SIMGo: A day of food adventures

The five of us began our day going out for breakfast at the Flying Biscuit. Fun, Fellowship, & Food!

This was my favorite part of the day, we went to the Great Harvest Bread Company and got Cinnamon Rolls!! I know you can’t see my cinnamon roll, and no I hadn’t eaten it yet but I was too excited to take another picture. It was warm, and soft, and oh so amazing… just what I wanted. Thanks Rachel!

In between the food stops, we enjoyed the beautiful weather and scenery of Charlotte.

One of our favorite group activities as a SIMGo bunch has been to put together random games of volleyball and yesterday was so fun and helped to burn off some of the food we had eaten! I failed at taking a picture of us playing so the next time we get a game together I will replace this lovely clipart photo.

For dinner, a larger group of us went to Cabo FishTaco. I did not finish my queso dip I ordered and wanted to take it home. These two lovely girls worked very hard to put together a “to-go bag” for my chips; it even has a tag that says handle with care. They were so proud of themselves!

We ended the night at this fun bakery, hanging out and of course laughing together. It really was a day of food, but to me, getting to know these amazing people of Christ was more enjoyable than the food I ate…even the cinnamon roll.

SIMGo: I’m Not Alone

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” –Genesis 28:15

“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” –Exodus 33:14

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” –Psalm 73:23

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you  and will be in you.” –John 14:16-17

I feel like I must begin this by saying I just want to be honest with myself. I write on here to acknowledge God’s hand in my life. When I am honest with myself, my God shows up in a way I could have never thought possible. I write not to get people to feel bad for me, but rather to share in how God is working in my life and ultimately for hope when such things appear in the future. As I walk this journey, I have many times looked back at old posts and they have reminded me that my God is always near, no matter how far away He may feel at the moment.

Aloneness. Yesterday morning, I walked through the woods to my first class. I purposely chose to walk by myself, and just have some alone time with God. I talked with him about this very word. I prayed and asked God to help me fully trust in Him, to be dependent on Him, and not attempt to receive from others what I can only receive from Him, worth. I had no idea that God was going to test this prayer so soon!

I can remember back to my high school days, before I had asked Christ into my heart, sitting in my room, my family near feet away, and feeling alone. I can remember the night, when I asked Jesus to come into my heart, and the closeness I felt, the peace that surrounded me, the joy that overwhelmed me. As I think back to those times, this moment right now is no different. My God is just as close to me now as He was then. In one situation I recognized His closeness, the other I wanted it.

But what do I do now? How can I work through these fears, worries, thoughts and emotions, and still cling to God. How do I balance my dependency on Him with the community in Him.

I must stop. I always have music playing, usually Pandora, and as I wrote out that last sentence I realized this song playing in the background. My God is here, He is real, and He hears me.

I search for love, when night came, And it closed in, I was alone, But you found me, where I was hiding, And now I’ll never ever be the same, It was the sweetest voice, That called my name saying.

You’re not alone, For I am here, Let me wipe away your every fear, My love I’ve never left your side, I have seen you through the darkest night, And I’m the one who’s love you all your life, All your life.

You cry yourself to sleep, cause the hurt is real, And the pain cuts deep, all hope seems lost, With heartache your closest friend, And everyone else long gone, You’ve had to face the music on your own, But there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying.

You’re not alone, For I am here, Let me wipe away your every fear, My love I’ve never left your side, I have seen you through the darkest night, And I’m the one who’s love you all your life, All your life.

Faithful and true, Forever, Oh my love will carry you.

You’re not alone, For I, I am here, Let me wipe away your ever fear, Oh yea, My love I’ve never left your side, I have seen you through the darkest night, Your darkest night, and I’m the one who’s loved you all your life, All your life.

This song is called You’re not Alone by Meredith Andrews. Here’s the Youtube LINK.

My room feels full. My God loves me. My God knows me. He hears my thoughts, He knows my pain, and He meets me right where I am. There are no words.

And this is why I write. This is why I share. Because my God is real. My God is not dead, He is alive, and He is alive in me! My God shows up when I cry out to Him, when I am honest with Him, He responds.

Jesus, you are Faithful, you are Personal, you are near, you are close. Jesus you hear me and you answer. Thank you Jesus for this moment. Holy Spirit, thank you for your work, thank you for your power to change me, to grow me, closer to You. Father God, you are amazing. I lift my heart in praise to you this morning, I smile, knowing You are here, You are all I need, You are all I want. I pray for this day, that you would constantly remind me of your grace, of your closeness, and your love.

God I love you. Jesus I love you. Holy Spirit… I love you.

SIMGo: My budget story

Today was such a great day. So many questions answered, a lot of great knowledge to take in, and many smiles and laughter to fuel the soul. There is one story in particular I want to share because I want to remember just how real the moments in this story felt as well as how “tender”, to use a friend’s description tonight, our God is to each of us.

This afternoon, I had my first individual financial meeting. I have to admit, I was really looking forward to this meeting because I knew many of my questions were going to get answered. (They were J ) But something happened during this meeting. I had thought that when I talked to my adviser about the numbers that many would decrease. I felt confident the number would go down. It actually went up, quite significantly, and in the moments, I can still remember the amount of peace I felt knowing this was God’s ministry, God’s money, and therefore what numbers were put in front of me was not something I needed to be overwhelmed by. I just kept saying, “okay, that make sense…over and over” and my eyes watched as one increase made 5 other things increase as well. I left this meeting really encouraged that God was going to do great things in these next couple months and I’m so excited to get to see it happen. But I didn't have to wait long!

When I got done with my meeting I had about 40 minutes before the next scheduled event and I had this overwhelming desire to want to begin my bible study I had brought with me. I have had it for a long time, sitting on a bookshelf at home and not really feeling ready to begin. I brought it with me expecting to begin the first day I got here, I was such a zombie, even looking at the book and the big words on the front blurred. Sunday was such a fun day of getting to know people and doing fun things that I just couldn’t pull away and do the study. However, God had it purposed for today.

I quickly walked back to the dorms, got the bible study book out, my bible and a pencil. I turned on my Shane & Shane Pandora radio station and went to town. I didn’t get far before the tears fell. Here’s the story from the study called, “Experiencing GOD: Knowing and Doing the Will of God” by Henry & Richard Blackaby & Claude King.

Vancouver World’s Fair

     When the World’s Fair was coming to Vancouver, our association of churches was convinced God wanted us to try to reach the 22 million people who would come to our city. We had about 2,000 members in our churches. How in the world could our little group make much impact on such a mass of tourists from all over the world?

     Two years before the fair, we began to set our plans in motion. The total income for our associated was $9,000. The following year it grew to $16,000. The year of the World’s Fair, we set a budget for $202,000. We had commitments that would provide 35 percent of that budget. Sixty-five percent of it depended on prayer. Can you operate a budget on prayer? Yes. But when you do that, you are attempting something only God can do. What do most of us do? We set the practical budget, which represents what we can do. Then we might set a second hope or faith budget. The budget we really trust and use, however, is the one we can reach by ourselves. We do not really trust God to make a practice difference in what we do.

     As an association of churches, we decided God had definitely led us to the work that would cost $202,000. That became our operating budget. All of our people began praying for God to provide for everything we believed He had led us to do during the World’s Fair. At the end of the year, I asked our treasurer how much money we had received. From Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world we had received $264,000. People from all over North America assisted us. During the fair we became a catalyst to see almost 20,000 people accept Jesus Christ. You cannot explain that except in terms of God’s intervention. Only God could have done that. He accomplished it with a people who had determined to be servants and were moldable and available for their Master’s use. (pg 7, emphasis mine)

My budget felt like $202,000 and I felt like God spoke directly to me in this moment that whatever I bring to Him in prayer, He can do, not for me, and not for something I want to do, but for Him and what He has planned for His glory. Tonight, I am praising my God for this amazing reassurance that I am right where I am supposed to be. I’m at this training to prepare me for something that is so much bigger than I can ever imagine nor feel capable to accomplish. But I know my God can and because my God dwells within me, together, we can do anything.

God, I love you.

Jesus, I love you.

Holy Spirit, I love you.

SIMGo... the beginning

The overnight flight was nice, but I didn't realize that almost half the traveling time was at the Atlanta airport. I slept okay on the plane, in the airport not so much. Coming into SIMGO, I felt exhausted. But I did the best I could to make since of my language and asked everyone about 5 times where they were headed. I finally started telling people, "I'm sorry, I'll stop asking and just start over tomorrow". Today was a much better day!

However, yesterday, after lunch, my first appointment was to the medical office. I got 3 shots, an update on TDP and rabies in one arm and Hepatitis A&B in the other. A few hours later it hurt to put on my sweatshirt. So sad... my next appointment is Wednesday. I'm also taking orally Typhoid. It's very normal to get nauseated after taking and I was recommended to take it right before bed. I did, and then laid there for close to an hour worrying if the nausea was going to set in... Praise Jesus it never did and I slept great!!! 

It has been so amazing connecting with missions minded people again. The people are so incredibly encouraging and I know I have made many life-long friends. This morning I went for a walk through the beautiful woods with a new friend I have made and it was cool to talk through struggles and know that she shares many of the same ones. Our past experiences are very similar and our fears match up. I know that as I continue to walk this journey to Kenya, she will be someone I lean on to walk through it and gain encouragement from. Everyone has such a heart for God and desiring to do His will. 

Today, we had church service this morning at 10am, and not only did I get to sleep in until 8:15am, normally 6am, but I got to wear cute clothes!!! No words can fully express how excited I was; I meant to take a picture but I forgot. I have no proof but I will next weekend for sure! After church, a few of us went on a short walk through the woods; the colors are amazing, orange, reds, oh it was gorgeous. As we were walking and talking, a herd of deer ran right in front of us, it so was cool!! We made it back in time for lunch. After lunch, 14 of us adults plus one baby went on a hike up Crowders Mountain (seep picture below). The view was indescribable. We came back, got some money and went and had Cuban food. White bean soup, delish! 

No words can describe just how fun we had driving to these two places. Caravaning was an adventure going  barely 55 mph waiting for a white van, missing the turn and waiting 10 minutes for the white van again, misunderstanding phone communications and so much more. We all decided it was God teaching us all a lesson about being flexible, communicated well and working together. Eventually we all made it up the hill, got our picture and back down with no problems. 

After food, we went another adventure to Walmart. I now have cinnamon coffee creamer in my refrigerator... I'm offically "home"! We are now hanging out in the main living area. Our conversations are quite hilarious, someone actually just made a comment about it :) These people are so incredible. 

Tomorrow begins with lots of classes and meetings in the afternoon. I know it will be a lot of information but with this amazing group of people, I know we will keep ourselves entertained to the fullest extent. Please pray for these days, that the information that is given to me will sink in, that I will get many questions that I have answered, and most importantly, that I will know Jesus more. I'm doing this all for Him and being here reminds me just strong this calling really is and how excited I am to fulfill it. God is so good!

Crowder Mountain 11.4.12

Satan's Scheming

I’m actually writing this Thursday night, it’s 10:50pm right now as I begin but it this will probably get posted sometime tomorrow when I get to a location that has wireless internet, I think God is preparing me

Anyway, the titled of this post is called ‘Satan’s Scheming’ for a reason. Today has just been one of those days. Yesterday I worked an almost 14hour day, on my feet for all but 30 minutes, but so worth it. However, my not so smart self planned a meeting for 8:30 this morning, last week. So I dragged myself out of bed at the last possible second, messed up my breakfast, and realized I was unprepared for my meeting. I made it though, no breakfast, but material read, left the meeting and felt like a walking zombie…and looked like one too. I had to finish up some projects at work, and by almost 2pm, I finished.

This is really where it all begins… I had class tonight, and didn’t think to grab my books this morning so I came home to get them. I remember looking at my backpack but thinking, “I don’t need my computer for this class”…so I left it. Said hi and bye and left to go meet up with the two best friends anyone could have. Lots of laughter and good food and coffee, so lovely! As the time came for me to leave, Satan began to question me by saying, “You don’t have to go to class, it’s technically optionally, you should stay with your friends and spend as much time as you can with them, and it will probably be more fun anyway…” the thoughts continue but I decided, no, I’m going to miss two classes in the next two weeks by being out of town so I need to go tonight. So I said my goodbyes and left.

I began driving towards the freeway and quickly realized, “my notes are in my backpack!”… I began rationalizing writing notes, but the professor last week handed out close to 100pages of typed notes that we are to go off of during class. And, last week, he assigned class work in it and I was going to be presenting my findings tonight. At this point, I’m now not only trying to figure out if I should drive all the way home to get my notes, but if I should go to class anyway. I’m exhausted, it might just be better if I go home and sleep. At this point, I choose to drive home and get my notes, but I’m slowly watching the time click by, really not wanting to be late. Debating, go to school, or not…I know, I’ll see what time it is when I get home and decide then. 15 minutes to spare, I can get to school in 15 minutes, only with God’s help and calm nerves.

I did it, I pulled into the school at 7:00pm sharp. At this point I’m now really nervous that I’m going to get in trouble for being late. These seminary professor’s like to get started right on time. Of course, I hike the stairs, walk the what seems like forever walkway, up more stairs, and into class…quietly…they’re opening class in prayer. I slide into the far side of the room, one of the only chairs left, and quietly sit down, backpack still on, and my heart pounding out of my chest (for being late and the stairs…I need exercise). “Amen”…Professor then quickly turns, writes something on the board, turns around and goes, “Oh Danielle, it’s like an angel appeared”… I was expecting to get scolded for being late, but no, I get called an angel.

To recap so far, I’ve debated with Satan’s help whether to stay with my friends or go to class, leave my notes at home or go get them, stay home because I’m tired or go because I’m going to be missing the next two classes, stay home because I’m going to be late or go and trust God I can get there on time.

And so far, I’ve chosen to go to class (over friends), go get my notes, go to class again (over tiredness), and go to class again (over time constraint).

Through prayers and coffee, I awoke enough to focus at class, and I’m so glad I did because we had a great discussion finishing up 1st Corinthians and beginning 2nd Corinthians.

This is the best part for me. (I’m auditing this class so absentees and assignments turned in don’t really matter.) At the end of class, I remind my professor that even though it doesn’t matter, that I wanted to let him know I won’t be there for the next two sessions because I will be at mission’s training. He looks at me and goes, “It does matter you won’t be here, we’re going to miss you.” He then goes on to ask exactly what I’m going to be doing both in NC and in Kenya and then asks a fellow classmate and parent in Children’s Ministry to pray for me. It was as He closed, I thanked him, said my goodbyes and walked out the door that I realized how Satan had been scheming all day to persuade me not to go and by remaining faithful to what God had asked me to do; I was blessed more than I could have ever thought of.

In so many ways, I see how this lesson will be so helpful in the days, months and years to come as I obediently follow what God has called and asked me to do for Him and His Kingdom and for His glory. Satan doesn’t like the fact that I am on a mission to spread the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. He’s going to try to work in my thoughts, in my environment, and in any other way he can, to pull me away from the call and ultimately blessings that God has for me. Today was a reminder to me of just how real and alive and active Satan is. But it also reminded me that God has asked us to be faithful in small things, and when we are faithful with the small things, He will put together the pieces to accomplish the big things. He’s called me to walk this life with Him, to accomplish the tasks He has asked me to do today, and not to worry about all the to-do’s of tomorrow. When we keep our eyes, hearts, and minds on our God, He will help us to make the right decisions, and when we make a lot of small right decisions, He puts them together as more pieces of the puzzle which is His Kingdom’s Will.

Today is not the first time Satan is going to try to get his way, but I’m going to bed overly encouraged that my God is with me always, He is more powerful than any scheme of Satan, and that ultimately, everything I do, is for two purposes: to further His Kingdom and to bring Glory to His Name.

Your Love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.

polluting towels

What I have been up to:

Monday night, I finished my last class of Biblical Hermeneutics. I aced my final, but more importantly I have walked away with a plethora of knowledge and tools to properly study and interpret His Word. I'm so grateful to have gotten to take this course.

Thursday night, I started another course at the Seminary, this one titled New Testament Survey on the Pauline Epistles and Hebrews. I remained awake for the 7-10pm meeting time, and gained much information from this first class on the Corinthian letters. I'm looking forward to this Thursday night where we are discussing Galatians and Ephesians. Oh and no tests in the course, hooray!

Thursday and Friday, I packed up what was my current home and moved more than 3/4 of it into boxes. They are successful stored in my parents attic and won't be touched until after I return...in 2014. The few personal items and clothes that are left are in 5 buckets where they and I will be living at my grandparents house until I leave for Kenya.

Lazy Saturday morning with my most favorite breakfast, Cinnamon rolls. This morning I cooked them to perfection, lightly brown on the bottom and gooey in the middle... oh they were SO yummy! 

I also have been working on some quiet time with God. Read through Galatians and Ephesians. Worship music has been playing in the background. Such a good morning and so needed!

One of my new favorite songs is called "Reign in us" by Starfield. Here's some of the lyrics and a link to the song.

Lord Jesus 

come lead us

we're desperate for touch.

Oh Great and Mighty One with one desire we come,

that you would reign that you would reign in us.

We're offering up our lives, a living sacrifice, 

that you would reign, that you would reign in us.

....

So reign please reign in us

come purify our hearts

we need Your touch

come cleanse us like a flood

and send us out

so the world may know You reign, You reign in us.

And then I read these versus this morning in Ephesians and felt convicted. Through this next week, I'm challenging myself to remain in these truths because it is so easy to fall into the sin of gossip and ultimately it creates pride in myself that I am better.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:29-32

Satan and his angels have a way of discouraging God's people by allowing unwholesome talk to not only be thought, but spoken. But the Bible says we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28) and called to carry each other's burdens (Gal 6:2). It also says in 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 that He died for us (everyone) so that, whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead), we (believers) may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Paul challenges the Thessalonians to continue to encourage and building each other up. When we think bad or talk bad about others, it is only hurting us. Our hearts and minds are becoming like a dirty towel, polluting ourselves with unwholesome things. In Jesus, we are all one, and we are all striving towards the same goal, to be one in Christ and to be more like Him. 

Finding faults is easy, that's what the Pharisee's and teachers of the Law did, they were purposely seeking to find Jesus going against the Law. But Jesus was different, He had meals with sinners, He knew people failed, and when they did, He forgave, immediately. And He still does that today. When we sin, because of the Cross, we can repent in Jesus name, and God forgives us, immediately, he washes us clean, he makes our towels without blemishes again. When we speak unwholesomely of others, we are doing nothing to live as Christ did. We are encouraged by Paul to build each other up, to talk positively of one another, and when someone sins against us, we are asked to forgive, just as Jesus does for us.

Are you holding a grudge against someone? Has someone's motives frustrated you? Or maybe they said something that hurt you? I challenge you, and myself, to let these things go. For we are all one in Christ Jesus, brothers and sisters of the promise and here on Earth there is enough sin to keep us at war. But God has asked us to live at peace with everyone (Rom 12:18). So let things go, forgive those who have wronged you, and do your best, myself included, to build one another up and encourage each other in Christ. Let's live with faith that we are children of the promise, that we have been washed clean with His blood, and that He does reign in us so that the world will see His glory. 

Jesus, please reign in me, cleanse me so that others will see your perfection, your forgiveness, and your glory. Thank you for the work you are doing in me moment by moment in bringing your truth to light so that I may live a more Godly life. Thank you Jesus for the continued peace you give me admist the busyness that has been my life these past three weeks. We have studied, learned and accomplished so much together and I thank you for helping me to sense your Spirit within me in those difficult and trying times. Holy Spirit I pray that You would continue to reign in me, continue to bring light to your truths, continue to prepare me for the amazing ministry that you have put in front of me, and continue to show me your grace and mercy. I look forward to all that you have for me today and wait in eager anticipation for your coming. In the waiting, grant me your peace and forgiveness so that I can live a life worthy of Your Name and one in service for Your Kingdom. In Your name Jesus I pray, Amen

Fun Friday

I love getting to do fun random things to pass the day.

Fast appointment. Today started out with an eye doctor appointment. I was so thankful for an early morning slotted time so that I knew it wouldn't last all day. My eye had been red for a few days and had not really gotten better. Probably didn't help that I kept trying to put my contacts back in. My doctor told me it was (because it was almost cleared up he couldn't really see a whole lot of it) either bacteria from my contact or a "cold in my eye". Either way, contacts are in and my eyes are still white!

Fliers delivered. Afterwards, my job paid me to drive around El Cajon and deliver fliers for our upcoming outreach on Halloween. I got to listen to praise music for a couple hours while driving from school to school. I love my job for the randomness that I get to do all the time. No day is ever the same.

Food & fellowship. Once all the schools had their fliers, I met up with a friend and shared mexican food and some quality time together. I had been looking forward to it all week and so glad our schedules worked so we could catch up.

Friend time, unscheduled. After hanging out, I was on my way to the seminary when I realized I needed a detour after all the water and coffee I drank that morning. Sitting in the parking lot of my work, talking to one best friend on the phone, the other one was just getting off work and had a few minutes to kill before she had to leave. We all got to catch up together; I love God's timing in the little things.

Fearless; another class. Yesterday afternoon, I got an email asking if I wanted to take another seminary course. At first, I didn't want to. It takes time, but the knowledge that is gained is priceless. So with a good impression after my hermeneutics class, I have decided to do it. So I went in and signed the add form to enroll me in a course called, the Pauline epistles and Hebrews. I am auditing again so no stress with grades, even though I care. :)

Free time. This afternoon and evening, there is nothing on the calendar. I have done a bit of studying for my final on Monday night, but mostly, I have been doing nothing. Literally laying on my bed, resting my body and mind. I'm looking forward to an early bedtime and another great day tomorrow.

Happy Friday everyone!