My spring break from school started a week ago today. I have until Monday still off to relax and gear up for the next 8 weeks of blissful nursing! :-) My last post..whew... So many things were/are on my heart, but God is faithful. At that time a week ago, I was so discouraged. In the last seven days, God has shown me so much about myself. Through gentle whispers, a calm breeze, no homework, and a really good book. I've missed my Bible. Trust me, I'm NOT a daily reader. I used to be, but the past several months I've become a slacker in that area. However, this whole week at home, I just feel like a part of me is quite lost without it on my bedside table. Just the appearance of the Word of God strengthens my soul, and I didn't even know it.
On my way home for spring break, I stopped off at the library and picked up a book by Dr. Kevin Leman named "The Firstborn Advantage." If you are a firstborn, or you know someone that you are having connection/relationship issues with (i.e. a firstborn friend/relative), this book is for you. It really lays the life and mentality of a firstborn right out there. It talks about perfectionism, and how truly, we are SO into pleasing ourselves. Eventually, it leads to what Dr. Leman calls a discouraged perfectionist. It has nothing to do with what YOU are doing, but everything to do about what we, in our hearts, are feeling about ourselves.
It's incredible, really. I feel a real blessing from God by being introduced to this book. It's a nice sized book, but within the first 12 hours, I had 120 pages of it read. I can't get enough of it. I honestly thought I was one-of-a-kind, but holy smokes, he is nailing EVERY single one of my characteristics and personality strengths and weakensses. I LOVE it. A quote he uses throughout the book several times is that a firstborn is the "mover and shaker of the universe." World-changers. I love that! The book, with God's grace, has helped me understand why I have made the decisions I have made lately, and how I view the consequences thereof. <> I just LOVE learning!
Beautiful stuff. We truly do have something great to live for.
thank.you.Lord.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Season Change- (beyond simply winter to spring...)
"Just remember, there is no condom for your mind...", she said.
--The act of a condom is to protect, provide a barrier, and to stop the spread thereof. Though the word itself is referred to a sexual act, it's principle can be applied elsewhere.--
The difference between right and wrong. We conclude that it is such a gray area. That living on the line is, in fact, the best place to live. After all, it happens to be the most exhilarating. Nothing compares the adrenaline rush I receive from contemplating the pros/cons of a decision that may or may not be right. Just how far can I go? If I pass the line, will I remain close enough to it so I can cross back over? Life on the other side of that line...it is, well, free... The Spirit reminds me, though, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free..." Galatians 5:1a. It continues to read, "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (5:1b). If this is true, (and I fully believe it is), why do I feel so trapped and so 'un-free'?
If the call of God is irrevocable, what happens if I stray away for a little while? Can I come back and pick up where I left off? Just how far will my sin separate me from the Lord? Can I really be used if I damage who I am in the Lord? How much of my mind can I possibly destroy before the point of return?
Through discussing some of this with a friend, she made the comment that is quoted at the beginning of this blog. It really impacted me. No matter what decision I am trying to make, the consequences of that decision will affect my mind. Nothing I can do will be enough to protect my mind. Again, the act of a condom is to protect, provide a barrier, and to stop the spread thereof. And again, though the word itself is referred to a sexual act, it's principle can be applied elsewhere. Just think on it. It causes deep reflection.
"If the choices you make drive you into a place of hiding, leading to depression... If you aren't ready to explain the decisions you make to those around you, then you are facing a big problem," she said, "and remember, there is no condom for your mind."
Basically, no matter how physically safe I feel in making ANY decision, I will not be protected from the impact it has on my mind, my soul, my spirit... Am I prepared for that? It's not safe to walk away from the hand, protection, and will of God. However, as heinous as it sounds, that's exactly what I want to do.
Will I do it?
I don't plan on it.
But, bear with me, okay?
--The act of a condom is to protect, provide a barrier, and to stop the spread thereof. Though the word itself is referred to a sexual act, it's principle can be applied elsewhere.--
The difference between right and wrong. We conclude that it is such a gray area. That living on the line is, in fact, the best place to live. After all, it happens to be the most exhilarating. Nothing compares the adrenaline rush I receive from contemplating the pros/cons of a decision that may or may not be right. Just how far can I go? If I pass the line, will I remain close enough to it so I can cross back over? Life on the other side of that line...it is, well, free... The Spirit reminds me, though, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free..." Galatians 5:1a. It continues to read, "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (5:1b). If this is true, (and I fully believe it is), why do I feel so trapped and so 'un-free'?
If the call of God is irrevocable, what happens if I stray away for a little while? Can I come back and pick up where I left off? Just how far will my sin separate me from the Lord? Can I really be used if I damage who I am in the Lord? How much of my mind can I possibly destroy before the point of return?
Through discussing some of this with a friend, she made the comment that is quoted at the beginning of this blog. It really impacted me. No matter what decision I am trying to make, the consequences of that decision will affect my mind. Nothing I can do will be enough to protect my mind. Again, the act of a condom is to protect, provide a barrier, and to stop the spread thereof. And again, though the word itself is referred to a sexual act, it's principle can be applied elsewhere. Just think on it. It causes deep reflection.
"If the choices you make drive you into a place of hiding, leading to depression... If you aren't ready to explain the decisions you make to those around you, then you are facing a big problem," she said, "and remember, there is no condom for your mind."
Basically, no matter how physically safe I feel in making ANY decision, I will not be protected from the impact it has on my mind, my soul, my spirit... Am I prepared for that? It's not safe to walk away from the hand, protection, and will of God. However, as heinous as it sounds, that's exactly what I want to do.
Will I do it?
I don't plan on it.
But, bear with me, okay?
Monday, March 15, 2010
Encouraging Weakness
Disclaimer: My blog is for my thoughts, (which may not be true, valid, researched, or agreed with).
Today was an emotional roller coaster. I slept about 5 hours last night, woke up and studied some more for my final test in Nursing Interventions (diseases/body systems) in Nursing School. My FINAL. Crazy, huh? Now, I have my nursing practicum left. It consists of a nursing leadership/management class that includes 128 hours of clinical with a preceptor. I feel ready to start making money. Well, I felt pretty good about my test, but I didn't find out until 4 pm today that I did indeed pass it.
Meanwhile, I was scheduled for coffee with a lady I met via Facebook through a mutual friend. She has been a missionary nurse for years, (longer than I've been alive), and I was excited about the get-together so I could possibly form an opinion about what to do next after school lets out. (i.e. pursue more education, work in which area of the hospital, where to seek mission opportunities while waiting...) She definitely gave me a lot to think about, but I left feeling really defeated. Building on that feeling of defeat came thoughts of in-competency, failure, and hopelessness. She assuredly did not instill that into me, but with what we talked about and where I am right now... it just all feels so far away. And everything I hear I take for fact, especially from people who have gone before me. When those 'facts' begin contradicting, it's time for a period of back-up.
I've known for a long time that there is a lot for me to learn, but haven't thought a lot about it because I've been so focused on finishing nursing school. Though, obviously, much training will go down in the future. I don't know exactly what my purpose in the country of Haiti will be, but the fact that God called me there in December, 2008 will never change. Romans 11:29, "for God's gift and His call are irrevocable." And, I strongly believe that in time, the when, how, and what for will come at His appointed time. Until then, I feel God urging me to learn. Expand my knowledge and prepare. To draw near unto Him.
The truth is that no matter how young you are, the Lord will/can use a willing vessel. If you've poured yourself out before Him, He WILL equip you. He WILL empower you. He WILL strengthen you. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." It doesn't say set an example for the believers who are younger than you are. It simply says, believers. ALL believers. I am to set an example for those younger, older, and the same age as I am. Through my speech, my life, my love, my faith, and my purity. That is a pretty extensive list of ways to set examples. Paul states this as a command. It isn't something he asked Timothy to do.
If the Lord has delivered a vision to your soul, or a word to your heart, or a desire for something more, develop it. Please do not let anyone discourage you. Do not allow the devil to begin to make you feel like you are not competent to do the big things God has shown you. Instead, use it as fuel to draw nearer to the Lord. It's times of growth that the devil uses his sneakiest to get inside of your heart and head. I love the following passage.
Proverbs 4:20-27
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
And v 25. Just keep looking straight ahead. Dwelling on what has happened will keep your eyes fixed on the past, but better days are ahead of you. Pastor John and James River Church have really adapted the phrase, "The Best is Yet to Come" and this is TRUE. God will continue to expand territory, broaden horizons, increase knowledge, entrust more to you, bless you more... It's amazing to think about.
This blog started off about 30 minutes ago wherein I was feeling really just down in the dumps, but by spending some time meditating on these verses, the Lord is already encouraging me.
Dear Lord, You are a good God. You have gone before me in every single decision I have made lately, and You have been my rear guard. On all angles, I feel protected by You. Thank You for the love you show me. Thank You for surrounding me by people to uplift me in times of weakness. And most of all, thank You that when I am at my weakness, Your strength is shown to be even stronger. Lord, please direct, guide, strengthen, build, renew, console, and just love on us. Jesus, tonight I just want to be loved on. And, I want to love on You. Remind us continually of the plan You have for us on these few short years of eternity. I love you, Lord. Amen
Today was an emotional roller coaster. I slept about 5 hours last night, woke up and studied some more for my final test in Nursing Interventions (diseases/body systems) in Nursing School. My FINAL. Crazy, huh? Now, I have my nursing practicum left. It consists of a nursing leadership/management class that includes 128 hours of clinical with a preceptor. I feel ready to start making money. Well, I felt pretty good about my test, but I didn't find out until 4 pm today that I did indeed pass it.
Meanwhile, I was scheduled for coffee with a lady I met via Facebook through a mutual friend. She has been a missionary nurse for years, (longer than I've been alive), and I was excited about the get-together so I could possibly form an opinion about what to do next after school lets out. (i.e. pursue more education, work in which area of the hospital, where to seek mission opportunities while waiting...) She definitely gave me a lot to think about, but I left feeling really defeated. Building on that feeling of defeat came thoughts of in-competency, failure, and hopelessness. She assuredly did not instill that into me, but with what we talked about and where I am right now... it just all feels so far away. And everything I hear I take for fact, especially from people who have gone before me. When those 'facts' begin contradicting, it's time for a period of back-up.
I've known for a long time that there is a lot for me to learn, but haven't thought a lot about it because I've been so focused on finishing nursing school. Though, obviously, much training will go down in the future. I don't know exactly what my purpose in the country of Haiti will be, but the fact that God called me there in December, 2008 will never change. Romans 11:29, "for God's gift and His call are irrevocable." And, I strongly believe that in time, the when, how, and what for will come at His appointed time. Until then, I feel God urging me to learn. Expand my knowledge and prepare. To draw near unto Him.
The truth is that no matter how young you are, the Lord will/can use a willing vessel. If you've poured yourself out before Him, He WILL equip you. He WILL empower you. He WILL strengthen you. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." It doesn't say set an example for the believers who are younger than you are. It simply says, believers. ALL believers. I am to set an example for those younger, older, and the same age as I am. Through my speech, my life, my love, my faith, and my purity. That is a pretty extensive list of ways to set examples. Paul states this as a command. It isn't something he asked Timothy to do.
If the Lord has delivered a vision to your soul, or a word to your heart, or a desire for something more, develop it. Please do not let anyone discourage you. Do not allow the devil to begin to make you feel like you are not competent to do the big things God has shown you. Instead, use it as fuel to draw nearer to the Lord. It's times of growth that the devil uses his sneakiest to get inside of your heart and head. I love the following passage.
Proverbs 4:20-27
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make levelb]"> paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
And v 25. Just keep looking straight ahead. Dwelling on what has happened will keep your eyes fixed on the past, but better days are ahead of you. Pastor John and James River Church have really adapted the phrase, "The Best is Yet to Come" and this is TRUE. God will continue to expand territory, broaden horizons, increase knowledge, entrust more to you, bless you more... It's amazing to think about.
This blog started off about 30 minutes ago wherein I was feeling really just down in the dumps, but by spending some time meditating on these verses, the Lord is already encouraging me.
Dear Lord, You are a good God. You have gone before me in every single decision I have made lately, and You have been my rear guard. On all angles, I feel protected by You. Thank You for the love you show me. Thank You for surrounding me by people to uplift me in times of weakness. And most of all, thank You that when I am at my weakness, Your strength is shown to be even stronger. Lord, please direct, guide, strengthen, build, renew, console, and just love on us. Jesus, tonight I just want to be loved on. And, I want to love on You. Remind us continually of the plan You have for us on these few short years of eternity. I love you, Lord. Amen
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I was late!
I woke up this morning to see the light shining through my door. Sounds marvelous, but panic seized my heart. You're not supposed to be seeing light right now. It's NOT naturally sunny at 4:45am. oh-my-goodness, it's not 4:45am! Yeah, it happened...again. Now, I get to pay to go to the hospital on what should be beginning my Spring break. Ugh! The culprit for the late start is my telephone. They are not as reliable as we think they should be. Apparently at some point in the night, the thing turned off. <>, Oh well, right? What can I do about it, now?
I woke up at 7:45 am, and decided to spend some time with the Lord in the Word. How refreshing it is, and how surprising it is! I am reading the Bible through in a year, but I'm doing it differently than most do. I am doing it chronologically. Currently, I am in Numbers. What a book! Right now, I just finished learning about how the Lord separated the Levites from the Israelites to be the caretakers of the Tent of Meeting. While Moses and Aaron have been playing the go-to for all the Israelites complaining. A while ago, it surprised me just how protective of Moses and Aaron God is. He wanted to kill off all those who opposed the brothers. But, Moses, in his humility, prayed that God would not. Though because of some disobedience on Moses and Aaron's part, God told them that they would not enter the Promised Land. Then, Aaron died on a hilltop. I'm so excited about what I am learning. God is teaching me practical ways to apply it to my life right now.
What I lack is a relationship with the Lord through prayer. Of course I pray. But they tend to be so shallow. By the time I make it to praying, I'm usually so exhausted I fail at remembering all I need to bring before the Lord. Before I go any further in this updated blog, reflecting upon the last sentence brings such surprise to my soul. As if God doesn't know all that is going on. I'm in a women's Bible study group right now that is discussing how to live a praying life. I've learned so far, that the way we're taught to pray in Sunday School...well, it's not right. Maybe someday I can condense what I've learned about prayer into clear and concise words, but right now, it is still rolling through my mind trying to get rooted.
Let me encourage you to dig deep into the Word of God. And when you pray, pray His will over your life and others. It's His will that others flourish, and that you are lead and directed. It's His will for your loved ones to come to know Christ, and it's His will that good is done. Your job is to pray it through. I wish I had more time to discuss this with you. For now, be encouraged! God is with you. He is there to help you, even if you wake up late for clinicals! :-)
xoxo
Kayla
I woke up at 7:45 am, and decided to spend some time with the Lord in the Word. How refreshing it is, and how surprising it is! I am reading the Bible through in a year, but I'm doing it differently than most do. I am doing it chronologically. Currently, I am in Numbers. What a book! Right now, I just finished learning about how the Lord separated the Levites from the Israelites to be the caretakers of the Tent of Meeting. While Moses and Aaron have been playing the go-to for all the Israelites complaining. A while ago, it surprised me just how protective of Moses and Aaron God is. He wanted to kill off all those who opposed the brothers. But, Moses, in his humility, prayed that God would not. Though because of some disobedience on Moses and Aaron's part, God told them that they would not enter the Promised Land. Then, Aaron died on a hilltop. I'm so excited about what I am learning. God is teaching me practical ways to apply it to my life right now.
What I lack is a relationship with the Lord through prayer. Of course I pray. But they tend to be so shallow. By the time I make it to praying, I'm usually so exhausted I fail at remembering all I need to bring before the Lord. Before I go any further in this updated blog, reflecting upon the last sentence brings such surprise to my soul. As if God doesn't know all that is going on. I'm in a women's Bible study group right now that is discussing how to live a praying life. I've learned so far, that the way we're taught to pray in Sunday School...well, it's not right. Maybe someday I can condense what I've learned about prayer into clear and concise words, but right now, it is still rolling through my mind trying to get rooted.
Let me encourage you to dig deep into the Word of God. And when you pray, pray His will over your life and others. It's His will that others flourish, and that you are lead and directed. It's His will for your loved ones to come to know Christ, and it's His will that good is done. Your job is to pray it through. I wish I had more time to discuss this with you. For now, be encouraged! God is with you. He is there to help you, even if you wake up late for clinicals! :-)
xoxo
Kayla
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Satisfaction
We each find satisfaction in separate things. Some enjoy ice cream, others prefer a Hershey's candy bar. Some crave a steak, others crave vegetables. I'm reading a book named Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus. It is really good. The truth is that many are starving their souls. They're trying to feed it with so many things that they think will satisfy it...but only the love of God can feed it. Doing what the Lord created you to do- satisfies it.
Me- I have been designed and purposed. To be in Haiti. To serve. To love. In December of 2008, I heard God speak and in the middle of the Barnes and Noble Starbucks cafe, I almost fell off the chair. If you've only recently began reading my blog, you do not know the story of the past year of my life. God has been so good, and He is so near.
I've been learning a lesson. I've been learning about passions, loves, and creations. And my professor has been the Lord. He is taking time to show me how HE is the one who gives us our passions. It is because He did, indeed, create us for His plan. We are but human, and we cannot contain every passion that the Lord has. In fact, we can only hold but a portion of one of his passions. This isn't 'rocket science,' and I realize some of you that read this will be confused or think this is old news. But, God is teaching me something, and I want to share it with you.
He has created me, and birthed into me a love for people. More specifically, a passion to see people to come to know Him and live in the passions He designated for them before they were born. And a step deeper, a love for the Haitian people. One that feels blood deep. I don't just love them, they are family to me. One of the lessons I have learned is that, (duh), not everyone has the same passion as I do. Some people do! I've talked to some that do! But others do not have the slightest clue as to why I would want to live somewhere that is in such a desperate place of neediness. Perhaps it's because I realize what a hopeless mess I was when Jesus came and lived in me. Some people are fearful for me. Most believe I won't follow through with the calling of my God.
A few things come to mind when that is implied. 1) Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 2)If He is for me, who can be against me. (Italics mine). and 3) The calling of the Lord is irrevocable. Long long ago, when I was a pre-teen, I told the Lord that every breath I took, and every step I took was His. I would do whatever, go wherever, and do it whenever He asked me to do and go. I have an opportunity to go to this country in November, and I am praying that God be glorified in any decision I must make regarding the trip.
Please learn this with me. The passion in my heart is God-given. He has allowed my heart to feel what He feels for this country and it's people-HIS people. You may have a passion to place orphan children in foster/adoptive homes. That passion is God-given. He has allowed your heart to feel what He feels for those children. You may have a passion to start a cafe, a passion to birth children, a passion to be a scientist. You must understand your passions are not of yourself. They are given to you by an all-knowing, omnipresent, and fearless God. They are His passions. Let Him do the work through you. Understand that other people's passions are from God and they are just as important to Him as your passion is to Him. (Because they are ALL His!) Be mindful of that. Would it be a little weird for me to remind you to support God's passions? Though sometimes we allow our feelings to be hurt, and we become offended because we think someone isn't paying enough attention to our passion and dream. Two things to that: 1) Be respectful of other's dreams and play into them. Give contacts, pray hard, and offer your help to someone who shares their dreams with you. And 2) Don't get offended. It's GOD's passion. He will get done what He wants to get done. Just be His vessel.
I'm stoked about what I'm learning, and I hope that you have gotten something out of this late night post! In 5 hours, I'm awaking for my day at the hospital!! Bring on the learning because one day, Haiti, I am coming to help you! And, until then, my soul will remain slightly starved, because until I'm working in the passion the Lord has given me, I will still crave home. Haiti.
Satisfied? Or do you still crave?
Me- I have been designed and purposed. To be in Haiti. To serve. To love. In December of 2008, I heard God speak and in the middle of the Barnes and Noble Starbucks cafe, I almost fell off the chair. If you've only recently began reading my blog, you do not know the story of the past year of my life. God has been so good, and He is so near.
I've been learning a lesson. I've been learning about passions, loves, and creations. And my professor has been the Lord. He is taking time to show me how HE is the one who gives us our passions. It is because He did, indeed, create us for His plan. We are but human, and we cannot contain every passion that the Lord has. In fact, we can only hold but a portion of one of his passions. This isn't 'rocket science,' and I realize some of you that read this will be confused or think this is old news. But, God is teaching me something, and I want to share it with you.
He has created me, and birthed into me a love for people. More specifically, a passion to see people to come to know Him and live in the passions He designated for them before they were born. And a step deeper, a love for the Haitian people. One that feels blood deep. I don't just love them, they are family to me. One of the lessons I have learned is that, (duh), not everyone has the same passion as I do. Some people do! I've talked to some that do! But others do not have the slightest clue as to why I would want to live somewhere that is in such a desperate place of neediness. Perhaps it's because I realize what a hopeless mess I was when Jesus came and lived in me. Some people are fearful for me. Most believe I won't follow through with the calling of my God.
A few things come to mind when that is implied. 1) Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 2)If He is for me, who can be against me. (Italics mine). and 3) The calling of the Lord is irrevocable. Long long ago, when I was a pre-teen, I told the Lord that every breath I took, and every step I took was His. I would do whatever, go wherever, and do it whenever He asked me to do and go. I have an opportunity to go to this country in November, and I am praying that God be glorified in any decision I must make regarding the trip.
Please learn this with me. The passion in my heart is God-given. He has allowed my heart to feel what He feels for this country and it's people-HIS people. You may have a passion to place orphan children in foster/adoptive homes. That passion is God-given. He has allowed your heart to feel what He feels for those children. You may have a passion to start a cafe, a passion to birth children, a passion to be a scientist. You must understand your passions are not of yourself. They are given to you by an all-knowing, omnipresent, and fearless God. They are His passions. Let Him do the work through you. Understand that other people's passions are from God and they are just as important to Him as your passion is to Him. (Because they are ALL His!) Be mindful of that. Would it be a little weird for me to remind you to support God's passions? Though sometimes we allow our feelings to be hurt, and we become offended because we think someone isn't paying enough attention to our passion and dream. Two things to that: 1) Be respectful of other's dreams and play into them. Give contacts, pray hard, and offer your help to someone who shares their dreams with you. And 2) Don't get offended. It's GOD's passion. He will get done what He wants to get done. Just be His vessel.
I'm stoked about what I'm learning, and I hope that you have gotten something out of this late night post! In 5 hours, I'm awaking for my day at the hospital!! Bring on the learning because one day, Haiti, I am coming to help you! And, until then, my soul will remain slightly starved, because until I'm working in the passion the Lord has given me, I will still crave home. Haiti.
Satisfied? Or do you still crave?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Guilt and Love
Ya know, It's really hard for me to even justify the feelings I have for Haiti. The sadness... I'm trying to remember to be proactive. I'm not there. I've never been there. But I long to be there. Tonight during the service at James River, a man delivered a Word from the Lord. It was intense. A lot of what the Lord had to tell us was about just whole hearted openness to Him. Be willing to let Him use you no matter what it may cost you. It's hard to picture the next several years of my life. Honestly, past the month of May, I am blind. But, I do know I want May to get here quick.
I think about what they lack and what I have. I thank God for His provisions. I am blessed. But, I can't help but think about water and food wasting here. Every single night when I lay down in my bed, I almost feel guilty. Thousands are sleeping on dirt streets.
My heart is burdened. And I know the most powerful thing to do is pray. So, I'm going to go spend time in prayer.
...and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. Isaiah 58:10
I think about what they lack and what I have. I thank God for His provisions. I am blessed. But, I can't help but think about water and food wasting here. Every single night when I lay down in my bed, I almost feel guilty. Thousands are sleeping on dirt streets.
My heart is burdened. And I know the most powerful thing to do is pray. So, I'm going to go spend time in prayer.
...and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. Isaiah 58:10
Thursday, February 11, 2010
*Haiti*
Convoy of Hope (check out www.convoyofhope.org) sent out a really awesome tweet the other day. It read something like this, "As Haiti's story leaves the news, please do not let it leave you." It's one of those sentences that impacts you at 200 mph, and breaks your heart. It leaves you thinking, What can I do? Knowing full well that there is only so much money one person can give. Don't get me wrong, I know there is MORE that you can do besides just give financially, including raising awareness, possibly going to the ground to aid, and prayer. But sometimes it all feels so very insignificant. I am one person. How can one person make a difference?
It is then that I am reminded by our most powerful God how much difference one person CAN make. Elijah prayed against rain, and for like 70 years it did not rain. That's rather significant, don't you think? Last night at church, we learned that the most powerful kind of prayer is consistent prayer. Hour by hour, day by day, night after night... consistence. The full weight of that responsibility did not hit me 24 hours ago, when I heard it. It is making impact right now. I can't help but find correlation between Haiti/media/prayer in my own life. I prayed literally every second of the day for a solid two weeks for this country and those serving in it, but as time progressed, so did I.
I caught myself about a week ago updating my twitter status. It was going to read "kaylaaiken: is starving. Must stop and eat." When I realized my words, I was so ashamed of myself. We are blessed. I am so blessed. Blessed isn't even the word for it, I feel sometimes. I'm downright spoiled. I take advantage of my situation, and millions more do too. When I'm hungry, I eat. When they're hungry, they wait it out. When they're hungry, they find their stash of mudpies. But when I'm hungry, I drive to the next drive-thru and order a $5.00 meal. FIVE dollars is a week's wages in Haiti.
I have been following a family from Minnesota. They have been missionaries working with two ministries, one of which is Heartline. It is a medical team. They have several children, and reading Troy and Tara Livesay's weblog...it is life altering. It keeps me from becoming too numb. It reminds me of the devastation. Check out their weblog and pray for them. Pray hard for them. They have recently (this week) flew to the United States to be with their children. They put their children (all of them) on an airplane short notice to get them out of Haiti. Not even knowing exactly where that plane was going. Can you imagine? Can you i-m-a-g-i-n-e??
They were reunited with their children and their son-in-law captured the reunion through photos. Viewing them brought tears to my eyes. This family needs prayer. They are sorting through a lot emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
As Convoy of Hope said, "As Haiti's story leaves the news, please do not let it leave you." Pray, friends. Pray really hard. Haiti needs your prayers. We are all called to intercede for them.
I love you!!
~Kayla~
It is then that I am reminded by our most powerful God how much difference one person CAN make. Elijah prayed against rain, and for like 70 years it did not rain. That's rather significant, don't you think? Last night at church, we learned that the most powerful kind of prayer is consistent prayer. Hour by hour, day by day, night after night... consistence. The full weight of that responsibility did not hit me 24 hours ago, when I heard it. It is making impact right now. I can't help but find correlation between Haiti/media/prayer in my own life. I prayed literally every second of the day for a solid two weeks for this country and those serving in it, but as time progressed, so did I.
I caught myself about a week ago updating my twitter status. It was going to read "kaylaaiken: is starving. Must stop and eat." When I realized my words, I was so ashamed of myself. We are blessed. I am so blessed. Blessed isn't even the word for it, I feel sometimes. I'm downright spoiled. I take advantage of my situation, and millions more do too. When I'm hungry, I eat. When they're hungry, they wait it out. When they're hungry, they find their stash of mudpies. But when I'm hungry, I drive to the next drive-thru and order a $5.00 meal. FIVE dollars is a week's wages in Haiti.
I have been following a family from Minnesota. They have been missionaries working with two ministries, one of which is Heartline. It is a medical team. They have several children, and reading Troy and Tara Livesay's weblog...it is life altering. It keeps me from becoming too numb. It reminds me of the devastation. Check out their weblog and pray for them. Pray hard for them. They have recently (this week) flew to the United States to be with their children. They put their children (all of them) on an airplane short notice to get them out of Haiti. Not even knowing exactly where that plane was going. Can you imagine? Can you i-m-a-g-i-n-e??
They were reunited with their children and their son-in-law captured the reunion through photos. Viewing them brought tears to my eyes. This family needs prayer. They are sorting through a lot emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
As Convoy of Hope said, "As Haiti's story leaves the news, please do not let it leave you." Pray, friends. Pray really hard. Haiti needs your prayers. We are all called to intercede for them.
I love you!!
~Kayla~
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