All week I’ve been attempting to process my trip to Haiti but there’s one thing that still resounds just a strong as it did from the first day I was there
We went to women’s bible study that first night and after spending the day walking around the town we were in, visiting tent cities I felt to say the least overwhelmed.
At that point I was just struggling to process it all.
But before the bible study one of the girls on my team and I were trying to put together a few main points we wanted to share at the bible study to “encourage” these women
Well we got there and to say the least it worked in reverse
I sat there amazed out of my mind as this group of 40 or so women shared their testimonies both before and after the earthquake
Stories of loss, healing, depression, suffering, recovery, and sickness.
I went to Haiti expecting people to be depressed at the loss of their country and the things they’d experience individually.
What I found was the opposite.
I found people who although had gone through more tragic things than I had ever known or could imagine who…
Had hope.
Had joy.
Knew faith.
That night at the bible study I looked at these women with absolute awe and my heart sunk as
They told me to NEVER stop praying, to never stop hoping. And to
ALWAYS REJOICE.
I guess that’s what Paul was talking about when he says “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…”
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Faith like a child.
Gustavon.
This is the to the little boy 12 years old who stole my heart and ever since I can’t stop thinking about him
I met him at an orphanage in Carrefour, Haiti march 16th 2011.
From the moment I first saw him I couldn’t help but see there was something different about him not just physically
but emotionally too
He sat as the other kids sang songs for a while but gradually he made his way over to where we sat
I sat and watched as he played on touch screen camera
That’s all he needed was the chance to explore
As I held him he clung to me, no words were exchanged
I just held and he clung
I will never forget those eyes. The way he raised his arms
Not with a eagerness or abounding leaps begging to be picked up
But simple humbleness
I stood as he looked at me with those eyes and just held his arms with nothing to offer but as if just to say hold me
It was in this moment that he a 12 year old boy at an orphanage taught me what faith is
In the words eyes he may have nothing to offer being mute and not having grown for years
But when I looked in those eyes
He reminded me of life thought God’s eyes looks like
We are at best beggars
All our righteousness measures up to is dirty rags
But in the arms of Christ we sacred
Treasured.
His.
Our worth, our hope is not found in the world but Him alone.
And as I held this boy I couldn’t help but be reminded of my own walk with God
As I took him and my arms and we begin to spin in circles like all kids love to do and the faster we spun the tighter he held on, he didn’t cry and complain that we stop when he got to too scared.
He held on.
And laughed.
I would give anything to be back in that moment with his arms wrapped around me, just to hear him laugh and to see his smile
And all I can say is thank you to this little boy who taught me what child-like faith looks like.
Just like when we spun faster he hung on tighter, when life gets crazy, when I feel scared or afraid I should cling to God.
Let Him be my shelter
There’s safety in the arms of Christ.
"Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."—Mark 10:13-16
This is the to the little boy 12 years old who stole my heart and ever since I can’t stop thinking about him
I met him at an orphanage in Carrefour, Haiti march 16th 2011.
From the moment I first saw him I couldn’t help but see there was something different about him not just physically
but emotionally too
He sat as the other kids sang songs for a while but gradually he made his way over to where we sat
I sat and watched as he played on touch screen camera
That’s all he needed was the chance to explore
As I held him he clung to me, no words were exchanged
I just held and he clung
I will never forget those eyes. The way he raised his arms
Not with a eagerness or abounding leaps begging to be picked up
But simple humbleness
I stood as he looked at me with those eyes and just held his arms with nothing to offer but as if just to say hold me
It was in this moment that he a 12 year old boy at an orphanage taught me what faith is
In the words eyes he may have nothing to offer being mute and not having grown for years
But when I looked in those eyes
He reminded me of life thought God’s eyes looks like
We are at best beggars
All our righteousness measures up to is dirty rags
But in the arms of Christ we sacred
Treasured.
His.
Our worth, our hope is not found in the world but Him alone.
And as I held this boy I couldn’t help but be reminded of my own walk with God
As I took him and my arms and we begin to spin in circles like all kids love to do and the faster we spun the tighter he held on, he didn’t cry and complain that we stop when he got to too scared.
He held on.
And laughed.
I would give anything to be back in that moment with his arms wrapped around me, just to hear him laugh and to see his smile
And all I can say is thank you to this little boy who taught me what child-like faith looks like.
Just like when we spun faster he hung on tighter, when life gets crazy, when I feel scared or afraid I should cling to God.
Let Him be my shelter
There’s safety in the arms of Christ.
"Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."—Mark 10:13-16
Friday, February 25, 2011
motives.
Love will find you where you are...
God’s love knew everything
And still came
Conditions.
I love people with them.
That as long as they don’t mess up, leave, or fail in anyway we’re good to go
I love things as long as it won’t cost too much
I’ll spend money on that new car, plane ticket, or job opportunity as long as they do what they say their going too.
I “love” things.
I love snow until it gets too cold or winters been to long then I complain and want summer
My love is so fickle.
So broken and changing,
I say I love so many things but when it comes down to dying for them I’d much rather give them up
Obviously love has been something I have thought about reading 1 Corinthians 13
Thinking about sharing with others…Haiti in 15 days
I was thinking about when I was saved this morning, going back to that church camp in fifth grade when I knew that there was something about how others there were living
What drew me to them?
Aside from the 3 or 4 people I had come up the mountain with from home, I really didn’t know anyone there.
Yet in that place God spoke to my heart and lead me to his home.
Love without knowing…
I’m going to Haiti in 15 days and so many times I think of going on trips like this as an easy way to share my faith because no one knows me there.
It could in all reality be a drop and go service,
I show up tell them the gospel in 5 easy points and check out, come home to living my own little life again right?
But Why???
What’s the point in that?
The people who honestly have shown me love never leave; they have seen me at my absolute worst and still accept me. They welcome me day by day no matter how inadequate I feel and regardless of the choices I’ve made.
Going to Haiti and dropping a few lines is the last thing I want to do
What is the gospel in my life if I refuse to live it daily?
I can say all the rights, I can claim belief in something so strong I could move mountains; I can give everything I own and empty my bank account…
What is it worth without love?
What is it worth without God who is love?
Let no debt remaining outstanding except your obligation to love
How do I share with others who I have no idea what they’re past or present circumstances are? What if they’re worse than me?
The point it all this being
I want love; I want meaning in my relationships
I long to show others love by allowing the love of God in my life
By how I treat them
I long to live the gospel
To show that I live loving only because I was first loved
If God who is perfect and sinless can love me fully knowing every wrong move I’d make and how stubborn I’d be…
Let love be my motivation to love others.
For we know and rely on the love God has for us
God’s love knew everything
And still came
Conditions.
I love people with them.
That as long as they don’t mess up, leave, or fail in anyway we’re good to go
I love things as long as it won’t cost too much
I’ll spend money on that new car, plane ticket, or job opportunity as long as they do what they say their going too.
I “love” things.
I love snow until it gets too cold or winters been to long then I complain and want summer
My love is so fickle.
So broken and changing,
I say I love so many things but when it comes down to dying for them I’d much rather give them up
Obviously love has been something I have thought about reading 1 Corinthians 13
Thinking about sharing with others…Haiti in 15 days
I was thinking about when I was saved this morning, going back to that church camp in fifth grade when I knew that there was something about how others there were living
What drew me to them?
Aside from the 3 or 4 people I had come up the mountain with from home, I really didn’t know anyone there.
Yet in that place God spoke to my heart and lead me to his home.
Love without knowing…
I’m going to Haiti in 15 days and so many times I think of going on trips like this as an easy way to share my faith because no one knows me there.
It could in all reality be a drop and go service,
I show up tell them the gospel in 5 easy points and check out, come home to living my own little life again right?
But Why???
What’s the point in that?
The people who honestly have shown me love never leave; they have seen me at my absolute worst and still accept me. They welcome me day by day no matter how inadequate I feel and regardless of the choices I’ve made.
Going to Haiti and dropping a few lines is the last thing I want to do
What is the gospel in my life if I refuse to live it daily?
I can say all the rights, I can claim belief in something so strong I could move mountains; I can give everything I own and empty my bank account…
What is it worth without love?
What is it worth without God who is love?
Let no debt remaining outstanding except your obligation to love
How do I share with others who I have no idea what they’re past or present circumstances are? What if they’re worse than me?
The point it all this being
I want love; I want meaning in my relationships
I long to show others love by allowing the love of God in my life
By how I treat them
I long to live the gospel
To show that I live loving only because I was first loved
If God who is perfect and sinless can love me fully knowing every wrong move I’d make and how stubborn I’d be…
Let love be my motivation to love others.
For we know and rely on the love God has for us
Sunday, December 26, 2010
This Christmas
To say my head is full of thoughts right now would be to say the least.
The past week in itself has been pretty trying and i'm just jumbled thinking about it.
This Christmas has definitely been unusual. Almost every year for the past 10 years or so we have stuck to our plan of going to see mom's family over the holidays.
Well due to circumstances and issues we really couldn't do anything about we ended up not doing the big family thing which is frustrating mainly because i wish the reasons we didn't go were different.
So we came to spend time with my sister and her boyfriend.
All was fine and good until as we were leaving to go to Christmas eve service at church and the dog got out. Well this dog is not a little toy size dog-nope she's a full grown runnner. So this whole chase meant after running extremely late and emotions flaring...we missed church.
At this point i was exhausted and all i could say was "God, sorry for ruining your son's birthday..."
All and all we ended up having nice family dinner and got lots of sleep, then woke up early Christmas morning for presents and breakfast.
After the hustle and bustle some headed off the work while mom and i were left with the afternoon to ourselves. We ended up going to see Little Fockers, and spent the rest of the evening with dinner and more tv.
All this time i've been uncomfortable. I guess that's a good enough way to put it. Not so say in the least Christmas this year has been miserable, considering the big picture i've been blessed out of my head.
But all the changes from our typical holiday this year have really got me thinking.
Usually at our "traditional" Christmas we spend time at church, enjoying family, all joined together trully embracing the meaning of the season.
And i guess that's why this year is so different for me, why i'm so annoyed. I almost feel as if we took the Christ out of Christmas. And that bugs the hell out of me.
Not to say Christmas is the only time of year to celebrate Christ birth, or any of that.
But really maybe this feeling is more that just a holiday.
Maybe this is about more than why Christmas this year is so different.
Honestly i feel as if it comes down to the way i(we as Americans) live our lifes on a daily basis.
Focused on me.
My wants, my needs, my schedule, my time.
And there's only enough time for anyone else when I'm all taken care of.
sick. gross.disgusting.
That's how i feel right now.
Honestly disturbed at how we in America, a country so "based" on faith live our lives so far from the one who died to safe us.
i hate it.
How can i treat the one i claim as Lord and Savior over my life with such apathy.
As if yeah i'll call on you when i need you god.
THAT'S NOT THE GOD I KNOW.
I serve a God who knows me so intimately, that He had sewn me together in my mothers womb even before i was born.
Who knows my every thought, motive, and desire.
I have a high King who watches over me so closely He knows my every move. He hears my every prayer.
Who is not unable to sympathize with my weakness, but instead came to know the worst pain and shame any man has ever known.
I serve a God who sent His son to come die on a cross (yeah that jewelery we all wear as "bling") now, My God sent His son to that as a place of turture.
Not only that i may live, but that i could be called a child of the Most High.
Who in himself had every right to be called God, yet did not cling to His rights, but came instead to serve and give His life as a ransom for me.
That's why this Christmas has left me feeling sick.
Becuase i treat the blood of Christ with such contempt. I live my life as the commander of my destiny, not realizing or acknowledging the one who offers me real. true. ever-lasting life.
Several times in the past week dealing with this discomfort I've really felt God asking me in my pride "Allison, why should i give you more when you are not even satisfied with what you have"
In my life i so often find myself driven by a need for more. More food, money, clothes, friends, movies, tv....whatever it is i constantly battle this selfish desire for more.
To focus on myself.
Maybe that's why things this year have been so convicting.
In a world and life so based on me.
There is a King who entered this world as helpless babe, who's life enda with the blood that brings me life.
So in a world that screams MORE
How do i find contentment in My King and ALL He's already given me.
I don't know maybe that's just me and the struggle i face to deny my flesh and actively pursue God.
The past week in itself has been pretty trying and i'm just jumbled thinking about it.
This Christmas has definitely been unusual. Almost every year for the past 10 years or so we have stuck to our plan of going to see mom's family over the holidays.
Well due to circumstances and issues we really couldn't do anything about we ended up not doing the big family thing which is frustrating mainly because i wish the reasons we didn't go were different.
So we came to spend time with my sister and her boyfriend.
All was fine and good until as we were leaving to go to Christmas eve service at church and the dog got out. Well this dog is not a little toy size dog-nope she's a full grown runnner. So this whole chase meant after running extremely late and emotions flaring...we missed church.
At this point i was exhausted and all i could say was "God, sorry for ruining your son's birthday..."
All and all we ended up having nice family dinner and got lots of sleep, then woke up early Christmas morning for presents and breakfast.
After the hustle and bustle some headed off the work while mom and i were left with the afternoon to ourselves. We ended up going to see Little Fockers, and spent the rest of the evening with dinner and more tv.
All this time i've been uncomfortable. I guess that's a good enough way to put it. Not so say in the least Christmas this year has been miserable, considering the big picture i've been blessed out of my head.
But all the changes from our typical holiday this year have really got me thinking.
Usually at our "traditional" Christmas we spend time at church, enjoying family, all joined together trully embracing the meaning of the season.
And i guess that's why this year is so different for me, why i'm so annoyed. I almost feel as if we took the Christ out of Christmas. And that bugs the hell out of me.
Not to say Christmas is the only time of year to celebrate Christ birth, or any of that.
But really maybe this feeling is more that just a holiday.
Maybe this is about more than why Christmas this year is so different.
Honestly i feel as if it comes down to the way i(we as Americans) live our lifes on a daily basis.
Focused on me.
My wants, my needs, my schedule, my time.
And there's only enough time for anyone else when I'm all taken care of.
sick. gross.disgusting.
That's how i feel right now.
Honestly disturbed at how we in America, a country so "based" on faith live our lives so far from the one who died to safe us.
i hate it.
How can i treat the one i claim as Lord and Savior over my life with such apathy.
As if yeah i'll call on you when i need you god.
THAT'S NOT THE GOD I KNOW.
I serve a God who knows me so intimately, that He had sewn me together in my mothers womb even before i was born.
Who knows my every thought, motive, and desire.
I have a high King who watches over me so closely He knows my every move. He hears my every prayer.
Who is not unable to sympathize with my weakness, but instead came to know the worst pain and shame any man has ever known.
I serve a God who sent His son to come die on a cross (yeah that jewelery we all wear as "bling") now, My God sent His son to that as a place of turture.
Not only that i may live, but that i could be called a child of the Most High.
Who in himself had every right to be called God, yet did not cling to His rights, but came instead to serve and give His life as a ransom for me.
That's why this Christmas has left me feeling sick.
Becuase i treat the blood of Christ with such contempt. I live my life as the commander of my destiny, not realizing or acknowledging the one who offers me real. true. ever-lasting life.
Several times in the past week dealing with this discomfort I've really felt God asking me in my pride "Allison, why should i give you more when you are not even satisfied with what you have"
In my life i so often find myself driven by a need for more. More food, money, clothes, friends, movies, tv....whatever it is i constantly battle this selfish desire for more.
To focus on myself.
Maybe that's why things this year have been so convicting.
In a world and life so based on me.
There is a King who entered this world as helpless babe, who's life enda with the blood that brings me life.
So in a world that screams MORE
How do i find contentment in My King and ALL He's already given me.
I don't know maybe that's just me and the struggle i face to deny my flesh and actively pursue God.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Home.
It’s the place where I can be silly. Not wash my hair, bum around in sweats all day and not care what I look like. It’s where I get out of the shower and 10 minutes later I’m at the store buying something to eat. I can sing at the top of my lungs after getting out of the shower and mom doesn’t notice. I can blare music and jam out in my car and not care who sees. I go all day without showering, go to the store with mom, no make-up baseball hat and dance in the aisles without caring who sees me. I take Sunday morning drives up the mountains just to see and experience all the God has made. It’s the one place I know I can always get away to when I’m having a rough day. It’s the buildings we climbed knowing if we get caught trouble was waiting at home. It’s the cliffs we jumped, the mountains we climbed, and the stars we laid out under for hours just to stare at. The late night lake swims, bonfires, and ice skating. Hot tubs and snow, McDonalds and puppy chow. The old lady at church who will always remember my name, but I’ll be lucky to ever recognize her. Late night talks on the lawn, making life decisions when at 16 years old that I’m yet to live up to. Winter formals, crazy conversations, the think tank old men’s coffee group at the local Hardee’s. It’s place where someone will always know my name or someone I’m related to. A burger I’ll never forget and sandwiches I’ll always remember. Late night movies, early morning runs, sneaking in/ sneaking out, gnomes, school, jobs, and paystubs. Loss, love, worry, so many lost wishes, what if’s and where are they now’s.
So many things that once shaped and defined my life. Who I was, who I wanted to be, even the things I wanted my life to become.
Its funny to be home now and reflect on what this town has become to me now that I’m older, that I’ve moved on, seen others places and made what are now huge life decisions.
It’s funny that I can come back to this sleepy old town and everything feels the same, same stories but new people. There are so many things here I know I’ve taken for granted and so many things I know I’d love to never forget.
I don’t know though as much as this town means and all. I realize how much I don’t relate to life here anymore.
I know this is a place I can always call home- always come back to.
But to know it doesn’t hold me anymore.
Once it worked, and I know growing up here shaped me for good.
But I’ve realized I have so much more on my plate than this town can offer. I know and believe there are great things in store for my future and I absolutely cannot wait to experience them. And take this feeling of home with me as I find out what “the rest of my life” means.
So many things that once shaped and defined my life. Who I was, who I wanted to be, even the things I wanted my life to become.
Its funny to be home now and reflect on what this town has become to me now that I’m older, that I’ve moved on, seen others places and made what are now huge life decisions.
It’s funny that I can come back to this sleepy old town and everything feels the same, same stories but new people. There are so many things here I know I’ve taken for granted and so many things I know I’d love to never forget.
I don’t know though as much as this town means and all. I realize how much I don’t relate to life here anymore.
I know this is a place I can always call home- always come back to.
But to know it doesn’t hold me anymore.
Once it worked, and I know growing up here shaped me for good.
But I’ve realized I have so much more on my plate than this town can offer. I know and believe there are great things in store for my future and I absolutely cannot wait to experience them. And take this feeling of home with me as I find out what “the rest of my life” means.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Faithful.
This past week has been a total and complete unexpected answer to prayer.
I went on my road trip expecting nothing just excited to get away from town for a while and finally be able to see awesome people I haven't forever.It didn't really hit me until half the trip was gone that something else was going on and I got to see what God was really doing here on this trip.
And now i come to see and realize that the only thing I am certain of and can always cling to is this...
God is faithful.
He will accomplish what He promises.
Blessed are those who wait on Him.
The past several months for me have been a real struggle...definitely was not one of the easiest times of my life. I have doubted, hated, and cried more than any time in my life before.I saw a side of myself I had never seen before, I went through so much change and fought so hard.
After I transferred home at the beginning of last semester I had the hardest time trying to figure out what in the world God was trying to do and because I didn't understand I made any attempt I could to fix it. I had no control and no idea where to go when i lost it all. Several times this past semester I was brought to a place of emptiness. Having nothing of any value left to give. Self defeated and no idea where I was going, why it had all changed so much and where go from here.To say the least I felt lost. Out of control and I didn't get it, but I knew I didn't want to be here either.
I have never in my life struggled so much with what I thought was going on and never been so broken down when I looked myself in the mirror and honestly from the very depths of my being said I don't get it. I don't want this anymore. It was from the depths of brokenness and with absolutely nothing left to give, nothing but tears and a cry out for my savior that all I could do was say save me.
I need you.
Rescue me
And it was in the midst of being so utterly broken that God answered.
It all came crashing down on me for the first time at a women of faith conference when one of the speakers talked about trust. And for the first time in several months I realized I had none. I was so busy trying to control and figure out my own life and make sense of what my plans are that I lost all trust. As if to say I could figure it out my own.
At that conference God just whispered quietly "be still my child and know that I am Holy and working on your behalf"
I have come to know the true meaning of what people mean when they say you never know God is all you need until He is all you have.
In the midst of my desperate need He saw my struggle and He did the one thing I needed...He loved and accepted me.
I had forgotten whose I was. I lost all sight of the fact that God had a plan. In the midst of chaos and fighting.
Tears and trying to find my own way.
God's plan never changed. He loves me Perfectly. Just the mess I am, not matter how many mistakes I make, or how messed up life felt that is one undeniable thing...
He loves.
He was, He is, He is to come. Nothing, nothing in world can surpass or come close to comparing to the peace I had when I realized that. I have learned two very important things.
Trust.
Simply because God is who He says He is, He has a plan and is in control. I can trust Him. He is faithful. He will not leave nor forsake me. And he thinks I'm beautiful.
And that it's okay to not have control. Life's messy, it doesn't always make sense or turn out how I want it to but that doesn't take away the value in each day. I still don't have it all figured out, there is still uncertainty but God is faithful and worthy to be trusted.
And this past week is where it all started to make sense for me. That no matter how much the past couple months hurt or how many times I cried out because I just didn't know what was going on.
God's will is perfect.
Through it all, the pain, hurt, confusion God's plan was perfect.
And even though I doubted a thousand times over HE is faithful and more than worthy to be trusted.
Going back to Texas this week confirmed for me that even though at the time I didn't or couldn't understand if it was right....moving back was right and where I am now is the exact place He has for me.
I am amazed at the consistency of who God is and love the fact that HE is. He has a plan. And oh how blessed I am when I wait on Him
I went on my road trip expecting nothing just excited to get away from town for a while and finally be able to see awesome people I haven't forever.It didn't really hit me until half the trip was gone that something else was going on and I got to see what God was really doing here on this trip.
And now i come to see and realize that the only thing I am certain of and can always cling to is this...
God is faithful.
He will accomplish what He promises.
Blessed are those who wait on Him.
The past several months for me have been a real struggle...definitely was not one of the easiest times of my life. I have doubted, hated, and cried more than any time in my life before.I saw a side of myself I had never seen before, I went through so much change and fought so hard.
After I transferred home at the beginning of last semester I had the hardest time trying to figure out what in the world God was trying to do and because I didn't understand I made any attempt I could to fix it. I had no control and no idea where to go when i lost it all. Several times this past semester I was brought to a place of emptiness. Having nothing of any value left to give. Self defeated and no idea where I was going, why it had all changed so much and where go from here.To say the least I felt lost. Out of control and I didn't get it, but I knew I didn't want to be here either.
I have never in my life struggled so much with what I thought was going on and never been so broken down when I looked myself in the mirror and honestly from the very depths of my being said I don't get it. I don't want this anymore. It was from the depths of brokenness and with absolutely nothing left to give, nothing but tears and a cry out for my savior that all I could do was say save me.
I need you.
Rescue me
And it was in the midst of being so utterly broken that God answered.
It all came crashing down on me for the first time at a women of faith conference when one of the speakers talked about trust. And for the first time in several months I realized I had none. I was so busy trying to control and figure out my own life and make sense of what my plans are that I lost all trust. As if to say I could figure it out my own.
At that conference God just whispered quietly "be still my child and know that I am Holy and working on your behalf"
I have come to know the true meaning of what people mean when they say you never know God is all you need until He is all you have.
In the midst of my desperate need He saw my struggle and He did the one thing I needed...He loved and accepted me.
I had forgotten whose I was. I lost all sight of the fact that God had a plan. In the midst of chaos and fighting.
Tears and trying to find my own way.
God's plan never changed. He loves me Perfectly. Just the mess I am, not matter how many mistakes I make, or how messed up life felt that is one undeniable thing...
He loves.
He was, He is, He is to come. Nothing, nothing in world can surpass or come close to comparing to the peace I had when I realized that. I have learned two very important things.
Trust.
Simply because God is who He says He is, He has a plan and is in control. I can trust Him. He is faithful. He will not leave nor forsake me. And he thinks I'm beautiful.
And that it's okay to not have control. Life's messy, it doesn't always make sense or turn out how I want it to but that doesn't take away the value in each day. I still don't have it all figured out, there is still uncertainty but God is faithful and worthy to be trusted.
And this past week is where it all started to make sense for me. That no matter how much the past couple months hurt or how many times I cried out because I just didn't know what was going on.
God's will is perfect.
Through it all, the pain, hurt, confusion God's plan was perfect.
And even though I doubted a thousand times over HE is faithful and more than worthy to be trusted.
Going back to Texas this week confirmed for me that even though at the time I didn't or couldn't understand if it was right....moving back was right and where I am now is the exact place He has for me.
I am amazed at the consistency of who God is and love the fact that HE is. He has a plan. And oh how blessed I am when I wait on Him
Saturday, May 1, 2010
control.
Change. Control. Loss. New perspective. Unexpected. Trust. Love. Life. Challenge. Joy. Hope.
Wow. I can honestly say if you would have asked me May 18th 2008 what the next two years of my life would bring I would never expect
This.
This is me
This is where I am
Ha who am I kidding even if you asked me 6 months ago I could have never expected to be found here.
Control.
It’s a funny thing what happens when you lose it all.
And I could never express what a hard lesson that has been for me to learn
I’m not good at it
I plan. I set boundaries and guidelines for just how I think everything should go. I always know how to deal with a situation when the unexpected comes up. Plan B. Order. I some how always find calm amidst chaos.
But what has happened in my life these past couple months was something I could have never planned for.
And for the first time in my life I couldn’t control it. I had no answers.
For a person like me who obsessively plans out every detail and prepares for anything challenge. A perfectionist of sorts.
Not knowing doesn’t work for me.
But yet that’s where I was…still am.
When I came home from hardin-simmons this semester I was never expecting for things to be as hard as they are.
When plans changed, when the things I set so much time planning on and hoping for fell apart and I was torn back to a place I never thought I’d come. I didn’t like it.
My first attempt was to gain back control-if I could figure our where to go to school in the fall, then I would be able to get back control. I would know how to schedule the rest of my classes, where to live, meet new friends and all that. Life would be good again. Well that turned out to be harder that it seemed and when it came down to it even once I decided to head to Laramie in the fall I still had a need for control.
I wanted to know exactly what was going on.
And yet I was still struggling so much with the doubts of why what I had before didn’t work.
So I kept trying diet, exercise, school, jobs…I had to have something to fulfill my time so I had a schedule and order again.
No matter what it failed.
Several times this semester I have literally been brought to a place of emptiness. Having nothing of any value left to give.
Self defeated and no idea where I was going, why it had all changed so much and where go from here.
Most of all I felt dissatisfied with myself. I wasn’t who I wanted to be and I knew it.
But where do I go
To say the least I felt lost.
Out of control.
And I didn’t get it.
But I knew I didn’t want to be here either.
It all came crashing down on me for the first time a couple weeks ago. At women of faith one of the speakers talked about trust.
And for the first time in several months I realized I had none.
I was so busy trying to control and figure out my own life and make sense of what my plans are that I lost all trust.
Not only did I not trust anyone much less the one who created me and knows the depths of my inmost being.
But I forgot whose I was.
I lost all sight of the fact that God had a plan.
In the midst of chaos, fighting. Tears and trying to find my own way. God’s plan never changed.
Not only does God have a plan for me
He loves me.
Perfectly.
Just the mess I am, not matter how many mistakes I make, or how messed up life felt that is one undeniable thing he loves.
He was, he is, he is to come.
Nothing, nothing in world can surpass or come close to comparing to the peace I had when I realized that.
In the weeks past since then I’ve learned two very important things.
Trust.
Simply because God is who He says He is, He has a plan and is in control. I can trust Him. He is faithful. He will not leave nor forsake me. And he thinks I’m beautiful.
It’s okay to not have control.
Life’s messy, it doesn’t always make sense or turn out how I want it to but that doesn’t take away the value in each day.
I look at people it circumstances so much worse than mine and realize I’m blessed.
I still don’t have it all figured out, there is still uncertainty but God is faithful and worthy to be trusted.
Wow. I can honestly say if you would have asked me May 18th 2008 what the next two years of my life would bring I would never expect
This.
This is me
This is where I am
Ha who am I kidding even if you asked me 6 months ago I could have never expected to be found here.
Control.
It’s a funny thing what happens when you lose it all.
And I could never express what a hard lesson that has been for me to learn
I’m not good at it
I plan. I set boundaries and guidelines for just how I think everything should go. I always know how to deal with a situation when the unexpected comes up. Plan B. Order. I some how always find calm amidst chaos.
But what has happened in my life these past couple months was something I could have never planned for.
And for the first time in my life I couldn’t control it. I had no answers.
For a person like me who obsessively plans out every detail and prepares for anything challenge. A perfectionist of sorts.
Not knowing doesn’t work for me.
But yet that’s where I was…still am.
When I came home from hardin-simmons this semester I was never expecting for things to be as hard as they are.
When plans changed, when the things I set so much time planning on and hoping for fell apart and I was torn back to a place I never thought I’d come. I didn’t like it.
My first attempt was to gain back control-if I could figure our where to go to school in the fall, then I would be able to get back control. I would know how to schedule the rest of my classes, where to live, meet new friends and all that. Life would be good again. Well that turned out to be harder that it seemed and when it came down to it even once I decided to head to Laramie in the fall I still had a need for control.
I wanted to know exactly what was going on.
And yet I was still struggling so much with the doubts of why what I had before didn’t work.
So I kept trying diet, exercise, school, jobs…I had to have something to fulfill my time so I had a schedule and order again.
No matter what it failed.
Several times this semester I have literally been brought to a place of emptiness. Having nothing of any value left to give.
Self defeated and no idea where I was going, why it had all changed so much and where go from here.
Most of all I felt dissatisfied with myself. I wasn’t who I wanted to be and I knew it.
But where do I go
To say the least I felt lost.
Out of control.
And I didn’t get it.
But I knew I didn’t want to be here either.
It all came crashing down on me for the first time a couple weeks ago. At women of faith one of the speakers talked about trust.
And for the first time in several months I realized I had none.
I was so busy trying to control and figure out my own life and make sense of what my plans are that I lost all trust.
Not only did I not trust anyone much less the one who created me and knows the depths of my inmost being.
But I forgot whose I was.
I lost all sight of the fact that God had a plan.
In the midst of chaos, fighting. Tears and trying to find my own way. God’s plan never changed.
Not only does God have a plan for me
He loves me.
Perfectly.
Just the mess I am, not matter how many mistakes I make, or how messed up life felt that is one undeniable thing he loves.
He was, he is, he is to come.
Nothing, nothing in world can surpass or come close to comparing to the peace I had when I realized that.
In the weeks past since then I’ve learned two very important things.
Trust.
Simply because God is who He says He is, He has a plan and is in control. I can trust Him. He is faithful. He will not leave nor forsake me. And he thinks I’m beautiful.
It’s okay to not have control.
Life’s messy, it doesn’t always make sense or turn out how I want it to but that doesn’t take away the value in each day.
I look at people it circumstances so much worse than mine and realize I’m blessed.
I still don’t have it all figured out, there is still uncertainty but God is faithful and worthy to be trusted.
Monday, March 1, 2010
hurricane.
yesterday i went running. running has always been a hobby of mine and something i have come to really enjoy even crave at times lately.
well yesterday afterenoon i had one of these times and so i decided despite how cold it was i would go out running and just see how far i could go then come home. turns out there's a perfect trail which is 2 miles in and 2 miles out. It went great the first 2 miles and it felt so good to just be running again, outside breathing the fresh air in my lungs unlike the stuffy environment on the treadmill inside. My head was running with thoughts of what i would do afterwards and how great it felt to be outside, how much of a blessing it was.
I did great until about i had about 1.6 miles left and then i got one of the worst stomach cramps ever. I could hardly keep moving, not sure what was happening i tried to just walk and ease the pain away. Yet it keep getting stronger, so i pulled off the trail and bent down, praying for God to show me something here because i really didn't know what was going on. After my whole 2 minute pause i tried to get up and walk, it wasn't much further back to the car and then i could just get home where mom could take care of me.
Yet it was actually quite funny to see God's humor in all this as right after i stood back up to keep walking there was a bench not 10 feet away.
i stopped short.
if only i had walked 3 maybe 4 steps more i would have made it, to a place that was designated rest for me.
and as soon as i realized how foolish i was i retreated to that bench and found my self awe struck sitting there. how stupid it was.
how easy.
how much pride i had in myslef to not see how easy how perfect how simply the plan of God was laid out right before my eyes.
yet i couldn't reach it.
this spoke to my heart in a million ways.
because not only was it something i did on my run.
it is something i do everyday.
stop short of what God is calling me to.
three steps further i was almost there.
but i'm too weak, i don't want to go that far.
ridiculous.
Francis Chan has a chapter in his book Crazy Love where he talks about lukewarm christians and i can't help but be reminded of the image i see reflected of myself when i look in the mirror now.
"Luke warm people will serve God and others but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give"
sound like the person i was just describing, who stopped three steps short of the peace and rest God offered her?
It utterly makes me sick that i have become this person.
so obsessed with self, my time, my schedule, my life.
Allison, get over yourself.
Give up.
Stop selling yourself three steps short of who you ought to be and take a risk knowing in thes extra steps God will meet you there.
It is in those moments of discomfort, insecurity, worry, and not knowing that i would encounter God if only i would risk it.
comfort.
The song Hurricane by Jimmy Needham came on as i sat on that bench. and i couldn't help but think to myself, Jesus ruin me.
break my life, i am fragile only in the hand of He who made me.
Who knows me.
Renew my thoughts, my actions, my speech, my mind. train my hands, focus my eyes, tune my ears to you.
Hurricane Lyrics
I have built a city here
Half with pride and half with fear
Just wanted a safer place to hide
I don’t want to be safe tonight
I need You like a hurricane
Thunder crashing, wind and rain
To tear my walls down
I’m only Yours now
I need you like a burning flame
A wild fire untamed
To burn these walls down
I’m only Yours now
I’m only Yours now
I am Yours and You are mine
You know far better than I
And if destruction’s what I need
Then I’ll receive it Lord from Thee
Yes, I’ll receive it Lord from Thee
And it’s Your eye in the storm
Watching over me
And it’s Your eye in the storm
Wanting only good for me
And if You are the war
Let me be the casualty
‘Til I’m Yours alone
I am only Yours
I am Yours alone, Lord
well yesterday afterenoon i had one of these times and so i decided despite how cold it was i would go out running and just see how far i could go then come home. turns out there's a perfect trail which is 2 miles in and 2 miles out. It went great the first 2 miles and it felt so good to just be running again, outside breathing the fresh air in my lungs unlike the stuffy environment on the treadmill inside. My head was running with thoughts of what i would do afterwards and how great it felt to be outside, how much of a blessing it was.
I did great until about i had about 1.6 miles left and then i got one of the worst stomach cramps ever. I could hardly keep moving, not sure what was happening i tried to just walk and ease the pain away. Yet it keep getting stronger, so i pulled off the trail and bent down, praying for God to show me something here because i really didn't know what was going on. After my whole 2 minute pause i tried to get up and walk, it wasn't much further back to the car and then i could just get home where mom could take care of me.
Yet it was actually quite funny to see God's humor in all this as right after i stood back up to keep walking there was a bench not 10 feet away.
i stopped short.
if only i had walked 3 maybe 4 steps more i would have made it, to a place that was designated rest for me.
and as soon as i realized how foolish i was i retreated to that bench and found my self awe struck sitting there. how stupid it was.
how easy.
how much pride i had in myslef to not see how easy how perfect how simply the plan of God was laid out right before my eyes.
yet i couldn't reach it.
this spoke to my heart in a million ways.
because not only was it something i did on my run.
it is something i do everyday.
stop short of what God is calling me to.
three steps further i was almost there.
but i'm too weak, i don't want to go that far.
ridiculous.
Francis Chan has a chapter in his book Crazy Love where he talks about lukewarm christians and i can't help but be reminded of the image i see reflected of myself when i look in the mirror now.
"Luke warm people will serve God and others but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give"
sound like the person i was just describing, who stopped three steps short of the peace and rest God offered her?
It utterly makes me sick that i have become this person.
so obsessed with self, my time, my schedule, my life.
Allison, get over yourself.
Give up.
Stop selling yourself three steps short of who you ought to be and take a risk knowing in thes extra steps God will meet you there.
It is in those moments of discomfort, insecurity, worry, and not knowing that i would encounter God if only i would risk it.
comfort.
The song Hurricane by Jimmy Needham came on as i sat on that bench. and i couldn't help but think to myself, Jesus ruin me.
break my life, i am fragile only in the hand of He who made me.
Who knows me.
Renew my thoughts, my actions, my speech, my mind. train my hands, focus my eyes, tune my ears to you.
Hurricane Lyrics
I have built a city here
Half with pride and half with fear
Just wanted a safer place to hide
I don’t want to be safe tonight
I need You like a hurricane
Thunder crashing, wind and rain
To tear my walls down
I’m only Yours now
I need you like a burning flame
A wild fire untamed
To burn these walls down
I’m only Yours now
I’m only Yours now
I am Yours and You are mine
You know far better than I
And if destruction’s what I need
Then I’ll receive it Lord from Thee
Yes, I’ll receive it Lord from Thee
And it’s Your eye in the storm
Watching over me
And it’s Your eye in the storm
Wanting only good for me
And if You are the war
Let me be the casualty
‘Til I’m Yours alone
I am only Yours
I am Yours alone, Lord
Monday, August 31, 2009
hunger.
There are a couple things God has really been pressin in on me since our BSM leadership retreat this past weekend.
ever since this whole concept of love is something i just can't get a hold of.
the love God has for me.
impossible to escape.
covers me completely.
it overcame the grave.
it redeems
justifies
saves.
...the greatest of these is love
love covers a multitude of sins
out of love the Son of Man died
while i was still but a sinner
this is how we know what love is....
kind
patient
not rude, self-centered or boasting.
it does not envy, it keeps no record of wrongs.
it rejoices with truth.
protects, trust, hopes and perseveres.
This love that God so often spoke of and vehemently desired for us
never fails....
i'm reading a book called redeeming love right now and this one part is really stuck in my mind
"The morning sunlight was so bright it hurt her eyes. blinding her more than the darkness ever had..."that's what I’m offering you"...his breath was warm against her skin. "i want to fill it with light" he put his arms around her and held her back against him.. "give me a chance..."
That what God wants, a life filled with the love only he has to offer us.
and as our life’s are filled so fully to the point that we would come overflowing to the life’s of others.
Turn our hearts to you O God...teach me what is means to love you...loving others as you lead me to, out of the love i devote myself to in you.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised"
~Proverbs 31:30
ever since this whole concept of love is something i just can't get a hold of.
the love God has for me.
impossible to escape.
covers me completely.
it overcame the grave.
it redeems
justifies
saves.
...the greatest of these is love
love covers a multitude of sins
out of love the Son of Man died
while i was still but a sinner
this is how we know what love is....
kind
patient
not rude, self-centered or boasting.
it does not envy, it keeps no record of wrongs.
it rejoices with truth.
protects, trust, hopes and perseveres.
This love that God so often spoke of and vehemently desired for us
never fails....
i'm reading a book called redeeming love right now and this one part is really stuck in my mind
"The morning sunlight was so bright it hurt her eyes. blinding her more than the darkness ever had..."that's what I’m offering you"...his breath was warm against her skin. "i want to fill it with light" he put his arms around her and held her back against him.. "give me a chance..."
That what God wants, a life filled with the love only he has to offer us.
and as our life’s are filled so fully to the point that we would come overflowing to the life’s of others.
Turn our hearts to you O God...teach me what is means to love you...loving others as you lead me to, out of the love i devote myself to in you.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised"
~Proverbs 31:30
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Two Weeks Already?
it is hard to believe than in a couple of hours, when we wake up tomorrow morning our time in Austria will be over.
I can't believe all the things I can seen and all that God has done here especially through the team.
To say the least this past week was very challenging with the new group of kids. We had a lot of older kids who were "too cool" for camp and it was very hard to keep them entertained for long with any actvity. After the first day i think that the team was worn-down and i know we all were very unsure of how the rest of the week would go. But in the end i hope we can say it all went well and we were blessed with significant opportunities to share with these kids.
One thing that i never thought i would want to remember but now i am learning to see that God used it more than we can imagine...
On wednesday we take the kids on a camp-out and walk 3 miles with them to get there, this week on camp-out day it was nearly 100 degrees, humid and there were what seemed like a milions mesquitoes out.
After walking to the camp-out site, the kids even with bug spray looked like they were eaten alive, we were all drenched in sweat and none the less after dinner it starts to rain.
I'm pretty sure at this point we were all thinking ´what in the world are we doing here?`
We quickly rushed all the kids into a tee-pee and started a campfire, it was at this time when all we could think was i want to give up. God spoke big.
I know He really spoke to me and my team as we were crammed in, wet and tired that this is where you shine through.
This could be a horrible moment for the kids and everyone will complain about how much they hate it or as God told me this is what we are here for. To show them a difference, to put ourselves aside and let them see in us the Lord.
What could have been a nightmare turned into something beautiful as we all sat around the camp-fire singing, telling scary\funny stories and having an on the spot talent show.
Then the next day my team leader and i were in charge of telling the bible story of the prodigal son and as we did Ashlee was able to tell the kids her testimony and why we crazy americans would come all the way over here to Austria to teach them English, it was a huge blessing that i am very thankful for! :)
At the camp-fire on friday, we had a lot of parents....surprisingly the ones whos kids seemed to hate camp and always be bored tell us that the kids actally loved it and wanted to come back next year!
All in all, it's funny how something we see as a nightmare God can use as a miracle.
Thank you all so much for your support, please pray for safety as we all fly home tomorrow! :)
"Whatever happens conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ..."
Philippians 1:27a
I can't believe all the things I can seen and all that God has done here especially through the team.
To say the least this past week was very challenging with the new group of kids. We had a lot of older kids who were "too cool" for camp and it was very hard to keep them entertained for long with any actvity. After the first day i think that the team was worn-down and i know we all were very unsure of how the rest of the week would go. But in the end i hope we can say it all went well and we were blessed with significant opportunities to share with these kids.
One thing that i never thought i would want to remember but now i am learning to see that God used it more than we can imagine...
On wednesday we take the kids on a camp-out and walk 3 miles with them to get there, this week on camp-out day it was nearly 100 degrees, humid and there were what seemed like a milions mesquitoes out.
After walking to the camp-out site, the kids even with bug spray looked like they were eaten alive, we were all drenched in sweat and none the less after dinner it starts to rain.
I'm pretty sure at this point we were all thinking ´what in the world are we doing here?`
We quickly rushed all the kids into a tee-pee and started a campfire, it was at this time when all we could think was i want to give up. God spoke big.
I know He really spoke to me and my team as we were crammed in, wet and tired that this is where you shine through.
This could be a horrible moment for the kids and everyone will complain about how much they hate it or as God told me this is what we are here for. To show them a difference, to put ourselves aside and let them see in us the Lord.
What could have been a nightmare turned into something beautiful as we all sat around the camp-fire singing, telling scary\funny stories and having an on the spot talent show.
Then the next day my team leader and i were in charge of telling the bible story of the prodigal son and as we did Ashlee was able to tell the kids her testimony and why we crazy americans would come all the way over here to Austria to teach them English, it was a huge blessing that i am very thankful for! :)
At the camp-fire on friday, we had a lot of parents....surprisingly the ones whos kids seemed to hate camp and always be bored tell us that the kids actally loved it and wanted to come back next year!
All in all, it's funny how something we see as a nightmare God can use as a miracle.
Thank you all so much for your support, please pray for safety as we all fly home tomorrow! :)
"Whatever happens conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ..."
Philippians 1:27a
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Week 2
The end of week was very eventful, we had a fun last day for the kids with campfire and barbeque for them and their families. We had some of the sweetest kids at camp and it was none the less exciting.
Throughout the week i somehow gained the nickname "Bombay" which means ´the bomb´ in German from a group of 11-12 year old boys that i had played soccer with! :) haha!
Each day is something new and exciting here in Austria and I cannot believe how much I am learning and all that God is teaching me here. This has been a much different mission trip from those i have been on before but i know that i am growing alot from it.
God has really been taking care of a lot of stuff inside of me, that i didn't know was there and teaching me how to live my faith more relationally. At camp we share a bible story but it is very hard to teach the kids more than that because they take religion classes at school and so it is almost boring to them. They know the names and stories, and it is almost like a culture to them but many do not understand what it means to live for Christ daily.
I have am definitely what it means to live the gospel.
That is all for now, please pray as we start week two of camp in the morning for energy, meaningful conversation and boldness with these new kids! :)
"For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake" 2 Corinthians 4:5
Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words.
Throughout the week i somehow gained the nickname "Bombay" which means ´the bomb´ in German from a group of 11-12 year old boys that i had played soccer with! :) haha!
Each day is something new and exciting here in Austria and I cannot believe how much I am learning and all that God is teaching me here. This has been a much different mission trip from those i have been on before but i know that i am growing alot from it.
God has really been taking care of a lot of stuff inside of me, that i didn't know was there and teaching me how to live my faith more relationally. At camp we share a bible story but it is very hard to teach the kids more than that because they take religion classes at school and so it is almost boring to them. They know the names and stories, and it is almost like a culture to them but many do not understand what it means to live for Christ daily.
I have am definitely what it means to live the gospel.
That is all for now, please pray as we start week two of camp in the morning for energy, meaningful conversation and boldness with these new kids! :)
"For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake" 2 Corinthians 4:5
Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Day Camp Week 1
WOW. i cannot believe we are almost finished with one week of English day camp!
This first week here has been absolutely amazing, we have about 22 kids attending the camp and i have the youngest group of 5 7-9 year old's.
Although at first the language barrier proved hard and i wish i knew more German to communicate better with the children i have totally loved my time here.
Out of no where it seems i was swept off my feet from the middle of summer in America to be blessed by coming here.
I have fallen in love with these kids, and although the days are long i am so rewarded to do this.
We have done lots of fun activities with the kids who range in age from 7-12, 14 boys and 8 girls. I have never laughed more in my life than just this week!! :)
Last night we took the kids hiking and camping and while we were at the campsite which is in a national park here another girl on my team and i played hours of soccer with some of the boys.
At one point i was laughing so hard playing with them that i was crying and could not run because i could hardly breathe.
This may be challenging but it is one of the most rewarding things i have ever done.
I don't have much time, and there is no way to simply write down all that i have learned in the past week.
For now here are a few short testimonies of what God has been doing and taught me this week.
After camp one day a parent came to pick up thier child Markus and they were telling us how each night he comes home so excited to come back the next day. The important part though is that they said to us that there is a difference in him after camp, and while he is with us. They can tell that in is more than an English camp we are doing, but that God is doing something big here as well! :)
Vienna is trully known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, this is in a large part due to the history behind some of their large anciet buildings. One night after camp we got the chance to go downtown and see a lot of what makes this city so popular. We spent hours sité-seeing this amazing building built hundreds of years ago.
Now while it was an awesome experience to see all this, and let me tell you these building were impressive...at a time where is was so easy to get distracted God had to remind me what i was here for.
That night as i was reading my bible, i looked at Habakkuk 3:6 where it says "He stood and shook the earth; he looked and made the nations tremble, the ancient mountians crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed, His ways are eternal"
It just reminded me that while all these attractions we saw were quite amazing, even they will pass away, God is what i'm here for and He is Eternal, He will never pass away.
Pray please for the last day of camp this week as it will be the last time we get to share with this group of kids before we get a new group next week! :)
Cheers!
This first week here has been absolutely amazing, we have about 22 kids attending the camp and i have the youngest group of 5 7-9 year old's.
Although at first the language barrier proved hard and i wish i knew more German to communicate better with the children i have totally loved my time here.
Out of no where it seems i was swept off my feet from the middle of summer in America to be blessed by coming here.
I have fallen in love with these kids, and although the days are long i am so rewarded to do this.
We have done lots of fun activities with the kids who range in age from 7-12, 14 boys and 8 girls. I have never laughed more in my life than just this week!! :)
Last night we took the kids hiking and camping and while we were at the campsite which is in a national park here another girl on my team and i played hours of soccer with some of the boys.
At one point i was laughing so hard playing with them that i was crying and could not run because i could hardly breathe.
This may be challenging but it is one of the most rewarding things i have ever done.
I don't have much time, and there is no way to simply write down all that i have learned in the past week.
For now here are a few short testimonies of what God has been doing and taught me this week.
After camp one day a parent came to pick up thier child Markus and they were telling us how each night he comes home so excited to come back the next day. The important part though is that they said to us that there is a difference in him after camp, and while he is with us. They can tell that in is more than an English camp we are doing, but that God is doing something big here as well! :)
Vienna is trully known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, this is in a large part due to the history behind some of their large anciet buildings. One night after camp we got the chance to go downtown and see a lot of what makes this city so popular. We spent hours sité-seeing this amazing building built hundreds of years ago.
Now while it was an awesome experience to see all this, and let me tell you these building were impressive...at a time where is was so easy to get distracted God had to remind me what i was here for.
That night as i was reading my bible, i looked at Habakkuk 3:6 where it says "He stood and shook the earth; he looked and made the nations tremble, the ancient mountians crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed, His ways are eternal"
It just reminded me that while all these attractions we saw were quite amazing, even they will pass away, God is what i'm here for and He is Eternal, He will never pass away.
Pray please for the last day of camp this week as it will be the last time we get to share with this group of kids before we get a new group next week! :)
Cheers!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
We're Here!!!
Hey everyone!!
Just a quick note to say that we got to Austria!! We got here and met our host-homes for the next couple weeks, ate dinner and now have some free time before bed. Everything has gone really well so far, we learned today that the church we are working with has only fifty members. Although small, i am looking forward to learning what God is doing through them here.
Also we learned that most of the children we will work with have started to learn English in school although we will have some who may not know it at all!
Vienna is a very large, busy city and the people we have meet so far have been wonderful!
Please continue to pray for children that come to the camp, and for meaningful conversations with them.
one word of encouragement God gave me as i was coming here, praying He would not only prepare myself but my team and the children as well.
Isaiah 30: 21 "Whether zou turn to the right or to the left your ears will hear a voice behind you saying This is the way walk in it".
I know God has so much in store for the next couple weeks and i am blessed and excited to be a part of it!
I'll write more soon as we start the day camp. :)
Happy 4th of July!
Just a quick note to say that we got to Austria!! We got here and met our host-homes for the next couple weeks, ate dinner and now have some free time before bed. Everything has gone really well so far, we learned today that the church we are working with has only fifty members. Although small, i am looking forward to learning what God is doing through them here.
Also we learned that most of the children we will work with have started to learn English in school although we will have some who may not know it at all!
Vienna is a very large, busy city and the people we have meet so far have been wonderful!
Please continue to pray for children that come to the camp, and for meaningful conversations with them.
one word of encouragement God gave me as i was coming here, praying He would not only prepare myself but my team and the children as well.
Isaiah 30: 21 "Whether zou turn to the right or to the left your ears will hear a voice behind you saying This is the way walk in it".
I know God has so much in store for the next couple weeks and i am blessed and excited to be a part of it!
I'll write more soon as we start the day camp. :)
Happy 4th of July!
Monday, June 29, 2009
As I Go
For all who are following as i prepare to take off for Austria
I just have a few prayer request before i go.
If you could please pray for good health for my team and i as we go, i know myself and some other are fighting colds and other viruses.
Also for safe travel as we take off this friday for Austria! :)
Pray that my team would be as prepared as we need to be, well rested and open hearted toward what the Lord as in store for us through out the next two weeks.
And for the ministry as well, for meaningful conversations to take place with the kids and just that God would move in whatever way He needs to!
Thanks so much to everyone, i
l'll keep you updated as i go! :)
I just have a few prayer request before i go.
If you could please pray for good health for my team and i as we go, i know myself and some other are fighting colds and other viruses.
Also for safe travel as we take off this friday for Austria! :)
Pray that my team would be as prepared as we need to be, well rested and open hearted toward what the Lord as in store for us through out the next two weeks.
And for the ministry as well, for meaningful conversations to take place with the kids and just that God would move in whatever way He needs to!
Thanks so much to everyone, i
l'll keep you updated as i go! :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
ramblings of a beggar
so i'm new at this whole blogging thing, in fact i just decided to start one tonight. i'm using this as a place to release all my thoughts. some of them joys, confusion, passions or moments i would like to share.
to start here i am another 1000 miles away from where i woke up last thursday morning.
i'm at a point where i don't know quite what's going on...
since i came back from college i've had this mixster of feelings all jumbled up inside
its weird when you are driving back to this place you used to call home and suddenly you feel out of place
like its weird at school i feel out of place when i look at my car and know it's one of like ten with out of state plates on campus but yet driving here i suddenly saw all the other cars with wyo license plates and knew this wasn't home anymore
not that i don't like being here but it's weird because my life doesn't revolve around me being here...now don't get me wrong
i love being here, it's where i was born, its the same small town i grew up in. i love being close to my family, and friends that are so far away now when i'm at school. i love catching up with people. Snow and the mountains, sorry texans but those rolling hill’s got nothin when i see the amazing big horns up here. those small town memories and places that no one can replace. i love my job. and the time i spend with people here.
there is so much here that i can never have when i'm in texas.
but i feel so discontent
because oddly enough that place i leave 18 hours to take off for, the place that in the middle of this last semester i doubted if i even wanted to be.
that place that i had so much hurt, and doubts to get through before God smacked me in the face and said Allison i'm the one you're here for.
LIVE FOR ME.
that place has become a part of me.
its who i am
its part of who I am becoming, and my life on my own.
its where i spend nine months out of my life now
i have met amazing people there
and who knew coming back to this place i used to call home would be so weird for me.
i miss college, my friends, my life there.
I guess the part that’s most weird is that I’ve really come to realize that home is where the heart is…
I love my job while I’m at home, but I realize that I love it because I’m doing something I love
And that can be found anywhere.
That a house is merely a structure with four walls and door that this family of three girls had poured a lot of love into.
They mean so much and I will never let them go.
And those people are with me and apart of me no matter where I go.
Its not the places I’ve been
But the people that make places so significant to me
It’s the song, the restaurant, the gas station, the times that fill so many memories that make me miss people so much and make me so eager for that next time I see them.
i’m caught in the in-between
of letting go and gaining a new perspective of this place I knew as home
and adapting my vision to what God has at this new place that has become part of me somehow
I knew it would happen, looking back to those days when I would dream of being on my own and it’s here
Its now
The skies the limit
And I have one wide open future waiting on me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)