Monday, January 19, 2009

Going Away Party

So, if you have Facebook, you know I've changed the date at least a million times, but I think I've finally got a date where most people should be able to drop in for a bit and say goodbye. I'm having a going away party on January 25th at my house from 2:00-6:00. It's open house, so just drop by for a bit, eat some food, and hang out one last time before I leave. Message or e-mail if you need directions to my house!

Friday, January 16, 2009

YAY JESUS!

Wanted to write a quick note to inform you, in case you didn't know, that GOD IS COMPLETELY AMAZING!!! Thanks to God's provision through some generous hearts, I am only $200 short of what I need to send YWAM before I get down to Australia! I KNOW he is going to provide the rest of what I need, exactly when I need it. Keep praying that he will pour out the blessing of his provision for the little bit that I need to send before I get there, and for the money I will need once I get there. God is faithful, and I can't wait to share the awesome testimony I will have after God provides everything I need!

Monday, January 12, 2009

I'm Leavin' on a Jetplane!

Hey friends! Exciting news--I bought my plane ticket! I leave SeaTac on February 4th at 7:00pm for LAX, where I will take a 14 1/2 hour flight to Sydney and arrive at 9:20am on the 6th (weird time change). I'll leave Sydney on July 30th at 1:20pm, and 16 hours later, I'll be at SeaTac at 3:13pm.

I have been debating for a long time about buying my ticket because it's kind of the point of no return. I was praying about it, and I really felt like the Lord wanted me to step out in faith and buy the ticket, even though I don't have all the finances for the school yet. God directed me to Noah and the Ark, reminding me that Noah had to start building WAY before the rains came. His neighbors must have thought he was nuts! I felt the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart, but chose to make up a bunch of lame excuses about how I should wait until I was sure.

The very next day, I logged on to the United website and saw that the ticket price I had been so carefully watching had skyrocketed $400! I wanted to kick myself for being so dumb. Waiting until I was sure??? I have been sure for the past few years that this is what God is calling me to, but I let the devil sneak his lies into my head that I needed to see the proof to believe--show me the money! The Lord graciously reminded me of Hebrews Chapter 11, which says:

1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for...7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

I prayed and asked God to forgive my foolishness, and resolved to seek God and obey him, no matter how crazy it seems to the world. Kid you not, the next day I looked online, and there was a sale on the Quantas website for cheaper than the original ticket I was looking at through United! God is so gracious!!!! I am so thankful that he chose to take my disobedience and use it to teach me and grow me, and then bless me Job-style with something even better than I had before!

So, I am still praying for God to provide the rest of the finances I need, but now I am praying with renewed confident expectation that God will rain down his blessings in his time and his way. Please keep praying that God will be glorified in everything that happens as I prepare for and go on this adventure with him!