a blast navigating everything on our own and finding our way around.  We went to Pershing Square, the Bradbury building, the market downtown and then stopped for some down time in Pasadena before heading back to Azusa.

Yesterday was a day off from school and a few of us girls wanted to go do something active instead of sitting around all day doing nothing.  We decided to hike to The Bridge to Nowhere!  I had heard about it from a couple people and it sounded neat.  It was incredible because it's only about thirty minutes North of Azusa but it feels like you are out in the backcountry!  It's a ten-mile hike roundtrip and well worth it!  It wasn't an incredibly hard hike, just long.  The whole hike runs along a river in the middle of a canyon.  It's simply stunning.  I kept saying, "I feel like I'm in the middle of a video game" because we got to jump on rocks to cross the river, rock climb and scale down the sides of cliffs in order to reach our final destination. SO. MUCH. FUN!  Here are some pictures of our hike  :)

Victoria, Jessica and me before we started the hike.

All of us girls at a pretty little waterfall along the way.

Amazing beauty!

Looking down from The Bridge to Nowhere

We reached our final destination!  It was a little chilly at the top.  
We ate lunch here and then headed back down

All done!  After ten miles of hiking and 5 hours total, 
our feet were very ready for a break :)

These ladies bring me so much joy.  It was a blast getting to spend the day with them in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone reception.  We laughed a lot, had good conversation and enjoyed each other's company.  It's days like this when the Lord reminds me over and over that His mercies are great and He knows our every need.  He knew that I needed yesterday.  Love you girls lots.