Sidewalk Prophets has a new song - "Live Like That" - and it brings me to tears every time I hear it. Tonight, I was running when it came on my playlist and it was all I could do not to drop to my knees and pray this song from the bottom of my heart...
LIVE LIKE THAT
Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I'm only just a memory
When I'm home where my soul belongs
Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of those
Was my worship more than just a song
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true
People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
I want to show the world the love You gave for me
I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Clean Water for Haiti!
Clean water is commonplace for most Americans.
In Haiti, however, waterborne diseases are a serious concern - especially for children. One report indicates 16% of the deaths of children under five were "directly related to waterborne diseases, before the earthquake" (International Action, n.d.). Since the October 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti, nearly 400,000 cases have been reported...with over 5,000 deaths.
The Hispaniola Mountain Ministry (organizing the trip I'll be going on in June) celebrated with the people of Anse-a-Pitre as they inaugurated a new well system for the village. Our group will be working in this village in June.
In Haiti, however, waterborne diseases are a serious concern - especially for children. One report indicates 16% of the deaths of children under five were "directly related to waterborne diseases, before the earthquake" (International Action, n.d.). Since the October 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti, nearly 400,000 cases have been reported...with over 5,000 deaths.
The Hispaniola Mountain Ministry (organizing the trip I'll be going on in June) celebrated with the people of Anse-a-Pitre as they inaugurated a new well system for the village. Our group will be working in this village in June.
This video brings tears to my eyes.
What if we got this excited about the blessings God gives us each day?
If you listen closely (toward the end), you can hear "Mississippi" and there's a great looking maroon shirt in some of the shots (HAIL STATE!).
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:35-36
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Praying for Haiti
Since my previous post, I've been asked several times, "How did you choose Haiti?" I didn't really.
On January 12, 2010, the already fragile country was rocked by a devastating earthquake. Prior to the 7.0 magnitude quake, over 70% of Haitians were living on less than $2/day. The 2010 quake impacted over 3.5 million people and many remain homeless, even today.
As I watched the coverage of the disaster, tears streamed from my eyes (granted I was 9 months pregnant!). But seriously, there was something about this disaster that was different for me than others...and now I know God was preparing my heart to serve in Haiti.
I prayed earnestly for the Haitian people and even set up an RSS feed to read the coverage of recovery efforts. I was astounded and inspired by the courage and resiliency of the Haitian people, even in this most awful situation.
In January 2011, I took five beautiful young women to a retreat at Camp Wesley Pines in south Mississippi. The focus was on missions and through the sermons and several conversations with the speaker, Mike Giordano of Life Quest, I was even more resolved to visit Haiti on a mission trip. I began praying not just for the recovery of this country, but that God would provide an opportunity and the resources for me to go and serve...in His time.
I came home from the retreat and applied for a passport. I began watching YouTube videos to (try to!) learn Haitian Creole and set out to read Haiti: After the Earthquake. I was equipping myself to go and be ready when the time came. It all seemed so silly and even a waste of time at points, but now I am beginning to see the bigger picture.
As I flip back through my prayer journals from the last few years, I see time and time again where I prayed for this country and its people in the hopes that one day I would be going. God has been faithful to provide that opportunity, and I am humbled by the events that have led to this trip.
There is still much to be worked out as we consider the financial commitment of the trip with Jeff scheduled to begin seminary this fall and just the single-parent scheduling involved with Jeff juggling our two boys for a week. I am grateful that he is just as committed to me going as I am...
Again, my apologies for those anticipating reading about my running adventures; I hope to post about running again soon but for now, these are the things on my heart and mind.
God chose me for Haiti...
On January 12, 2010, the already fragile country was rocked by a devastating earthquake. Prior to the 7.0 magnitude quake, over 70% of Haitians were living on less than $2/day. The 2010 quake impacted over 3.5 million people and many remain homeless, even today.
As I watched the coverage of the disaster, tears streamed from my eyes (granted I was 9 months pregnant!). But seriously, there was something about this disaster that was different for me than others...and now I know God was preparing my heart to serve in Haiti.
 |
| Photo by WorldHum |
 |
| Photo by Generally Speaking |
I came home from the retreat and applied for a passport. I began watching YouTube videos to (try to!) learn Haitian Creole and set out to read Haiti: After the Earthquake. I was equipping myself to go and be ready when the time came. It all seemed so silly and even a waste of time at points, but now I am beginning to see the bigger picture.
11"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13
As I flip back through my prayer journals from the last few years, I see time and time again where I prayed for this country and its people in the hopes that one day I would be going. God has been faithful to provide that opportunity, and I am humbled by the events that have led to this trip.
There is still much to be worked out as we consider the financial commitment of the trip with Jeff scheduled to begin seminary this fall and just the single-parent scheduling involved with Jeff juggling our two boys for a week. I am grateful that he is just as committed to me going as I am...
Again, my apologies for those anticipating reading about my running adventures; I hope to post about running again soon but for now, these are the things on my heart and mind.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Haiti Bound
Disclaimer: This post has nothing to do with running...
It's official.
On June 10, I will be leaving for a 7-day mission trip to Haiti. We will be flying into the Dominican Republic and then traveling by bus to Pedernales. We'll be bussed across the border each day to work in small Haitian community. There will be a medical team as well as a construction team and the goal is to build two house and one classroom (or vise versa) during our stay.
I have been praying for Haiti and its people since the terrible earthquake in January 2010 and began praying in January 2011 for an opportunity to participate in a Haitian mission trip. I never expected the opportunity to come so quickly, nor did I expect to be traveling with a group of people I don't even know (will post this story later!). But God is faithful to answer our prayers...even in unexpected ways.
I have gotten mixed reactions from family and friends about my trip. While I do understand the concerns - both for my own safety and about leaving my family - there is no doubt in my mind that God has called me to serve in this country. If I do not go, I am being disobedient. And if I say, "Wait - it's not time," I am also being disobedient. Thus, I am going now...and again if He calls me to do so. I am confident He will bless my obedience because that's what He promises...
"And we know that God causes everything to work together
for the good of those who love God
and are called according to His purpose for them."
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
I am seeking prayer partners who will commit to pray for our team in the coming months and while we are away. If you are willing to do so, please let me know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)