This is True!
We know that God is real, active and in control. But do we really live in such a way? I know I am so guilty of forgetting this truth. Two summers ago I received a prophetic word saying "your prayer's have impact", but so often I forget. When we walk with the Lord, give Him control and ask Him to move and use us to glorify Himself, He will. This past year more than ever, that phrase "your prayer's have impact" has returned to me in a loud, convicting voice. Even though it is convicting, it brings joy because of the meaning and potential.
When I have lived my day in such a way, it has proven true. When I have prayed for something specific, even things I know are minute, God has answered and made things happen which have maybe never happened before, because I asked. Even though these things have happened, I continue to forget and become ungrateful that God is able and wants to be so highly involved in our lives.
I titled this post as Blown Away, because I have asked the Lord this summer to blow me away and that HE HAS!
The Summer Decision
I have been asked so many times, "what are you doing this summer?". This was a hard decision and it is hard to tell people. (Here comes my vulnerable honesty…) I am obviously asking people for money for this next year and so I felt this obligation to work my tail off all summer making as much money as I possibly can to contribute myself. But the thought of that in a way depressed me, because all I wanted to do was spend time with my family and have time to prepare in more ways than financially. I would not be able to go spend a week with my grandparents or probably go to the beach for the 27th year with all my relatives if I had a strict job.
But what does that have to do with being blown away? This past semester I began the semester with 21 hours to try to finish my spanish minor without having to pay 1,000 dollars for summer classes. And with much prayer and dependence on God I was able to do much better with all 21 hours than I had ever expected. Plus, I saved 1,000 dollars. With that, I was not tied down to Boone, but free to live anywhere for the summer, yet I had a lease on my apartment through the summer. However I would spend less by living at home. After receiving a blessing from my parents to not work full-time but to come home I told a couple friends my apartment would be available if they heard of anyone looking. This was near the end of April, most people know their summer plans by this time and have already found housing. But 5 days later, my friend sees on facebook a girl is looking for summer housing while I was in the room with her. We gave her my phone number and she contacted me. Not only did she sublease for June and July but half of May, which was another 1,000 dollars saved. That does not happen. I repeat, that does not happen. Many friends were looking for a subleaser for months and never found one. But when we pray, things happen. I believe that.
SO WHAT AM I DOING THIS SUMMER?
I wanted to take the summer as a time of preparation.
1. I called the pregnancy resource center to volunteer. 15 minutes after speaking with the director for the first time I drove over and helped babysit for parenting classes and was much needed which six babies and a dirty diaper which leeked down the pant leg to the sock. I have then been able to serve with my mom who was already volunteering which was a hope of mine.
2. I called the Community Inn and Table to volunteer with people whom have lost their homes in our community. Again, five minutes after being on the phone with the director I was in my car headed to the inn to get informed and get to know some of the men and women in the inn.
3. I told a friend from church I wanted my sister and I to meet and visit an elderly, lonely lady in town. She immediately lit up and told me she knows someone whose only visitor's are my friend's family. So that week and since then my sister and I have been able to go visit this lady and her roommate in the nursing home. It has been a real blessing for all of us. Last week we prayed for her to be able to walk, please pray with us!
4. Many of the men and women who poured into me during high school and college have children who are now in middle school. I have been longing to build relationships and pour into them. I got a phone call asking if I would come teach a lesson on servanthood, serve an elderly neighbor and hang out with ten of these young girls for a day camp. It was awesome!
5. My dad mentioned to me to go by United Way to see if they could use me. I walk in the door and tell them, I am around this summer and would like to help if they need it. They told me that the day before they said they needed a summer intern. It was perfect!
6. I have been in the process of sharing about the race with different churches. Thus far I have been able to share four different times and all have been a real blessing.
One of them is worth mentioning in more detail, though all have many stories to tell, but this one goes with the "blown away" topic. I had finally gotten a hold of the pastor of one church five days before the Sunday I wanted to share. I had not officially met this pastor or anybody in this church, but they are huge supporters of our campus ministry, so I wanted to share. She told me to come and she'd give me about 3 minutes to share. As I am driving to church I pray "Lord, blow me away today". When I get to the church she said her message is on John 3:16 and who is better to share about God's love for the world than a missionary. So she had me kind of split her sermon with her. On top of that I was able to do the opening prayer, responsive reading and help serve communion. Then during the time of prayer, she had me kneel at the alter and maybe 10 people came to pray for me. A week and a half later I pray the same prayer, "Lord, blow me away today." That afternoon I received an email informing me that the women's ministry of that church is going to give 500 dollars towards the Lord's work through me next year across the globe!
6. Making money! Though I am not working at a job (besides a new job teaching swim lessons to a beautiful girl from India), I have been given so many oppertunities to work. I have been home for 3 1/2 weeks and have made about what I would've made if I was working a job through people having me work for the race.
7. Reading books. I have finished three and working on two others right now. It is so nice to have the time to read and learn.
The point of this blog was for an update on where I am and what I am doing. Then to testify to how the Lord is moving and working and to maybe encourage all of us to pray more and with more fervency. Our prayers have impact! How can we keep from praying?
Thank you for reading and thank you for your support and your prayers! For those who have given financially thank you for your investment. Please continue to give, there is still a long way to go, but the Lord provides through the body! I thanked a friend last week for her love, support, selflessness and rejoicing with me. She told me she could not do it if I was not going! Did you hear that? She would not be able to support, love, rejoice and be selfless if there were not people to do that for. I am so grateful for her wisdom and obedience. I pray we will all join in to fulfill what the Lord is doing around the world.
Please contact me if you have any questions about anything. Also if you need or know someone who needs work please let me know!
I pray we will continue to ask and expect the Lord to blow us away today!
