from darkness to LIGHT!

So for the two people that read my blog...I promised you more :) So here is a little more on my trip to Southeast Asia! 

1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, not now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.

This passage has always been one of my favorites. It is filled with so much! We see our natural state, we see Jesus, we see the God who called us out of the mess we were in, and we see who we are in Christ.  Often when I read these verses I read them with my western worldview. When reading them on the other side of the globe the Lord showed me even more truth. The faces I saw on the streets, the children I worked with, the many people I met all are walking in darkness or once were walking in the same darkness I once lived in. The darkness of sin. And the same God that called me into his marvelous light has called them also or still desires to call them into this light! Chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession these "labels" (for lack of a better word) aren't given because I am American or because I have done something to earn them. It is only because of the mercy and grace of my Father. My God who pulled me out of the miry pit. Southeast Asians...the entire globe actually...have this same opportunity. I am chosen because God chose me. I am a royal priesthood because God has invited me into His kingdom. I am a holy nation because God himself is holy and Jesus died so I might come into His righteousness. I am a people for his own possession because God desires to use His children for His own glory and for His kingdom! This is true for every believer I talked to even though communication was difficult and they looked different from me. We could join hands in the same battle. We could rejoice because we belong to the same Kingdom and we both belong to a people that belong to God. Seeing this first hand got me pretty excited! I have more in common with a brother or sister in Christ that lives across the world than I do to the young adult sitting beside me in Starbucks on a Monday afternoon in Greenville, SC that has no relationship with my Savior. Isn't that crazy cool! 

What a joy it was to live amongst these people for 11 days. The words I chose to describe my trip are faith, boldness, brokenness, and joy. These words describe the people I interacted with, the experiences I had, and the emotion of hearts. I wish I could describe the trip so vividly that you felt you were there, but I'm afraid you will just have to go yourself! 

faith. Doubting Jesus just wasn't an option with those we ministered with and had the privilege to dine with. Each of their ministries began with one step. Then step by step living in faithfulness and obedience to what the Lord had called them to. They prayed for their own needs, they prayed for others physical needs and they never doubted God! Each day they are faithfully moving forward. Each day they are loving the people God had place them with. Each day they do not worry about how they will keep the lights on or food on their tables. by faith live. 

boldness. I have never seen people with such boldness. I think of the many times I am nervous or fearful about striking up a conversation or sharing truth with a student or with a neighbor and I live in a Christian nation. A nation that is not going to lock me up or kill me for speaking of Jesus as Savior and Lord!! The boldness I saw and heard was so evident. They believe in the same truth of Jesus and they boldly spoke of this truth! They boldly went about their day looking for opportunity to share. How convicting! I have yet to share with my neighbors of the God I worship and they have lived by me for a year! I have yet to share with some students whom I have known for 2-3 years! Crazy!! What do I fear!?!? Scripture tells me I have nothing to fear for I serve a God who has conquered all things! Even hearing from a 17 year old who is the only Christian among all of her friends! She knows God's word and each day she lives boldly. She loves her friends, yet she never stands down when her faith and beliefs are being questioned! Talk about being a minority!

brokenness. My heart is broken for lost people. I do pray and hope that the students I am giving my life to will come into a relationship with God. The brokenness of heart that some of the women we met broke me. They love these people. They are constantly thinking and praying for the women they work with. Being brought to tears when just talking about the possibilities and opportunities opening up for these women. That is being broken for people. I cannot tell you the first or last time I was brought to tears over the students in Charleston who are far from God. Through their brokenness for people the Lord revealed to me my selfishness. How so often I am too concerned about when my day off is going to be or getting out of a meeting in time so I can get to my favorite worldly TV show. Most of my thoughts each and every day are about me. This is hard evidence that I am far too concerned with me and how I am going to prosper. I don't care if it's thinking about if I will ever get married or if it's what I am going to eat for lunch my thoughts and many prayers are about me and my future. This truly has challenged the way I live each day and my prayers. I am not saying I shouldn't have the freedom to bring my cares and worries to the Lord, but maybe I should tune my heart and mind to the things of the Lord more often than I do. Pray to be more greatly broken for those walking in darkness and for those who had sacrificed "normal" to live a life for God's kingdom! May "my kingdom" break so I may be a a part of the rebuilding of God's Kingdom!

joy. Oh what joy each and every day was. Joy was found in every conversation. Every car ride. Every walk down the street. Every moment with a friend. Every dinner we had with new friends. Each day was filled with Joy. What a privilege it was to be able to experience the joy of Jesus. There was nothing elegant about our trip. nothing that screamed vacation. But there was joy that I will recall for a lifetime. Seeing women light up when we open the word of God to share with them. Being a part of a ministry that is reaching an unreached people group. Meeting so many women who have given two years or their life to Southeast Asia. So much joy because Jesus was in each moment from start to finish! Jesus was a part of this trip and He is moving and working among these people.

Here are several more photos of our trip. Hope you enjoy! And please pray for the people of Southeast Asia. 

 

 

needy people

So I have had the privilege to leave the country three times in my short time. Each time I pack my bags, grab my passport, and head to the airport I realize just how fortunate I am. What a joy it is to experience cultures and the past two weeks in Bangladesh did not disappoint.

Sometimes in our lives I am convinced we too often forget that there is a world outside of our own. A great big world that is. So often I take ever second of my life for granted. I expect things to be easy. Expect life to give me the material things I am convinced are necessities. computers, cars, the newest iPhone, new outfit for every event in life, a new bag every Fall, new sunglasses for the summer, a new pair of shoes because it's Tuesday.. my list could go on forever. I find myself wondering if this is how the entire world lives. I do think to a degree the answer is yes. In our sinfulness we desire and expect all things that will help promote self. This is a constant battle for me and often a reminder when I am reading a few other blogs about living with less. And when I find myself at my worst the Lord grants me an opportunity to see for myself the other side of the world...

Bangladesh. Many of you have probably never heard of this tiny country on the east side of India. You should go look at a world map now. What a lovely place! I can genuinely say I love these people. They have the biggest eyes and sweetest smiles. Though par American standards this place would be considered dirty and stinky. Those words may be true but I think maybe America just might be missing the real beauty of this country. And that beauty is found in the people.

My time in Bangladesh seemed so short. I believe had I not had other obligations to be back I might have just stayed a little while longer! sorry mom... While there yes my heart was greatly broken for the weak and impoverished.  You can't walk out the door without being slapped in the face with the needs of people. It's everywhere, people asking for taka (money) or just a bite to eat, or a sip of water. The numbers of people who are in need of so many things is possibly immeasurable. If I lived there it would be hard for me not to become numb to these needs. I think so often I become so very numb to the needs of my own life and the needs of the people around me every day. I go on about life as though I have enough strength in myself to take on the day by myself. I have this facade of superwoman. I am unaware that I have many needs and the greatest of those needs is Jesus. While in Bangladesh or any third world country it is easy to think that I have it so much better and I have so much to offer these people. But the truth is I have nothing to offer these people or anyone for that matter but Jesus. The Lord has blessed me with so much and I might be able to satisfy a physical need or two but they will soon find themselves back where they started. My greatest need, your greatest need, and the greatest need around the world is all the same. The need of Jesus. May we all be needy people. May I find myself each day like a beggar at the feet of Jesus begging for more of him!

Stay tuned for more of what two weeks in Bangladesh did to me.

I got a brand new name

So this week has been one of the most exciting weeks in a long time! For the past 9 months I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a sweet little boy who I get to call nephew and he gets to call me aunt. What a joy it was to be able to be there at the hospital. I don't think there has been another time in my life where my emotions went from anxiety to joy to fear to tears so sporadically. As I drove from Mount Pleasant, SC to Augusta, GA the miles seemed to get longer and cars were getting slower! And unknown to me my little buddy was waiting on me! My dear sister-in-law might tell this story a little different after the hours she spent in the delivery room...

We are going to be the best of friends...

 I was able to stay in town for a few days and what a joy it was to snuggle on that sweet little baby! Though it's only been a few days I am also thrilled and overwhelmed as I watch my brother begin this journey of fatherhood. Jeremy has always loved so hard and cared so well for me. He is the one who took and still takes the duty of "guard" when it comes to me going or doing anything. He has also been right there with Dad about dating rules, things I wear, etc. Luckily for us all Jeremy and Erin had a son first and not a daughter. Jeremy is going to be a wonderful daddy! What a joy it was to watch him hold and sometimes just stare at his sweet boy. 

Not only is Jeremy is daddy, Jamie an uncle, or me an aunt, but Mom and Dad are now grandparents! They are beyond excited to be in this season of life! I think both and I do been both  of them have been eager to become grandparents. Neither of them could stop smiling while in the presence of Colt. Mom and Dad are going to spoil this baby way more than even I have been spoiled (if that's even possible)!

They are smitten 

Since being back in Charleston I find myself just thinking of Colt often. Good thing I took a ton of pictures! I have enjoyed just scrolling through the photos. This boy is so loved and probably if possible already very spoiled! 

As life is just beginning for this little guy I am praying that the Lord will draw Colt to Himself. That Colt will come into a relationship with the Lord at a very young age. That he will be able to flee all ungodliness and worldliness. That the salvation from the Lord through Jesus Christ will be his protection and strength. I pray that he will see and understand that even in what seems like innocence he is guilty of sin. I pray Colt that your worship will be unto Jesus for he is imperishable but things of this world will perish. 

What joy being an aunt has already brought me! I am looking forward to the years the Lord blesses me to live in this new identity of aunt! Thank you Colt for throwing me into this new position! 

Just having a little fun with Jojo...

I told him wearing birthday hats and celebrating birthdays are the best :)

 I just can't get over this sweet face and that great hair!

Happy Easter (reflections from Easter Sunday)

A phrase that carries more weight than many many people even know! A day that brought so much joy and also confusion. The women who saw the empty tomb and the angel were fearful. Some of the apostles doubted it was truth. Christ had told them many times before that he would die and on the third day be raised to life. So why were they locked in that room? Why were they living in fear? They didn't understand...today we know the entire story...(well at least most of it, we are still waiting in great hope of the second coming of Jesus)  so how can we still everyday forget?! Why aren't we waking up every morning and saying "happy Easter! He is risen indeed!"? This happy we speak of and tell our children is it based on finding and dying eggs, getting a basket full of candy, toys, games, etc, and gathering around a table and feasting on a delicious meal OR is it based on the simple but most wonderful of truths that Jesus Christ is no longer dead but ALIVE! What were you more excited about this morning, seeing your child's wide eyes as they searched their basket full of goodies or was it the opportunity to stop in pure joy and rejoice the Risen King! Those two words Happy Easter say so much but are we diluting them to carry the meaning that the world knows or are we standing firm on the top of mountains and sharing we no longer mourn our Jesus for He has victory over death!

I too realized Easter morning that right after Jesus arose and went and had shown himself to those who were dear to him (and many others) He told them to "go".  So I ask myself and you, what you are doing with this good news today and tomorrow? Each and every believer was given a mission. To go and be where you are called to live/work and teach the good news of the gospel and make disciples. Let the resurrection push you into pure joy and missional living all for the glory and worship of our king.

happy Easter every day! 

Matthew 28:1-20 

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting?"
1 Corinthians 15:54-55

 A little Easter from my table! I love spring and the new life that comes with it!

A little family joy on Easter Sunday 

"The Gospel for Real Life"

Well I just decided that I am going to try and give a summary of the books I read. One for myself and two for you! I hope that you might pick up one or two of the books I am reading and read them for yourself!

I literally just finished and put down a book that I read as a Sophomore in college and now have reread with girls on campus at Charleston Southern, The Gospel for Real Life: Turn to the Liberating Power of the Cross...Every Day. 

Wow! This is been so good and so refreshing!  I have been reminded yet again of the importance of the gospel! Reminded to remember the atoning blood of Jesus. Reminded that yes this gospel brought justification but this gospel must be in every part of my day. every decision. every thought. every action. Reminders like this should be at the forefront of my mind. "I am accepted by God, not on the basis of my personal performance, but on the basis of the infinitely perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ." 

This book progresses through the riches we are offered in Jesus, the need for Jesus' death on the cross, our sin and how we are completely justified through Christ, an understanding of reconciliation and our new position and identity with God, how we are in a process of sanctification, and ends with the truth that the Gospel is about God and the world...not me.

So now what? Well with the power of Christ within me I will lean into Him! I will rely on him. I will trust Him. I will live dependently of Him. And I will share the unsearchable riches I have received through Jesus with the world! When I fail to do this...because I know I will...I will turn my face to Him in repentance. Every day turning to the liberating power of the cross because what I know for sure is that I cannot do life on my own I have a great need for my great Lord and Savior!

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.    Ephesians 3:7-10

Looking back...

this is my most favorite thing to do at the end or beginning of every year. It reminds me the the joy and seasons that the year has held...so here's to 2013!

As I look at the joy and struggle that this year has brought I am overwhelmed at how I see the Lord in it all! Thank you Lord for a wonderful year and I am thrilled as I look forward to a new year and more opportunities to know God, to make him known, and to trust him in every moment. 

living in it but not of it

Oh what a complex this has become for me recently. The past couple of weeks there has been in me a consistent awareness that I was not made for this world, that I belong to a place far greater. Since coming to faith at an early age I have been told this truth of being in the world but not of it. Never have I questioned or argued this statement of scripture. Recently in a women's bible study the comment was made of just how difficult this is. The scripture we were studying was Colossians 3:1-4, seek the things that are above...set your minds on things above not on earthly things... Our pastor read the week before a quote of what the puritans would say are the hinderances in our mediation and their conclusion was that we think too little of Heaven. Then tonight I sat and listened to a girl who is maybe 2 years my elder and has spent the past six years in Honduras. She made reference several times to our citizenship not being here on earth.

Needless to say I have been reminded of my thoughts and heart to be heavenward. So it seems natural for me to have an uneasiness of my current state but I am honestly unsure. In this study of Colossians I have been challenged to really examine my roots and my fruits. Where am I digging deep roots and upon what is my foundation? Is my life bearing fruit and are people seeing in me fruits of the Spirit? In these questions my thoughts and heart have been focused on Christ. For it is in Him alone that I build my foundation, I dig roots in the Word, and because of Christ in me I have the ability to bear fruit. As I continue to learn what this really looks like in the life of the believer I believe I am seeing that when I am not living with my mind set on things above I should be uneasy about my living. I go to the foot of the cross in repentance of living selfishly. I ask the Lord for forgiveness of my sins of omission, for not living and speaking of Christ, His work on the cross, His resurrection, and His victory over sin and death. I have in me life, that is Christ and that life is bursting to be let out and shared with everyone.

So in conclusion, I think I am gaining a greater understanding of what it means to be in the world but not of the world. My life should be lived and be an example of my satisfaction found in Christ. In that fact I should not be seeking things of the world to some how be a greater satisfaction. My living in the world is done with a purpose. That purpose being my complete satisfaction found in Christ, my sanctification, and making Christ known in my neighborhood, my city, my state, and the world!