Daffodils and His Promise

 

My favorite flower in the entire world is daffodils. I think that most flowers are beautiful, but I absolutely love daffodils. Their bright yellow color is so bold and beautiful. I am amazed at how they just one day show up. It seems that at every year, right about this time, I am struggling with something and the Lord uses daffodils to remind me that things will come together, everything will work out. It is like all of a sudden out of nowhere appear daffodils. Daffodils are a promise to me, that God will create and has created something beautiful in our time of struggling. That is one reason, I believe that daffodils are the best. Out of a cold winter with ice, and snow comes something so unexpectedly bright and beautiful. Isn't it the same in our lives? When we are going through a "valley" where God seems impossible to reach and we don't hear His voice, it is only for a time. In life we will go through valleys and seasons, but God has promised us that this is normal. There is a time for everything and in time, He will make it beautiful. A daffodil only blooms at the very beginning of spring. After being under the freezing ice and cold snow, it pushes through the earth and reveals itself, in its time. Whatever you are going through right now, know that God has planned it and we should rejoice in the fact that He has planned it and makes it beautiful when the time is right. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

"To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born,
    And a time to die;
A time to plant,
    And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,
    And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
    And a time to build up; 

 A time to weep,
    And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
    And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,
    And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
    And a time to refrain from embracing; 

 A time to gain,
    And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
    And a time to throw away; 

 A time to tear,
    And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
    And a time to speak; 

 A time to love,
    And a time to hate;
A time of war,
    And a time of peace.

What profit has the worker from that in which he labors?  I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him. 

 That which is has already been,
And what is to be has already been;
And God requires an account of what is past."

Where Has Our Passion Gone To?

Where has our PASSION gone? 

Are we, am I, passionate about reading the Bible, studying God's word, spreading the Good News, and being His hands and feet?

The very first time that I saw the video below, I unashamedly cried. 

Where has my passion gone? Why I am I not that excited to dive in God's word everyday?! Shouldn't it be that way? 

This morning, a guest speaker at church said a few things that hit the nail on the head. "Stop pretending! We have become too comfortable as Christians...I have done my duty...I have punched my time clock..." There is nothing wrong with doing God's work, but where did our excitement and passion for God go to? I honestly believe that we do what is easiest. I do what is easiest and safest. 

When did I (we) lose the abandon all for Christ?

Have you ever been so passionate for something that it consumes your thoughts and actions. What if we as Christians, were so passionate about the Bible and sharing God's word? What if we got out of our comfort zones and did something instead of waiting for someone else to do it?

"How precious are your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with you." 

Psalm 139:17-18

Why I Am Who I Am

I have been asked a lot lately about why I do not do certain things, watch certain things, and act the way I do. My answer to those questions are here.

Why am I who I am?


I am who I am because of Christ in me.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20

My life is no longer mine. When I made the decision to follow Christ and accept His free gift of salvation, my life no longer was mine. I no longer have be a slave to sin. I have been forgiven of my sins and now can live in the victory of overcoming sin and living a life of service to the one and only God! What greater life and purpose can one have? 

My answer to the question of why I am who I am, is probably not the answer that most want to hear. Without fault, I can say that if I did not have Christ living in me, I would be a different person. I would be a slave to the world and all that encompasses it. I would be wandering, like in a desert, with no foreseen water. This is why I am who I am. I cannot imagine a life of uncertainty, fear, and trying to find pleasure and satisfaction in the world, when only the world can give pleasure and satisfaction temporarily. If you feel like you are lost in the lies of the world please seek the One who can pull you out of slavery and darkness into His glorious light!

Living a life of service

Is my calling

My passion and desire

My goal

Me

 Because of Christ!

Why I Do What I Do

"May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really can make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done."

 What is foolishness? Webster's Dictionary states that foolish is "having or showing a lack of good sense or judgment; absurd, ridiculous, insignificant, trifling." In the world today, Christians are seen as foolish. How can we really think that there is only one God? Believe in One who died and rose again to save all of humanity? Be willing to drop everything and heed to a calling that even we may not be able to understand. To the world, Christians are foolish. The world thinks that life is money, wealth, security, friends, family, and much more. What else is there to live for? We were made to do the seemingly impossible through God alone. No matter what the world says!

How can one person make a difference?

The answer is God's grace. What is grace? Unmerited/undeserving favor of God. God has bestowed upon us His grace. He gave us salvation, so undeserving, for all who would accept it. How am I able to make a difference in the world? I cannot. But, because God has given me unmerited favor, I can. Whatever the Lord asks of me, I am able to do. Not by me, but by Him alone! Others will say, "You cannot do it." "It is impossible." "How?" Others will claim that it cannot be done. I know that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."- Philippians 4:13

ALL things.

Even the IMPOSSIBLE. 

CAN be done through CHRIST! 

Why do I do what I do? 

Because this is my calling. I am called to do the impossible. I am foolish enough to believe that I can help, with God's grace, make a difference in the world by teaching and serving others. It is so hard and emotionally draining to see so many lost people who are slowly drowning in a sea of Satan's lies. I am called to believe that I can help one. If I help one, they help one and pretty soon one turns into two; and two into four; and four into eight. Now my one is now eight. Every day I have someone say that I am too attached. That I cannot care as much as I do. That I cannot save everyone. But, I am foolish enough to believe that I can. And I can, by God's grace, reach that one. Then that one will turn to eight. How can I not live my life in a state of impossible?

Tis the Season

It is crazy to thing that Christmas is almost here. Another year gone and a new one beginning. I can say that I am grateful for the Lord graciously giving me another year to live for Him. I hope and pray that everyday my life brings Him all the honor and glory.

This year, the Lord has taught me many things: patience, perseverance, and to trust in His timing. No matter how hard each of these things have been, He has been constant and that is the only thing that is sure. I have to tell myself over and over again, that we are not going to have an easy life. I believe in the One True God, who many people refuse to believe in. My heart breaks for my students who are lost and have no hope for their future. One of my good friends gave me a ring with a Bible verse on it. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." How wonderful it is to know this! Every time that I am down or frustrated, I look at the ring and am reminded that God is in control and that I shouldn't stress and worry about some things.

As I look forward to this Christmas season, I always enjoy the lights, trees, and everything "Christmasy", but I must remember what Christmas is all about. God sent His only Son so that we could have eternal life! How amazing is that! What more could I ever ask for?

Luke 2:1-20
    And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

     Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 

    So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

    Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

    So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. 

Summer Travels

Thank you all for your support as I traveled to Haiti. I have a lot to share, but I need to share first what happened in Trinidad.

 Trinidad and Tobago

I was able to travel to Trinidad the end of June-beginning of July and then I left for Haiti 2 days after! This was my 3rd time to Trinidad; Trinidad is home. God is so good in allowing me to go there 3 times and to keep the relationships that I have built within the past 6 years. While in Trinidad, I had the opportunity to work with a local pastor and his family. Titus and I spent our time in youth ministry, taught students how to bake and exercise, worked with Campus Crusade, did music ministry, and spoke at another church. He also allowed me to see the special people whom I love (I mentioned them in previous posts; Uncle John, Anghnie, and many others). I never thought that I would be able to see everyone because it was a short trip, but God is faithful and brought those people to me! I know that my work is only beginning in Trinidad!

How blessed am I to be able to travel across and spread the good news of Christ!

Haiti  

I traveled to Haiti with the South Point Baptist Church Youth Group. This was their first mission trip. I can tell you that I am so glad to be a part of what happened with this group in Haiti. We worked with an organization called Mission of Hope (MOH). While there we were able to do some construction work on one of their campuses. We spent most of our time though, in the local villages; playing with the children, walking down the street talking with many people, and going house to house visiting those who had a previous need to check up on them. The people of Haiti are beautiful, caring people. They have been through a lot and are recovering as a society, but it is tough to see single room homes constructed of tarps, children with no clothes, women bathing in the water that runs along the streets...the same water where a child drinks from it, another washes their clothes, and another throws trash and waste into the water. How blessed we are in America! How easily I forget how blessed I am with the things that I have! Thank you all for your support and prayers as I was on this trip. I saw the youth's eyes opened to things that they had not seen before, saw them loving children who needed to be loved and played with, and saw them serve the Lord wholeheartedly and use their talents that God has provided them with.

The tent homes that I saw everywhere. They were only supposed to be lived in for a couple months, not years.

Local Boy

Scary large Tarantula!!!

Work Day Fun!

 Love these precious boys!

 Local Girl who I was able to build a relationship with.

 Dietle

 Boy in the village

 Sweet girl in the village.

All Glory to God!

The Only Thing

As I reflect on my first year of teaching high school students, I know that I never would have survived without the Lord right there by my side. He is the one who has given me patience and insight into the lives of my students. I can not tell you how many times He brought a student or teacher into my path to encourage or listen to what they had happening in their life.

Sometimes, I forget about perspective. I look at what I would really like to do...teach overseas. I forget about the people that the Lord has called me to minister to here at school. I can say that I am by far not perfect and I feel I will always struggle with wondering "Is this where I am supposed to be? Is this what I am supposed to do for the next 30 years?" Yet, in all those incidences where God has placed someone into my path, I know that is why I am meant to be here. No matter how hard it is for me and no matter how many times I can wish myself away to another country, God has put me here for a purpose.

This year has definitely been a learning experience. I have learned so much about teaching, coaching, life, etc. It has been a long-road but one that has been filled with wonderful experiences that I wouldn't trade. I helped coach basketball and also had the opportunity to coach softball. (Not what I wanted to do and was quite adamant that God got that one wrong)* but that goes to show that I know nothing. Out of the softball season came a great relationship with 3 senior girls and 1 junior who I have been able to encourage in Christ and been encouraged in the same manner. Never would I have met them, had it not been for softball. Again, the Lord works in mysterious ways.

*For those of you who know me, I have never played softball, so you understand how much of a challenge this was for me. It just proves that God put me their for each one of those girls.

The best thing that I can talk about from this year is how my relationship with Christ has grown. I have had to learn to be completely dependent on Him. Through all my struggles and doubts, He has been the only one to understand. Thank you Lord for your grace and love! 

I listen to Pandora quite often and was doing so as I was cleaning my classroom for the end of school clean-up. This song came on and the words were perfect to describe how I have felt/am feeling about who I am and what the Lord is doing through me.

I heard someone say the other day  

They'd seen in me true love displayed  

Blessed by something I had done for them
 

No sooner did they speak those words 

I found myself somehow disturbed  

Uneasy as I took their compliment
 

Because I know the heart inside this man  

And I know the truth of who I am

 
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus 

I'll live long enough to know no matter what this life may show  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
 

If you could walk the hallways of my heart  

 And see things as they really are 

I wonder if you might be surprised

 
Seeing faded walls of pride and fear  

Rooms I've filled with faithless tears 

And corners where I've stood in compromise

 
Oh but you'd see the work his grace has done  

And you'd know just how far I've come
 

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

I'll live long enough to know no matter what this life may show  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
 

And in a thousand years 

When the dust of this world clears 

And I look back on my life and see in perfect light

 
Yeah, yeah, the only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

I know me well enough to know yeah

 
The only thing that's good in me is yeah  

The only thing that's good in me is yeah  

I know me well enough to know no matter what this life may show  

The only thing that's good in me is, yeah, is Jesus Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Ronnie Freeman- The Only Thing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DZ7YWJvRLw