So in case you haven't heard, my family is adopting. And yes, we are pretty stoked about it. I love the beautiful picture that adoption creates; we were once orphans and God has adopted us into his family! And of course I love love LOVE the fact that there will be one less orphan in the world. My God never stops amazing me in the way He provides and the people He sends to be an encouragement. Praying that this process will go quickly and smoothly.
On my way back to school from my nannie and papa's house there is this little airport I pass. It's tiny, but still you can see the runway and at night all the lights are lit up. There is something about it; this weird adrenaline rush I get when we drive by. It is the same chill down my spine I get when I hear an airplane fly over as I sit in class. It's the same emotions I feel as I spend hours reading blogs on orphan care and reading how I can be involved. It is hearing God whisper, "Go."
My major at school is communications. Partly because I like communications, mostly because I don't know (or didn't know...not sure how to word that) what I want to do once I graduate. But what I do know is God is working on this heart of mine. And orphan care is something He is turning my attention towards.
There is a huge part of me that wants to hop on a plane tonight and go feed the orphans in Africa, cuddle with the orphans in China, teach a preschool class for the orphans Mexico. But I know God has me right where he wants me "for such a time as this" and I must patiently wait on Him. And maybe He will never send me, maybe I am just supposed to stay right where I am and be a voice for the fatherless here; and I am ok with that. And I am ok with going.
I don't know what my God is doing in my heart, but I am listening, and I will follow.
Please pray for my family as we go through this adoption process and pray for my soon to be sibling as well that she can feel our love all the way on this side of the world. (Trust me we have enough for you, sweet girl to reach that far!) I will keep posting as the process continues.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Help our Family Adopt
Friday, October 7, 2011
Happy Dance
I periodically like to do the happy dance.
Just for exercise. You know.
But mostly when I am happy.
Like right now.
So I shall continue in my happy dance.
For many days to come.
Just for exercise. You know.
But mostly when I am happy.
Like right now.
So I shall continue in my happy dance.
For many days to come.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
I'm A Big Kid Now!
I have been a college girl for about a week and a half now. It still feels weird to say that. I don't feel any different or act any different or see things differently. But at the same time everything is different.
I am not a little kid anymore who needs my hand to be held (even though sometimes I desperately want it). I am having to learn how to manage my time in order to get all my reading and homework done. I am adjusting to not seeing my family everyday. I am missing my sweet youth group and church family. So a lot of things are different and a lot of stuff is changing.
I am the kind of person who likes consistency. Too much change too fast makes me nervous and uncomfortable. I am the kind of person who enjoys the people who answer on the first ring because they are always there for you. I enjoy knowing exact plans and exactly how something is going to take place.
But let's be real, that is not reality.
But there is one thing that never changes.
My God.
In an inconsistent world with roller coaster emotions and constant change, God is constant. He loves me the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is continually calling my name, wanting me to draw near to Him. He knows my plans for tomorrow, and He has known them all along!
Psalm 26:3- "For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness."
Even when change comes, inconsistency surprises me, emotions scare me, and plans turn out unexpectedly, I will walk in His faithfulness. I will turn to His love; His perfect lover that never changes.
I am not a little kid anymore who needs my hand to be held (even though sometimes I desperately want it). I am having to learn how to manage my time in order to get all my reading and homework done. I am adjusting to not seeing my family everyday. I am missing my sweet youth group and church family. So a lot of things are different and a lot of stuff is changing.
I am the kind of person who likes consistency. Too much change too fast makes me nervous and uncomfortable. I am the kind of person who enjoys the people who answer on the first ring because they are always there for you. I enjoy knowing exact plans and exactly how something is going to take place.
But let's be real, that is not reality.
But there is one thing that never changes.
My God.
In an inconsistent world with roller coaster emotions and constant change, God is constant. He loves me the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is continually calling my name, wanting me to draw near to Him. He knows my plans for tomorrow, and He has known them all along!
Psalm 26:3- "For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness."
Even when change comes, inconsistency surprises me, emotions scare me, and plans turn out unexpectedly, I will walk in His faithfulness. I will turn to His love; His perfect lover that never changes.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Someday I'll be livin' in a big ol' city
In just a little over a week I am moving out and heading to CCC. My room looks like a storm hit (not that it doesn't always look that way, but that is beside the point) as I am in full prep mode for college. The process for getting everything finalized for school has been a little stressful for me but my Savior is the ultimate provider!
As it gets closer and closer I get more excited about college, living in a dorm, meeting new people, and so much more. But as it gets closer and closer I also realize how much I am going to miss my family. Not having my mom, dad, Matt and Abby around all the time is going to be hard. All of them are some of my best friends and it will be weird to live without them. It is all part of growing up though.
It has been nearly 2 months since I left for China. Not a day goes by (actually, it's more like not 5 minutes goes by) without me thinking of that precious blue building on the other side of the world. I miss the laughter and the tears. I miss my team and the nannies. I miss everything about the country and the 140 beautiful children I had the opportunity to spend time with. My heart hurts so bad when I think of their faces and how each of them was uniquely created by my sweet Jesus and then I remember that they are still waiting for forever families. God is there though, and I have to rest in that.
It is coming into a new chapter in my life and God is teaching and showing me all sorts of new things. He is stretching my faith and gently reminding me He is still in China with the orphans and at the same time He is right here in Florida taking care of my school bills. He will be with me as I move out and He will also stay with my family and be watching over them.
My God is so big! So strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do!
As it gets closer and closer I get more excited about college, living in a dorm, meeting new people, and so much more. But as it gets closer and closer I also realize how much I am going to miss my family. Not having my mom, dad, Matt and Abby around all the time is going to be hard. All of them are some of my best friends and it will be weird to live without them. It is all part of growing up though.
It has been nearly 2 months since I left for China. Not a day goes by (actually, it's more like not 5 minutes goes by) without me thinking of that precious blue building on the other side of the world. I miss the laughter and the tears. I miss my team and the nannies. I miss everything about the country and the 140 beautiful children I had the opportunity to spend time with. My heart hurts so bad when I think of their faces and how each of them was uniquely created by my sweet Jesus and then I remember that they are still waiting for forever families. God is there though, and I have to rest in that.
It is coming into a new chapter in my life and God is teaching and showing me all sorts of new things. He is stretching my faith and gently reminding me He is still in China with the orphans and at the same time He is right here in Florida taking care of my school bills. He will be with me as I move out and He will also stay with my family and be watching over them.
My God is so big! So strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
My God Is Not Dead!
Let love explode and bring the dead to life
A love so bold
To see a revolution somehow.
Let love explode and bring the dead to life
A love so bold
To bring a revolution somehow
Now I'm lost in your freedom
This world I'll overcome.
My God is not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
Let hope arise and make the darkness hide
My faith is dead
I need a resurrection somehow
Let Heaven roar and fire fall
come shake the ground
with the sound of revival
Worship at Student Life Camp was awesome.
A love so bold
To see a revolution somehow.
Let love explode and bring the dead to life
A love so bold
To bring a revolution somehow
Now I'm lost in your freedom
This world I'll overcome.
My God is not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
Let hope arise and make the darkness hide
My faith is dead
I need a resurrection somehow
Let Heaven roar and fire fall
come shake the ground
with the sound of revival
Worship at Student Life Camp was awesome.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
My Heart Aches
Today, I am especially missing my Jesse and Jaelynn. Waiting and praying for God's plan to unfold in their lives.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Gloriously Ruined
As I have been thinking about what to post about my trip, the emotions I have felt, people I have seen, experiences I have shared and so on, I wasn't sure what to write. So I have decided to share some of my journal writing from my trip; a very real and raw glimpse into the way my heart has been forever changed.
June 19, 2:00 AM
I am officially in China! It has been one very long day (literally), but I am excited to finally be here and can't wait to see the city. By the way, I am not a fan of 13 hour plan rides.
The rest of the team seems really nice and the leaders seem great too. A little secret though: boarding the plane in Chicago was a little overwhelming. I just kept thinking "Am I really flying across the world with 17 people I don't know?" But my God is faithful and I know He is here with me.
Tomorrow, or today, whatever, we will head to the Great Wall. I am excited (but also a little bit scared of the chair lift). It should be exciting and by tonight we will be at Maria's Big House. Yay!
June 19, 10:50 PM
We have finally arrived at Maria's Big House of Hope. I'm beyond excited and yet I don't think it has completely hit me yet. Today has been a wonderful first day in China. We had breakfast at the beautiful hotel and then a group devotional. It was great to open out eyes to loving our team while we are on this journey together. A little while later we headed out to the Great Wall but first we stopped for our first real chinese meal. It was amazing! The Great Wall was a lot of fun too (and the chair lift didn't kill me!). We grabbed Subway for dinner, along with some crazy flavored chips (blueberry anyone?) and went to the airport. Now here I am and I can't wait to start loving on the little ones tomorrow!
June 20, 11:53 AM
Finally I was able to hold a beautiful child! It was just as exciting as I dreamed and also heartbreaking. To think of all the orphans and all the special needs, it becomes a little overwhelming. It is heard to think that I can even make a difference in the giant number of orphans out in the world. But I know God's love for each of them. Psalm 10:17-18 says, "O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and oppressed." If we could just show a little bit of love, give a little bit of hope, and share a little bit of joy, it is all part of making a difference. It's our responsibility to think of these little ones and care for them.
June 21 11:50 AM
God is beginning to break my heart for what breaks His.
June 21, 5:20 PM
In an overwhelming emotion of helplessness, anger, frustration, and sadness, I can hear God whisper, "There is hope." And there is! My heavenly Father, the ultimate giver of hope, sees these children, hears these children, knows these children, and loves these children. And in that, I can rest in an unchanging hope.
June 22, 9:30 PM
I am completely and totally in love with the kids here. To hear them laugh fills my heat and to see them cry breaks it. I don't know how I am going to leave. Maybe I'll be back one day. I am so thankful that my God can take the ashes from these kids lives and the ashes from my life and build it up into something beautiful. It is already breaking my heart that tomorrow is the last day.
Unfortunately I neglected to write after that, so I will just share a few pictures. The trip was amazing and I am so blessed I was able to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Praying I will continue the work here, and maybe one day back in China!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
If Home Is Where The Heart Is,
My home must be in China.
The time in China was simply not enough. I feel like I could have stayed there forever cuddling with the precious children.
I loved the language, the music, the food, the people, and most of all the kids. My heart sure does ache from missing them. It was great to see God working through Maria's Big House Of Hope.
I promise a more detailed post will come later!
The time in China was simply not enough. I feel like I could have stayed there forever cuddling with the precious children.
I loved the language, the music, the food, the people, and most of all the kids. My heart sure does ache from missing them. It was great to see God working through Maria's Big House Of Hope.
I promise a more detailed post will come later!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
China Bound!
I have officially started my trip! Tonight I will spend the night in Orlando so I can be at the airport early. So much excietement!
This time tomorrow I will be with the rest of my team in Chicago. Hopefully I will be able to blog a couple times while away.
So thankful for this opportunity!
This time tomorrow I will be with the rest of my team in Chicago. Hopefully I will be able to blog a couple times while away.
So thankful for this opportunity!
posted from Bloggeroid
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Say What?
I graduate in 3 days. Yep. Pretty excited.
And I leave for China in 17 days.
It is pretty much a very busy month going on right now.
A few things I would like to mention:
-I am so over high school
-I love my church family
-Youth group is going to be the hardest part to leave behind
-I serve such a loving, caring, and constant God! The excitement of that will never get old!
"You are more beautiful than anything ever. Everyday you're the same; you never change, no never."
And I leave for China in 17 days.
It is pretty much a very busy month going on right now.
A few things I would like to mention:
-I am so over high school
-I love my church family
-Youth group is going to be the hardest part to leave behind
-I serve such a loving, caring, and constant God! The excitement of that will never get old!
"You are more beautiful than anything ever. Everyday you're the same; you never change, no never."
Monday, May 2, 2011
Almost To The Finish Line
I am now 33 days away from graduation. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Things at school are beginning to slow down and at the same time everything is getting crazy. There is still a lot of work to be done! Some exciting news though, I get to give a speech at graduation. I even joked with my dad and told him I was preachin'. I am very excited to be given this opportunity.
46 days until China and I am praising God that I have raised all the money I need! It has been unbelievable to watch God work everything out.
"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" Ephesians 3:20-Message. I an really seeing this in my own life.
God is good, all the time!
46 days until China and I am praising God that I have raised all the money I need! It has been unbelievable to watch God work everything out.
"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" Ephesians 3:20-Message. I an really seeing this in my own life.
God is good, all the time!
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Ultimate Provider
It has only been about three weeks since I presented my mission trip in Church. Already I have been overwhelmed by people's generous response.
So many people have partnered with me on this trip both in prayer and financially. For that, I am extremely grateful. I am so thankful for my church, family, and friends who are part of this journey with me.
God is continually showing me His hand in all of this as he provides every step of the way. I know that he will always provide for His people. Psalm 111:5 says, "He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever." I am finding this verse to be true everyday.
I received my passport in the mail today and everything else is falling into place.
Graduation is coming so fast! (54 days and counting!) I am so ready for the next stage of my life.
Again, I want to say how thankful I am for the people who are supporting me. It's people like you who are making this trip a reality.
Have a happy week!
So many people have partnered with me on this trip both in prayer and financially. For that, I am extremely grateful. I am so thankful for my church, family, and friends who are part of this journey with me.
God is continually showing me His hand in all of this as he provides every step of the way. I know that he will always provide for His people. Psalm 111:5 says, "He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever." I am finding this verse to be true everyday.
I received my passport in the mail today and everything else is falling into place.
Graduation is coming so fast! (54 days and counting!) I am so ready for the next stage of my life.
Again, I want to say how thankful I am for the people who are supporting me. It's people like you who are making this trip a reality.
Have a happy week!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Best Weekend Ever?
I definitely think it's up there.
On Friday and Saturday, the girls headed to Lakeland for The Revolve Tour. I can't believe this was my fifth time going to one of these conferences. But for all the other girls in the class, it was their first time, which made it a lot of fun. The music was amazing (Yay for Britt Nicole, Group 1 Crew and Hawk Nelson) the dramas were thought provoking, and the speakers had some incredible messages to share (Yay for Jenna Lucado, Chad Eastham and Jamie Grace) The theme of the conference was "Dream On". It is always a joy to hear about God's plan and dream for your life that is so much bigger than we could ever dream of by ourselves. I know I learned a lot and I am pretty sure the other girls took some stuff in as well.
It is pretty safe to say that the definite highlight of the weekend was when we got to meet Chad Eastham and Daniel Biro. My mom won a drawing for us to meet them backstage. It was sooo cool! The guys just sat and talked with us for a while and then we got to take pictures. We'll just say it was one of those experiences that will be talked about for a long time.
(Chad telling us to fake laugh, because it makes the best pictures. It worked)
(Daniel Biro from Hawk Nelson. I was a very very happy girl)
(Of course, Jenna Lucado, my favorite speaker, and so encouraging when you go to meet her)
On Sunday I was given the opportunity to share with my church family about my missions trip to China. I was overwhelmed by people's response of hugs and promises of prayer. God is once again showing me His dream for my life as he continues to provide for this trip. 87 days until I'm China bound!
Oh! and 5 days until adulthood and vacation. Just sayin', I'm a little bit excited.
On Friday and Saturday, the girls headed to Lakeland for The Revolve Tour. I can't believe this was my fifth time going to one of these conferences. But for all the other girls in the class, it was their first time, which made it a lot of fun. The music was amazing (Yay for Britt Nicole, Group 1 Crew and Hawk Nelson) the dramas were thought provoking, and the speakers had some incredible messages to share (Yay for Jenna Lucado, Chad Eastham and Jamie Grace) The theme of the conference was "Dream On". It is always a joy to hear about God's plan and dream for your life that is so much bigger than we could ever dream of by ourselves. I know I learned a lot and I am pretty sure the other girls took some stuff in as well.
On Sunday I was given the opportunity to share with my church family about my missions trip to China. I was overwhelmed by people's response of hugs and promises of prayer. God is once again showing me His dream for my life as he continues to provide for this trip. 87 days until I'm China bound!
Oh! and 5 days until adulthood and vacation. Just sayin', I'm a little bit excited.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
China!
At 3:08 PM on Monday, March 7th, I received the email that changed my life. "On behalf of Show Hope I am pleased to inform you that you have been accepted for the new June 17-26, 2011 Student Show Hope Trip to China!"
I applied for this trip about 5 months ago after feeling God put a deep call on my heart to care for the orphans. 2 weeks ago I received an email about a new trip opening up because so many students had applied (I originally applied for August) and was asked if I would be willing to go in June. My answer was immediately "yes". And now here I am, accepted for this new trip.
Words cannot explain how excited I am to have been given this opportunity. I am looking forward to holding, loving, and showing hope to the precious orphans in China.
Already, I feel things are getting crazy as I am begining to prepare for this trip. Passport, prayer cards, support letters and fundraiser ideas, all this has been going on in my head the past couple of days. I'm reminded that God is in control of it all, and He will provide and work everything out.
Keep checking back as I post more details about this trip!
Maria's Big House of Hope.
I applied for this trip about 5 months ago after feeling God put a deep call on my heart to care for the orphans. 2 weeks ago I received an email about a new trip opening up because so many students had applied (I originally applied for August) and was asked if I would be willing to go in June. My answer was immediately "yes". And now here I am, accepted for this new trip.
Words cannot explain how excited I am to have been given this opportunity. I am looking forward to holding, loving, and showing hope to the precious orphans in China.
Already, I feel things are getting crazy as I am begining to prepare for this trip. Passport, prayer cards, support letters and fundraiser ideas, all this has been going on in my head the past couple of days. I'm reminded that God is in control of it all, and He will provide and work everything out.
Keep checking back as I post more details about this trip!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Obnoxious-Oversized-Stuffed Animals
So, I have to admit, I am not a fan of Valentine's Day. Exactly what is the significance of red balloons and candy in the shape of a heart? But here is the part that really bothers me: The word "love" gets thrown around too much.
Sadly, I feel like the world today uses the word love too much, and it has lost its meaning. People forget how strong of a word "love" is.
Webster dictionary defines love as an unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for another.
That means you are putting someone's well-being above your own. Giving up your time, energy, and recources because of your care for someone else. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." That is what love means. God loved us enough to give up His only son, just so we would be able to spend eternity with Him. It is a sacrificial love, giving up what He had, in order to give us fulfillment.
Matthew 22:37 says, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your sould, and with all your strength.'" The "love" talked about in this verse is the same love that is mentioned in John 3:16. A self-sacrificing love. You see, God had that love for us, and continues to pour out his love all over our lives. But in the same way, we need to turn around and give that same love to Him. We show God our love to God by the giving up of our time, focusing on Him, spreading His message, and then continuing His love. It's a never-ending cycle of love. And oh, how He loves us!
Love God. Love people.
Happy Valentine's Day. Kind of.
Sadly, I feel like the world today uses the word love too much, and it has lost its meaning. People forget how strong of a word "love" is.
Webster dictionary defines love as an unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for another.
That means you are putting someone's well-being above your own. Giving up your time, energy, and recources because of your care for someone else. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." That is what love means. God loved us enough to give up His only son, just so we would be able to spend eternity with Him. It is a sacrificial love, giving up what He had, in order to give us fulfillment.
Matthew 22:37 says, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your sould, and with all your strength.'" The "love" talked about in this verse is the same love that is mentioned in John 3:16. A self-sacrificing love. You see, God had that love for us, and continues to pour out his love all over our lives. But in the same way, we need to turn around and give that same love to Him. We show God our love to God by the giving up of our time, focusing on Him, spreading His message, and then continuing His love. It's a never-ending cycle of love. And oh, how He loves us!
Love God. Love people.
Happy Valentine's Day. Kind of.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Besties
I pretty much have the best friends in the entire world. Be jealous.
With my high school career coming to an end (and the insistence that a blog must be written about her) I have been thinking a lot about my best friend.
I met Bekka when I was in 6th grade, and after much persistence, I was finally able to persuade her to be my friend. We have grown up a lot since middle school, and our friendship has grown a lot too. Bekka is the coolest and funniest friend I have ever had. She makes me laugh all the time, and is such an encouragement in my life. I am definitely going to miss her as we both leave for college. (But she is going to be an awesome journalist one day!) We will have to plan lots of skype dates to keep in touch, because I am not going to lose my best friend.
I love you Bekka!
Superbowl SNAC tonight and looking forward to a good week!
With my high school career coming to an end (and the insistence that a blog must be written about her) I have been thinking a lot about my best friend.
I met Bekka when I was in 6th grade, and after much persistence, I was finally able to persuade her to be my friend. We have grown up a lot since middle school, and our friendship has grown a lot too. Bekka is the coolest and funniest friend I have ever had. She makes me laugh all the time, and is such an encouragement in my life. I am definitely going to miss her as we both leave for college. (But she is going to be an awesome journalist one day!) We will have to plan lots of skype dates to keep in touch, because I am not going to lose my best friend.
I love you Bekka!
Superbowl SNAC tonight and looking forward to a good week!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Queen Esther
I think one of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Queen Esther. There are so many different lessons that can be learned from the this ten chapter book in the Bible. In Sunday School, we just began a study of Esther, and I was reminded of all the reasons I love this story.
Do you remember how Esther became queen? There was a queen at the time, Queen Vashti. Her husband, King Xerxes, was throwing the party of all parties. It lasted 180 days, and I imagine it was a bigger deal than these "My Super Sweet 16" parties are today. One day, the King was in good spirits from the wine. (Also known as drunk, trashed, wasted, you get the picture.) Well, in his "high spirits" he called for the queen to come out so he could show her off. And guess what she said. "No!" She was not going to go out into the party and be paraded around like some kind of trophy. Some people might think of her as a bad queen for not listening to the king, but I think it was a little different than that. It seems like she had some self-respect and was not going to make poor decisions. Besides, God obviously had other plans.
Because of her actions, Queen Vashti had her crown taken away. Now the King was in a dilemma. He needed a new queen. So what did he do? He collected all the pretty girls from the country so he could go through them and pick a wife. Among all the women that had been collected was Esther. Esther was a Jew who had been raised by her cousin, Mordecai. When the King saw Esther he was very pleased, so he placed the crown on her head, and just like that she was queen.
Long story short, Mordecai warned Esther of a plot he overheard to kill the King. King Xerxes was saved and Mordecai was honored. Then Haman came along, got jealous and angry, and figured the best solution would be to wipe out all the Jews. Esther is not going to let this happen so tells her people to pray, then she had the King and Haman over for dinner, twice. Finally she tells the King that she wants her life and the lives of her people to be spared. The King listens to Esther and wants to know who would hurt her and her people. The finger is pointed at Haman and he soon becomes Hangman.
Imagine how much courage it took to stand before the King and make her request known. But she knew she had God on her side and with that, she was able to save her people. A very interesting fact though, God's name is never printed in the book of Esther. I believe it was written in invisible ink, because even though we never see the letters spelled out, God is very much present. He was the master of the story all along, from Queen Vashti being kicked out, to Esther pleading for her life and saving a nation. God used unexpected people to accomplish His mission. What a challenge! God is still present today and He is looking for people to carry out His tasks.
Once again, I am blown away by God's perfect plan, and who and what He uses to get the job done.
Do you remember how Esther became queen? There was a queen at the time, Queen Vashti. Her husband, King Xerxes, was throwing the party of all parties. It lasted 180 days, and I imagine it was a bigger deal than these "My Super Sweet 16" parties are today. One day, the King was in good spirits from the wine. (Also known as drunk, trashed, wasted, you get the picture.) Well, in his "high spirits" he called for the queen to come out so he could show her off. And guess what she said. "No!" She was not going to go out into the party and be paraded around like some kind of trophy. Some people might think of her as a bad queen for not listening to the king, but I think it was a little different than that. It seems like she had some self-respect and was not going to make poor decisions. Besides, God obviously had other plans.
Because of her actions, Queen Vashti had her crown taken away. Now the King was in a dilemma. He needed a new queen. So what did he do? He collected all the pretty girls from the country so he could go through them and pick a wife. Among all the women that had been collected was Esther. Esther was a Jew who had been raised by her cousin, Mordecai. When the King saw Esther he was very pleased, so he placed the crown on her head, and just like that she was queen.
Long story short, Mordecai warned Esther of a plot he overheard to kill the King. King Xerxes was saved and Mordecai was honored. Then Haman came along, got jealous and angry, and figured the best solution would be to wipe out all the Jews. Esther is not going to let this happen so tells her people to pray, then she had the King and Haman over for dinner, twice. Finally she tells the King that she wants her life and the lives of her people to be spared. The King listens to Esther and wants to know who would hurt her and her people. The finger is pointed at Haman and he soon becomes Hangman.
Imagine how much courage it took to stand before the King and make her request known. But she knew she had God on her side and with that, she was able to save her people. A very interesting fact though, God's name is never printed in the book of Esther. I believe it was written in invisible ink, because even though we never see the letters spelled out, God is very much present. He was the master of the story all along, from Queen Vashti being kicked out, to Esther pleading for her life and saving a nation. God used unexpected people to accomplish His mission. What a challenge! God is still present today and He is looking for people to carry out His tasks.
Once again, I am blown away by God's perfect plan, and who and what He uses to get the job done.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Oh technology
I can now blog from my cell phone! While sitting in class. Not that I would do that, of course.
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