You’re awesome for making it this far in supporting me.
I’m not much of a blogger of any sort so this will be one of the many new experiences. It’s almost quite hard to try and explain who I am in words, so bare with me. I was born in Gainesville, Florida….still currently in Gainesville. I have enjoyed this town and the people in it so much that I never had a desire to move. If you know me, I smile…ALOT! Just something most people know me by, I enjoy the happiness others receive from just a simple smile. Laughing, smiling, and hugging are three of my favorite things. I’m still currently in college, this is my last semester for an AA Degree. Gainesville is important to me because of the amazing faith family I have been lead to through Jesus placing me in Greenhouse Church. I currently work as an event coordinator/wedding planner. I also absolutely love cats and Horses. I have two precious kitties, who I will have to depart from. It does break my heart because everyone knows when I’ll be back…except my cats. Anyways, Art is another passion of mine. Whether that be painting, building things, mosaicking, or refurbishing furniture…you name it, I love it! Did I mention I LOVE trees….My favorite is the Willow tree, it bends with the wind. Nature is something I have always admired, something so beautiful from the work of God’s hands; nature is my getaway for everything.
My family is incredible… They are my heart. Always loving and supportive with all that I do. My mom is pure sunshine; her personality just radiates. My dad is such a loving, kind soul. My brother is my bestfriend/my other half. My grandparents are my biggest fans/second parents to me. I’m very blessed with those that I can share life with. I enjoy the outdoors…ALOT. Anything to do with adventure/nature count on me being there. You can usually find me in a hammock or exploring some trails or hanging out at the family farm picking the garden or possibly in a tree.
Where do I begin, the Lord starting moving dramatically in my life two years ago…I started to understand what being a Christian actually meant. Jesus’ hold on my life has been a blessing. He took me in his loving arms when I was in the worst season of my life and just transformed my heart. I have always had a passion for other cultures and traveling…much to my surprise Jesus changed that passion into something he can use me for, Missions! My grandmother, who I hold very dear to my heart, was in the hospital in the beginning of January. During this time everything in my life seemed to be at a stand still. The doctors were not certain if she would ever walk out of those hospital doors. The Lord pointed a verse to me late one night and took me by surprise (and if you know me I’m never up until 3am anymore). As I was sitting in my room staring at a painting that I painted about 3 years ago, I went into complete nothingness. Literally nothing at all was on my mind, it was quite odd. Then God just moved through me and out loud I was quoting scripture that I had not memorized…
“The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the Word of our God stands forever.”
-Isaiah 40:8
At that time I was struck with excitement, happiness, and complete sadness as I instantly thought of my grandmother. Through prayer and knowing God is faithful he brought my grandmother out of the hospital and she walked through her front door. Thank you Jesus! He has something bigger planned for her life. I know this is an “About Me”, but this has everything to do with what God was doing in my life. He was preparing me to take that leap of faith into missions and deliver his unfailing Word to the least of these. It struck me, what are we doing from the time we are born until the time our soul withers away that furthers the Word of God in our very lives? The passion for the broken, lost and confused has developed a fire in my soul.
At first I was like why Lord? I’m so comfortable where I’m at.. I have amazing family/friends, a great job, a wonderful house over my head. Why did you choose me… So many other people could do your work. Probably better than me. Then I broke, God chooses the unprepared so that he can build them up with trust and a heart for his plan. Through a lot of prayer I know this is right where I want to be….ready for God to break me down, open my eyes, and restore me to live life righteously for all His GLORY! I’m willing to drop everything leave it all behind to forward God’s kingdom. Jesus didn’t give options for people to consider, He gives commands for people to obey. God creates, blesses, and saves each of us for a radically global purpose. I was reading Luke and came across,
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:26
I was shocked…God you want me to love less my family, friends, myself to pick up my cross and follow you daily….? He answered, YES. Well what does that look like? It looks like complete Commitment. I owe my life for Jesus, Forever in debt to the lost so that they too may come to know him and experience his love and grace just as I have!
I’m so thankful you have made it this far. Your support means so much to me whether that is through prayer, encouraging letters, keeping up with me on this amazing opportunity or financially. You can follow me through this blog post throughout this journey. I pray that whether you choose to financially or prayerfully support me that God will bless you for your willingness to help. Stay hungry for Jesus because YOU may be the only sermon someone ever sees!
Your Sister in Christ,
Tiffany
