If you follow my stories or know my heart, you know I long to be back in Bolivia. My heart is to be back there serving full time, and to be on huge adventure with God. Most days, I don't want to be here.
But more than anything, I want to be content with wherever He has me. Because He has me here. For a reason. For a season. On purpose.
Philippians 4:11-Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
Hebrews 13:5-Let your conduct be without covetousness; be contentwith such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So, lately I have been praying, "God, wherever You have me, use me."
It has been interesting to see how He is using me.
The other day, I was on a website, and someone randomly messaged me, and asked if I was a Christian. I said yes, and he asked me if I could explain to him how to become one. So over the internet, I was able to share Jesus to someone I have never met. God brought to memory verses and truths from His word, and I was able to share how Jesus, and not any religion or tradition is the way to heaven and to God. The whole time, God reminded me that I prayed to be used wherever I was.
I have a good friend in Japan. He has been teaching English there for almost a year. I know he is homesick. So I used my Kitchen Aid (Remember this?) (how cool is it to bless someone with something you have just been blessed with?) and made him coconut chocolate chunk cookies. I mailed him all sorts of fun stuff. I don't know if he knows, but I pray for him daily. I just want to be a blessing to him, even on the other side of the world.
Wherever I am.
Since I have moved into my new place, I have had many opportunities to share Jesus. I have had more people over for real conversations in my two months here than I ever did in my two years in my old place. I have been able to sit on the couch with a cup of coffee, and share stories of His faithfulness. People who know Jesus, people who have never been inside a church, and all sorts in between have been over. Real conversations about a real God keep happening.
Wherever I am.
The grocery store check out. The bank. Getting a hair cut. Dinner with an old friend. Family. To all generations. In Spanish. Picking up pizza. Walking downtown.
It doesn't make sense. The God of the universe is using me, a simple girl, with a normal life, wherever I am, to show people Jesus. It is mind boggling. But I am blessed.
I am so excited to see who is next. Who can I bless next? Who needs a cookie, a hug, a smile, a cup of coffee, a listening ear, Jesus, or a friend.
I challenge you this week. Pray this with me. "God wherever you have me, use me." I promise, He will use you if you are willing. There are broken people everywhere. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus, and show love, in real ways.
Love, M
Showing posts with label perfect timing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label perfect timing. Show all posts
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
The latest and the greatest.
It has been a busy few weeks for this girl. I am finally settled back into a routine. Life is going. And God is good.
The biggest news is I moved! Some people were confused when hearing this. No, I am not in Bolivia...yet. I still live in Michigan.
While I was in Bolivia, I had began praying to move to a very specific area with a very specific price range. That price range was a few hundred dollars less than what apartments are rented for in that area. But I knew what I could afford, and where I wanted to be, and I just kept praying. My first night home from Bolivia, I drove around this area looking for places for rent. There were none. I continued praying. Three days later my uncle text messaged me that he had helped moved his friend's daughter from a place (my area I wanted!) and didn't know if I was interested.
It wasn't hugely public knowledge that I wanted to move there. So he gave me some contact info. I then emailed, and was told it wasn't up for rent, and that the current renters's lease wasn't even up yet. I then heard from him a few weeks later. He told me I was the first to be told about it, and as long as paperwork went smoothly, it was mine. Woo. Well, one of my best friends works at the office, and she was the one to call me and tell me it was mine.
So, I now live EXACTLY where I wanted to be. Rent is EXACTLY (to the dollar) the amount I prayed for. I am less than 10 minutes from church, work, my best friends, some family, cute parks and restaurants. One of my dearest friends is now my roommate. I am so blessed.
We are still unpacking and organizing. But it is starting to feel like home.
I was anxious signing the lease. Twleve months here, when I want to be in Bolivia, or somewhere. I was struggling with the commitment of being in one place for one year. But God is good. He has me exactly where He wants me. Already I have had handfuls of people come over and I have been able to share my faith, my stories of my God's goodness and a cup of coffee.
I am so blessed. I have a God who hears the whispers of my heart. He has a plan for me bigger than I ever could imagine. He is using me in Michigan. I am clueless what will come of the next year, but I am excited.
Love, M
Linking to:
The biggest news is I moved! Some people were confused when hearing this. No, I am not in Bolivia...yet. I still live in Michigan.
While I was in Bolivia, I had began praying to move to a very specific area with a very specific price range. That price range was a few hundred dollars less than what apartments are rented for in that area. But I knew what I could afford, and where I wanted to be, and I just kept praying. My first night home from Bolivia, I drove around this area looking for places for rent. There were none. I continued praying. Three days later my uncle text messaged me that he had helped moved his friend's daughter from a place (my area I wanted!) and didn't know if I was interested.
It wasn't hugely public knowledge that I wanted to move there. So he gave me some contact info. I then emailed, and was told it wasn't up for rent, and that the current renters's lease wasn't even up yet. I then heard from him a few weeks later. He told me I was the first to be told about it, and as long as paperwork went smoothly, it was mine. Woo. Well, one of my best friends works at the office, and she was the one to call me and tell me it was mine.
So, I now live EXACTLY where I wanted to be. Rent is EXACTLY (to the dollar) the amount I prayed for. I am less than 10 minutes from church, work, my best friends, some family, cute parks and restaurants. One of my dearest friends is now my roommate. I am so blessed.
We are still unpacking and organizing. But it is starting to feel like home.
I was anxious signing the lease. Twleve months here, when I want to be in Bolivia, or somewhere. I was struggling with the commitment of being in one place for one year. But God is good. He has me exactly where He wants me. Already I have had handfuls of people come over and I have been able to share my faith, my stories of my God's goodness and a cup of coffee.
I am so blessed. I have a God who hears the whispers of my heart. He has a plan for me bigger than I ever could imagine. He is using me in Michigan. I am clueless what will come of the next year, but I am excited.
Love, M
Linking to:
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Surprise Surgery and His Sovereignty
Monday night I came home to find my roommate on the couch watching tv. She told me she didn't feel great, and was skipping our late night roomie chat and tv show. She said something just felt off in her body. She went to bed early, and I spent time in my room reading before bed.
Tuesday morning I was up at 5, like normal. My normal routine was in motion, until I noticed the kitchen light was on. My roommate stumbled out of her room looking rough. She told me she hadn't really slept through the night, and wasn't feeling well. She assumed it was a kidney infection. I reminded her to go to the doctor and keep me posted. I then left the house by 5:50am.
Around 8:30am she called me and told me she was really sick to her stomach and in pain. I got off the phone and got online, looking for clinics that were cheap, since she doesn't have insurance.
We then texted back and forth all day. She kept me updated with snippets of phrases in the midst of pain.
I didn't realize how badly she felt until later.
She took an ambulance to the hospital and spent the day in the emergency room.
They had found a large mass on her ovary during an ultra sound. They scheduled surgery for that night.
Uncertainty.
She asked me to call her mom and explain what was going on.
Her family and friends all live on the other side of the state, a few hours away. She doesn't really know anyone here, except for me. I am her person.
I arrived at the hospital a bit after 7:30 pm, thinking I would not be able to see her before surgery.
I was able to see her in the pre-op area for a while. I prayed with her. Peace flooded over both of us.
He is sovereign. He is faithful. He is good regardless of the outcome. He is in control. He is not surprised by this. He is loving. He is healer. He is provider. He is peace.
I was able to meet the whole surgical team, and ask questions. That in itself was a blessing. I am not family, and yet they shared exactly what was going on.
She went back to the or, and I went to the waiting area. I updated my Facebook, and began praying.
If you know me well, you would testify to the fact that I am not always calm. I am often an emotional wreck.
Every day since being back from Bolivia I have cried and cried, longing to be there. I have cried, being overwhelmed at the grocery store, missing my babies, seeing a sweet commercial....I am a mess.
But.
God held me together. I was a pillar of strength. It was not my own. I was calm. I did not shed one tear. I did not throw up. I did not sit in a corner and grow grey hair. He held me together.
I trusted God. I was filled with Him. The prayers of my dear friends and family overwhelmed me as I remembered and reflected on who He is, and how He is always faithful.
My roommate's mom had driven a few hours and arrived at the hospital while she was still in surgery.
We got coffee and went back to waiting. I began to share bits of pieces of my story in Bolivia. I shared His faithfulness. I reminded us of who He is. We were filled with peace that is not from this world. We huddled together on a chair and praised our Jesus and begged for healing.
While we were praying, the doctors came out to talk with us. They took us to a back room, and closed the door. We then listened to the surgeon explain that the mass was a very large cyst. It had grown and filled very fast and the weight and position of it has twisted her right falopian tube, and cut off the blood supply to her right ovary. They had drained the cyst, and are fairly confident it was benign.
She was going to be okay. She was waking up in recovery. We would be able to see her soon.
The surgery may make it more difficult to get pregnant one day. But I am reminded of a God that opened the womb of a woman in her 90's, caused a barren woman to have a son, and a virgin to carry a baby.
Our God is greater, and He is able.
I helped her and her mom get settled into her hospital room and ready for bed.
She came home yesterday, and has been camped out on the couch watching movies. Please be praying for her as she continues to recover.
We know God is sovereign. We know He is aware of timing. We praise Him for that. If this would've happened 3 weeks prior, I would've still been in Bolivia. She would've had no one with her. If it would've happened three weeks later, she would've been in Puerto Rico doing missions work. We are so blessed I was here, and she was able to go to a wonderful hospital.
She is going to Puerto Rico for four months this summer to work at a camp for kids and to share Jesus.
I am asking you to pray for God to be two things to her. Provider and Healer.
She doesn't have insurance. She is done with her job since she is on bed rest and leaving in a week. She will soon have many medical bills stacking up. She rode an ambulance, spent the day in the er, had emergency surgery, and stayed the night in the the hospital. None of which will be cheap. We are praying for God to move mountains and provide for her medical expenses.
We are also praying for God to do big things in support for her mission trip. She is not fully funded, and is set to leave May 1st. I keep reminding her that He is faithful. He called her, so He will provide. It was a roller coaster raising funds for Bolivia. But the most incredible faith building thing I have ever done. I love watching Him unravel His plan little bit by little bit as we trust Him.
Please pray for healing. She is beginning to move off the couch and get up by herself. She has a follow up appointment early next week. The doctors have said she is cleared to go to Puerto Rico, as long as everything looks good. She is tired and in need of rest. Her body is sore from surgery and medicines. Please join me in prayer for rest, healing, and energy.
She has much to do in the next few days. I know God will show Himself to be faithful. He always does.
I know this was a long blog. But I just had to share. He is good when life feels so uncertain. He is sovereign in the confusion. He is peace. He is in control.
I look forward to sharing more as it all unfolds. I know she will have great stories. I can't wait to hear them.
Love you all. M.
Tuesday morning I was up at 5, like normal. My normal routine was in motion, until I noticed the kitchen light was on. My roommate stumbled out of her room looking rough. She told me she hadn't really slept through the night, and wasn't feeling well. She assumed it was a kidney infection. I reminded her to go to the doctor and keep me posted. I then left the house by 5:50am.
Around 8:30am she called me and told me she was really sick to her stomach and in pain. I got off the phone and got online, looking for clinics that were cheap, since she doesn't have insurance.
We then texted back and forth all day. She kept me updated with snippets of phrases in the midst of pain.
I didn't realize how badly she felt until later.
She took an ambulance to the hospital and spent the day in the emergency room.
They had found a large mass on her ovary during an ultra sound. They scheduled surgery for that night.
Uncertainty.
She asked me to call her mom and explain what was going on.
Her family and friends all live on the other side of the state, a few hours away. She doesn't really know anyone here, except for me. I am her person.
I arrived at the hospital a bit after 7:30 pm, thinking I would not be able to see her before surgery.
I was able to see her in the pre-op area for a while. I prayed with her. Peace flooded over both of us.
He is sovereign. He is faithful. He is good regardless of the outcome. He is in control. He is not surprised by this. He is loving. He is healer. He is provider. He is peace.
I was able to meet the whole surgical team, and ask questions. That in itself was a blessing. I am not family, and yet they shared exactly what was going on.
She went back to the or, and I went to the waiting area. I updated my Facebook, and began praying.
If you know me well, you would testify to the fact that I am not always calm. I am often an emotional wreck.
Every day since being back from Bolivia I have cried and cried, longing to be there. I have cried, being overwhelmed at the grocery store, missing my babies, seeing a sweet commercial....I am a mess.
But.
God held me together. I was a pillar of strength. It was not my own. I was calm. I did not shed one tear. I did not throw up. I did not sit in a corner and grow grey hair. He held me together.
I trusted God. I was filled with Him. The prayers of my dear friends and family overwhelmed me as I remembered and reflected on who He is, and how He is always faithful.
My roommate's mom had driven a few hours and arrived at the hospital while she was still in surgery.
We got coffee and went back to waiting. I began to share bits of pieces of my story in Bolivia. I shared His faithfulness. I reminded us of who He is. We were filled with peace that is not from this world. We huddled together on a chair and praised our Jesus and begged for healing.
While we were praying, the doctors came out to talk with us. They took us to a back room, and closed the door. We then listened to the surgeon explain that the mass was a very large cyst. It had grown and filled very fast and the weight and position of it has twisted her right falopian tube, and cut off the blood supply to her right ovary. They had drained the cyst, and are fairly confident it was benign.
She was going to be okay. She was waking up in recovery. We would be able to see her soon.
The surgery may make it more difficult to get pregnant one day. But I am reminded of a God that opened the womb of a woman in her 90's, caused a barren woman to have a son, and a virgin to carry a baby.
Our God is greater, and He is able.
I helped her and her mom get settled into her hospital room and ready for bed.
She came home yesterday, and has been camped out on the couch watching movies. Please be praying for her as she continues to recover.
We know God is sovereign. We know He is aware of timing. We praise Him for that. If this would've happened 3 weeks prior, I would've still been in Bolivia. She would've had no one with her. If it would've happened three weeks later, she would've been in Puerto Rico doing missions work. We are so blessed I was here, and she was able to go to a wonderful hospital.
She is going to Puerto Rico for four months this summer to work at a camp for kids and to share Jesus.
I am asking you to pray for God to be two things to her. Provider and Healer.
She doesn't have insurance. She is done with her job since she is on bed rest and leaving in a week. She will soon have many medical bills stacking up. She rode an ambulance, spent the day in the er, had emergency surgery, and stayed the night in the the hospital. None of which will be cheap. We are praying for God to move mountains and provide for her medical expenses.
We are also praying for God to do big things in support for her mission trip. She is not fully funded, and is set to leave May 1st. I keep reminding her that He is faithful. He called her, so He will provide. It was a roller coaster raising funds for Bolivia. But the most incredible faith building thing I have ever done. I love watching Him unravel His plan little bit by little bit as we trust Him.
Please pray for healing. She is beginning to move off the couch and get up by herself. She has a follow up appointment early next week. The doctors have said she is cleared to go to Puerto Rico, as long as everything looks good. She is tired and in need of rest. Her body is sore from surgery and medicines. Please join me in prayer for rest, healing, and energy.
She has much to do in the next few days. I know God will show Himself to be faithful. He always does.
I know this was a long blog. But I just had to share. He is good when life feels so uncertain. He is sovereign in the confusion. He is peace. He is in control.
I look forward to sharing more as it all unfolds. I know she will have great stories. I can't wait to hear them.
Love you all. M.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
getting kicked out of a country isn't ideal
Last night I went to my youth pastor's home for a reunion Christmas party for all the high school leadership kids that have graduated.
There are now seven classes that attend, so there were quite a few of us over. We played mafia and banana grams, watched a video we had made five years ago, and all caught up. I was the oldest "kid" there (are you still a kid at 24?!?), so a lot of the younger kids didn't know all of the infamous stories from when I was in high school. I was reminded of one such story that was turned out pretty life changing.
My senior year of high school about 15 or so of the leadership team went on a mission trip to Jamaica. We went for a week, and put on a Vacation Bible School, worked in orphanages, and did work projects at a local church.
This was our third year going to Jamaica over spring break.
At the time, to travel to Jamaica, the only travel documents we needed was a birth certificate and school id or driver's license. I had turned 18 five months prior, so according to the law, I needed a state id or driver's license, not just a school id. I didn't have a driver's license at the time. And we didn't even think about the fact I was legally an adult.
I was in charge of all the craft projects for the V.B.S. and orphanages. We each had a carry on bag, and two pieces of luggage (this was before baggage fees, ah the good ole days) one for personal stuff, and one of random tools, craft supplies, tooth brushes, candy, etc. We weighed our bags, prayed with our families, and left the church for the airport. I have never been a huge fan of flying, even before this day, so there was some excitement and anxiety, but soon we were on our way. We had a layover, but were soon in Jamaica.
We began to pile off the plane, anxious to be there. We gathered in the airport in line to go through customs and immigration. About half the group was on the other side of the checkpoint waiting for the rest of us to get through and grab our luggage.
It was my turn.
I gave Karen, the airport worker my school id and birth certificate. She proceeded to ask my age, and if I had another form of identification. I began to get nervous.
She called her supervisor over to ask her about me. I was clueless. Everyone else had gone through without an issue. The supervisor came over and began yelling at me. I didn't have the proper paper work...they were going to put me on a plane and send me back to the US...if she would ever come to my country and didn't have the proper paper work, she would be thrown out...who was in charge of my group...etc.
So my youth pastor came over to see what the commotion was about. He explained he didn't know about the paperwork mistake, and explained that we were on a trip to serve. The supervisor was yelling at both of us now.
I was so scared. I hated to fly in general, let alone was terrified to get on a plane alone because I was being kicked out of a country.
They said I would have to sit in the customs and immigration office alone until they figured out what to do with me.
My youth pastor went to the rest of the group and asked them to start praying. The supervisor went away for a moment, and the original airport worker told my youth pastor and me to go through a certain set of doors.
I was crying and devastated. I had saved money, worked fundraisers, and planned crafts and lessons, I was supposed to be there. I was so close. What was God thinking? Why was everything falling apart?
We went through the doors, and on the other side was our entire group, outside. We were so confused. We looked around, and started to leave as fast as possible. After sobbing for a few minutes, I realized, I was free. We were on our way away from the airport, and I was on the bus.
Karen had snuck me into Jamaica.
We had an amazing week. We had so many opportunities to be a blessing to so many people, and in return were blessed beyond belief. I served the least of these in Jesus' name with some of ny dearest friends, and God used us. We saw kids and adults turn their lives over to Christ. It was incredible.
Any time we saw police, everyone hid me in the crowd. We kept thinking they were coming to take me away for being in their country illegally. I don't think we breathed easy until the end of the week.
Finally it was the day to return to the US. We spent more time in prayer than normal that morning, as I was nervous about all things airport related. We were packed and on our way.
We had to go through customs and immigration on the way out. There were multiple lines, and I chose one, and was shaking as I approached the desk.
I looked up, and it was Karen, the same woman who had risked her job by sneaking me into her country.
She remembered me. She was a Christian, and believed in what we were doing that week. She told me she had prayed for us that week. She asked how my week was, and through the tears I was able to quickly share how God showed up, and people met Jesus for the first time. It was incredible.
Could you call it a coincidence that the same woman who snuck me into the country was the last person I saw as I left the country? Out of thousands of travellers on spring break and vacations, she remembered me? Out of the numerous lines to be in, that I was in hers? That she was a Christian and believed in me and what we were there for? Are they all coincidences? I guess you could call them that, but I won't.
I firmly believe I have a God that takes care of His children, who has perfect timing, and an incredible plan that we often don't understand in the midst of it.
I was supposed to be in Jamaica that week, and there was nothing the government or airport security could do about it. God made a way when it seemed impossible, prayer worked right before my eyes, and I experienced a real God who really does care.
As I prepare for Bolivia in February, I do have anxiety about so many things. I frequently tell God He shouldn't have called me, or doubt that He did. But when it comes down to it, I am going with a big God who brings peace and is real. John 4:4b "because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." He's bigger, greater, and in my side.
So, prayers for safe travel are appreciated...especially for smoothness while going through customs. :0)
Update: I still need about $1,500 by January 14th...please be praying that God supplies the remainder of the funds.
A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have been supporting me financially, with prayer, cans and bottles, and extra babysitting jobs. You are all amazing.
Love you all,
Michelle :0)
There are now seven classes that attend, so there were quite a few of us over. We played mafia and banana grams, watched a video we had made five years ago, and all caught up. I was the oldest "kid" there (are you still a kid at 24?!?), so a lot of the younger kids didn't know all of the infamous stories from when I was in high school. I was reminded of one such story that was turned out pretty life changing.
My senior year of high school about 15 or so of the leadership team went on a mission trip to Jamaica. We went for a week, and put on a Vacation Bible School, worked in orphanages, and did work projects at a local church.
This was our third year going to Jamaica over spring break.
At the time, to travel to Jamaica, the only travel documents we needed was a birth certificate and school id or driver's license. I had turned 18 five months prior, so according to the law, I needed a state id or driver's license, not just a school id. I didn't have a driver's license at the time. And we didn't even think about the fact I was legally an adult.
I was in charge of all the craft projects for the V.B.S. and orphanages. We each had a carry on bag, and two pieces of luggage (this was before baggage fees, ah the good ole days) one for personal stuff, and one of random tools, craft supplies, tooth brushes, candy, etc. We weighed our bags, prayed with our families, and left the church for the airport. I have never been a huge fan of flying, even before this day, so there was some excitement and anxiety, but soon we were on our way. We had a layover, but were soon in Jamaica.
We began to pile off the plane, anxious to be there. We gathered in the airport in line to go through customs and immigration. About half the group was on the other side of the checkpoint waiting for the rest of us to get through and grab our luggage.
It was my turn.
I gave Karen, the airport worker my school id and birth certificate. She proceeded to ask my age, and if I had another form of identification. I began to get nervous.
She called her supervisor over to ask her about me. I was clueless. Everyone else had gone through without an issue. The supervisor came over and began yelling at me. I didn't have the proper paper work...they were going to put me on a plane and send me back to the US...if she would ever come to my country and didn't have the proper paper work, she would be thrown out...who was in charge of my group...etc.
So my youth pastor came over to see what the commotion was about. He explained he didn't know about the paperwork mistake, and explained that we were on a trip to serve. The supervisor was yelling at both of us now.
I was so scared. I hated to fly in general, let alone was terrified to get on a plane alone because I was being kicked out of a country.
They said I would have to sit in the customs and immigration office alone until they figured out what to do with me.
My youth pastor went to the rest of the group and asked them to start praying. The supervisor went away for a moment, and the original airport worker told my youth pastor and me to go through a certain set of doors.
I was crying and devastated. I had saved money, worked fundraisers, and planned crafts and lessons, I was supposed to be there. I was so close. What was God thinking? Why was everything falling apart?
We went through the doors, and on the other side was our entire group, outside. We were so confused. We looked around, and started to leave as fast as possible. After sobbing for a few minutes, I realized, I was free. We were on our way away from the airport, and I was on the bus.
Karen had snuck me into Jamaica.
We had an amazing week. We had so many opportunities to be a blessing to so many people, and in return were blessed beyond belief. I served the least of these in Jesus' name with some of ny dearest friends, and God used us. We saw kids and adults turn their lives over to Christ. It was incredible.
Any time we saw police, everyone hid me in the crowd. We kept thinking they were coming to take me away for being in their country illegally. I don't think we breathed easy until the end of the week.
Finally it was the day to return to the US. We spent more time in prayer than normal that morning, as I was nervous about all things airport related. We were packed and on our way.
We had to go through customs and immigration on the way out. There were multiple lines, and I chose one, and was shaking as I approached the desk.
I looked up, and it was Karen, the same woman who had risked her job by sneaking me into her country.
She remembered me. She was a Christian, and believed in what we were doing that week. She told me she had prayed for us that week. She asked how my week was, and through the tears I was able to quickly share how God showed up, and people met Jesus for the first time. It was incredible.
Could you call it a coincidence that the same woman who snuck me into the country was the last person I saw as I left the country? Out of thousands of travellers on spring break and vacations, she remembered me? Out of the numerous lines to be in, that I was in hers? That she was a Christian and believed in me and what we were there for? Are they all coincidences? I guess you could call them that, but I won't.
I firmly believe I have a God that takes care of His children, who has perfect timing, and an incredible plan that we often don't understand in the midst of it.
I was supposed to be in Jamaica that week, and there was nothing the government or airport security could do about it. God made a way when it seemed impossible, prayer worked right before my eyes, and I experienced a real God who really does care.
As I prepare for Bolivia in February, I do have anxiety about so many things. I frequently tell God He shouldn't have called me, or doubt that He did. But when it comes down to it, I am going with a big God who brings peace and is real. John 4:4b "because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." He's bigger, greater, and in my side.
So, prayers for safe travel are appreciated...especially for smoothness while going through customs. :0)
Update: I still need about $1,500 by January 14th...please be praying that God supplies the remainder of the funds.
A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have been supporting me financially, with prayer, cans and bottles, and extra babysitting jobs. You are all amazing.
Love you all,
Michelle :0)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
there's nothing like a cup of coffee
I love coffee.
I love the inviting aroma, the bittersweet taste, the warmth from a fresh cup, the jolt of energy I feel I feel on sip number five. I just love it. (Maybe not quite to the Gilmore Girls extreme...)
I remember my first taste of coffee. One of my dearest friends and I have breakfast at Panera Bread every Thanksgiving morning. It's tradition. Last month was our 7th year. Yay for bagels on turkey day! Anyways, when I was 18, my birthday fell on Thanksgiving, so we were out to breakfast. I decided to "become a grown up", so I ordered my first cup of coffee. I fell in love first sip, drank it too fast, and burnt my taste buds so bad I couldn't taste any of the wonderful Thanksgiving or birthday fixings.
Since then, coffee and I have a better understanding of each other.
The other day about three weeks ago, I did a photo shoot for a friend just for fun. The theme was 40/50's glamour. I loved getting dressed up and having a break from reality for a bit. I did not love being cold. Outdoor photo shoot in December in Michigan?!?! We were nuts.
The plan was to get coffee after we were done with pictures to warm up. That plan went south when we realized how late it was. So I began the thirty minute trek home. I was frustrated. I wanted coffee. So I debated stopping and popping in a shop to grab a cup. But in that moment, wearing sweat pants was winning in my mind over drinking coffee. Plus, I was trying to be frugal with money, since I really do want Bolivia to become reality. So I decided I would just make coffee at home.
About 10 minutes away from home, I remembered I was out of coffee. I had brewed the last bit the day before. Now home is within reach and I have become cranky. So I decided to just head home and settle on hot chocolate. So I went up stairs to my apartment.
On the welcome mat was a small brown package, I kicked it inside and made a beeline to the sweat pants drawer. After putting on fuzzy reindeer socks, I walked into the kitchen to prepare hot chocolate. I stumbled over the small brown package. I opened it up. There was no card.
Inside was a pound of the most delightful smelling coffee, and a very cute mug. I looked at the return address, it was from my friend as a late birthday present. You had better believe there were tears.
The God if this universe heard my secret whisper in my heart about how I wanted coffee, and how I didn't want to spend money. He cared enough to put a package on my doorstep the exact moment I needed it. Had it come a day before or after, I wouldn't have been so thankful.
His timing is perfect.
He wants to give us those secret heart whispers, those desires and dreams in our hearts. That's my God. Psalm 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
If you would like to purchase some amazing coffee and have 100% of the funds to love some orphans in Bolivia (win-win, right?) Check out http://boliviasbestcoffee.com/ I ordered some French Vanilla coffee this morning.
As for now, I am going to relax with my lovely cup of Joe. -Michelle.
I love the inviting aroma, the bittersweet taste, the warmth from a fresh cup, the jolt of energy I feel I feel on sip number five. I just love it. (Maybe not quite to the Gilmore Girls extreme...)
I remember my first taste of coffee. One of my dearest friends and I have breakfast at Panera Bread every Thanksgiving morning. It's tradition. Last month was our 7th year. Yay for bagels on turkey day! Anyways, when I was 18, my birthday fell on Thanksgiving, so we were out to breakfast. I decided to "become a grown up", so I ordered my first cup of coffee. I fell in love first sip, drank it too fast, and burnt my taste buds so bad I couldn't taste any of the wonderful Thanksgiving or birthday fixings.
Since then, coffee and I have a better understanding of each other.
The other day about three weeks ago, I did a photo shoot for a friend just for fun. The theme was 40/50's glamour. I loved getting dressed up and having a break from reality for a bit. I did not love being cold. Outdoor photo shoot in December in Michigan?!?! We were nuts.
The plan was to get coffee after we were done with pictures to warm up. That plan went south when we realized how late it was. So I began the thirty minute trek home. I was frustrated. I wanted coffee. So I debated stopping and popping in a shop to grab a cup. But in that moment, wearing sweat pants was winning in my mind over drinking coffee. Plus, I was trying to be frugal with money, since I really do want Bolivia to become reality. So I decided I would just make coffee at home.
About 10 minutes away from home, I remembered I was out of coffee. I had brewed the last bit the day before. Now home is within reach and I have become cranky. So I decided to just head home and settle on hot chocolate. So I went up stairs to my apartment.
On the welcome mat was a small brown package, I kicked it inside and made a beeline to the sweat pants drawer. After putting on fuzzy reindeer socks, I walked into the kitchen to prepare hot chocolate. I stumbled over the small brown package. I opened it up. There was no card.
Inside was a pound of the most delightful smelling coffee, and a very cute mug. I looked at the return address, it was from my friend as a late birthday present. You had better believe there were tears.
The God if this universe heard my secret whisper in my heart about how I wanted coffee, and how I didn't want to spend money. He cared enough to put a package on my doorstep the exact moment I needed it. Had it come a day before or after, I wouldn't have been so thankful.
His timing is perfect.
He wants to give us those secret heart whispers, those desires and dreams in our hearts. That's my God. Psalm 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
If you would like to purchase some amazing coffee and have 100% of the funds to love some orphans in Bolivia (win-win, right?) Check out http://boliviasbestcoffee.com/ I ordered some French Vanilla coffee this morning.
As for now, I am going to relax with my lovely cup of Joe. -Michelle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)