The Lord has been faithful to Hope House and has blessed us with wonderful ladies. We currently have five ladies, and they are such a tremendous joy to my life. Recently we had a baptismal service with the church that is run by our program director, and all five of our ladies were baptized. What a joy to see them show their dedication to Christ both in a new and renewed Faith. I love hearing their testimonies how they came from darkness into light. Each ladies story is a true testimony of God’s goodness, and God’s never ending love. Each morning, they remind me to renew my faith and continue to live out that Faith wherever I go. Faith To Move Mountains I haven’t always had faith like you read in missionary stories. For years and years I have had the opportunity to teach children about all the greatest missionaries of all time, all the while learning myself to have that kind of faith. Like Jim Elliot, who gave his life for the cause for Christ. He had faith that if God saw fit, he would lead others to Christ. His Faith in God, was so powerful, that even after he was killed, his mission continued with his wife leading the people to Christ. What if I had that kind of faith? What if I live each day knowing that no matter what, God has got my back. What a freeing feeling. Lately my faith has been tested, and I have had to live out my faith in every day situations. I can’t say it’s been easy, but I can tell you how rewarding it is to pray and see God answer. What a JOY it is to see God do amazing things in the lives around you, and see miracles happen to those you love. I want to have faith that will move mountains, then and only then will I really see what God can do!!!
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Today as I sat in the living room at Hope House I reflected on the last week. God has been working, and blessing me each and every day, but this week was beyond blessed. It started with a trip to Columbus, Ohio for a Thirty- one Gifts VIP retreat. I had been selected to attend a special training for up and coming leaders. It is no surprise that I set my goals high, and then ask God to help me reach them. Getting to attend this conference was because of God’s goodness and His working not just in my life but my ministry. He restored my Hope that day, as I saw God direct my steps and lead me on an incredible journey.
After returning home I was able to welcome my family and friends over for a wonderful night of fellowship and a bonfire. I sat and thanked God for the people that I was surrounded by who have made an impact on my life. It was an incredible experience and one I will forever cherish. To top it all off, last night two of our Hope House residents graduated from the Recovery program or Phase I. They are now in our transitional program, which we pray they will also successfully complete. It was an emotional night as I saw these women surrounded by those who love them so dearly. “God had restored them, and changed them from the inside out. That is what our God can do...when we let Him” One of the family members of one of our ladies came up to me with tears in her eyes. She said how long she had prayed for this, how long she had wanted to see change, and she trusted that God would answer that prayer. God wants to restore their lives, and make them new from the inside out. God is in the business of changing us, but only if we will let Him. God is redeeming these ladies, and every one of them has a prayer warrior fighting on their behalf every single day. While I was in Columbus, I had the opportunity to participate in a give back to the community. We partnered with Girls On the Run and Thirty-one organized the largest session with Girls on the Run. We taught a lesson and allowed the girls to do a short work out that also worked along with the positive and encouraging lesson. We taught them about positive thinking, and the impact of negativity in our lives. We also gifted them with cute little bags, and the joy on their faces really said it all. I am thanking God for continued opportunities for me to follow His calling on my life. Thank you for your faithful prayers, God has been working in so many different ways, and I am eternally grateful. God has been in the business of teaching me lately about trust, and about following His will. His desire for me to grow in Him has led me to the place that I am now. For 9 years I cried out to God and begged Him for the chance to live on my own. I wanted it so badly that I could just taste the freedom I believed it would bring. Instead, He only told me to wait. So I waited, and I waited, and I waited some more. I couldn’t understand why God would send me into ministry, and not provide enough for me to be self sufficient. That’s when God revealed to me, He was teaching me to trust HIM and HIM alone. He was strengthening my faith and allowing me to lean on Him. This past week, by the grace of God, I moved into my very first place which happens to be my very first rental home. This house is a beautiful example of God’s amazing love. Friends of mine renovated this house that was built in Austin in the 1890’s. The house was moved to Bastrop where a sweet couple were renovating it. The man passed away, and my friends moved the house once more and began completing the work. Last week I moved into my home, and the previous owner came by to see the completed work. She was speechless as she saw the dream of her husband come to fruition. “It reminded me that as we sew the seeds into other people’s lives as God has commanded us to do, He will bring someone along to water those seeds so that they may grow.” We won’t see the fruit of our labor, but when we get to Heaven we will see all those who our lives have touched. Just as the man who bought a little old house passed before seeing his work complete, God worked it out for the house to be completed and brought into my life. As I walk through my home each day, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness. I pray for all those who will enter my home, that they feel His love and His spirit. I trusted God to provide above and beyond what I could ask or think, and He did just that. Now I get to live out that faith day to day. Yes my friends, our God is good!!! The last few months at Hope House have been amazing. I have never before in my life been so joyous to work, and to have such a good attitude about what is required of me on a day to day basis. I believe it is because God has such favor not just on this place, but on my life. I feel His presence much more than I ever have, and I am having to trust Him for every single thing in my life. I have never had to have the faith that I have now, because I was comfortable. About a month ago I was having a talk with the ladies, and the conversation of Grace came up. It was as much a lesson for myself as it was for everyone else. In that moment, the true meaning of Grace came to mind. Why is it that we have such a hard time giving Grace, and yet we expect it from others? It was a unique opportunity to learn and to grow as a group and to extend Grace to others. A few weeks later, an opportunity arose where I needed to show Grace, and yet I was struggling with this. Where do you draw the line, and how do you keep your heart in check? That is when I had to turn to God, to soften my heart, and to give someone another chance to prove themselves worthy of that grace. We can’t control what others do, but we control how and when we react. I am so thankful for these ladies in my life, and how they consistently teach me new and rewarding lessons. As I sit here with the fire going in the fireplace, and Christmas movies on the TV, I reflect on all that God has been doing. Over the last few months the Lord has been working in miraculous ways. Just a few short months ago I was faced with the possibility of a debilitating illness. All results pointed to the obvious, I had some kind of auto immune disease, but my eye specialist was almost certain it was MS. We prayed and believed, and my symptoms almost entirely cleared up, and all results began to show minimal nerve issues. God was glorified and my heart rejoiced in this time of healing.
Just a few weeks later I felt the Lord encouraging me to take on a new ministry to partner with. I was offered a place to serve in Bastrop, at a ministry called Hope House. This ministry is a recovery and transition home for women. This program has been open for almost two years, and the Lord is only beginning to show us just how incredible it is going to be. My normal shift will be three 24 hour days, which would allow me ample time with the ladies to share God's love and blessings with them. My first shift before Christmas was 12 days, and during that time I couldn't imagine my life any other way. I was riding in the car and one of the ladies looked at me and told me that I was being God's hands and feet. I had never thought of it that way. I do believe I am right where God would have for me to be. This New Years eve I will be serving at the Ronald McDonald House in Houston by serving a sit down meal to the house guests along with friends of mine. I know it will be a blessing and a joy to serve those going through such a difficult time. Soon I hope to continue ministering in other various ways, but right now my focus will be with Hope House. Many have asked how they can pray for Hope House and for my ministry with them. There are various things to pray for, but the most important one is for the ladies to feel the love of God and make positive changes in their lives. Second you can pray for God's provision for the Home and for the future ladies who will come to stay. Lastly, I ask you to pray how God would allow you to help. Your prayers are very important and vital to this work. If God lays it on your heart, would you consider donating to my ministry to allow me to continue to serve. You can click the donate now button on the menu above. I am trusting God to provide above and beyond what I could ask or think. I know He has called me to this, and He will provide in His time. My life is beyond incredible as God shows me His faithful love and support. I look forward to all that God is going to do in and through this ministry. I couldn't do what I do without all of you, thank you for standing with me in this amazing journey. Check out my latest blog post via Restored Ministries website. They featured my blog on August 7th, and what an honor that was. Check it out here and follow their blog as well!!
https://restoredministriesblog.wordpress.com/2015/08/07/ So many wonderful things have happened since my last update. God has really been at work in my life. Today I wanted to share a song that is very near and dear to my heart. This video is from over a year ago while still living in Houston, but I am excited to be sharing it with the first service at my new church next Sunday. This song has such strong words of encouragement and a reminder that we are to follow HIM.
It has been two months since my life completely changed. The Lord had began to burden my heart to leave my current job and work with friends who happen to own several businesses. I wanted to follow God, but I was torn as to what to do and how God was going to work it out. So many times I have stepped out in faith and questioned if I had really done what God wanted me to do, only to realize years later that it was God's perfect will. I didn't want to question my decision this time, I wanted God to do the working. Needless to say, two days later I got a call that my company needed to remove my position and they had to lay me off. They were surprised how calm I was about it all. You see, God made the way, so there was no denying that He was in this. A few weeks later I began working with my friends by assisting with their book keeping. Because my work is still flexible it has allowed me to travel this summer and find ways to serve. This opportunity will open up so many doors to learn more than I could ever imagine. Everything that I am learning will be vital as my ministry grows, and as God opens more doors for me to be back into full time ministry. I do not know what my future holds, but I know God has ordained it. A quick update on current and upcoming events:
I will be getting some updated prayer cards made in the next month or so. If anyone wishes to receive one please don't hesitate to send me a quick message, and I will get one to you. As the song talks about, our gentle Savior is leading us. We don't need to worry or to plan each step, we only need to listen and follow as God directs. I am praying fervently about how and when I can serve in Bastrop/Austin and surrounding areas. I know when the timing is right, the doors will be wide open. I covet your prayers as I continue to seek God's will for the future. I know God has me right where He wants me, it is the greatest place to be. Ever since I was a little girl I heard these words, and even sang them in church. Amazing grace is one of my favorite hymns, but because I never knew what it was like to be blind the imagery didn't quite reach me. I knew and understood how our sin is like blindness and it separates us from God. When we have a personal relationship with Christ, and He washes away that sin, the blindness is removed and we can see like never before. This illustration above has new meaning in my life.
I always wondered what life was like for the blind. A dear lady friend of mine was declared blind and all she could see was dark shapes. By the time she passed away she could no longer see anything at all. My aunt and uncle have similar issues, and they have lost most of their sight. We see those around us struggling with life, but we ourselves think we are invincible. It won't happen to me right? Well... my friends..we are not invincible. Life can throw things at you that you never expected. Are you ready and prepared mentally and spiritually for all that comes your way? Do you trust the Lord enough to get through it? I have always told the Lord I will trust Him no matter what. That doesn't mean I don't worry or get concerned. I am human just like anyone else, and I have my moments of weakness that turn others off. However, I like to face life and whatever it may bring head on. So about six months ago I began having major vision changes and It became difficult to even read a book. I have worn glasses since I was 11, so I am used to my vision being slightly off. I decided a trip to the eye doctor was in order just to make sure everything was okay. The doctor informed me that my eyes were fine and that I just had a focusing problem and should see a specialist. It seemed odd to me because my eyes did not forget to focus all of a sudden. So I ignored the problem as it is so easy to do, and went on my merry little way. Months go by and my eyes did not adjust to the new prescription. In fact they seemed to be getting worse. I couldn't tell if it was one eye or both, I just knew that my eyes were getting worse and I wasn't sure what was going on. Finally my mom decided I should go see a specialist as she was concerned I was having similar issues as my family members have had. After a trip to the specialist, I was completely blindsided (no pun intended) and was told that my optic nerve in my right eye had been damaged. They had also discovered issues with my veins that was cause for future concern. The damage was minor, but permanent. There is nothing they can do except to find a cause as to why this happened and to keep a close eye on the problem. As he told me, my right eye will always be diminished and there is no treatment to repair it at this time. The optic nerve takes what my eyes see and brings it to my brain. With that nerve damaged, glasses or no glasses, I am not able to see as clearly as I used to. There is something about knowing what is wrong that brings peace. Knowing that this happened, and that God stopped it from causing complete damage was encouraging. That is when these words from the great old song came to mind. When God heals us, he doesn't just heal a part of us, he heals our whole body. I could live in fear that one day I will be completely blind, because it is something I have to watch for. However, instead I trust God. Whatever His will is for my life I will accept it and I will learn to lean on HIM each and every day. I want to have the best attitude about this life that I can, because I know no matter what struggles I have it is only temporary. When I get to Heaven I will see the Lord in all His glory. I will hear the angels sing, and I will know that I am HOME. So whatever struggles are in your life, even if you have to give yourself one moment of pity, regroup and refocus your eyes on Him. The only one who knows where you are in this life. The only one who can heal the wounded, and give sight to the blind. He is right beside us, building us a future and a home in Heaven with Him. Over the last few weeks the Lord has been teaching me to trust Him. It is much easier said then done of course. You see, a few weeks ago, I was on an emotional high after visiting a local church. Have you ever had one of those moments? You know the feeling that you can do anything, and you are ready to tackle any problem head on? Well that is where I was at that day, excited to get back to the ranch to tell my friends all about it. As I reached the fence, and was maneuvering through the gate, I was looking ahead instead of looking around. Immediately I knew something was wrong, I had driven into the fence post.
I had just a moment to think, to decide how I would react. One of my friends was right in front of me holding open the gate. The look on his face said it all, I had gotten myself into a pickle. So after surveying the damage, I went on my merry little way. I made a choice to have a good attitude and to realize that it was just a material possession that could be fixed. A quick claim and a week or so later, my Jeep was perfect again! The day arrived for me to pick up my Jeep, and I was beyond excited. I quickly grabbed the mail to read on my way over, and noticed once piece of mail was regarding a recall. I opened it up to discover that two recalls were issued for my Jeep and had been for some time. When I did some research, I discovered that the recalls were on my airbag sensors. There were so many thoughts that popped into my mind, but one thing was for sure, God had been protecting me. After finally getting my Jeep back, you can imagine the joy I had in driving it again. So last night I decided to head up to my friends house on the hill and visit with her for a little while. She decided that I should stay for dinner as her husband was working late. We sat around and talked for a while, and it was exactly what I needed after the last few weeks. It was getting late, so I said my goodbyes and began to head down the hill. It had been raining for days, so the dirt road were hard to maneuver. I decided to take the long way around on the dirt, and gravel path that was once the primary road. As I went down the road, I kept looking to the side to see where I was to turn to come back upon the main little dirt road. This area is not level, so working around it was proving to be very difficult. All I could see was pitch black, and my high beams were of no use. So I trusted God, and I went a little farther until it looked flat, and then I just turned left and drove. I drove until I hit mud and then I did my best to work through it. I was relieved to finally hit the fence line because that meant I was almost out of the pasture. I could see my one of my friends drive up on a four wheeler looking confused. Why was I driving in the pasture? All the guys down the hill noticed and were coming to see what was going on. I made it out finally, and headed on my way. It was not an experience I hope to do again. If I had been paying attention in the daytime I would have known where to go. Isn’t that true in our Christian life? Just like I have experienced the last few weeks, when we do not pay attention to where we are going, things can happen that we do not expect. We try to go through life trudging through the Mud, when God has a path set out for us that He has designed. We may hit Mud, or we may get lost, but He is right there next to us, guiding the way. We don’t have to travel this road alone. After all that I have experience these weeks and months, I know that God works all things according to His will. He is leading and guiding me in the way I am meant to go. If I let him, He will lead me, guide me, and keep me safe. If I do hit another dirt road or dark pasture, I know I am not alone!!! Today was an exciting day in this adventure I call my life!!! I received pictures of the rental house I will be living in once it has been renovated. It is such a joy to have people in my life who have allowed me this opportunity. They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse which has brought me such joy. For 8 years I have wanted to be on my own and to rely solely on the Lord. It’s wonderful to see that dream come true.
Today I had lunch with a dear friend, to catch up on each other’s lives. As I sat and chatted with Joanna, I realized how God has directed each and every step of my life. Back in 2008, exactly 7 years ago, I walked into the choir room at Second Baptist Church where I had just begun attending at the time. I was shy and timid and might have walked right back out of the room had it not been for a bubbly, happy lady named Joanna. She saw the look on my face and knew I must be new to the choir. She walked me in, and told me to make sure to sit by her. That moment changed everything for me, and my life has been blessed because of it. When hurricane Ike hit the Texas gulf coast, later that year, my home was left without water and power for nearly a week. Joanna, who was on a side of town that wasn’t hit as hard, graciously allowed me to stay in her home so that I could make it to work every day. I fully believe I would have lost my job had it not been for her generosity that week. That year I was also placed in her Shepherd group where she was the leader and encourager. I soon found out there were other incredible ladies in the group as well. One of those ladies was Amy Stockwell who along with her husband, ran their own ministry, David Stockwell Evangelistic Association. Joanna and her daughter decided they might like to go on a mission trip some day with David and Amy. I got very excited about this and told Amy that I too would like to go because I knew I would not be going alone. Little did I know, Joanna would never be able to go, but I would proceed with what I felt a strong desire to do. I went to Africa for my very first time…and it was the best decision I could have ever made. I spent the next three years working with David and Amy, and seeing God use them all around the world. Over the course of the next few years I was able to meet many dear friends and experience things outside of Texas that I never dreamed possible. All it took was one friend willing to say “Hi, come sit by me.” The rest just fell into place over the course of 7 amazing years. Through ministry abroad, and now local ministry and a new place to call home, I couldn’t be more blessed. I have met people that have touched my life in so many ways and I cherish each and every one of them. You may feel that your life is not important, but you never know what impact you have on others. You never know how God is going to use you. You may just be a gateway to the place God has for them, but you can be a powerful and influential gateway for God’s kingdom. I am more outgoing now because of all the people I have met and the experiences I have gained. I will always be grateful to the people that have led me to where I am today. For now, I can watch my rental house take form and prepare for the move in date. May God use this house to bring me to the next phase of life, wherever that may be. May this home by a gateway for others, that they may leave feeling the Love of God and a rejuvenated spirit. As Jeremiah 29:11 states: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God has a great plan ahead…oh use Me Lord!!! This past weekend I was blessed to be able to visit my dear friend Sheri and her precious family. In 2009, I met Sheri through her Dad and his wife Amy while I was beginning to serve in their ministry, David Stockwell Evangelistic Association. At this time in my life I had been blessed with a lot of wonderful friends, but there was a big hole in my heart and a place that needed to be filled by someone who understood where I was at in life and in ministry. I prayed and I cried out to God for years...and was left feeling alone and disappointed.
At this very moment in time I had peace that my future was changing, and I was excitedly waiting for that. My friends and I were staying in Sheri's home in May of 2009 for a ministry training event in New Braunfels, Texas. When I first met Sheri, my impression of her was that she was a strong and independent woman, and 5 years older than I was. We spent some wonderful time together that weekend, but it wasn't until we were paired together in a team for a special training session that I realized something we had in common. We were asked to work together to prepare a testimony to share with the others. I was terrified to speak in front of people, especially people I barely knew. I soon discovered that Sheri did too, in fact she was even more terrified then I was. In that moment I saw her vulnerable self and the strength she showed to overcome it. It wasn't until we arrived in Africa together that I began to see how strong of a woman of God she was. I watched her love on precious children and was blessed to serve on three African missions with her over the course of a few years. We didn't just become friends, we became family. Over the next few years she was there for me in more ways than one. And last year I was encouraged to watch her get married to a wonderful man, and to become a bonus mom to his precious girls. Although life changes, and we grow, we will always remember those earlier moments that made us who we are today. My life changed on that day in Africa when I saw her surrounded by kids, and when we worked together to teach God's love to them. Although right now my calling is Here in the good ole USA, I am fortunate to live much closer to her and her family, and to share in what God is doing in their lives. As I look back, I realize that it was was a year ago that I sat down and told her I felt I was going to move. Funny now because this year has changed for us both. She moved to the country with her husband, and I almost moved several times. She asked me how I KNEW I was going to move and if that was what God wanted for my life. She asked how I can really know for sure and I told her what I would tell anyone...I just knew. I just had peace that could not be described. Sometimes God closes the door, but in the process of closing that door, he opens a window. There is no wrong decisions when God is in them...Only stepping stones to where God wants us to be. It is amazing to me that a year later I am right where I knew I would be, I just didn't know how I was going to get here! So as I have learned... take the stepping stones as they come, and learn from the path that God takes you on. If you have peace, and know God is with you, don't give in. Follow God's will even when others don't understand. In the end...you receive the blessing. It may come in way of a friend, or a place to call HOME. Either way it comes...take it all in. Live the life God has given you to the fullest. It's the only way to live and have the full blessings of what the Lord has to offer!!! Stepping stones make us stronger...and my stepping stones are answered prayers!!! |