Happy 1st Bday Sweet Hudson!! (on the 12th)

My sweet nephew Hudson turned 1 on the 12th. I am absolutly love-struck with him (and his older brother)!! Here are just a few of the snapshots of the weekend!



I find it funny that he learns to walk a few steps and so happens to stumble his way INTO the fridge all by himeslf! (he really did)



He's such a ham! I love this picture.



Pretty cake that my sis-in-law made along with Hudson's very own cute little cake!

I love him, I do!

He's just hanging out and relaxing. :)

Thinkers

So I came across these two unrelated topics and they caught my eye:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-talk-no-sexnov29,0,2758381.story

I find it interesting that a story such as this first one would make it into a paper. Obviously, this isn't something that people decide to do everyday and thus gets attention. I think I'd be safe to jump out on a limb and say that most people couldn't even name off one person that they personally know that made a decision not to kiss until marriage. I'm assuming, I know. Just think what this world would be like if sexual purity was held this high more often....something to think about.

http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/11/study-unhappy-p.html

I just thought this was interesting and could mean a lot for a lot of people. Here lately I've found myself watching more T.V. and I've really been weeding through some things for a while...I suppose that's why I found this particularly intriguing. That darn T.V.

Thanks.

I’m sitting here on the floor of my living room, leaning against the comfy leather recliner (why I’m not sitting IN the recliner I don’t know) with my laptop on… surprise, surprise…my lap, football ( Alabama vs. LSU) is on the T.V., Gracie, our miniature weenie dog, is running in circles around the house like she’s on crack with her toy in her mouth. I’m in my pajama pants and a hoodie and I honestly wouldn’t rather be anywhere else at this exact moment. I woke up at 12 p.m. today. I think that’s the most sleep I’ve gotten in probably almost a year. That’s not stretching the truth, either. I woke up so disoriented, walked into the bathroom, and pried my eyes open to look at myself in the mirror. When you haven’t gotten 12 hours of sleep in as long as I had, it doesn’t look too pretty. You would have thought someone had punched both of my eyes they were so swollen. My hair looked like I had been to an 80’s party the night before and had used extra hair spray and teased it like never before. I have since proceeded to catch up on blog reading, catch up on recorded shows that I don’t have time to watch during the week, respond to a couple of emails, and watch football on T.V. To most that would seem like such a waste of a day. I completely understand why one would think so. Honestly, I struggle with feeling pretty unproductive on days where such occurs. However, after working approximately 100 hours in the past two weeks, it is a blessed, blessed thing. I won’t go so far to say that I deserve it; however, I am so grateful for the chance to sleep in, stay in my pj’s all day, and enjoy college football. (dadgum it LSU could you please step up to the plate and beat Alabama so if Tech wins today they can be #1?!!)
On a semi-different subject…I am so extremely thankful for so many things…at the place I am in life right now, it’s sadly been easier to look at how close I am to losing my sanity so I’m going to take this opportunity to list out the things I’m grateful for. I’m consistently reminded that there is nothing too small to be grateful for. I suppose this time of year fits my thankful spirit considering Thanksgiving is just around the corner and all. By the way…shouldn’t it be thanksgiving each and every day? Just a thought.

I am thankful for: (this could be unbearably long)

My salvation and Jesus’ willingness to die for me. Seriously. My faithful family. My loyal friends. Fun conversations with my married girl friends about what it’s like to be married. Excitement of what the future holds for me and my future husband (Lord willing). Last minute road trips to Lubbock. The realization that not only has Lubbock changed, but I have changed more. Peace that change is not only essential but healthy. Sanctification. Laughter. Divine appointments. The opportunity to attend grad school at a Christian university. The opportunity to speak Truth in to other’s lives. Miracles. The fact that purity is a choice. Redemption. College Football. 4 years of college life that were simply stinking fun and unforgettable. Heartbreaks. Healing after the heartbreaks. Joy. The desire to have joy and fight for it. The mountains AND valleys of life (man, it’s hard to be thankful for the valleys when you are in them). Music. Feeling the presence of God in music. The innocence of babies. The smell of babies. The laughter of Babies. Babies, period. The ability to glorify God in working regardless of the stress it so often brings. Adoption. Reconciliation. Flowers. Surprises. Being passionately pursued by an all powerful God. The sovereignty of God. My sister’s ability to be blatantly honest with me. God revealing Himself to me in my sister’s never ending goal to glorify Him in every aspect of her life. Health. Ranch Dressing. Heat in the winter and AC in the summer. My friends in Africa-David, Harriet, Denis, Oboda Martin, Patrick, and so, so many more. The country of Uganda. The heavenly music and voices in Uganda. Passion. The Word. Fellowship with believers. Just because notes. Love. My younger brother’s service to this country. Every single woman and man’s service to this country. My older brother’s encouragement. Hearing my 2 and half year old nephew’s voice telling me he loves his aunt Jessie. My almost one year old nephew. The joy nephews bring. Mascara. Prayers. God’s protection. How stinkin' cute it is to watch my cat follow these letters as they type out across the screen and his head jerking back and forth wondering what in the world is happening...

Ok. I’ll stop for now. I’ve spent so much time on this that there’s only a little over a minute left in the LSU and Alabama game. Off to watch!

My throat hurts from screaming

WE WRECKED 'EM!!! GO RED RAIDERS!!!

Reminder

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1467_Guard_Your_Heart_Dont_Suffocate_It/

Compassion Comeback

Have you ever imagined what life would be like if there was no such thing as compassion? How awful. As I mentioned in my prior (sleep deprived) post, I have been barely able to even tread water and hold my head up lately. Along with that, my compassion seemed to go right out the window. Of course, in the midst of chaos it wasn't something I noticed, but looking back it's so obvious. (along with the help of a concerned boss who pointed it out to me) It makes me so sad, but it's true.

What if Jesus had lost His compassion when things got chaotic and tough? Man, reality check 101. Sheesh...if you look in Scripture His compassion is all over the place!

Psalm 103:4 ..."who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion"
Isaiah 49:13 "Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones."
Matthew 9:36 "When he saw the crowds , he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Mark 8:2 "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat."
James 5:11 "....The lord is full of compassion and mercy."

..and that's not nearly all of them. I started thinking about all of this after I read this article I came across today... http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=dw-wakeupcall092908&prov=yhoo&type=lgns . My heart just filled with joy at the hope a living God can bring. Tears filled my eyes and I read this and I was just so thankful that He is everywhere and reveals Himself in such powerful ways.

Thank you, Lord Jesus for your compassion and may we ALL have compassion towards each other!

Peace Please

It is so so so easy to get caught up in myself. I hate that. With a passion. I was reminded to the full extent of that when I read this today... http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2008/10/there-is-rescuer.html

My heart just breaks for all of those that will continue to grieve the loss of not only loved ones, their possessions, but also the life they knew.

Do you ever make a decision and for some reason have this 'feeling' that you just can't shake? That's the case for me here lately. Logically, it seems like the best thing to do. However, it isn't until later that you realize it was a lack of peace and of the HOLY SPIRIT! I praise Jesus for those things that I can't just shake. At the time it's weird and confusing but in hind site it's a blessing and protection. The past few weeks have been a time of trial and decision making for me. You know, the kind where you just want to close your eyes and pretend you are a kid again so you don't have to make grown up decisions and deal with grown ups? Ok, I'll just speak for myself, but that was (is) me. Or, just curl up into a ball and disappear? OR just drive off and not tell anyone where you were going? Ok. You get my point. (All passed through my mind many times)

I don't know what in the world I would do with out my family and friends who allow me to be crazy. I mean it. I've been pretty crazy here lately...either not wanting anything to do with anyone or talking at 100mph barely stopping to even consider if what I'm saying is making any sense or is understandable from any one else's perspective outside of my head. Total unconditional love. Undeserved and desperately needed.

Peace--I've got it now. If I may use the phrase...A weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. Thank you sweet, sweet Jesus...I can breathe. Finally.

This is really vague and really random. I'm too tired to make any sense right now, anyway. Good enough for now!

When words aren't enough...

One Year

So much can change in one year.

I've been finding myself looking back here recently at just how much has changed in my life the past year. It's humbling yet a blessing also. What's crazy is the fact that I'm reminded that the Lord doesn't work on a time schedule. He isn't defined by days, weeks, months, or years. Praise Jesus for that. Seriously. I am so so so thankful I have serve a God that sympathizes with each and everything I go through, but isn't defined by the things I go through. Does that make sense? It does in my head. God is not circumstantial. Can I get an Amen?

I thought I'd look at some of the things that have changed from September 20th, 2007-September 20th, 2008:

• This time last year I was ecstatic about flying to Minneapolis for the Desiring God Conference. Boy oh Boy was I excited. I was experiencing new things, praying new prayers, and stepping out in faith. Now I find myself wishing I could have gone to the conference this year because it is going to be AMAZING but SO SO SO extremely grateful for the opportunity last year along with the long list (like in the movies when Santa is holding the list of those naughty or nice and it unrolls and drops to the floor) of lessons I learned at or from that weekend.
• I have a second nephew, Hudson, who is his favorite aunt's pride and joy (me of course!) along with his big brother, Grayson aka Grayman.
• This time last year I was doing my best at waiting on the Lord to go to Africa and now I've gone, been changed, and desperately want to go back.
• This time last year I was on the second half of the semester in grad school in what seemed like the never ending, hair pulling, did I hear God wrong about what I'm doing? semester. Now, I'm in my last semester (ever) and finding it weird that class will be no more come December.
• This time last year I had a beautiful HUGE black lab aka my baby, Tobie...and he was healthy. Well, as far as I knew. Now, well...I don't. (yeah, no better way to end that one)
• Over the past year I've grown in my relationship with my sis...and she is quite honestly my best friend.
• This time last year was tough. Right now is tougher.
• I have grown in my boldness to share the Gospel. (absolutely nothing of me)
• This time last year I was scared to death at the thought of actually counseling someone for fear of messing them up and not knowing what to do! Now, I see 3-5 clients a week and while I still get a bit anxious at times I am able to rely on the Lord for His guidance and feel more comfy.
• 2 of my best friends have gotten married and one has had a baby.

I have had ups and downs in my walk, but most importantly I have grown from it all. My relationship with the Lord is stronger today than it was a year ago. Out of all of the things I could continue to list, this one right here is the one that draws me to my knees thanking Jesus for loving me enough to carry me through the storms. Not only that, but growing me IN and AFTER the storms. Something I heard the other day that I have been clinging to as of late is that the Lord doesn't always calm the storm. Sometimes He calms the person in the storm. As I sit here and read over the few things I've written I realize that none of those things really matter in comparison to this one. At times it's easy to over look that and I do often. Man, how I can miss out on the blessings by dwelling on the things. I'll tell you what's beautiful, though--being able to look back on the things that the world would tell you is complete loss and being able to see the sovereignty of the Lord in them. What a sweet, sweet Savior to allow me to see that if not for the weekend of September 28-30th, 2007, I wouldn't necessarily see Him in a way that I do now, or know what restoration grace and mercy can bring, or simply what it's like to deal with the consequences of sin. (may seem like a strange blessing, but a lesson I wouldn't take back). If not for His strength and determination I may not be reaching my last semester in Grad School. You get the point. What a joy it is to know Him--to depend and lean on Him.

So, a lot has changed---I have changed. He has not. Isn't that how it's supposed to be? Gosh to think that one day I'll actually get to be WITH HIM! Now, that my friends, is something to rejoice about.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

I just know everyone out there in the blog world has been biting their nails in anticipation on my next blog. Yeah, right. Really though--it has been a while. There is a reason for this....

I have had NO TIME! Ok, usually I might exaggerate a little bit...but I'm not kidding when I say I've had no time. Between a serious kickin' my butt workload, Grad School, and other commitments I've made here and there I've been plum worn out. (I've always wanted to say that) If you were to look at my day planner (which has become my life-I'm honestly lost without it) you would think my 2 year old nephew had got a hold of it and just scribbled all over in every single little box. They are full. Just when I think that one inch by one inch box can't get anything else crammed into it, low and behold I do. I've been busy before, but not like this I don't think. It's not a day by day status, but a minute by minute. I literally have my days planned minute by minute.

8a.m. Dive into the work that was supposed to be done 3 days ago
8:01 a.m. Oh, wait...Call the person I forgot to yesterday
8:06 a.m. Fill out form needed by someone in 4 minutes
8:08 a.m. Breathe
8:09 a.m. Be reminded by the Lord that He is in control..

Ok, ok..you get the point. I should probably be more serious in letting you know that I love my job. I am so so so so blessed. You just don't even know. Is it stressful at times? Yes. Is it emotionally draining at times? Yes. Is it frustrating at times? Yes. Is it one of the many ways the Lord reveals Himself to me and how he shows me just how much he loves anyone and everyone regardless of their circumstances which then forces me to my knees in awe of an Almighty Creator? Absolutely. Despite not being able to sleep well because I'm so stressed, randomly bursting out in tears sitting at my desk, and having circles under my eyes, God is good!! He's more than good...He's marvelous! He's been allowing me to be apart of things that I will never be worthy of and revealing Himself to me through it all! He consistently reminds me that when I'm on empty is when I realize just home much I need Him for strength and sanity...for EVERYTHING!

OK, so this is going to make me sound old, but I don't care. I am so excited for tonight. You may be thinking I have some huge plans, might be going out, or wait...maybe even a date! Nope. I am picking up a movie on the way home, changing into comfy clothes, eating dinner, putting in a movie and eating popcorn. Gosh it's going to feel good to just sit and do nothing. Would it be awful of me to think that I deserve it? Well, regardless....movie and popcorn here I come!!

Weekend Wrap-Up & Stuff

So it's 6:30 p.m. and I haven't left work yet. In the midst of finishing up some things I have decided I want to blog, and I can, so I am. There.

So on Friday I drove to Katy, TX after work to my sis' new apartment. I went for work, but stayed to hang out and spend some time with my sis since she just so happened to move to Katy just a little bit ago. It worked out perfectly. After I did my work thing all Friday morning and afternoon and she did her work thing also, I headed up to her school to help her with some last minute things before classes start. My sister has her own classroom. Crazy. It was really neat to see her being able to stress over her own classroom!! Well, of course not the stressing part, but the 'own classroom' part. I am so proud of her. Katie, I'm proud of you. She is going to be an amazing Art teacher and I just can't wait to hear about all of the lives she touches and molds. We were up there for a number of hours and decided to go shopping (since it was tax free weekend) at the mall.

If you know me, I'm not typical a mall person. It was fun though! Oh, and I got to see my sister use her charm and influence on 3 employees at one of the stores. (2 who just so happened to be younger, cute boys that seemed to do whatever she said) She would be able to get the manager to give her HIS 30% off discount as well as the 'seasonal blah blah something discount of 10% PLUS the AARP/Senior Citizen discount of 10%. Trust me...you want to hear this. She said, "Yeah I was a Senior in may (IN COLLEGE) and I'm an American CITIZEN!" and he said....OK, that works for me! So, all in all she got a 38.00 pair of pants for 8 bucks. All this because she asked if they gave teacher discounts and they said no and she worked them from there!! I had half the mind to say "Hang on a sec."..and just go randomly grab clothes to buy for ME knowing it'd be like 5 bucks for anything the way she was going! haha. I didn't, no worries. She was proud, needless to say. I think if we stayed a little longer she would have been able to just walk out the door with those pants.

So we shop some more and then the mall is about to close and we are rushing because we were heading to a movie that was starting soon (warning: those who are not use to going to 10:30 p.m. movies and are usually sleeping by then should probably reconsider the idea. AKA my sister who was falling asleep after the first 45 minutes. ...you know you were, Katie. haha) So we are walking pretty fast with bags in our hands and my sis is in front of me and next thing I know I'm practically doing the splits and my right foot is sopping wet. How many people ACTUALLY slip in melted ice cream while walking in the mall?! That would be me. It was so gross. Katie missed it, but I'm sure she would have been laughing really hard if she hadn't. I jerked so fast to catch myself and shook my foot in an unproductive effort to sling the melted ice cream off of my now completely sticky foot. As I walk off I realize my 3rd and 4th toe are now successfully stuck together. I really thought about just how awesome that was when I got to the car and sat down and realized my back hurt a little bit right along with my right knee. Go figure. Some things you just have to laugh about. (my back and knee feel fine now thank the Lord)

Saturday we ran errands, hung out, watch 1 1/2 movies...yet another warning: DO NOT BUY THE $3 DOLLAR MOVIES THAT ARE ON SALE!! What can I say?? I'm cheap sometimes. Don't blame me, I get it from my dad. The second one was so awfully boring I just couldn't make myself finish it. Like how I left those for you to keep, Katie?! Haha. Enjoy.

Sunday was awesome. I went to church with Katie at First Baptist Houston. (her church) I just loved it. Besides it being amazing worship music, a solid message, friendly people (which was just so refreshing) I got to worship just 5 seats away from Beth Moore. That was just a neat little blessing. Church on Sunday made me really aware of a couple of things. I'm still thinking on them and might get back to you later on those. Overall, I was extremely blessed and encouraged.

This weekend was good. I needed it. Thank you Jesus for always knowing what I need, especially when I don't' have a clue!!

Giggles and Yucky Bugs

I am amazed at how much joy these two little boys bring to my life. There is nothing quite like it. Having nephews is simply fun. Not to mention funny. I got to visit them this past weekend and soaked up all of the hugs, kisses, snotty noses, and pictures I could!! Here are just a few of many pictures taken...I hope you can enjoy them as much as I do, but I doubt it. :)

Rejoicing in Salvation

So, the Lord continues to place things on my heart and allows my life circumstances to reflect what He wants me to learn. It is a really neat/tough/eye opening/humbling thing to experience.

I found out on Monday morning that the 17 year old who was in the serious four wheeler wreck and who was adopted just over a week ago, accepted the Lord and surrendered his life to Christ on Sunday night. Man, just typing that makes me want to do two things. One, shout for joy and two, bawl my eyes out because of the wondrous power and sovereignty of God. Rest assured, that is exactly what I did on Monday morning when I read the email. To give you a mental picture, this is how it happened.....I open my work email first thing sitting down at my desk on Monday morning, still getting in the mood for a new week including all of the new experiences, new trials, new blessings. I read the words "bowed his head with me and asked Jesus into his heart and life" and proceeded to scream(yes, loudly) and threw my hands in the air (as if I were saying GOAAAAALLLLLLLLLL or if you prefer American football--TOUCHDOWN!!!), scared the secretary to death as she's staring at me wondering what in the world was going on with me, get up and run into the main office area literally jumping up and down and start bawling at the same time while telling her what I just read. I then ran down the hall and shared it with the president and other office workers. I then went across the street and shared it with everyone over there. It has been a long (short in time) road and I just KNEW it was a matter of time. I knew it-without-a-doubt, 100% knew it was just a matter of time. I sit here and wonder why in the world I don't have that kind of faith all of the time? With this situation, I felt as if the Lord specifically told me what I needed to say, when and how exactly He wanted to use me and that through that He was going to not only be glorified but receive a new son. Thank you Jesus for giving me that faith--I know it's not of me, it never is. The Lord faithfully gave me words to speak and love to share. Oh, Lord for blind faith in every single thing--big and small.

Here is what has been running through my head since Monday. Why don't we (true followers of Christ--including me) rejoice like that all of the time when learn of the salvation of a soul?? I was REALLY bothered on Monday. Think about it--i know 98% (my own statistic pulled out of no where) of the American population has been and will continue to be addicted to the Olympic games. There are many, many who are up on their feet shouting and cheering for whatever American it is competing in whatever event. For example, the American relay swim the other night...yeah--awesome. I was right along with everyone else up on my feet in awe of the sheer ability to swim and win like that. I ask myself, do I cheer for Christ and His work like that?! Do I rejoice in salvation like that? In my walk with the Lord, if I truly strove to talk, think, act as He did, wouldn't I also rejoice as He does?! I am positive Jesus wept in joy when Trey called out to Him. The Heavens REJOICED!!!
"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sleep.'" Luke 15:4-6
Why don't we want to be a part of that?!! Why are Christians able to go to a sporting event and cheer their heads off yet fail to realize the importance of the salvation of a soul? All I know is God has really laid this on my heart. I tend to be an emotional person and in no way to I expect others to react like me--I'm me and you are you, but as believers we are united at the cross. The cross that our Savior died on for the Salvation of our souls. I told myself on Monday that I would not allow myself to feel embarrassed at my sheer Godly joy and reaction to the email that I now have printed out and sitting up on my desk as a reminder of just how good the Lord is. I refuse.
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the gentile." Romans 1:16
I have also been faced with just how much of a blessing it is to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. The Lord rubs me raw with this. It is so taxing, yet as much as it is taxing it is more rewarding. I found myself praying to stay raw the other day. When I think of something raw I think about when a sore is raw it is extremely sensitive to touch, you can't help but to be aware of it all of the time. It may hurt, but it is tended to. I want to be raw for Jesus. I want to be sensitive to His will and the small whispers of the Spirit. I don't want to think I can do things on my own. I want to seek the Healing power of my Savior day in and day out.

Lots of opportunities have fallen in my lap to serve the Lord in many different ways. Prayers for discernment would be great! :)

Grocery Stalker?

Am I alone in that grocery shopping by myself can be extremely relaxing and enjoyable?! I suppose if I was married with 3 kids, had a crazy schedule, and was always on the run I might feel a little more able to say that. It's funny how I feel the need to be justified in that. Hmm. Well, regardless, this single with no children, working full time, (about to start the new semester--LAST semester of Grad School, praise Jesus!) girl enjoys grocery shopping by herself at times. I like the simple pleasures.
Well, tonight I was doing just that. As I walked into the store I remember smiling at a gentleman as I walked in right beside him. I typically look people in the face, and try to smile just because you never know who the Lord will place in your path and for what reason. So, I'm going along getting the items I need and I get to the sausage. I look up and this specific gentleman is next to me. I don't necessarily know why I noticed that, but I did. I tend to remember faces pretty well. I didn't think anything else of it. Then, I'm getting some shredded cheese and sure enough right along side me is this man. I look up and he was looking at me-kind of in a 'trying to not catch your eye' kind of way. I thought "huh-surely he's not making a breakfast casserole too!!" haha. OK, I didn't really think that, but it makes the story better. I did think, "what are the chances?" Before any of you get any ideas, this wasn't a "I think you are cute" look. If this guy had been maybe 20 years younger and I knew he loved Jesus this story would be totally different all together! :) Needless to say, that wasn't the case. So I go on my way to the yogurt/egg section. I head over to get the eggs and I'm looking down and in my peripheral vision i see the guy RIGHT next to me. Now, I'm not thinking about chance happening and my mind is starting to think, "What the heck? Anything is possible, but this is weird." I'll be honest--this is when 2 words came to mind. Grocery stalker. So, now my fight or flight has been notified and I'm thinking in terms of specifically going somewhere else to see if he follows me, praying he doesn't. I decide I've got what I need and I head to the register. I'm checking out and kind of looking around trying to be inconspicuous of my paranoid self and I'm thinking I'm clear. Then....duh duh duh......i see the guy at the register RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. Did I mention that when I noticed him there he was looking at me?! Now, some of you may be thinking "Well, um Jessica-did you ever think that maybe he thought you were looking at him and that's why he was looking at you?" That is a great question. However, I would have never looked at him (outside of my first glance walking in the store in an attempt to show the love of Jesus) if my intuition wouldn't have given me the feeling someone was staring at me over and over...and over. Thanks for asking though. All logical thinking is out the door by this point and I'm thinking the guy is going to some how follow me out of the store, see me get in my car and possibly follow me home. I check out, head out the door, get in my car, look around unashamedly obvious, and head out. As I'm pulling out I see the guy in my rear view mirror walking down the same isle I parked on. Yeah, I know. So, needless to say I'm home safe and sound. So, to you grocery stalker, be aware. I have a loving dad--and I'm a daddy's girl. Get the drift? Oh, and a mean, ferocious miniature long haired weenie dog named Gracie. She's killer.

(A little drama added here and there--never hurts anything. No, I don't really think some random guy is sitting outside my house.)

Short and Sweet

• Growth is fun, especially with the peace of God.
• The tongue can be just as poisonous as a snake bite, if not more.
• I think I'm becoming a work-a-holic.
• I miss my sweet nephews.
• The Lord gives...and takes away...and can give again.
• My friendships give me an overflowing joy.
• God has blessed me with trials.
• I adore my sister.
• I need to get my hair cut.
• I have the best boss in the world.
• I love these people:

Be Armed!

Here's something I came across today. A great reminder...

Excellent exhortation here from Bishop J.C. Ryle, over a century ago:

You live in a world where your soul is in constant danger. Enemies are round you on every side. Your own heart is deceitful. Bad examples are numerous. Satan is always laboring to lead you astray. Above all false doctrine and false teachers of every kind abound. This is your great danger.To be safe you must be well armed. You must provide yourself with the weapons which God has given you for your help. You must store your mind with Holy Scripture. This is to be well armed.Arm yourself with a thorough knowledge of the written word of God. Read your Bible regularly. Become familiar with your Bible. . . . Neglect your Bible and nothing that I know of can prevent you from error if a plausible advocate of false teaching shall happen to meet you. Make it a rule to believe nothing except it can be proved from Scripture. The Bible alone is infallible. . . . Do you really use your Bible as much as you ought?There are many today, who believe the Bible, yet read it very little. Does your conscience tell you that you are one of these persons?If so, you are the man that is likely to get little help from the Bible in time of need. Trial is a sifting experience. . . . Your store of Bible consolations may one day run very low.If so, you are the man that is unlikely to become established in the truth. I shall not be surprised to hear that you are troubled with doubts and questions about assurance, grace, faith, perseverance, etc. The devil is an old and cunning enemy. He can quote Scripture readily enough when he pleases. Now you are not sufficiently ready with your weapons to fight a good fight with him. . . . Your sword is held loosely in your hand.If so, you are the man that is likely to make mistakes in life. I shall not wonder if I am told that you have problems in your marriage, problems with your children, problems about the conduct of your family and about the company you keep. The world you steer through is full of rocks, shoals and sandbanks. You are not sufficiently familiar either with lighthouses or charts.If so, you are the man who is likely to be carried away by some false teacher for a time. It will not surprise me if I hear that one of these clever eloquent men who can make a convincing presentation is leading you into error. You are in need of ballast (truth); no wonder if you are tossed to and fro like a cork on the waves.All these are uncomfortable situations. I want you to escape them all. Take the advice I offer you today. Do not merely read your Bible a little—but read it a great deal. . . . Remember your many enemies. Be armed!

Cited in J. I. Packer, 18 Words: The Most Important Words You Will Ever Know, pp. 40-41. (If anyone knows the location of the original Ryle quote--it's from a tract--let me know in the comments.)

Update: Norm writes: It is indeed from a tract, called "Bible Reading." It's available at the Bible Bulletin Board.

Blessings to All,
Jess

Early to bed, Early to Rise

So, it happened again. I fell asleep last night at 7:30 p.m. That would explain why it is almost 5 in the morning right now. 4:42 to be exact. Last week I slept all the way through the night until a decent morning hour. That is obviously not that case this time. Trust me, I don't plan on making this a habit. It completely throws me off. More concerning is the fact that I'm falling asleep that early! Maybe my body is telling me it liked being in Africa better... :) Or, maybe I'm just EXTREMELY worn out and had 2 extremely stressful and emotional weeks back to back (not too long from being in Africa for 2 weeks). I'll settle for both just to make myself smile.

I guess I should probably update on my last post. He is home and doing extremely well considering all! The Lord never ceases to amaze me and for that I find myself running out of words to thank Him. He has allowed me to see Himself in this situation and I know He's only getting started! Thank you for your prayers! Please keep them coming. He and his family need them and I know I can speak for them when I say they appreciate each and every one.

I was blessed this past week to have some sweet, sweet girl time. I needed it. Bad. When I say I needed it, I don't mean "Yeah, it was nice and I'm glad it worked out." That is true; however, I mean that I cried out to God to PLEASE give me someone, anyone to talk to and laugh with and just BE with. He blessed me ten-fold. I had lunch with a precious friend who's honesty and sheer ability to express what she's feeling humbles me. She's not afraid to speak what's going on with her. I needed to see and hear that. The way the Lord uses us in each other's lives is just so fun and makes me so grateful. I stand in awe of Him because of the picture He paints of Himself and allowing me to see jut a taste of it in our friendship. I also got to hang out with the two gals I was roomies with in college for 2 years. Oh, man my heart just rejoices. I don't know that I could love them more. Kind of a bold thought, but true. Being able to share with each other our needs, our joys, and our lives with each other--even if it's only ever so often--is priceless. Plus, reminiscing about our college years never gets old. If you want to feel old, do just that. Just using the word reminisce makes me feel old. Ha. Oh, the good 'ol days. We definitely had many, many laughs thinking upon our time together at good 'ol 5315. Sometimes I wish I could go back. I don't doubt I would then probably want to move forward. It's amazing how that is.

Proverbs 25:9

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Humility. I've had a good portion of this, this past week. So many times it can taste bitter doing down, but is food for the soul. It's a necessity. It's a crazy thing having the Lord reveal specific details from situations past that I otherwise would have never known. It is so completely obvious that the Lord protects me by hiding certain things from my eyes and then when He sees the time is right, for His glory, he slowly but surely reveals. Well, not always slowly. Sometimes it's like BAM--in your face. haha Regardless, He is so stinkin' faithful. I just love Him.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Trust. I've had to do this in the process of being humbled. The Lord has pressed on me this week that for me to be able to fully accept being humbled I had to have trust that the Lord is fully capable of taking hold of my life. I know that, but in the moment it sure can be hard to grasp. Yet regardless of anything that has to do with me, He is in control.

Thank you, sweet Jesus.

Joy and Pain, Sunshine and Rain

We never know what tomorrow holds. Never.

Just as the longest week of my life was coming to a joyous end on Friday, I got the news. I was in the middle of an adoption ceremony celebrating the life of this new family and was sharing tears of joy with many when a call came in telling us that one of my boys (well, I should say young man- he’s 17) that’s in adoptive placement was in a serious 4 wheeler accident and was being care flighted to the hospital. Immediately I was overwhelmed with the fact that two extremes could be happening at the SAME time--joy and celebration as well as pain and tragedy. I was sitting there doing everything I could to be there—fully—in that room celebrating the adoption as I was thinking, “Lord, what in the world are You doing? There must be a reason I don’t know all the details because I’m in here, but PLEASE sweet Jesus be wherever he is!” Of course, not having any details at the time allows for the mind to wonder. As I think about it, pain and suffering as well as joy and celebration happen at the same time each and every day.

Our awareness of it is a different story.

As soon as my boss and I were able to head out to the hospital we did. We spent all evening up there and I didn’t get home until pretty late. Boy, I’ll tell you what—I will be okay if I NEVER have to be asked to go into a ‘family room’ at a hospital ever again. Just the feeling you get as you walk in there is awful—not to mention the waiting.

The information received last night was that he has a C7 fracture of his spine as well as a fracture on the bottom of his skull. He also had to have his scalp stapled shut because it was torn open—basically scalped. We were also informed that he had a minor cranial bleed that they were thinking would heal on it’s own but were keeping an eye on everything just to make sure. By the grace of God nothing affected his nerves and his spinal cord was not harmed at all. He was able to move his arms and legs. They intibated him because he was so heavily sedated, so at the time he wasn’t breathing on his own. After hours of waiting we finally got to go into ICU to see him. I cried as I prayed for him and talked to him as if he could hear me. Words just can’t describe something like this. I wanted him to open his eyes. I wanted him to squeeze my hand. I wanted to see life. I knew of course, by what the doctors told us, that it would just be a matter of time for the morphine to wear off and him to wake up, but having that knowledge and seeing it with my own eyes didn’t seem to be enough.

We got news before we left for the hospital this morning that he had woken up at 4 this morning and was talking and being his usual sarcastic self! When we got there and we walked into the ICU where he was, I could have wept as I walked up to the side of the bed—his mom holding his hand and him opening his eyes looking at me and saying “Hi, Jess”.

Life. The joy life brings.

I had the privilege to laugh many, many times with him (and at him in a not mean way J --that pain medicine will make you say some funny stuff) today and enjoy the sweet fellowship of his parents love for their son. I was blessed to see the unwavering and unconditional love of a Father this morning. As his son reached out and said “I love you, Dad” in a weak and scratchy voice and watched the father say it back with tears in his eyes, I saw Jesus.

The most updated news is that he has some minor fractures also in his T vertebrae, but these will heal on their own. He will have to wear a neck collar for 10-12 weeks for the C7 break to heal. He was moved out of ICU tonight and into his own room. Praise, Jesus! He is going to be okay. Each and every doctor and nurse that came to see him (trust me, there were a ton) stated something to the fact that he is lucky. I get what they mean, of course, but each and every time it’s as if I could hear the Lord saying, “I am sovereign. Luck has nothing to do with this.” I praise Jesus for His sovereignty and His miracle working ability to protect this young man. He could have taken him if He wanted, but He didn’t. PLEASE keep him in your prayers. They are extremely needed and I know I can speak on behalf of him and his parents that they are greatly appreciated.

Right before I left the hospital today I was sitting holding Trey’s hand and watching him sleep just thanking the Lord for his life and praying He would use this in Trey’s life to be glorified and just marveling at just how great our God is and a nurse walked by behind us singing. He sang, “Joy….and Pain, Sunshine…and Rain…” I smiled as the truth and simplicity of those words sunk in.

It summed up everything perfectly.

Thank You for Laughter

I'm on my lunch break right now and wanted to jot down just a few things that they Lord has been so good to bring to my attention.





First off, this has been the longest week I've had...it seems like EVER! Get this-on Tuesday night I fell asleep at 8:30 p.m. and slept the whole night. Do ya think I was tired?! :) I woke up and had a monster of an imprint on both my arms. I don't think I moved once in my sleep. Jesus has been so faithful to lift me up and give me the strength to move right along. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but the Lord blessed me with something so sweet yesterday. Laughter. It get's better though--that morning I woke up and as I drove to work I was praying (I LOVE my car time with the Lord) I simply stated, " Ok, Jesus--today is a new day. Can you please allow me an opportunity to really laugh? I could really use it today." Well, needless to say, He heard my prayer and chose to answer it. I found myself laughing (pretty hard) that afternoon and all of a sudden I became aware that I was acutally laughing. Jesus wanted me to realize His answered prayer and I was able to thank Him on the spot. Oh, what a loving God I serve!!





Also, I heard something yesterday that has stuck in my mind and I've really been thinking on it since... Hope is more than optimism.





Ok, need to go. I hope you are blessed with the opportunity to laugh...and laugh hard today. It just feels so darn good! :)





Oh, p.s. --in case you haven't noticed i'm putting pics up from Africa as I go...Lord knows I have enough to last me a looong time!

Boy, there was a lot of laughter when this picture was taken. I laughed, and more importantly, all of the children did. They just couldn't believe a mzungu would be able to jump rope with them! (I silently prayed I wouldn't get slapped in the side of the head with the rope and then jumped in!)

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Heart Strings

"But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
~Matthew 7:14


So, lots of things have been going on in my head as well as my heart lately. There are times I'm so thankful the Lord knows my thoughts, desires, and intimate secrets because quite honestly I'm not always sure I even do. In fact, I know there are times I don't. Other than that, I don't know what I should even type about at the moment much less if I even should. I'll just leave you with a very small piece of my journal for today that I pray will speak to you. May Jesus do whatever it takes to draw you to Him. It may not be easy, but will always be worth it.





Blessings to all.

"This life is not about self-actualization. It’s not about figuring out
what I am meant to do. My purpose is to know You, Lord. You spoke
volumes to me about this leading up to Africa, as well as in Africa. You
even continue to teach me now that I’m back. So, you want me to know
you? You are crying out for me to seek you in all of this confusion
in my head. I’m trying, Lord. Don’t try. Do it. I hear you, Jesus. You have given me the ability to know you. For goodness sake, your Spirit resides in my heart. It’s not of me, anyways. It never is. I don’t mean to make it all about me, Jesus. I hate how somehow it usually does end up that way. I’m being distracted... Okay, I get it. I'm allowing myself to be distracted. There are so many distractions. Please, Lord—help me to focus only on You and pleasing you in EVERYTHING that I do."

Me and David... Denis and Martin...
Beautiful little girl at the childrens' home...
Too bad it was a Saturday and the office was closed...
Precious children of God's...

Relevant Ramblings

...well, for me.

God has shown me, I've noticed, and I've been thinking about a number of things both while in Africa and also since being back. I figured it'd be good to get them all out of my head--who knows, maybe it'll give you something to think about, too.

One of my first nights in Africa I had a conversation with the ladies about miracles. One of them asked me, "Hey Jess, when you pray, do you pray for extraordinary things? Do you pray for things that wouldn't make logical sense to another person?" After thinking a second I had to respond telling her that most of the time I didn't. My prayers for the most part are pretty logical and concrete. She then asked me why do I think that is? Why don't I (and people in general) pray for the extraordinary? Why don't we pray for miracles? That question lingered in my mind for the next day or so and I came to the conclusion because we--because I-- lack faith. I serve an extraordinary God who performs the "illogical" in human eyes, yet I fail to have faith to even ask what He tells us He can do, and has already done. "You have not, because you ask not" kept running through my head over and over. Then, we went out to our first camp the day after arriving in Gulu. It's amazing looking back at all of the details and how the Lord planned out everything so perfect and how He had everything happen in such amazing timing. I had the opportunity to pray for 3 hours for and over at least 100 people needing healing--both physically and more importantly, spiritually. I was able to pray for healing--miraculous healing! I was even tempted to be discouraged because I didn't have an interpreter to translate my prayers to the individuals I was praying for and then the Lord quickly reminded me that it is HIM who hears the prayers and has the power to answer them. Translator or not, He knew what the needed before I even came into the picture! Through out the whole rest of the time in Africa, He showed me how powerful the prayers of the faithful and righteous can be. He revealed Himself to me in ways that others may not ever see. The fact that He would choose to open my eyes to such an awe inspiring King baffles me. Truly, it does. I also listened to the prayers of those I came to love there at Favour of God and realized that I don't hear their prayers often in America. I was able to talk to a number of them about that exact thing and I had one guy say to me, "It's simple. In America it seems that everything is at your fingertips. Something is wrong, there's something to 'fix' it. No one leaves any room for the Lord to do His work--or even sees it when He does, which is all of the time." Faith is not needed for the seen. Faith is needed for the unseen. Miracles are real and I don't ever want to miss out on seeing the Lord's hand on ANYTHING, especially the things that so many fail to even acknowledge.

Learning about a person and knowing a person are two completely different things. The Lord told me before I went that I was to truly get to know the people I came in contact with. I didn't know what all that consisted of and what exactly He desired of me. I now see that He wanted to change my heart, and not just my head. He wanted to impact the people in Uganda with the compassion he bestowed upon me for a lifetime, not just a week, and He didn't just want me to have a story to tell others but a Truth-filled, real life, burden. In the process, Jesus seemed to consistently whisper to me "This is what I desire of you...for you to know me, and not just about me." Now, I have seen the difference it makes by my own eyes. Just as I find myself wanting to be known--by those I care about--my family, close friends, and Lord willing, my future husband. I mean really, how bad would it suck to be married to someone who knows about you and doesn't truly know you for you?! Think about it. Jesus wants us to KNOW HIM. We can never come close to knowing Him as He knows us since He is the one who created us, but what a ride it is to earnestly try! It's a win/win deal.

How we view the Lord determines our walk with Him. I'm going to speak in stereotypes for a minute, so hang in there. It is not uncommon today to hear many talk about Jesus being their 'homeboy' and 'best pal' who understands when they do something they shouldn't and doesn't judge and therefore they go out again and again...and again not caring the slightest about the consequences or what anyone thinks, yada yada. Now, please don't hear me wrong. Jesus literally is my best friend and He does love me, and you, regardless of your mess-ups. And He will forgive over and over, just as He has with me many times. What I'm getting at is the way the African believers viewed Jesus was truly inspirational. He isn't just some guy. He is real. He is the risen KING. He is Holy. Righteous. They bow down to Him knowing they don't deserve to even stand in His presence. For some reason it just seems that in our culture His deity is played down to our liking...to make us feel better about who WE are instead of lifting up His name and portraying who HE Is. I don't ever want to be guilty of taking anything away from the character of Jesus Christ the Almighty Savior just to satisfy my desire to feel better about anything. The sad thing is, I have no doubt I have. It really forced me to honestly look at myself, my desires, and purge out anything unhealthy in the way I view my Lord.

I noticed something in the Believers while in Africa. It took a little bit to put words to what I saw. It was genuineness. Pure genuineness. There was a confidence among them that was immensely attractive. Not in the "I want to marry you attractiveness" But a general attractiveness. Well, as I sit here thinking about it and want to be completely honest, maybe a little of the "I could marry someone like this attractiveness." :) Anyways, I saw them using their talents and gifts in a way that glorified the Lord and blessed others. I was overwhelmingly blessed!! --to tears at times. (I'll go into that here in a minute) I realized they were lacking something that I myself have been guilty of too many times. False humility. There have been times where a person has complimented me on something--a God given ability--and I've done the whole shy away thing and discredited any compliment. For instance, those of you who know me know that I have a passion for music and enjoy singing. For years I didn't even venture out to do the thing that brought me joy and the Lord glory because I was too timid and took too much credit in myself by caving into my insecurities. Even today I don't step out in faith at times when on the inside I am dieing to leap. I didn't see or sense a soul hesitating one bit to glorify the Lord in what He has gifted them with. Whether it was preaching, singing, teaching, encouraging, playing music, etc.--they used it ALL with joy and confidence in the One whom created them AND their gift/talent. Talk about a humbling lesson from the One up above! Challenging to say the least. This goes for getting in front of people and speaking also. I had a number of opportunities while in Africa to share my testimony and give an encouraging word. I praise Jesus He has shown me that I am merely the vessel and He is everything else! The few times I was nervous He blew me away. I opened my mouth and His words came out. What a joy it is to know that He changes hearts and what He asks of me is obedience. If I am willing to truly surrender myself to His will, He is readily willing to move mountains.

There is freedom in crying. I believe it with every ounce of my being. I cry-that's no secret. I can cry a lot. It's one of the ways I pour out my heart to the Lord and gives me a release. Extreme joy-cry. Extreme frustration-cry. You get the picture. In Uganda the culture is so extremely different than mine. That's a given. Emotions aren't something seen on the outside very often, especially the men's. I have to be honest, it was just a little humorous to see their reaction to me when I cried--just because they didn't know what to do but to say "So sorry!" I had to explain once when I had tears rolling down my face as I was listening to one of the young men tell me about his past and the things he endured that it wasn't a lack of confidence in the power of the Lord that I was crying but because I was sad and that I can be sad and have FULL assurance in the Lord's plan and protection at the same time! It really made me think though. Of course my mind goes for a minute to the counselor part of me. I just can't help it at times! :) All this to say that as dorky as it may sound I am grateful for the ability to cry and not be ashamed of my emotions. While they shouldn't be something I depend on because Lord knows they every direction possible at a whim, they definitely serve a purpose!

There is a ton more that has been going on in my head the past few days, but I'm exhausted and should probably go to bed so I'll leave it at that for now. I am still amazed at how much I miss Gulu and the people there. I was praying and wondering today if it's something that will ever go away.

I decided that I don't want it to.

Here, there, everywhere...

Ok, so i'm sitting here in Illinois on 'official vacation' with the whole fam. I thought I would share a bit more of my trip and do a horrible job of putting into words what the Lord showed me while in Africa.

On Sunday June 22nd I was able to go to Gulu Bible Church with a number of people from Favour of God Ministries. This is Norma's church in Gulu. It was amazing. I'm telling you, I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how they so freely worship the Lord. My muzungu self enjoyed dancing right along with everyone else! :) The message was solid and the love of Christ was overflowing! I was also able to go into the military barracks and walk right into the hospital. We literally walked up to every single bed and share the Gospel. A number of men surrendered their life to the Lord that day and a ton others were able to be encouraged in their walk. It seemed so simple. The willingness to receive the Gospel truly blew me away and I praised God for it! The Lord revealed a part of Himself to me and I will never be the same. I was also able to hear detailed stories of some of the guys there are Favour of God and the Lord's redemptive power overwhelmed me. No words can express what it's like to sit in front of a Godly young man who has been through what seems like Hell on earth and listen to him glorify a risen King giving Him glory for EVERYTHING and being emotionally moved at just how much His Savior loves and adores him. No words.

Tuesday June 24th--I had a serious meltdown. It was a mixture of things--it's always humbling to repent, apologize, suck it up, and move on. All the while not being able to stop crying...it was all good though--He's faithful and a mighty comforter! :)

Wednesday June 25th was our last full day in Gulu. I was dreading it. We got up and had the morning devotion like they do every single morning before starting the day. It was Norma's turn and the Lord used her to speak clearly to me. I don't want to be anywhere He is not. I desperately desire to be in His will consistently! I had the opportunity to talk for a while with yet another lovely young man of God who was genuinely interested in the Lord's work in my life. I was able to share with him just how amazing God is using examples in my life and I was blessed even more by his encouraging words and his desire to pray specifically for an area in my life. Man, his confidence and pure faith in the Lord just made me want to jump up and down!! :) Then we went and picked up Jenna (a sweet, sweet girl from California living in Gulu for the summer-instant friend!) and headed to town to shop for a little bit. That was fun. Martin and Judith had a little fair well for us and of course I bawled my eyes out as my team and I stood in a circle holding hands as everyone else stood around us praying for us and thanking the Lord for our time there. Sheesh it was hard. This night I had already decided I was going to be up pretty late because it was the last night and I wanted to spend time with my new friends as much as possible before I left. The Lord blessed me beyond measure. I had great conversation and won't forget it.

Thursday June 26th I was up by 5 (after going to bed at 2) and got everything together and ready to head out. I was sad and got in my usual mood when I don't want to think about leaving people I care greatly about...quiet and some what standoffish. I shed my tears, gave my hugs, and said my goodbyes. We headed to the fish farm again to eat lunch and then to Murchison falls. OH and get this. I had 200 pictures on my memory card that got deleted right after I left the Mission House. I was doing everything I could not to completely lose it. I know, just pictures right? But not to me...it's memories...so much more than just a picture. Just when I was about to lost it a thought came to my mind--the night before David wanted to get my pics so he downloaded them all onto his computer. PRAISE JESUS HE HAD THEM ALL ON HIS COMPUTER! I couldn't help but smile---praise God for doing that for me. Now I'll just have to wait to get them in October when Norma gets back instead of not having them at all! Anyways, we got to Murchison Falls and it was so beautiful! I got to go on a boat ride down the Nile river that afternoon. I sat there thinking, "Man, I am actually on the Nile River, in Africa, in love with the Lord, tomorrow is my bday, it can't get much better than this!!" :) I did a lot of thanking the Lord that day. I also got to talk to mom and dad for a couple of minutes this night--it was good to hear their voices.

Friday June 27th--my day of birth 24 years ago. Now if waking up to a beautiful sunrise over the Nile River isn't surreal I don't know what is. I woke up to Norma's beautiful voice singing me happy bday. It was sweet. Then we headed out on the Safari. Yet again, awesome bday present from the Lord! :) I even got to take a nap this day!! haha Then, it rained for a bit and I got to enjoy the smell of the rain. Talking about rain--maybe it's just me, but rain has a smell to me...which I LOVE...is that true for anyone else? The reason I ask is I said that in Africa and one of the ladies was like, "What?? What does rain smell like??" and looked at me like I was crazy and for the first time I realized that not everyone may think that rain has a smell..a good smell. You should have heard me trying to explain what rain smells like to the Africans. I'm sure it would have been pretty amusing to hear. I realized something this day. I missed Gulu like a person would miss home. I don't exactly know what that means, but I know the Lord will show me in His timing. Oh, and I actually got a bday call!! David called me to wish me a happy bday which was a sweet surprise. I didn't expect to get a call since I was in Africa, of course. I just love the small things. That night at dinner I was surprised with the wait staff coming out with a bday cake and candles singing happy bday to me. Yet again, a sweet surprise. Butch arranged it all that morning with the chef. I thank the Lord for special people he has placed in my life. This bday will definitely be a bday to remember!!

Saturday June 28th we drove up the the top of Murchsion Falls. Gosh it was so pretty. There were rainbows going over the water! Then we headed to have lunch at Maggie's and off to Kampala. I spend a lot of time this night reflecting on the past 2 weeks. A lot.

Sunday June 29th we went shopping around Kampala and then that evening at 10:30 left for Amsterdam. From Amsterdam to Dallas. Loooong flights are definitely an experience. We got in an hour late , but safe and sound. Dad and Katie picked me up and that's when I was informed we were heading straight to Tulsa from the airport. I put a smile on my face (even though I wanted to cry because I was so tired and felt funny and wanted to sleep in my own bed for just one night) and slept practically the whole way there. Now, I'm in Illinois and you are up to date!

Long post...but so few words to talk about something words can't describe.

Zombie anyone?

A serious little guy...
Dinner time...yumm

It is just about 2 in the morning...US Central time. I'm back. I am so exhausted and my body doesn't know whether to sleep or stay awake (hence, being awake right now), but you will not hear any complaints from me! I'm so glad to be back safe and sound and to see my family, but I miss Gulu and the people like crazy. I am way too out of it to type a lot right now but I thought I would try to upload a few pictures while I'm waiting for my last load of clothes to wash and dry. That's right...I got picked up from the airport this afternoon and was informed we were heading straight to Tulsa for the night and then off to Illinois in the morning. My precious mom 'packed a bag' for me. :) Needless to say I'm washing all of my clothes from Africa...the ones that could have stood up on their own so I'll have some clothes to wear this week. Once I get a little more rested I'll be ready to type my little fingers off letting you know alllll about the details of my trip. Thank you to all who wished me a happy bday!

This is one of my favorite pictures...

The Lord's beautiful creation...
They weren't as cute as I remember when playing hungry,hungry hippo as a child :)
At dinner the night of my bday with the surprise cake...
One of the many bday gifts from the Lord to ME! (at the top of the Murchison Falls)

Bumpy Roads, Sand in teeth, and the Glory of God!

Hello all!! I am sitting here absolutly exhausted, yet so full of overflowing joy. Just as the last post, I will give you some highlights...

Visted the orphanage and saw tons of smiling, happy faces. Such a blessing.
Didn't get to stay at the camp just because of the far distance (you can breathe mom and dad) Although, it would have been awesome!! It was the first camp to be hit by the LRA since it's so close to the border of Sudan. We were able to hear some heart wrenching testimonies. My heart ached for them. It was so dark there...no hope, no joy. I pray the love of Christ will begin to dwell there. They need it so bad. I've seen TONS of miracles. When I say miracles, I mean miracles. I'll just leave it at that for now. I was able to speak to a group of about 100 and share my testimony and give them some encouagement and share what the Lord wanted them to hear that day. It was awesome. Praise God He uses me! I have also had the chance to shake hands and pray with and for those fighting HIV/AIDS. It is amazing to see those fighting such a trecherous disease having SO much joy! Truly an inspiration and challenges me. The people here at Favour of God had truly grown on me. I cried today just thinking about having to say goodbye in a couple of days. I have grown to love them. It's going to be exceptionally hard to say goodbye...but I should probably say it'll be more of a see you later. :) I have had the chance to sit down and truly listen to the unbelievable testimonies and stories of some young men who serve Christ as their Savior. We have laughed together, cried together, sang together, and praised God together. It just doesn't get any better than that!! Today we went into the 2nd largest military base in Uganda. Last week was the VERY first time the allowed any organization to enter. We walked straight in and went into the military hospital and shared the love of Christ with each and every person. Talk about awesome. A number of men surrendered their lives to Christ and a lot more received encouragement in their walk with Christ. I'm still amazed at how 'simple' it seemed. God blessed us! Then, tonight we went out with the Portable Bible School crew. Talk about an awesome opportunity. They teach doctrine and community health and parenting and TRUTH, TRUTH, TRUTH for 2 months. The team stays there in the camp for 2 months. So cool. Let me tell you, I have never praised God for a silent heaver before, but there is always a first. haha. The 3 hour ride to the camp tonight took out a number of people. It was SOOOOO bumpy and swervy and hot and made a number sick. The guy sitting next to me puked twice. If he had been a loud heaver I would have puked all over the place. Praise the Lord he wasn't!!! :) Although, it somehow got on the floor (bag must have broke) and I stuck my hand in it. I almost puked then too. Anyways, tomorrow we go to the prison to share the love of Christ with those so lost. I'm excited. God is doing so much here. Ok, I'm about to fall over I'm so tired and plus it's just about my time to hop in the shower/dripper :). Blessings to all!!! Talk to you soon!!

Hello from Gulu!!

Hey everyone!! Oh, what a blessing to be able to update you! There is way too much to let you in on so I will try and get all the highlights in really quick.

The way up here went really well. I never knew I'd be so glad to stand and walk after sitting in a plane hour after hour after hour ....you get the message! I will say though I was highly impressed with the first 2 plane rides. Never have I watched 3 movies in a row...until my ride from Dallas to Amsterdam!! It was long, but good. Once we reached Amsterdam we had a 2 hour layover and it was fun to hear the different language everywhere! From Amsterdam we went to Nairobi. There is where I was able to experience being a minority by far. I found myself LOVING it!! Being out of my comfort zone was fun and exciting to me. In Nairobi we had another 2 hour lay over and this is where the Lord began truly using me for His glory...

Matt is a 16 year old guy from Virginia. (D.C.) I had noticed him on the plane ride in Amsterdam but was able to acutally talk to him and get to know him at the airport in Nairobi. There is a lot the explain that would give you a taste of God's sovereinty that I will have to explain at a later time. Long story short, I was able to find out he was by himself and going to sounthern Uganda to build houses with a group. I was so intrigued. The Lord gave me the opportunity to share the Gospel with Matt and love him with the Love of Christ. He is a very very smart young man with a lot of knowledge, searching for the Truth. He's not quite there yet but as I told him, I truly believe it's only a matter of time. I was able to give him a book I was only half way through chaper one in. I see now the Lord used a friend to recommend it to me and then used me to bring it to him. It was his from the beginning. It touched EVERY SINGLE question he asked me about the Lord and Christianity. I pray the Lord will bless him abundantly and that he will come to realized just how loved and adored he is by a powerful God!

Then, we headed off to Kampala where Norma met us. Oh, what a blessing it was to see her face and to see how blessed she was to see familiar faces also after being here for quite a while. I still couldn't believe I was acutally in Africa!! Honestly, I still have to pinch myself. I am in love, truly. I'm in love with the country, with the people, and with the Lord!! We stayed in a nice hotel in Kampala and got to see the city, ate out with an amazing missionary couple from California that are good friends with Norma. The testimonies will blow you away. I'll give more details later.

We headed on our van with Joseph, our driver, and up to Gulu we went. First we stopped on the way at a fish farm where a missionary couple lived from our church. It was amazing. There we met an AMAZING group of people and got to learn about their minsistry. Maggie Josiah lives here and runs a school and vocational training place...i'll fill you in on this later, too.

The road was very very long and even more so bumpy. You have not seen a pot hole until you've been here. I'm telling you it's something. Praise the Lord we were safe and I didn't get sick because of the movement!! (I thought I might for a minute of two) Once arriving in Gulu we were welcomed by sweet loving faces. They are such a blessing. You will be so amazed at the stories of each and everyone of the people here. Just to give you a taste...one of the sweet boys at the Mission House, Martin...he was abducted at age 12 by the LRA and was an officer for them. He lived in the bush...he was forced to marry....5 times...Koney told him he'd kill him himself if he refused. 12 years later he is free...has no wives...LOVES THE LORD and is so so precious learning how to live the 'normal' life. There are so many more amazing testimionies of God's grace and POWER! I get teary eyed just thinking about it.

Today, we went out with a medical missions team to a camp. Oh, man it was good. I was completely humbled and privledge to get to pray for 3 hours over and for all of the sick sick people...elderly people...young ladies...little tiny sick babies. Igot to hold little hands and shake strong ones,..I was able to see many come to trust in Jesus as their savior as we shared all He has done for us..I cried...laughed..and cried some more. I was so dirty and hot and sweaty and LOVED every single minute...and GUESS WHAT?! (don't freak out mom and dad) I may be able to stay in the camp in a hut with the people tomorrow night if the locals tell us it's safe. They are here for our saftey first and they will definityly let us know if it's not safe. HOW COOL IS THAT? No one else wants to...Lord willing, I will get to KNOW the people and love them with the Love of Christ. It's a live changing thing being here. I will never be the same and it's not even half way over.

Tomorrow I get to go out and do some trauma counseling. I have no doubt I will be on my knees. It will be eye opening, heart breaking, and joyously rewarding!! I pray many will lay their burdens at the Cross and follow Christ knowing they are loved and forgiven and will experience hope and joy for the first time in years.

I need to run, but I hope you are blessed by this. I know I am being blessed more than I deserve. I am always blessed more than I deserve. Please Please be in prayer for us while we are here. Pray for the people. The spiritual darkness here so thick you can feel it. Pray for our safety and discernment as we go out to minster to the people. I love you all!!! Talk to you soon!!