The Video I Made to Describe My Journey for Next Year and the People of Mali, West Africa
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
2 Corinthians 4
3-4If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get.
5-6Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.
7-12If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!
13-15We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
16-18So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
** i believe His Word says it all :)) Whatever He is doing in your life, don't hide it. Share it with others so that they can see and know Him too.
not sure i'm liking this common phrase in Bambara
hmm.. not sure to know what to think about there acutally being a common bambara phrase that says "the meat of a lizard is better than that of a chicken because of the way you cut it". lizard?! please just be a joke. please.
He keeps speaking!! :))
I turn on the tv, just to pass the time away, and silently pray for GOD to speak and give me a peace about the year.
Something tells me to turn to 171, which is Nick @ nite. So, I do. The finale episode of The Nanny is on, and Fran(the Nanny) is standing at the doorway of her house(she is moving), taking the last moments of her house in, and cherishing the times she had there. She feels joyous and nostalgic about the life she has had in that house. Then, Fran turns to go outside, stops, thinks and smiles, and walks onto what is next(to get in the car with her family to go to their next house). She knows what is ahead of her is even better.
GOD, thank You for caring about me at 2:55 am when I can't sleep.
What You have in store in Africa is gonna be good :))
God told Jonah to go to Nineveh. He said no, I don't want to go there.
God whispered to me Africa long, long ago. I said no, I don't want to go there. Now I'm saying yes.
It just hit me. Like truly hit me about how Africa is my Nineveh.
Sorry, but I had to tell you guys.
Sorry it took me so long to see that, LOL.
I had compared myself to Jonah's situation before, but I never realized THIS exact thing like I did a few minutes ago.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
israel and newbreed church service :))
Memorial Box Monday (on a Tuesday)
I think you guys know what I'm talking about. Sometimes you just feel so unworthy of GOD. As people, we fail, miserably. But that's the wonderful thing about it. GOD is going to do everything. NOT you. We can't do it. We just can't. So when you feel incapable of what it is GOD is telling you to do, just know that you're supposed to feel incapable. If you felt capable, something would be wrong. GOD can give you a boldness and a confidence through Him, but it's only through Him.
Friday, April 23, 2010
These are my burning bush:
the prophecy, my heart’s longing, the well wishes.
You speak to me, loudly and clearly,
and I hear You.
You placed Esther where and when You did for a reason.
You gave her favor wherever her footsteps took her.
For such a time as this, You have created me
for the Call, the Mandate.
You whisper Africa.
It’s not an option, it’s a command.
To disobey is death, and death is not what I choose.
You keep whispering to me.
I will believe Your voice and the things You show me.
Without hesitation, I will go.
GOD hears us even in the little things :))
Well... this afternoon, I get off work early and get in my car. They say the 8th caller will win tickets. I called, and the phone just kept ringing and ringing and ringing. I hang up and dial the # again. And I WON!!!! :))
Tuesday night I'll be with my sister at the concert.
Haha, oh and did I mention I've never won anything on the radio before? Haha. I'm excited!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Have you lost your mind, they ask? Or at least think it.
No, I think I’ve just found it.
Foot-long geckos and scorpions reside there, but so does the One who created them.
What about the 120 degree heat and the diseases?
Have you forgotten we must take up our cross?
He sacrificed Himself for me.
He asks more of us than chasing the American dream. The harvest is plentiful,
but the laborers few. They suffer, lost, unaware there’s an answer.
He is the Way, the Truth and the Life,
but how will they know if no one tells them?
Everyone has a mission. Your’s may not bring you to Bamako,
But that’s where mine has brought me.
I dare you to say,
“Here I am, send me.”
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
These are lyrics to a song called "There is nothing like". Scroll down my page to my playlist and listen to it. What an amazing song of GOD's love!
please keep praying for Chrissie
Monday, April 19, 2010
prayer works! :))
Thank you guys SO SO SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much for joining in prayer with me!!! It means the world to me!
And if you could please pray for little Chrissie. She had heart surgery today. Her heart has stopped. But I know that GOD can bring her back and restore her to complete health. Please take a minute out of your time and intercede for this precious little girl.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Boldness in Moving to Mali
Would you pray with me that GOD would give me the boldness I need to stand for Him, and that I would be fearless for Him. In my weakness, He makes me strong. I cannot do this alone. And that's the point. GOD is going to receive ALL the glory! That's what it's all about!
If you want to know a little more of what I have been experiencing just read back a few posts. It's too much to try and put into words. GOD has moved. He is still moving! And it is SO awesome to see it with my own eyes. I have learned that when you completely surrender everything to GOD, Satan attacks big time. But He's not going to win. he's NOT. GOD has already overcome and won, people!!! :))
The best way I can describe my need is human fears, disbeliefs, timidity, etc. i AM going to Mali, and for a year, but it's like Satan tries to tell me that I'm not.
So, if you would, please join me in prayer that GOD would fill me with a boldness and confidence.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Believe GOD
If you don't have a relationship with Him, you're really missing out. He loves you so much.
Hear this, He loves you so much that when you ask Him to speak to you in the morning on the way to class, to encourage you, He puts you behind a car and you look up and see the license plate. It says "BELIEVE GOD". Yeah, for REAL!! He does stuff like that for me, and He'll do it for you.
Don't even get me started on the chances of me actually getting behind a car with a license plate that says just that! :))
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
GOD speaks part 2
This all happened Sunday. Yes, in one day.
My friend Linny over at A Place Called Simplicity posted How to hear GOD speak part 1 and How to hear GOD speak part 2 in the past few days. Now I was already asking GOD to help me discern His Word in my devotional time each day. I knew that without Him telling me what He was speaking through His Word that I wouldn't get it. Then I read these posts by Linny. GOD wants you to ask Him to speak to you. He so desperately wants a relationship with you and wants to speak to you each and every day, all day.
And so I asked Him, around 8:30am Sunday morning during my devotional time - GOD speak to me. I want to know what You're saying to me.
Here is what my devotional read that day [from Voices of the Faithful by Beth Moore],
As usual, the disciples did not get it. Earlier, Jesus had promised that He would be with them on their journey.... [skipping over a little bit] We now have the assurance that GOD will protect us, providing for us regardless of where we are or how things look.... [skipping to the prayer at the end] Father, thank You that You are with me, that You protect and provide for me. I do not need to be afraid in whatever You call me to do, for You are with me. Protect Christian workers today in Central Asia as they share with Muslims who hold anti-Christian views. Let these Muslims see Jesus in them. Amen.
Now, I know, I'm not called to Central Asia, but West Africa. But hey, did you notice the word Muslim? In case you guys weren't aware, I will be living in an area that is 90% Muslim, 9% indigenous beliefs, 1% Christian.
Gosh, can it get any better? GOD speaks to you people! He cares :))
Then came the Sunday School lesson. It was all about being the Ziba's for the Mephibosheths of the world. Now just in case you don't know who I'm speaking of, here's a backstory. In 2 Samuel chapter 9 David asks if there is anyone left of Saul's family? And if so he would like to show him some kindness in honor of Jonathan. David and Jonathan were best friends. David made a covenant with Jonathan. Mephibosheth is Jonathan's lame son. Ziba was asked to tell David if there was anyone left of Saul's family to whom he may show kindness to? Ziba answered that yes, there was one. Mephibosheth. But he lives in Lo Debar.
Now here it really opened my eyes. Lo Debar means "no pasture". And David sent Ziba to get him without haste.
Do you see a bigger picture here? We need to be Zibas. GOD is telling us to get the Mephibosheths of the world, the lame and broken hearted. The lost. The ones no one else remembers. He wants to bless them, but someone has to tell them. Hmm... Lo Debar. No pasture. Mali is 65% desert. Aha! :))
At the end, we prayed. I asked GOD to speak to me during the sermon coming up.
Then onto the sermon on Sunday morning. All about everyone having a mission to reach people with the Gospel. And how things aren't always comfortable when you do that.
I had just told a dear sweet friend of mine before the sermon that I was giving a year for Mali, and how I had felt comfortable giving 6-8 months, but how GOD revealed to me that what you give isn't going to be comfortable if it is all you can give. Man... confirmation in a sermon! I was so about to boo hoo in service, but held it back by biting my lip lol. Anyone who saw me must have thought, her lip itches?!! lol.
Three times in less than three hours.
Then came that night. I had nursery duty, but thank goodness we have a speaker in the nursery so the workers can hear the sermon.
The sermon was basically about a generation rising up for GOD, and how people need to realize that the church today is missing out. But they can rise up and take what GOD has for them. That GOD wants to show you things. He wants revival for you. But the church has to want it.
I'm telling you, GOD speaks.
You know, Satan really kicks up the heat when you obey GOD. Satan tries even harder to discourage you from what GOD has commanded you to do. But you can get through the tough times with the strength GOD gives you. Tough times are a time for transformation.
I've always heard, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. And I believe it.
GOD speaks # 1
GOD is so faithful, people. OH.MY.GOODNESS.
Okay, here goes:
It's 1:30 am and I'm restless. All I can think of is how loooooooooong a year is and how I'll be away from everyone I know and love for what seems like an eternity. It's making me panic. So I flip through the channels, and land on TV Land. The Cosby Show is on. The scenario is Denise is married and is scared to move out of her parent's house and go where her family is stationed (in the Navy). She is having a conversation with her Mom.
Claire the mom says, "Alright girl, that's enough. You're not getting the message. How dense can you be? You are a married woman with a child. And you are afraid to leave the nest. My husband, your father thinks you're never getting out of here."
"I know. Mom, new people, strange people, no friends, no family. Navy life?! Me?!"
"I know, honey. But you can't stay, you've gotta go."
"Well, can I ask you something very important?"
"Sure."
"Do you know how to get to Rhode Island?"
"Yeah. But I'm not stationed in Rhode Island, my family's stationed here in Brooklyn."
Denise nods. "I understand."
"But if you call me, I'll be there."
I cried. LOL. GOD speaks. Even through the Cosby Show at 1:30 in the morning when you can't go to sleep. GOD still tells me to GO, even when the thoughts of panic come in the middle of the night. I can't stay here in America. I'm uncomfortable with my moving to Mali for a year, but I'm even more uncomfortable with the thought of staying here in America. I would be miserable if I stayed here. Miserable.
GOD is saying, I know it breaks your heart to leave all this behind, but You've gotta go. You have a responsibility to tell the Malians about me. You are married to the call. I made you for this. Leave your father and mother and GO.
The last part of what I saw speaks of the faithfulness of GOD. All I have to do is call and He'll be there. And of how my parents will be there if I need them. All I have to do is call. Yes, they are here in North Carolina and I can't bring them with me, but thank goodness for Alexander Graham Bell and his telephone :))
** oh, and just in case you're wondering how i got the exact words of the conversation, dvr :))
*** AND stayed tuned tomorrow for an explanation of how GOD spoke to me this past weekend! (I have to type it up)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
kónótón months to go
and kiss these. and count with you in Bambara to ten.
kelen, fila, saba, naani, duuru, woóró, wolonwula, segin, kónótón, tan.
i miss you guys so much. how is this? GOD has placed you on my heart. heavy. i can't wait until you know the love of your Savior.
i promise i'll tell you all the stories they told me. of jonah and the whale, of moses and the faith of his mommy, of queen esther and GOD's plan for her. And we can play ring around the rosie and sing Jesus loves me. He truly does, little one. And what plans He has for you too! Oh, the grace He shows His people day in and day out.
The kisses and hugs we'll share as we revel in the love your Father has for you...
Zanwuyé will come before I know it, and then I'll be there with you.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
the secret's out!!! :))
GREAT guesses you guys! And Sharon, you got it! Anna, I sure wish I had the money LOL & that I was leaving before January!! :))
And trust me, NO, I do NOT feel comfortable about this. But isn't that what it's all about, anyway? GOD wants me to trust Him. Are you truly giving everything if you feel comfortable in what you are giving?
That's what spoke to me. GOD was asking, why can't you trust Me in what I am trying to do here?
I was sitting in my car waiting for the bus Wednesday morning and something in my spirit asked me why aren't you trusting me with everything. Later that day at Bojangles I was listening to the radio and a song that I've heard a thousand times came on. Alive by Pocket full of rocks. The line that broke me to the core in the car is in my header. I put that in there before this experience. How weird!! It hit me that I wasn't giving Him everything I had to give Him. I just wasn't. I was "comfortable" and felt "secure" in giving 6-8 months. But a year is where I would have to begin fully trusting in GOD. I started singing along (you wouldn't have wanted to hear it lol), saying "I'm giving You all I have to give until the whole world knows this love that's made me so alive". By this point I was sobbing, and I meant was I was saying. Needless to say I didn't get Bojangles that day. LOL.
So, I'm giving everything I have to give. A year (364 days to be exact), the longest possible amount of time for the SFE (Sahel Formation Experience) program. I'm letting my comfort, my security, and my financial ability go out the window. I'm completely trusting in Him to keep me safe, with my health, with the money to get me there.
This feels wonderful and nerveracking at the same time!! :))
AND * It's already April, and my dear little nephew, Josiah, will be 1 tomorrow. wow. it's been a year since he came into the world. africa can't only be a year. it'll go by WAY too fast... how am i homesick for somewhere I've never been? I guess that's what it feels like when it's GOD who put the desire there. 260ish days left. :)) i can't wait until i can join my heart in Mali. ahhh... patience, patience.
[this last paragraph was written Thursday when I wanted to tell you guys, but couldn't]
Thursday, April 8, 2010
DRUMROLL PLEASE...
Haha. I know this is mean, but I can't tell you guys yet. Because a couple of people that I need to tell first read my blog from time to time, and they would be just devastated if I didn't tell them first. Hint hint, parents.
I will give you a hint though. It has to do with my trip to Mali.
That might not seem like a big enough hint, but to me it completely gives it away. LOL. I promise I'll let you guys know soon. Not tonight soon, but MAYBE next week soon.
Any more guesses?!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
joshua chapter one
In the past day it seems it's been hitting me from every direction and I can't get away from it. I'm scared of my move to Mali - and I'm terrified of some of the things there [geckos, scorpions, 110+ degree heat, etc.]. I'm just being honest with you guys. I can't sit here and proclaim the beauty of sacrifice and everything else that goes along with it and act like I'm not human. And act like I don't need GOD's Word. I need to be reminded of His promises, I need to be rooted in them. Sure, I'm excited, stoked, and can't wait to get there, but I'm scared. Scared of things that I can't control. Terrified of little critters that will be inside and outside my living quarters. I cringe at the thought of the heat there. But you know what? GOD's saying, "Be still and know that I'm here."
Whatever terrifies you, rebuke it. GOD says DO NOT BE TERRIFIED OR DISCOURAGED. He is with me, and His is with you. He is with me here in America, and He will be with me in Mali. He commands you to be strong and courageous, for He is with you. He wants you to trust Him, fully trust Him.
With all that you have within you,
TRUST HIS LEADING.
TRUST HIS TIMING.
TRUST HIS FAITHFULNESS.
JUST TRUST HIM.
HE HAS IT UNDER CONTROL, EVEN THOUGH YOU DON'T.
THE SAME GOD THAT IS TELLING YOU TO DO THIS, HE IS WITH YOU, AND HE WILL NEVER, EVER LEAVE YOU.
I have to tell myself, HE'S NOT GOING ANYWHERE. YOU ARE, BUT HE'S RIGHT THERE WITH YOU. HE'S HOLDING YOUR HAND, AND HE'S NOT GOING TO LET GO OF IT. EVER. EVER.
The very first chapter of the book of Joshua spoke volumes to me today.
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 2 "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea [a] on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Not even those scorpions in Mali. GOD hears me in the little things.
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
Be strong and courageous and GO! I am sending you to tell Mali about me. About all my wonders, about all my faithfulness. About who I AM, and who I will always be. I am commanding you to give share with them my promises. Tell them about my Son Jesus. By doing this, you are giving them the promises. These are your brothers and sisters, and how can you not help them? How can you not give them what I have for them?
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.' "
GO, my daughter and get ready. Prepare yourself for where I'm sending you. I'm transforming you, but you have to cooperate with me.
12 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 "Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: 'The LORD your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land.' 14 Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, fully armed, must cross over ahead of your brothers. You are to help your brothers 15 until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise."
GO and tell them of my promises. I have given you eternal life. Share what I have done for you with them so that they too might get in on the promise. Heaven will one day be your reward, but do this NOW.
16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"
What you have commanded me, Lord, I will do. I will go to Mali. I will obey You. You will be with me. I'll be strong and courageous because of You and for You!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
the beauty of sacrifice
You know next year is going to be amazing, I am sure. But I can't help in rejoicing in the transformation GOD is doing in me to prepare me for Africa. Giving up everything for GOD's will to be done in my life has not be easy. It's been down right HARD. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. EVER.
I've cried A LOT, I've thought about all the friends & family that I'll miss. I have days where I'm sad, days where I'm exhuberantly happy, and days when I wish I was there already. I've also thought about how what I'm doing, how I'm GOING because GOD told me to go, will affect those around me. Those looking up to me especially. I want those little eyes to watch & see that GOD is still the I AM that Moses encountered, that He still closes the mouths of lions [whether figuratively or literally] like He did for Daniel. If I stayed behind in America and did what I felt comfortable doing I wouldn't be walking the walk that I talk about. Faith without deeds is dead. DEAD.
If you can't put the faith you have in GOD and His Son Jesus in action, then what good is it to tell people the good news?
I truly believe GOD is waiting for the church to rise up and be the church. To be the church Jesus died for us to be. I have gotten to the point where comfortable is not comfortable to me anymore. I have to do something. I can't sit back in my church pew and not put into practice what the preacher says every week.
I'm going to Africa because He told me to go and because I'm putting my trust in Him.
When you make a sacrifice for GOD, it's easy to think "Oh yeah, I'll have it easy now because I'm doing what GOD has told me to do. So therefore everything is going to be smooth sailing from here."
WRONG.
Jesus sacrficed himself for us. It wasn't easy for him. It won't be easy for us. But the amazing thing is, you know that GOD has got you & with Him you can do all things through the strength He gives you. It won't be easy. But it'll be the best thing you've ever done in your life.
Sacrifice is where it's at, people. It changes you - forever. I'll never be the same.
When GOD speaks to you, please listen & obey. His way is SO much better than anything this world could give you. To disobey is sin - remember that.
I've heard His voice, He has told me to GO. I'm going. I'm obeying His command. My life could not be better right now :))
He is Risen! Now GO and tell His story!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Just ship me off to Timbuktu
Friday, April 2, 2010
Glimpses of Africa
Here it is: [click on the Glimpses of Africa link below]
Glimpses of Africa