Answered Prayers!

I was sooo encouraged this weekend that I have to share it with you all.  My girls went to a camp with the youth group of our church this past week.  They just got back Saturday and shared all about it.  One thing I should mention is that Travis and I have been praying that God would work in their lives to bring them closer to Him and to each other as sisters.  Well, God was at work because they both came home and said this was the Best camp they ever went to.  Both agreed that God was working on them and how he used two girls there who were half sisters who didn't have a great relationship and how one of them was taken to Urgent Care because of a persistent side pain that wouldn't go away.  While the other campers including her sister waited they all started crying thinking this could be the last time the see her again.  The one sister was thinking about the last thing she said to her and how that really effected her.  As my girls sat back and watched this emotional sister they became emotional thinking about how they treated each other.  Wow! I was so encouraged to hear them share how God was tugging on their hearts to be kinder to each other.  Sierra my oldest daughter shared with me another amazing story about her friend from school she invited to come to camp.  She said she thought her friend was saved  but the 4th night they were there that her friend came up to her and said "Guess what Sierra, I'm Saved!"  she told her that she talked with God in her bed that night and accepted him.  Wow! both my girls said everyone started crying because she was soooo happy!  I am so grateful for God allowing my girls to go to this camp and experience Him in a whole new way.

Being Ready

Have you been asked about your faith lately? Do you have an answer to the hope that is in you?  Recently I was approached by two Jehovah's Witnesses who came knocking on my door.  They began to state their beliefs and I shared mine but as the conversation was going I began to become upset because I knew they were not speaking truth.  I saw that I was beginning to defend God instead of finding a crack in their belief system that would put doubt into their mind.  I was more concerned about making statements instead of finding out how they came to their conclusions.  The fact of the matter is God doesn't need a defender!  What this did do was strengthen what I already believed and brought me back to God's Word.  This my friends was only round 1 that day, I guess God thought I needed to have one more go at it, so later that afternoon I went out to my dads to check on his kittens while he was out of town.  My sister was there and her and I got into a conversation about God and her and her sons life. Round 2, Ding! She stated she is looking for her own answers about God and we went round and round for a good thirty minutes or so. As I was being yelled and cussed at everything inside of me wanted to leave but I knew God had me there for a purpose and I didn't want to blow this opportunity.  As the conversation was beginning to die I told her I wanted to talk further on this when emotions calm down and she agreed.  After all that, we have now been communicating through email and things seem to be going well.  I am grateful for that day I had because I want to be ready to have an answer to anyone at anytime who asks me about the hope I have.

Wait for the Lord

Psalms 27:14  "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

 This is where I am at right now.  I can't tell you how strong this desire is in me to be serving in our ministry roles overseas but God is saying wait.  Since we have been back home raising our support, we have had many opportunities to serve right here in our home town.  It really has been neat to grow closer to fellow believers in the area and just when you think you are pouring into them God starts using them in your life to encourage you!  We have been so blessed by the body of Christ since we have been back but I find myself thinking a lot about our destination date.  Travis reminded me again just recently that it is not about the destination date but the Journey God has us on now.  Sometimes I need reminding that ministry is right in front of me everyday and I could be missing out on an opportunity God has for me today.  For any of you out there that feel like you may not be making a difference, remember that God gives us opportunities everyday to show his love.  As Proverbs 12:25 says "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."