Thanksgiving 2012

Today is the day we, as a nation, have set aside to gather together and give thanks to the Lord for all that He has blessed us with.

Today, I would like to thank the Lord for all of my blessings, but specifically for the following ones from this past year-


1. First and foremost- My salvation through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for continuing to draw me unto Himself!

Pleasant Hill Outdoor Center, Perrysville, OH

October 2012

2. Time with family-

Sim's BBQ Molasses Festival October 2012

Family - Easter 2012 

With cousins in Nashville, TN June 2012

3. Bonding with My sisters :)

Easter 2012 

4. Opportunities to serve the Lord-

Served with these amazing people in Big Sandy, TX 

April 2012

I was blessed to teach these cute kids about the Lord!

So blessed by these little ones!

The Lord opened the door this summer for a VBS at my church.

What a tremendous blessing and opportunity it was to work 

with these adults and teach these children about the 

Masterwork of God in their lives!

July 2012

The Lord abundantly blessed with an awesome team of teachers

for the NC Children's Program this summer!

August 2012

I was also blessed to teach these adorable young ladies

 5. Making New friends- 

With new family friends in Nashville, TN

June 2012

I got to stay in the same cabin with these beautiful ladies for a week!

What a blessing they each were to me!

Perrysville, OH 

October 2012

6. My birthday- I turned 22 this year!

So blessed with another year to serve the Lord, love my family,

and shine the light of Christ to those around me!

7. Wise ladies to disciple me and help lead me in the path of the Lord.

This is one of those special ladies- Mrs. Pam Cavanaugh

of Vision4Living Ministries

 8. Iron-sharpening-Iron friendships

The amazing small group the Lord allowed me to be a part of at

Passion4Christ Summit 2012

Perrysville, OH

October 2012

 9. Awesome sunsets and sunrises to enjoy!

Sunrise in Big Sandy, TX

April 2012

Sunset near my church

March 2012

10. Protection

This picture may not fit with 'protection' for you- but for me it does.

Here's why- 

1. John 3:16- "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life."

I am protected from the schemes of the devil, because I have placed my heart, faith, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. The ring is my 'promise ring', that my daddy gave me. 

This ring represents that I have placed the responsibility of protecting my heart in the hands of my daddy and my Lord. Until the Lord brings the right man into my life, and even past that- until my wedding day, my heart will rest safely in their hands.  They will help me keep my feet on the ground, my head out of the clouds, 

my eyes on the goal of serving the Lord, 

and my heart focused on the Lord Himself.

What a blessing this truly is, and one that I have come to truly 

appreciate the older I get! 

There are many more things that I could list, but I will keep it at the top 10 today :).  

As you spend time with your family today, take time to count your many blessings!  

Lessons Learned from an Unwise King

I have been reading in 1 & 2 Kings the last couple of months. 

It has been quite eye opening.

Earlier this year, I made a post about Building a Legacy and thinking generationally. I honestly don’t know if I truly knew how important that 

was until I read 1 Kings 11.

Let’s look at the background story just a bit...

• What did Solomon ask for?

1 Kings 3:7-13a (emphasis added to all scripture quotations is mine)

“And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant [Solomon] king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

“And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

“And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.

“And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and…not asked for thyself long life; neither…riches for thyself, nor…the life of thine enemies; but…for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

“Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart…

“And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked…”

Jehovah was so pleased by what Solomon asked that He gave him not only the wisdom he asked for, but also riches and honor. The Lord only gave a small stipulation in verse 14-

“If thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.”

In chapters 4-10, Solomon builds the temple, prospers exceedingly, and is visited by many great leaders, including the Queen of Sheba. He truly was blessed by the Lord. His downfall sadly came in chapter 11.

1 Kings 11:1- “But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites.”

All of these tribes listed were tribes that the Lord had commanded the people of Israel to not marry, because they would draw their hearts away from the One True God, Jehovah.

• What happened once Solomon let his guard down?

1 Kings 11:3-4- “And he (Solomon) had seven hundred wives,…and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.”

1 Kings 11:7 & 8 really shows how far Solomon had fallen from the presence of the LORD.

“Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

“And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.”

1 Kings 11:9-10- “And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned away from the LORD God of Israel,…and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.”

• What did the Lord do as a result of Solomon’s turning away?

1 Kings 11:11-13—“The LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. In thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.”

Notice first of all what I have highlighted in bold- “I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.”

The Lord’s punishment to Solomon was that He would take the kingdom from him- all of his riches, all of his land, all of his wives, EVERYTHING Solomon had- and give it to his servant (one of the other countries).

Now notice what I have highlighted in green- “I will not do it for David thy father’s sake” and again “for David my servant’s sake”.

This is where the generational thinking comes in. The Lord said He would take the kingdom away, but then He tells Solomon (in modern lingo)- “Because your dad served me faithfully, I won’t take the kingdom away from you, I’ll take it from your son. And furthermore- I won’t take the entire kingdom. I’ll leave your son a small portion, because your dad was a good man who served Me with all his heart.”

The Lord didn’t have to do that. He’s the God of the universe. He could have taken a deep breath and blew Israel off the map because of what Solomon had done. But He didn’t. Because of David being “a man after God’s own heart”, the Lord decided to spare them at least a small portion of what they had. 

For every action, there is a reaction. We should be doing our best, with the Lord’s help, to leave a chain-reaction of blessings for future generations.

You've heard “look before you leap”? Well, how about “Think about the future before acting in the present”?

David’s humility is what spared the kingdom for Solomon. 

• What did the high places that Solomon built do? 

Sadly, they brought destruction for the entire country of Israel. Read First and Second Kings. It’s one evil king after another. The few good kings are all praised for living a pure and upright life in every way, except for tearing down the high places. For each generation that came along with the high places still intact, the worse the sin of the country became.

Do your future generations a favor- search your heart and life now, and tear down the high places in your life. It will make things a little easier on your children and grandchildren when they come along.

If you already have children or grandchildren, then get rid of the high places in your life, and pray that the Lord will help your family to realize the need to tear down the high places in their lives.

Take back the ground from satan, it’s the only way you will ever get victory for yourself and for your family. Trust me, it’s easier to start with a clean slate, than to try and clean a dirty one.

May Jehovah bless each of you as you ‘think generationally’.

What Is Our Responsibility Now?

Yesterday was Election day.

Whether you are happy with the results or not, we as Christians have responsibilities no matter who is in office.

"What responsibilities?", you may ask. 

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
"For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
"Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
-1 Timothy 2:1-6 (KJV)

To help understand things better, here are some definitions from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary-

Supplications- To make a humble entreaty; especially: to pray to God
Prayer- An address (as a petition) to God in word or thought
Intercession- Prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another
Thanksgiving (giving of thanks)- A prayer expressing Gratitude

So, here are some responsibilities that I see set before us in Scripture-

1. Make a supplication, or humble entreaty, to the Lord. 
"O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed." "The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer."- (Psalm 6:1-2, 9)

2. Pray
Prayer can be explained in many ways. My favorite way to explain it, is the way my Daddy explains it- "Prayer is the way in which we are ushered into the Throne Room of Grace before a Holy and Righteous God."
If you are in love with someone, what do you usually do? You talk to that person. You tell them about your day.  You would be happy to just sit in their presence all day long. 
Christ is our Bridegroom, we are His Bride. We should be longing to do the same with Him! We should gladly and urgently enter into our closet to pray, to talk to Him! He wants you to talk to Him, He wants to talk to you! And sometimes, we just need to sit in His presence. That is what prayer does. It is not always with words that we pray. Sometimes it's a point where you just kneel before Him and say- "Lord, I just want to bask in Your presence."
With all of the uncertainty before us, we should be seeking a closer relationship with the Father and His Son. Therefore, we should be spending more time in His presence!

3. Intercede for those in Authority
The verses above say that we are to pray, intercede, and give thanks for all men, but especially for our kings and those in authority.
But what is the reason we are to pray?
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."- 1 Tim. 2:4
Christ is willing that all should repent and that none should perish! (2 Peter 3:9) We are to pray for those in authority, that they would be shown the truth, that they would believe the truth, and come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!
That is the only way that things will ever change. Change comes from the heart. We must, as Christians, have a higher need than just what's happening to our pocket books. We must remember that we are fighting a spiritual battle that is raging for souls! We are soldiers in the army of the LORD, and it is our duty to FIGHT for those who we know are lost. Pray that someone would be sent to each person in authority, to show them the truth.

4. Give Thanks
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."- 1 Thess. 5:18

No matter who is in authority, no matter what your circumstances, tell the Lord your thankful for it. Don't think I don't know it's hard when things are going rough. It's very hard to thank the Lord when the powers out, when the kids are screaming, when the fridge is empty, or when you think the wrong man might have been put in authority (at work or otherwise). But remember-

"We know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."- Jeremiah 29:11


We must trust that the Lord has a perfect plan and that everything is bringing us closer to that plan.

So, that is my thoughts on the recent happening in America. 

You have a responsibility Christian, are you going to take up the Cross and Cause of Christ?

Hoping in God

Where do you turn when life seems a little unstable or confusing? I found this passage of scripture to fit pretty well with my life right now. 
 
"O send out Thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; 
let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: 
yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? 
hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." 
Psalm 43:3-5


As I look ahead into the next year, I am tempted to be scared of what could happen.
I have written a couple posts this past year about Stepping Out In Faith, as I look into the future, I see a whole lot of stepping out in faith involved.

Psalm 43:5 (above) really sums up how I feel right now.
Life is quite confusing and bewildering right now. It is a daily battle between my spirit, that believes the Lord has everything worked out, and my fleshly soul, that wants to micro-manage and control every aspect of my life.


I have to ask myself quite often- am I leaning on the everlasting arms of the Lord Jesus Christ? I can usually tell when I'm not leaning on Him, I start to get anxious and worry about the future.

There is an illustration that I heard as a child- Jesus gives us a light for our path. But He doesn't give us a spotlight to see into the distance, and He doesn't give us a floodlight to see everything around us, He gives us a candle, with just enough light to see one step ahead. 

So, while I'm taking the step He has me in right now, I will trust Him for what is to come in the next.

I wonder what adventure awaits around the corner?

Involved or Committed?

It’s an interesting question. Some folks would argue that they are one in the same.

But not necessarily.

My family and I attended a local pastor’s Jubilee this past week, and one of the pastor’s shared an illustration on this very fact.

Think about your breakfast table.

A lot of times breakfast will include eggs, bacon/sausage, biscuits, ect.

The chicken who laid the egg was involved in the breakfast meal, but the pig who gave his life to contribute bacon and/or sausage was committed to the meal.

I know it’s a little crude, but it really is the perfect analogy.

As you go about your life, and serving the Lord, do you get involved occasionally or are you completely committed?

• Do you say you’ll pray for someone just so you can get them off of your back? Or do you sincerely devote part of your day to praying for that person and their situation until that situation is resolved?

• Do you donate food to the food pantry/soup kitchen? Or do you get in there help bag the groceries or hand out a plate of food?

• Do you get on the kids level, and possibly even get dirty, as you play with them and teach them at VBS? Or do you show up and stand on the side lines just to say you were there?

• Do you volunteer to help out around your church? Or do you just sit in the pew on Sunday morning?

The examples could be continue, but I’m going to stop there. I think you’ve got the general idea.

The point is, whether it’s working with children, homeless, senior citizens, young married couples, families, or just your own siblings, the Lord has called each of us to a specific task and ministry. Are you willing to fully commit yourself to whatever it is the Lord has called you to? Or are you just willing to be involved?

I am reminded of the story of Jim Elliot and his four friends who went to reach the Auca Indians for Christ.

These men had decided early on that the souls of these men and women were worth the risk of dying. They truly committed everything they had to reaching these people for the Lord. They were killed in a very inhumane way by this head-hunting tribe of people.

At first it seemed nothing good would come of it. Five women lost their husbands, several children were without fathers, parents lost sons, siblings lost their brothers. Lives were devastated.

But Elisabeth Elliot and Rachel Saint went back to the very tribe that had taken from one a husband, and from the other a brother, and lived among them.  They showed them forgiveness in a living, breathing example. The Lord later blessed the fruits of not only Elisabeth and Rachel, but also of the five men, by the whole tribe coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

These people were not just involved, they were completely committed. The men lost their lives, and the women risked losing theirs when they went back to the tribe. But Christ was faithful!

Not everyone is called to literally give their lives for Christ, but is He calling you to give up the comforts of home to go serve in another country?

The closeness of family to work in a ministry elsewhere?

Your leisure time during the week to disciple children?

Your Sunday afternoon nap to meet with a new Believer and help them grow?

“And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.” (1 Chronicles 21:24)

Ornan was going to give King David the things he needed for the offering to the Lord. King David answered wisely when he said he would not offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing.

You can live life as a Christian and not make sacrifices. But you will not live a fulfilled life that way.

The Lord convicted me this past week of doing ‘just enough’. Just enough to keep people from thinking bad about me. Just enough to feel like I’m doing what I should be. Just enough…But the truth is ‘just enough’ is never ENOUGH.

So, I ask you- Will you be the involved chicken or the committed pig?

Another CI has Come...and Gone.

To say that I enjoy CI would probably be an understatement :).

The Lord has blessed me with a tremendous desire to reach young hearts for HIM, and therefore I cherish any opportunity to serve the Lord while working with children!

I believe D.L. Moody said it best when he was asked about the conversions at a recent meeting. The conversation went something like this-

Man: How many accepted Christ, Mr. Moody?
D.L. Moody: Two and a half.
Man: Oh, two adults and one child?
D.L. Moody: No, on the contrary, two children and one adult. You see, when a child accepts Christ you are gaining a whole life in service to the Lord, whereas an adult has already spent half of his life.
 *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I could not agree more. As my pastor said at VBS this year- "we are fighting not just for a life but for a lifetime." 
  
Few people truly understand that we are in a spiritual battle, and I believe that no battle is stronger than the one that is waged over a young heart. Christ Himself said "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:6)
What a battle we are in my friends! 
I am grateful for the opportunity to help train up the next generation of Believers!

Here are some highlights from the 2012 CI---

 This is a Group shot of our kids and some of the Team Leaders/Assistants

 The entire Team

Back Row (L-R)- Briana, Amanda, Martha, Kayla, Hannah, Kristin

Kneeling (L-R)- Avonlea, Chris, Ben, Stacey

Seated- Rebecca and Olivia

 The kids enjoying the parent presentation on Saturday.

(This is when they get to 'show-off', so to speak, for their parents.

We sing the songs and recite the scripture verses that they learn during the week.)

This year our theme was "Let Your Light So Shine", based out of Matthew 5:14- "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and praise your Father in Heaven."

We learned about different missionaries each night, and we also learned different ways to brighten or dim our light for Christ. As Christians, our goal should always be to shine brightly!

We learned Philippians 2:3-11, and how being a missionary means you must be a servant to not only the Lord Jesus Christ, but you must also be a servant to those whom you are witnessing to. 

We had some wonderful stories as well. Here are some of the highlights-

Monday Night- We learned about George Muller and his faith to trust the Lord for everything, and never ask man for anything.

Tuesday Night- We learned about George the determined/obedient elephant, who listened to the voice of his master.

Wednesday Night- We learned that we have to memorize Scripture to fight off satan when he attacks us with bad thoughts; we also learned, through a different twist of Musical Chairs that you must yield your rights in order to win in the game of life.

Thursday Night- We learned that we have to give things away, not claim them as our own, if we want to be able to love. ("For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:21)

Saturday Morning- We shared the greatest story of Forgiveness every told- the story of Christ giving His life for you and me on the Cross of Calvary.

Saturday Afternoon- We learned a couple different things- we learned how sometimes, things must be broken in order for the Lord to use them (Jim Elliot and his four friends who went to witness to the Auca Indians in Ecuador were killed. Because of their murder, the Lord later opened the door for Elisabeth Elliot (Jim's wife) and Rachel Saint (sister to one of the other men) to go in and witness to the tribe, and eventually the entire tribe came to a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus), we also learned how we have to learn when to let something go, otherwise we might reap serious repercussions if we don't. 

It was truly a blessing to be able to serve the Lord through CI again this year! 

 

 

 

Unlocking the Angel Within

Michael Angelo lingered before a rough block of marble so long that his companion remonstrated. In reply, Angelo said. "There's an angel in that block and I am going to liberate him." Oh, what unbounding love would manifest itself in us towards the most unlovable - the most vile - if only we saw what they might become and in our enthusiasm for souls, we cried out, "There's the image of Christ - marred, scarred, well-nigh obliterated - in that dear fellow and I'm going to make that man concious of it."

Quote by A. E. Richardson

As I read this quote the other day, I couldn't help but think about the children the Lord has called me to minister too.

I have been involved in children's ministry for quite sometime (going on 8 yrs now).  I love every minute of it! Just recently, the Lord has opened the door for many more opportunities to serve in this copacity.

It started with the unexpected trip to Texas (read the story of God's Provision here). While I was there, I made a commitment to step out on faith and do impossible things for God.  Little did I know how soon that would start happening!

I came home from the conference, and Wednesday night, a very rambunctious 5 year old came into church, and suddenly we had Children's church! Praise God for the Children's Institute training I have had over the years! :)

Two weeks later, my pastor asked me what I thought about having a Vacation Bible School. I said I liked the idea, then he said "Would you like to lead it?". "Of course!" was my reply.

Within two weeks of the conference and making the commitment to do the impossible, the Lord had opened the door for two different children's ministries! I was and am thrilled!

When I saw the above quote, I thought about the little 5 year old, and the other kids that I am ministering to on a weekly basis, and the kids I will get to minister to for a week at VBS and CI.  A lot of kids (like the 5 year old) are rambunctious and people think they're a little crazy, and teachers prescribe Ridlin, because they don't see the potential within the child.

The Lord showed me from the first night I had that very hyper child the potential there is in his life.  If he has someone show him the way to Christ, and help channel his energy into productivity, he can become an on-fire soul-winner for Christ, a magnificent preacher, or an energetic youth leader, etc. all he needs is someone to show him how!

And it's not just this child, it's every child out there, and even some adults who haven't found their niche yet. They need guidance. They need someone to show them the way to Christ and help them hone their skills to release the angel within the stone.

What a blessing and honor it is to be apart of shaping and molding children for the Glory of God!!

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Tribute

Tomorrow is Father's Day, and this week I have been thinking about the men who have impacted my life.

My Pawpaw Ed.

Of the two of my grandfathers, my mom's dad has had the most personal impact on my life.  I was definitely a Pawpaw's girl growing up!  He taught me how to mow the lawn, how to fish and how to catch a fish (if you have ever gone fishing, you know these two things are completely different!).  He taught me other things as well, like how to make everyone you meet feel like they're your best friend, how to smile through the pain, how to love unconditionally, and how to have fun and cut a rug! (one of my fondest memories of my childhood is dancing in the living room with my Pawpaw!). 
By example, he showed me that Christ is to be your all.  
You know how each of us has little video clips tucked away in our minds? One of the little movies of my past that I bring out and play every now and then is of my Pawpaw. I walked passed his bedroom one night and he was kneeling by his bed with his Bible open, praying, communing with Jehovah.  I will always hold that memory dear to my heart!
My Pawpaw didn't except Christ as his Savior until after I was 2 months old, but from then on, he lived his life for Christ.  Nothing brought more joy to him than one of two things- 1. Being with the Family of God in church and 2. Being with his own family.
It will be 9 years this September since my Pawpaw went to be with the Lord, but the lessons he taught, both verbally and visually, will always be with me.

My Pawpaw Earl
I barely remember my Pawpaw Earl. He went to be with the Lord when I was only 4. But the values that he passed down to my father and uncles, have now been passed down to me. His memory remains alive in the little things.
Some of the values he passed down are-

1. Your word is your worth.  It's something that many people say they have been taught, but this wasn't just taught in our family, it was drilled in. You never gave your word you would do something and not follow through.

2. Always look your best. My grandfather was an MP in the Army in WWII. Shined shoes, straight gig-lines, and crisp creases on pants were not an option, they were a necessity!  Even though my sisters and I wear dresses and skirts, the rules are no less for us. Everything must be pressed properly for Sunday morning. You must always look your best because the first impression is made when someone sees you, not when they talk to you. 
 
3. Love God, Love your Family, Love your Country. No explanation necessary.


These are just a few of the things that have been passed down to me from my grandfathers, and my dad continues to live these things out on a daily basis for my sisters and I to see! I have truly been blessed by a wonderful heritage. I look forward to the day when I can pass these things down to my children, and continue passing along the wonderful legacy that has been handed to me!

Truly Stepping Out In Faith

This past month has been a pretty amazing one for me! Definitely faith growing!

April 1^st, I thought I was just going to stay around South Carolina, and stick to my usual routine.

Boy, was I wrong!!

It all started on Thursday, April 5^th. I found out that a homeschool conference in Texas still needed teachers for the Children’s Institute they were having for the little kids.

I immediately said to myself- “I wish I could go, but I can’t.” And started listing the why not’s in my mind.

The list looked something like this-

Not enough money

Can’t get off from work

Don’t have a way out there

Don’t have anywhere to stay when I get there

This was just the tip of the iceberg; there were a few other things I had on my list.

I tried to push the thought out of my mind. I shared on Facebook that they still needed teachers, and thought – “okay, I’ve done my part. I don’t have to worry about it anymore.”

But the more I tried not ‘to worry’, the more I thought about it.  

I started praying.

I said, “Lord, if you want me to go, You are going to have to provide the way.”

I talked to Momma about going to Texas. She didn’t say no right away, so I thought that was a good sign. 

I kept praying.

On Monday, April 9^th, my mom and dad were talking about faith, and Momma used me as an illustration in their conversation and said “I told Kristin to have faith that if the Lord wanted her to go to Texas, He would work out all of the details.”

On Tuesday morning, as I sat at work, I got to thinking about what Momma had said the night before. I called Momma up on the phone, and asked- “So, are you serious, if all the details work out, I can go?” Of course, she said yes.  I called Daddy, and asked his permission. He agreed, if the Lord worked out the details, especially in this short time frame (we were only two weeks from the date I would have to leave- Monday, April 23^rd), it was obviously His will, and of course I could go.

I got to work- You have not because you ask not.

I contacted a friend who I knew was heading to the conference from my area to see what her travel plans were.  She was driving out with some friends. She gave me the name of a family who was attending who was even closer to my area, and some of their children weren’t going to the conference.

I emailed that family, and they had space for me in their tent and in their car. So I had a place to stay for the week and a ride to Texas.

I now had a way out, I just needed a way back home. I started checking airline prices.

Two things checked off of the list.

I then called my boss, and when I told her what I would be doing in Texas, she said- “Who am I to stand in the way of the Lord telling you to do something? Go!”

Now I had work taken care of too.

I kept praying.

Not too long ago, I read a biography of George Mueller. I was convicted and inspired by that biography. George Mueller was a man of God who made a vow never to ask man for money. He took all of his needs before the Lord, and the Lord always provided.  He also never kept a ‘rainy day’ fund. Every cent that came to his ministry was assigned a specific purpose; it was not put aside ‘just because’.

So, as I was praying and asking the Lord to provide for the trip to Big Sandy, George Mueller came to mind, and the Lord said ‘What about your savings account?’ I looked at the total in my savings account and other things that I knew were coming up, and I said, ‘Okay Lord. I need you to provide a plane ticket for $400.’

I was looking for a flight back home, I found a ticket for $410. I thought, ‘I can swing the extra $10, no problem.’ When I told Momma about it, she said I should get a round trip ticket and just fly the whole way.  I started looking for round trip tickets. The cheapest ticket I could find was $548. That was nowhere near the $400 I had asked the Lord to originally provide a ticket for. (Remember I was now less than two weeks away from when I would be leaving)

On Wednesday, my sister, Amanda, brought me a check from the school where she works. I had helped with childcare, and this was my payment. I had also received a check from my regular job that week as well. After tithe, the total of the two checks was $138, the difference of the $410 and the $548.

When I got online on Thursday to check ticket prices again, the flight I was looking at on Tuesday that was listed as $548, had come down $10! The Lord completely provided! And I didn’t even have ‘to swing that extra $10’!

So I now had a way out there, and way back home and a place to stay, all within THREE days!

The only thing left was a way to and from the airport.

I did some calling, emailing, and texting. No one could give me a ride all the way to and from.

For the next few days, I prayed for the Lord to provide. I said over and over- “I serve Jehovah-Jireh, a God who provides a way where there is no way!”

Then the final piece came together on Tuesday, April 17^th.

The Lord directed me to a shuttle service. Between the shuttle and a family who was willing to go part way, I could get all the way to the conference and back to the airport. The Lord also provided the extra funds for the shuttle!

I had a marvelous time in Texas! I got to serve the Lord with 50 amazing teachers. I was able to share Christ’s love directly with 9 little blessings all week.  I rekindled old friendships and made new ones. It was definitely an EPIC week!

When I got home and went to church on Sunday, April 29^th, I was exhausted and sick (I had pretty much lost my voice), but every time I would even think about the week, I couldn’t help breaking into a huge smile!  I was even told a couple times that I was 'glowing' as I talked about the week. 

I can honestly say, without a shadow of a doubt, that I was in the center of God’s Will. All because I took the advice from a month ago and stepped out in faith.  

Brothers and Sisters,

I challenge you, if there is something you know the Lord is telling you to do, don’t sit back and say you can’t.  You never know what the Lord will do to get rid of the reasons of ‘I can’t’.

Just be willing to move when He says move! 

Step Out In Faith and watch Jehovah work!!