Happy Heart

The difference between these two pictures is 13 months and 1/2 a world, but the heart behind them is still the same.

Today I’m thankful for cross-cultural ministry opportunities – whether they take place in a foreign country or in small town Texas.

God is good.

The Expanded Sphere of Influence

One of my main complaints about my "real" job is that I'm so secluded from people. On a regular basis, I have face-to-face contact with about 5 people at work. My office (that I share with 2 other graduate students) is small ... as in 6 steps from the door to the wall. Sometimes I just miss seeing people. So I asked God to change it - change the job ... change my attitude about it ... change something.

And He did.

This Fall semester my regular sphere of influence will include ~

* Being a student instructor for a freshman orientation program to help incoming students adjust to college life. I get the opportunity to pour into about 100 students each week in a large group setting and then a smaller number through small group break out sessions.

* About 3 weeks ago I started a temporary, part-time job that allows me to interact with lots (and lots!!) of customers who are mainly students. I love helping them find the books they need for classes. My face hurt yesterday from smiling at each customer and asking if they needed help. ;-)

* I am joining up with International Student Friendship Ministries through Chi Alpha to reach the international students who are studying at my university. There aren't enough words to share how pumped I am about this opportunity. I ran across this video on the ISFM website that explains it well:



As I was laying in bed the other night thinking about how different this Fall semester is going to look from past semesters, I couldn't help but see His fingerprints all over this "expanded sphere of influence." May I steward the opportunity well.

The Expanded Sphere of Influence

One of my main complaints about my "real" job is that I'm so secluded from people. On a regular basis, I have face-to-face contact with about 5 people at work. My office (that I share with 2 other graduate students) is small ... as in 6 steps from the door to the wall. Sometimes I just miss seeing people. So I asked God to change it - change the job ... change my attitude about it ... change something.

And He did.

This Fall semester my regular sphere of influence will include ~

* Being a student instructor for a freshman orientation program to help incoming students adjust to college life. I get the opportunity to pour into about 100 students each week in a large group setting and then a smaller number through small group break out sessions.

* About 3 weeks ago I started a temporary, part-time job that allows me to interact with lots (and lots!!) of customers who are mainly students. I love helping them find the books they need for classes. My face hurt yesterday from smiling at each customer and asking if they needed help. ;-)

* I am joining up with International Student Friendship Ministries through Chi Alpha to reach the international students who are studying at my university. There aren't enough words to share how pumped I am about this opportunity. I ran across this video on the ISFM website that explains it well:



As I was laying in bed the other night thinking about how different this Fall semester is going to look from past semesters, I couldn't help but see His fingerprints all over this "expanded sphere of influence." May I steward the opportunity well.

Book Review: “What in the World is Going On?” by Dr. David Jeremiah

I recently read the book “What in the World is Going On? 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore” by Dr. David Jeremiah. This book covers ten topics related to end-time prophesy. Topics discussed include: Israel, oil, the European Union, Islamic Terrorism, the Rapture of the Church, America’s role in prophecy, one man ruling the world, the axis of evil, the Battle of Armageddon, and the return of Jesus.

I really liked how Dr. Jeremiah related current news headlines to what was prophesied long ago. His use of examples from history greatly supported the claims he made in the book and added substantial value for the reader. This book was an interesting, challenging read and I learned a lot from it. Overall, I found “What in the World is Going on?” to be very enlightening and it served as an excellent reminder that what God spoke long ago is coming to fruition before our eyes. Jesus is coming back – get ready!


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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I've come to realize ...

I've come to realize that my body is... a temple.

I've come to realize that my job is... ending in December. Woohoo!

I've come to realize that I need nothing more in life than... a Savior.

I've come to realize that I've lost my mind... when I can’t remember what I was just thinking.

I've come to realize I hate... the materialism and greed in my own life.

I've come to realize that money is... not what I live for.

I've come to realize that certain people... will not like you regardless of how nice you are.
I've come to realize that I'll always remember... family vacations.

I've come to realize that my sibling... lives a completely different life phase than I do. Guess that’s what happens when you’re 8 years apart.

I've come to realize my mom... is my biggest encourager.

I've come to realize my dad... is my confidant and best friend (though he never set out to be his children’s “friend”). He’s probably the person I trust the most on the whole planet.

I've come to realize my cell phone... is not essential. I can take it or leave it.

I've come to realize when I woke up this morning... I was blessed.

I've come to realize last night... that who you’re with matters more than what you’re doing.

I've come to realize right now I'm thinking about... what to do after graduation.

I've come to realize today... is a much needed day off.

I've come to realize tonight... is not going to go as planned.

I've come to realize tomorrow... will be a long day at work.

I've come to realize I really want to... go.

I've come to realize my children... are not yet born and I am SO thankful for that!

I've come to realize this weekend... is going to be full of working (and I’m a tad excited about that!)

I've come to realize the best music to listen to when I'm upset... is no music at all.

I've come to realize that my friends... are who they are.

I've come to realize that this year... has gone by really fast!

I've come to realize my husband... is not here yet and that’s something I have mixed feelings about.

I've come to realize maybe I should... write more.

I've come to realize I really don't understand... a lot of things.

I've come to realize my past... is covered in the blood of Jesus.

I've come to realize parties... are fun to plan for others, but I could do without them personally.

I've come to realize my life... is on purpose.

30 Words or Less

Boundless (Focus on the Family's Young Adult website) recently posted a challenge to describe yourself in 30 words or less. It's harder than you think!

Here's my stab at it:

Sinner saved by grace. Christ follower. Passionate about cross-cultural ministry. Grad student. I love family, laughter, traveling, deep conversations, photography, bright colors, adventure, flip flops, and talking politics and religion.

I think that's a pretty good picture of me.

Are you up for a challenge? Can you describe yourself in 30 words or less?

Justifying Disobedience

The phrase "justifying disobedience" has been on my mind a lot lately. More than likely because I'm doing it. Go figure.

I recently read this passage from Dr. Jerry Rankin:

“… most likely we never hear and respond to God’s call because of a reluctant will that is unwilling to trust God to lead us and use us. It is tragic that we have to term a response to God’s call as a decision of ‘surrender’ to His will. It does mean giving up our own selfish plans and ambitions, but the natural inclination of every Christian should be to willingly and joyfully place our lives in the Father’s hands and count it a privilege of following wherever He leads. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, there should be no other desire except to serve Him and be obedient to His lordship. It is at the point of a surrendered will that most Christians struggle with God’s call, rationalizing how to be obedient without sacrifice or denial of material comforts. Negotiating with God, expressing a willingness to serve Him where we are without having to go to the other side of the world. We seek to justify disobedience by questioning whether or not God is really calling us. But I assure you it is not Satan that is breaking your heart over a lost world and stirring your emotions with an inclination to walk the aisle and lay your life on the alter to go wherever God leads. That’s your Lord speaking to your heart in the still small voice of His Spirit, and if He is Lord, your response is not optional.”

- Dr. Jerry Rankin The Challenge To Great Commission Obedience (p 8-9)

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Then I ran across an old bookmark from the IMB with this prayer on the back of it:

Father, You did love the whole world. You sent Jesus, the Savior.
Father, You do love the whole world. You send us, the messengers.
Forgive us for where we won’t go.
Illumine our justifications and rationalizations and procrastinations for the sins that they are.
Lord Jesus, You are the way of life. Show people that other ways aren’t.
Father, wait for no church, no denomination. Send forth Your Word.
Break our hearts, save our world. Even quickly, we pray.
Amen.

--

I hear you, Lord.

Disparity

I struggle quite a bit with the disparity between the living conditions of other countries and those of the U.S.


Poverty is real.

Dying from preventable diseases is real.

Walking for miles to get water from a contaminated well is real.

Having no shelter is real.

Wondering what your children will eat for their next meal is real.

Having no hope of a life outside the vicious cycle of poverty is real.


I compare those harsh realities with what my life looks like here and the contrast is stark. And I don’t know what to do about it.

I spend a lot of time asking God how I’m supposed to live in light of these two very different realities. How do I recognize the things He has given as blessings, yet hold them loosely?

At the end of Radical, David Platt says:

“I also fear that in addressing unbiblical foundations inherent within the American dream, I have created the impression that every facet of the American dream is negative. This is certainly not the case. Though we have much to learn from our persecuted brothers and sisters in lands where there is no freedom, and though we have much to learn from impoverished brothers and sisters in lands where there are few resources, I am grateful to God for the freedom and resources he has given us in the United States. These gifts from God have certainly not been without cost, and if we did not have such freedoms and resources, many of the opportunities we have to take the gospel to the nations would simply not exist. The challenge before us, then, is to use the freedoms, resources, and opportunities God has entrusted to us for his purpose in the world, all the while remaining careful not to embrace ideas, values, and assumptions that contradict what God has said in his Word.” (p 214-215; emphasis mine)

Now that is quite the challenge!

Summer Happenings

This post will serve as a sort of “life update” for anyone interested ~

* This summer, I’ve taken a total of 5 ½ weeks off of school and work. I’m now down to 2 weeks left. I’ve immensely enjoyed the time away (though I’ve been quite busy). Sleeping late is by far my favorite part of summer – always has been! :)

* A close second in the “best part of summer” competition is reading … for fun! For some strange reason, textbooks don’t have the same allure. ;) I’m sure I’ve read no less than 1,000 pages in the past 3 weeks. Love it.

* I’m currently reading Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream by David Platt. It has taken me a while to get through it because it’s so darn convicting! I feel like Dr. Platt has put into words the stirring that’s been taking place in my heart in recent months – a challenge to seek more than a comfortable, stable life with all the “stuff” at the expense of radical devotion to Christ.

* It’s the end of VBS week at church. I’ve been working with 3rd and 4th graders all week and I am whooped. For the most part they’ve been a good group and we’ve had fun at Saddle Ridge Ranch.

* I’ve been amazed at how God used the lessons and music to minister to my own heart. His love knows no age limits.

* I had oral surgery last Friday to remove all four of my wisdom teeth. Ouch!

* I may or may not have used a VBS song to combat an attack from the enemy. But that’s a post for another day … ;)

* My best friend got engaged last night and the reality that we are no longer kids has hit me hard. She and I have been friends since the first day of 7th grade … and that’s been quite a few years! I guess we’re really adults now. Anyway, I could not be happier for her and her love. Starting today I’m working on my tan. :)

How’s your summer going?

Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. – James 1:5-6

Those are two verses I’ve had to remind myself of A LOT in the past week. In recent days I’ve had to make two BIG decisions … like adult decisions about adult issues. Weird.

I also find it amusing that these decisions had to be made at the same time that a sermon series about making good decisions is underway at church. In a way, I feel like it’s God reminding me that He is a God of timing and that I need to trust that.

Week 1 of the sermon series was on examining the true motivation behind a decision and asking why you’re really doing what you’re doing. Couple that with the fact that I’m currently reading Beth Moore’s So Long, Insecurity which highlights some of the ways insecurities affect our decision making, and you’ve got yourself some deep, prayerful thoughts tossed into the mix.

Ultimately, I made the hard decisions and I did what I thought was right. And as I watched the way God worked in and through the situations, I’m confident he deposited some wisdom in this brain and heart to make those tough choices.

In what area(s) of your life could you use some wisdom? He’s just a prayer away!

The Bigger Picture

“God is pursuing with omnipotent passion a worldwide purpose of gathering joyful worshipers for Himself from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. He has an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the supremacy of His name among the nations. Therefore, let us bring our affections into line with His, and, for the sake of His name, let us renounce the quest for worldly comforts and join His global purpose.” – John Piper

Pre-K Lunch Conversations

The week before the end of the school year, my parents, sister, niece, and I surprised my nephew by having lunch with him at school. I made four new friends during that 25 minute lunch break! Here are some of the highlights of my conversations with five year olds:

* Little boy #1: “When I grow up, I want to be in the Army so I can make the big bucks and FIGHT FOR JUSTICE!” What a 5 year old knows about fighting for justice I’m not sure, but he was entirely convincing when he told me.

* Little Girl #1: “What’s your name?” Me: “Ashley.” Her: “Oh, my Dad has a girlfriend named Ashley.”

* Little Girl #2: “Cade (that’s my nephew) is soooooooo cute.” (Yes, the “so” had that many o’s in it!) Um, you’re 5. He should have cooties. :)

Of course we also discussed the Jonas Brothers, their recent water day at school, and what everybody wants to be when they grow up. When lunch time was over, I received two hugs and a quiz over what each wanted to be. Luckily I passed and they told me I could come back next year. Whew!

Holding History

My grandmother's family had a family reunion last weekend and there were lots of old pictures passed around. I couldn't help but think "I'm holding history!" as I poured over them.

The top picture is of 4 generations - two of my aunts, my grandmother, my great-grandmother, and my great-great-grandmother.

I just love the bottom picture! I love old people's skin. I know that sounds weird, but I can't see it without thinking about all the living they've done in that skin. Sure it looks worn out, but they're in their 80s so what do you expect? ;)

Summer Love!

My summer is off to a great start. I hope yours is too!

Radical

What more can I say?

I'm sure I'll be writing more about this topic once I read the book (I have it - just waiting for summer to begin so I can actually read it!). I've listened to the sermon series online. This is some good, in-your-face truth. It makes me uncomfortable ... and I love it! :)

The book is Radical by David Platt.

The sermon series can be found by clicking here and here.

Song for Today

Casting Crowns' "If We've Ever Needed You"




This song is so applicable to my life ... the life of my church ... and our nation as a whole.

If we've ever needed you, Lord it's now ...

Day of Prayer and Fasting for World Evangelization

TODAY is the Day of Prayer and Fasting for World Evangelization! Did you know that?

I know people who have served overseas, quite a few who are serving overseas, and several more who are planning to move overseas. Today, they, along with the lost, are filling my thoughts more than normal. There is so much to pray about!

Here are a few things I’m praying for specifically today:

• That the Lord would soften the hearts of the lost
• A breakdown of barriers – both physical and spiritual
• That national believers will have a passion to share the Good News with others
• Bible access
• For a church planting movement to begin
• Wisdom for the workers who have responded to God’s call
• For God to call out people from among our midst to do His work overseas and for us to readily respond (after all, delayed obedience is disobedience!)
  

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” ~ Matthew 9:37-38

Therefore God exalted him [Jesus] to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:9-11
May we never forget that it is all about Him and His glory!

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. ~ Revelation 7:9
Oh what a day that will be!

I’ve always loved the line from the Newsboys’ song “God of Nations” when they sing, “The church You build will never fail. No gate or border will prevail.” Powerful stuff right there.

I was watching the promotional video from the International Mission Board for the Day of Prayer and Fasting for World Evangelization last night. Part of the video contained a missionary talking about how he traveled around a certain part of Russia looking for a church. When he didn’t find one, he asked locals where the nearest church was. They couldn’t even tell him! Yall, I just started bawling! Can you imagine that? Think of how many churches you drive by on the way to your church. It’s so hard for me to fathom not even knowing where the nearest church is (regardless of whether or not you attend). But the more I learn, the more I’m seeing that’s the reality for a lot of people around the world. And I’m not okay with that. (Romans 15:20 has been a favorite of mine for some time.)

In closing, I want to share a link with you to one of my new favorite websites. It’s called “Missionary Blog Digest.” It’s maintained by the IMB and they post blog entries from missionaries all around the world. While the person’s name and location won’t be posted, it’s still encouraging to read the entries. Check it out: http://missionaryblogdigest.wordpress.com/

For the sake of a lost world, please join me in praying today (and every day). May we never underestimate the power and effectiveness of prayer!

Nearly one year later ...

... and looking at these pictures still breaks my heart and causes me to tear up. Use it, Lord.

*click to enlarge!*

The Beauty of Spring ~ #2

It's a shame that the prettiest time of the year in Texas corresponds with the busiest time of the semester. It sure is hard to focus on schoolwork inside when it's so beautiful outside! Between the 70/80 degree weather and all the flowers in bloom, being inside feels like torture. I have been known to take the schoolwork outside a time or two. :)

How will I respond?

The challenge:

Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
- Isaiah 1:16b-17

The Beauty of Spring

God did good! :)

My worship will have hands & feet!

How about yours?

(Song "Fade With Our Voices" by Jason Gray)

A Sweet Reminder

It is a safe thing to trust Him to fulfill

the desires which He creates.

-Amy Carmichael

Top 10 ~ Spring Break Edition

Well this is it - my last Spring Break as a student! Kinda weird ... kinda exciting.

Spring Break Top 10 ~

10. Doing those things I’ve been meaning to get around to but just haven’t had the time

9. Sonic Cherry Cokes

8. Sleeping late

7. Staying in my PJs all day

6. Watching movies

5. Taking pictures

4. Lovely mid-70 degree weather

3. Road trips

2. Exploring a new city

1. Not thinking about school :-)

I'm off to enjoy my last 3 days of vacation ... then the countdown to Easter break/my birthday begins! I'm sharing my 21st birthday with Easter this year. Pretty cool. ;)

Spring is Coming!

Compassion Bloggers: Kenya

Heart-wrenching stories and photographs are already being posted. Check them out if you have a chance.

(click HERE and scroll down to see recent posts).

Spring Break Countdown: 2 weeks

The bad: In that time frame I have 2 presentations and 4 midterms (weights ranging from 17% to 34% of my grade).

The good: It’s a sign that Spring is on the way which tells me to bust out the flip flops and capris, paint those toe nails, soak in the sun and warmer weather, and watch my nephew play t-ball.

As I talked to my nephew last night on the phone, he was telling me ALL about his first t-ball practice which took place yesterday (Can you believe his coach made him run all the bases? That was a highlight of our conversation). He told me that I HAD to come watch him play and that I HAD to wear blue because that’s his team color and if I didn’t have any blue I would have to go buy a blue shirt because I had to wear blue. Wearing blue is paramount – got it! :) And as my niece who is 3 told me, “We’re going to cheer for bubba and eat snowcones.” Sounds like a plan to me, sister. Can’t wait.

Wow!

I love it when God takes your breath away in the middle of an ordinary day.

The Day Snow Made Me Cry

1/10/10 Prayer ~ If I’m still single on Valentine’s Day, will you do something that only you could do for me?

2/12/10 Answer ~

I got it. No earthly valentine could do

that. ;-)

I have loved you with an everlasting love …

~ Jeremiah 31:3

A Valentine's Day Quote

"Instead of waiting for my prince to come along before I pursue the passions God has placed in me, I want to pursue them now, running with all my might down the path laid out before me, trusting fully that when the right time comes, my path and the path of the man He has chosen for me will merge. And even if that never happens, I can rejoice, knowing that I’m in His hand and doing what He has asked me to do."

Leslie Ludy Sacred Singleness page 141

Oh Happy Day!

What a weekend!

If ever I needed a Monday to recoup from a weekend, this would be it! So much fun was packed into the 48 hour window. More pics and details to come, but for now ... a tease. Look who I saw this weekend ~

Back with more soon.

What Forestry Majors Do For Extra Credit ...

Impressive!!

Question

Hey January?

Where did you go?

Friday Thoughts

Hello there! I don’t have too much to say now, but I just wanted to let you know that I’m still alive.
~
I’m settling in to my new “normal” routine. Nothing really exciting is going on ~ just the daily grind … which isn’t necessarily bad, just repetitive.
~
It looks like this semester is shaping up to be better than the Fall was. Praise Him! 2 weeks down ... 14 to go. I'm 12.5% done with this semester. But I'm not counting down to summer or anything. ;)
~
I was sitting in class last night and a monumental thought hit me - I only have 4 more "first day of class"-es for this program. Yep, only 4 more classes after this semester.
~
6 weeks until Spring Break ~ woohoo! A week or two ago we had a tease of Spring for a few days where it was in the mid to upper 70s and sunny. It was marvelous. Makes the 20s that are coming soon that much worse. I’m ready for capris and flip flops! :)

Back to Reality

Please note: this picture has absolutely nothing to do with the post. I just like the way it turned out. :)

I started back to my “regular” job today and classes begin tomorrow. I sorrowfully bid farewell to the 10 hours of sleep that I was able to indulge in a few days during this break and realized that when the semester is in full swing I’ll be lucky to get ½ that amount a night. Such is life during this season.

I’m praying for a better semester than the Fall was. It was brutal yall. I knew by the end of the first week last semester that I was in WAY over my head. The prayer Lord, what have I gotten myself in to? was on my lips often. With heaping piles of grace lavished upon me, I managed to survive and did okay. (Well, “okay” by my standards). I have more variety in the scope of my courses this semester, so I’m hopeful. We’ll see. By this time next week I should have a pretty good idea of what I'm in for.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands. ~ Psalm 138:8

God's Wrath?

I’ve been trying to find the right words for this post for a while.

"Was the Haitian earthquake God's wrath against the country?"
"Does God hate Haiti?"

Honestly the frequency with which these questions (and those like them) are posed frustrates me. While hundreds of thousands of people are suffering, I don’t think it’s the time to debate whether this was just a horrible natural disaster or God’s judgment upon the nation. Not to mention I don't think it's our place to presume why God allowed this to happen.

Dr. Al Mohler wrote an excellent blog post on this very topic that sums up my viewpoint and explains things much more eloquently than I ever could. I encourage you to read it HERE.

May the name of Jesus spread through this tragedy and may people be drawn into a saving relationship with Him.

Praying for Haiti

As the pictures of the catastrophe begin to pour in, I am just heartbroken.

Let's pray for the thousands of people impacted by the earthquake.

Happy 8th Birthday!

I recently ran across the note you wrote me the last time I saw you:

Ditto kiddo! :)

Love you much!

- AJF

Short & Sweet (and convicting!)

“Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.”

“Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young – January 9th devotion

Goodbye, 2009!

In January, I went on a fantastic cruise with my mom to celebrate graduation (a little early). I experienced a glimpse of poverty in Jamaica, fell in love with Grand Cayman, and enjoyed Mexico. This was also the month I started my last semester of my undergrad days.

In February, I went to see an awesome King Tut exhibit in Dallas. Man, I love history.

I entered a new decade in April (20!) and saw some hard work pay off in the College of Business award ceremony.

The highlight of the year very well may have occurred in May: college graduation. It was a day of such joy!

June found me working full time and celebrating my grandparent’s 60th wedding anniversary.

I traveled half way around the world to share the best news of all time – the Gospel – with people who have never had the opportunity to hear it in July. Those two weeks give graduation a run for its money as the highlight of the year.

In August, I met one of my Senators and the Governor.

I started grad school in September.

I won four ribbons in a local photography contest in October ~ two 1st place and two 2nd place.

In December I celebrated my grandfather’s 80th birthday.


2009 ~

… a year in which I pursued some new passions and rekindled some old
… a year with distinctive mountains and valleys
… a year in which I mourned and rejoiced, wept and danced for joy, celebrated victories and experienced defeats
… a year in which some people entered my life and others left
… a year in which some hard lessons were learned
… a year in which I often had more questions than answers
… a year in which I questioned decisions made a lot

Overall 2009 wasn’t such a bad year. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but life never is. Just gotta take the good with the bad, I suppose. :)

I wonder what this year will hold. I don’t know, but I’m talking about it to Someone who does. Following Him is such an adventure!

Here’s to an adventure that magnifies HIM in 2010!