Central America

El Salvador. Guatemala. Honduras. One week.

After years of seeking the Lord’s will for overseas mission work, He has provided an answer: Central America. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven,” (Eccl. 3:1) and this is the time that the Lord has appointed for me to travel with a team of believers to another country, to share Christ – the Way, the Truth, and the Life – with His people.

And now for a confession: I am truly inadequate for such a mission. I often think, “Why did you choose me, God?” For that I do not have an answer, but I do know the He did choose me, despite my weaknesses.

“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” ~II Corinthians 12:9

Praise the Lord that He doesn’t need my strength, but rather wants me to be emptied of myself so that He can show forth His strength. I am absolutely nothing apart from Christ, but through Him I can do all things (Phil. 4:13). Not only can I do all things through Him, but I must do all things through Him. My best human effort cannot compare to the mighty power of my God!

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” ~John 3:30

Because of His grace, His power, His love, His strength, and His faithfulness, I can go forth on this mission with confidence – not in myself, but in my God. I excitedly await my two weeks in Central America, to see the awesome plans of my Lord and King!

”But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” ~ II Corinthians 2:14

Epic Adventure

The last three years have been quite an adventure. Our family moved from Florida to Arkansas – and in the space of those three years, we have rented a house in town, bought a beautiful lake home, moved back to another rental in town, and we currently live in a quaint little house (aka the “Shed”) on a farm.

Besides becoming an expert packer and mover through all of this, I have been humbled and moved to my knees in thankfulness for the Lord’s provision in our lives. Though our current living situation is not ideal, it has brought our family much closer – and for that I am forever grateful.

We have gone from a house in which everyone could be home, yet not see each other all day, to a home where you are forced to see each other because there is no-where to hide (literally)! Central heat and air, a dishwasher, a spacious kitchen, five bathrooms – bam, it’s all gone. Try window unit air-conditioner and one bathroom (the dishwasher and spacious kitchen don’t exist), that’s more like it. Yet, there is SO MUCH to be thankful for! For example, I absolutely LOVE sharing a bedroom with my sisters (not that it isn’t a challenge at times), and washing the dishes can actually be quite therapeutic and relaxing!

“For I have learned, in whatsoever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11b

God has opened my eyes to how much I have taken for granted over the years. Yes, there was a certain element of thankfulness for what we had, but truly, I had no idea. To be honest, I feel more blessed now, despite the fact that we do not have the large home and the status that went with it. I feel blessed to have a God that is so intimately involved in every aspect of our lives, providing for our every need. I feel blessed that He has directed our steps, and brought us to where we are now (a story in itself!). We do not deserve any of His blessings and provision, yet He loves us and chooses to take care of us! Praise be to the Lord Most High!

Our epic adventure has only just begun, and I am SO excited for God’s perfect plans. May the Lord continue to stretch us and refine us, that we may reflect more of Him in the way we live our lives!

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6