Category Archives: Calling

Africa-part 1

Adventure, Calling, Freedom, Healing, Journey

Such a God-orchestrated trip! Such an incredible team! Such a journey of preparation! I will attempt to document highlights of our incredible trip to the villages of Kenya, so you as the reader may get a glimpse of it too.

From the first time back in October 2017, when I first heard about Africa and the mission there, to the beginning stages of planning the trip in January, to the work God did in my own heart before we went, to each incredible moment of our time together as a team, it truly was a trip I will never forget!

As I mentioned above, last fall was the first time I heard of the mission in Africa, through the stories shared by our team leader, and in that moment something on the inside of me was stirred and I knew I wanted to go to Africa, although I had no idea that 6 months later I would be on my way there.

In January I had the opportunity to meet up with our team leader Matt and his brother Ken at a conference. The conference was incredible but church service the following day was even more amazing and that is where God really began to speak to me about going to Africa. And the question that I asked myself as I was wrestling with what God was asking me to do was:

“Do we miss opportunities by not being obedient immediately to what we know the Father is asking us to do?”

I could not deny that God was calling me to go, although I had no idea what all I was committing to. Before I left the church that afternoon the beginning stages of a trip to Africa were in motion and as I drove home, God gave me a theme, #aboveandbeyond for the trip, which was from Ephesians 3:20-21:

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” -Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21

I was unaware of just how exceedingly, abundantly above all that I could ever ask or think, the Father was going to do things. GOD IS SO GOOD🙌❤

The excitement began to rise as the 7 members of the team were asked and then committed to going, passports were applied for and processed in a very timely manner, which was definitely a work of the Father himself.

Planning was in full swing on our end, as we planned a t-shirt fundraiser, which totally went #aboveandbeyond what we ever dreamt of, it was absolutely incredible at the amount of support we received from people all across the U.S.

And most importantly, the work the Father was doing in our hearts as members of the team, the emptying of ourselves, surrendering to Him and allowing Him to renew our spirits and hearts. The journey was hard and lots of tears were shed before we even begin our trip, but the preparation was essential for the work the Father had for us to do.

The days and weeks passed ever so swiftly and finally the day came! Our excitement knew no bounds as we arrived at the airport, met up with members of the team. Oh, it was exciting to know that we were about to embark on a journey, a work that only the Father could orchestrate.

Boarding the plane for that 13 hour flight, was an experience in itself. We had the best stewardess and we were served so incredibly well, amazing service and delicious food, including ice cream that was served to us at 2 AM. That stuff was incredible 🍦

After 13 hours, we were ready to get our feet on solid ground for a short time and so with swollen feet and weary bodies, we traipsed through an airport in Doha, to meet up with the remainder of our team, and then boarded a plane for the last 5 hours to our final destination, which would be Nairobi, Kenya.

Landing there at midnight, stepping on African soil, oh my heart felt like it could burst, as I took in all the smells and sounds of that land, clothed under the cover of night. Checking into our rooms for the night we rested our weary bodies on those beds that felt much better than the airplane seats that reclined only a few inches. and there was Wi-Fi to connect too, total American, I know😁

And then the next day, the adventures were about to go to a whole other level. But that’s coming in the next post… 😁

But I do have to show a photo of our incredible #dreamteam, along with our incredible safari guide. 😍 we made so many memories together in the beautiful country of Africa!

“Mama”

Calling, Love, Peace, Rest, Safety

First I want to honor each and every Mother that reads this. And let me start by saying this, you are Amazing! Motherhood is a very high calling, not only are you training the next generation of the church, but you are raising godly men and women who will impact the world. The level of serving and dedication you put into being a mother, truly is changing the world!

Thank you for serving and loving your family well! I know there have to be days you literally almost fall over from exhaustion, because you feel like you have given every last drop you ever had within you, but the next morning you are back up and going with renewed energy and a rejuvenated spirit. You are such an example of Jesus! Thank you! I pray blessing and a fresh annointing from the Father over you!

To every Mother, who hears “Mama,Mama” multiple times of day and it feels like your supply of patience and grace have been completely emptied and sucked dry. Thank you! Thank you for taking the time to minister to every need your child has, I promise you, it will make a difference in their life, even if you never get thanked for it. I pray the Father would give you even greater levels of grace for each day that is difficult! “His Grace is Sufficient”

Thank you for keeping things running smoothly at home, while your husband is working to provide for his family. Thank you! All the behind the scenes things you faithfully do, that noone ever thanks you for, like the toilet paper ministry, as I call it (you know, always changing the empty roll to a new one). The delicious meals you prepare to nourish your family, the endless stacks of dishes you wash and the never ending loads of laundry you wash and fold on a weekly basis. Thank you, for being willing to do all the things that don’t get noticed, yet you serve willingly and well!

Thank you for pouring into your children’s lives daily, for encouraging the gifts that you see rising in them. Thank you for nurturing each one of the souls that were granted into your care. Thank you for loving the ones who are away from their Mama! ❤

From the bottom of my heart, I again say Thank you! And I pray that the Father would pour out abundant blessings upon you as a Mother, that you could continue to serve and love well. ❤

Comparison or Contentment

Calling, Comparison, Contentment;

The secret to contentment is . . .
not comparing
not competing
not complaining. –Unknown

Comparison: the act or instance of comparing; the quality of being similar or equivalent.

Contentment: a state of happiness and satisfaction

This journey we travel isn’t always easy, there are paths to travel that are extremely tough. Each of us have different valleys we walk through and different scenarios we face, and if we dare be honest with ourselves, its easy to compare the journeys and be less content with where God has us.

Let’s take a look at several different scenarios that might move us compare our journey with our neighbors: •While in the valley, walking through a difficult season it is easy to look at others who have it “seemingly easier” in outward appearance, and think, if only my journey were that easy. • We hear an amazing testimony from a friend and suddenly our own testimony seems very insignificant because we didn’t experience what that person did. •Someone’s gift/talent is used to glorify the Father, they are walking in what the Father has called them to and because of you not having that particular gift or calling, you think you are pretty untalented or not as important.

The person you are comparing yourself to in Scenario 1, is not equipped to walk the journey you are currently on, only the Father holds the pen in your story and you are the One who must be obedient to walk in what He calls you. May He give you Grace abundantly to walk forth in your journey! But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7

The testimony you heard from Scenario 2 was one of tremendous breakthrough and healing, you rejoice, yet it left you wondering why your testimony couldn’t be more significant. My friend, your testimony is very significant, Jesus died on the cross for you! The testimony you heard that seemed so significant, I would dare to say, that person has walked some very dark, very painful and lonely times themselves, once again the Father holds the pen in their story as well. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Revelation 12:11

Honestly, scenario 3 is a reality for most of us, but may I challenge you to walk in the calling and gifts the Father has given you, you are very important to the Father and He wants you to glorify him in what He gives you! “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” Matthew 25:29

A spirit of calm contentment always accompanies true godliness. The deep peace that comes from deep trust in God’s lovingkindness is not destroyed even by the worst of circumstances, for those Everlasting Arms are still cradling us, we are always “under the Mercy.” -Elizabeth Elliott

May the Father give you Grace and Anointing for each season of your life. Rest in Him!!