Set a Fire

     Last week we had the privilege to mosey on over to a Chatsworth House, which happens to be where "Pride and Prejudice" was filmed, for our team day. We also were able to journey to Stanage Edge- a hill that has an incredible view at the top. I literally ran up the trail with excitement running through my blood. It was so beautiful. I stood on top of those rocks, my hair blowing in the strong wind with my eyes closed thanking the Lord for all these many blessings I have in my life. Yes, this big adventure has been an extremely difficult one. Yes, I am more than ready to get out of here and go home. Yes, I miss my family, my friends, and everything else about my humble abode in Washington. But... even without all that He has still poured an abundance of grace and love on me. Standing up on those rocks I felt Alive. Thankful. Blessed. Overwhelmed with His presence. As though God was standing right next to me admiring His creation along side me.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my savior.

In the past four months I've realized how powerful prayer really is. Before coming here I hadn't been good about praying. Sure I'd talk to God all throughout the day but I never had a time that I fully devoted to talking to the Lord. Now, I have and I have never felt closer to God in my whole life. I aim to not talk to Him when I simply need something, but rather thanking Him. Praising Him for his love. His mercy. His forgiveness. The song "Set a Fire" By Jesus Culture has really been on my mind and in my heart. That is my continuous prayer. That God sets a fire in my soul every day. Every moment that I live on this earth. My heart's desire is that I burn with love for God. That I see others not through the worlds eyes, but through His eyes. Anything that is created by God is created in His image and is beautiful... So why are we so hard on other people? Why do we judge one another by the clothes someone is wearing? Or the way they look? This is something I've really been thinking and praying about. That I extend love to everyone- not just those whom I find it easy but rather the people I find it hard to love. That I don't judge others but rather see that they are created in His image. 

With four days left here in England I've had a chance to look back and reflect on everything that happened. God has changed my heart in many ways, I've been challenged, and I've grown closer to Him. I also had so many fantastic adventures along the way and I was also able to share the gospel with some people! I have also had an amazing opportunity to meet incredible people from all over the world. People who were simply acquaintances when I first arrived here now feel like brothers and sisters to me. Although my excitement to come home is overflowing, I will miss all the friends that I've been blessed with here. Thank you all so much for your support and prayers. <3

Liverpool

Rewarding

     Towards the beginning of my journey here in Liverpool I remember talking to my supervisor, telling her I feel as though I'm not able to fully serve the Lord with the current ministry we were doing at that time. She reminded me of the scriptures that discuss those who plow the land, plant the seeds, and then reap the harvest. Some plow the land and may never get a chance to see the harvest. She told me that in a sense our team may be like that... we may only do the "dirty work," and the next team will be the ones to see the work that we have all put in. That was a huge reminder for me and the Lord was definitely calming me down and showing me how to be patient. 

      So... Why do I tell you all this? Well, I was able to see the "harvest" yesterday. Our team did an "OM" service at church. The topic was community and being a strong body of Christ. We had a few illustrations and a main message. I also had the opportunity to lead worship! Absolutely shaking and more than nervous I survived... actually it turned out really good! I sang and played guitar while another guy played the guitar with me. It was such an amazing experience and I totally felt the Lords presence The whole service was completely Spirit led and we had the chance to use each of our gifts and talents for God's glory! Afterwards many people complemented each one of us saying what an amazing service it was and how well we all work together. 

     Later that night we took the youth in the church- 4 young ladies -to an evening church service at Frontline. The service was much different than Christ Church (the church we serve in)... It is not nearly as traditional as the girls are used to. They all really enjoyed it and worshiping together was amazing. I had the chance to talk to one of the girls about giving everything to God. She explained how that has been hard for her to grasp... "If I give everything to God it seems like I wouldn't be myself." She explained. I was able to then share my story of coming here and how incredibly difficult it was. I then told her "I understand how you feel, but it is more than rewarding when you do give everything to the Lord because then He can use you in ways you never thought possible." With tears in her eyes and avoiding my own she asked "But what am I supposed to do on Friday's when you guys leave? We won't have our youth group any more." I told her she could skype me any time and I'll always be there for her. I then asked if I can pray for her. Her response was short and cold. "No. Then I'll cry." Talking her into it I prayed for her. Honestly, I do not even remember what I said... It was absolutely the Holy Spirit. By the time I said Amen she was completely crying. I hugged her for a while and tried to encourage her. Later that night she messaged me saying how inspiring and uplifting I was and what a blessing I have been to her in the past 4 months. This encouraged me more than she will ever know.

     Laying in bed last night I then thought of what my supervisor explained to me. Thanking the Lord, I realized that I have been able to see the reward of our service here at Christ Church. Both with seeing how much they will miss us all and hearing how much we have encouraged everyone. It's an incredible feeling when God show's us things in His own timing- even when we get impatient!

Joy Comes in the Morning

     Earlier today a pastor from another church visited our own church and asked me how I am doing. I, of course, gave the typical "I'm good, How are you?" answer. He gave a blank stare... "How are you really? I can tell... I don't know how to explain it, but you have this deep sadness in you." Keep in mind I have only seen him about three times in my whole life. He went on, "I can just tell you're really home sick." My eyes got all welled up. Uhhh! I hate being vulnerable. I don't want to show my emotions... Don't cry. I don't want anyone to know how homesick I truly am. I gave a shrug and looked to the ceiling trying my hardest not to display how difficult this experience has truly been. "I'm sure it's really hard.. but you also have this air about you of pure joy. A sort of happiness that only comes from the Lord." This led my brain to thinking two things. Well, I wish I wasn't that easy to read... But that's super encouraging. I know God has a reason for everything, but through all the muck and mud honestly, it is so hard to see.
     Trust me. Two short, plain words that the Lord has laid on my heart and in my head. Trust God.... Such a simple yet powerful statement. God is doing amazing things, things that I can't even see myself. I had the privilege of skyping with my church at home and afterward with my family who had Easter dinner at our friends (the Pecks). I can not put into words what a "God thing" that was. He knew... Oh He knew how tremendously much I needed that. It was the push I needed to know that I can do this - Only through the Lord's power. Also, not only to endure these last three weeks but strive for them. Make the most of every single opportunity that comes my way.
     Often I hear the rain and think of how depressed it makes me feel. Living in England with rain poring down 304 days a year, well let's just say it gets fairly aggravating. I'm a summer girl - Give me a beach on a bright sunny day and I'll feel as though I'm floating on clouds. Tonight however I feel something different. As I sit on the window ledge, close my eyes and listen to drops of water splash on the earth I'm reminded of God's promise... The promise He made after the flood. Pondering this my thoughts are then led to yet another vow we have from the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be joy in the morning. How replenishing is that?! So, through listening to the calming sound of the rain on the roof along with encouraging conversations I have a sense of refreshment. As though I have been working in the hot, dry fields all day and then I sit down in the shade with a glass of ice cold lemonade. Thank you Lord for those sweet, replenishing moments in life!

God's Glorious Creation

Be Grateful.

     Until now, I never realized how important friendships are. Just when I thought that everything, literally everything, was crashing down around me and I had no one to talk to, God sent me a gift. Three of my best friends from the base were able to mosey on up here to Liverpool and visit us last weekend. We had an amazing day at the beach, running in the rain, sand below your bare feet, singing The Sound of Music, and tremendous amounts of laughter. The next day we had another adventure walking along trails admiring Gods delightful creation and ended up having tangible conversations. It wasn't a discussion that was meaningless, yet it was deep and sincere. Questioning what is the right thing to do in certain situations and what would bring the most glory to God while sticking up for the truth were some of the things that were talked about. These things made me think. I'm not talking about letting the thought cross my mind for three minutes... But I mean really pondering.

     Not only was I blessed with each one of my friends, but especially Sarah who has become one of my nearest and dearest friends. She has been an incredible Christ like example to me, and kindly reminds me to be more gentle, simply by her loving personality. Her encouraging words were like sweet lemonade on a summers day -- God knew how much I needed it. Simply being around her makes me feel more joyful because of how engaged with God she is. All this said, it was a refreshing and rejuvenating weekend to be sure. Which leads me to something God has been teaching me... Thankfulness.
     I want to challenge you all with this. Be thankful. I don't say this casually... I mean it in a deep sense of being thankful. I don't know how frustrated I would be at this point if the Lord hadn't sent my friends here for the weekend and  I am so incredibly thankful for that. The sun (something you don't get much of in England). My community. Dill pickles... YES dill pickles- another thing we don't have here! My amazing home church... the fellowship and genuine friendships that I have there. Real coffee. People who talk the same way I do and don't have accents. Driving on the correct side of the road. The "American Culture". My marvelous family. Living on a farm... These are things I have have taken for granted and I would have never thought I'd miss so much. Don't take things for granted. Look around you... smell the amazing food you have... Give a hug to one of your family members or kindred spirits... Take a walk in the gorgeous nature God has created... And last but not least, thank Jesus for these things.

Bedford Outreach

 This last weekend all of the Lifehope teams came together and did a big outreach in Bedford! It was a wonderful weekend to get away from our routines and evangelize as a group. The night we got there the church had a prayer night which lasted until midnight. The worship was amazing- I love those times you just really feel in the presence of God. After that some friends and I walked around the beautiful city. There is a lake which runs through the main part of town was gorgeous with the street lights glistening off of the water. Although it was difficult to get out of the bed the next morning, it was well worth it. The sun was shining, breakfast was prepared by our lovely host family, and we were able to eat outside! We gathered together at the church to pray and afterwards we went to the city center called Pigeon Square to set up everything. It was a large rectangular area with benches in an oval. We had the dance, drama, and mime teams in the center. The majority of the day, people filled the surrounding place and watched the performances. We also had free balloons, face painting, books, coffee and cookies! Worship music was another activity that went on in the square... That was amazing and was totally lead by the Holy Spirit. There were many conversations with the people and several got prayed over! My favorite part was the music... At one point I casually played worship songs on the guitar, then I looked up and people from all over were coming to listen. As some of you know I am no expert on the guitar. I know a few chords to get by on some songs. Through this God showed me this weekend that it doesn't matter how skillful you are at something, He will still use it to show others His love. It was such an amazing feeling to let God use me to show people joy! Not only were we evangelizing through music, but we all had a lot of fun in doing so! Overall it was an incredible experience.