I saw a lot of this liquid substance this week! The weather here is always so unpredictable, much like my life.
Thursday we were expecting rain, which generally means taking extra care on the drive to and from work, as well as Monday morning clean up in our gym. We have a leak in our roof that can get pretty nasty if the rain is coming down hard enough. At about 3:15 I started hearing water come down in the gym from my office. I thought "no big deal, we'll just have to clean it up once the rain quits." So I step out of my office, and head down the hall, and around the corner to the gym. At this point I realized that it was raining much harder outside than I originally thought. We all quickly started grabbing trash cans, even if they were full so we can empty them and use all we all to catch the water.
This is when the extent of the water was clear. I walked passed our kitchen which is between the offices, and the gym. Water was pouring in so quickly one would have thought the fire department had hooked up a hose and let loose from the ceiling!
Long story short, we did our best to drain the water as best we could until we came to the conclusion that we could do no more. Roy, which is my director's husband, handed me a tool that did a fantastic job of pushing water out the front door. Then I figured out that it was one of those industrial size squeegees that are used to clean massive office building windows. :) HA! Who knew it would come in so handy?!
Aside from our flood situation the week was a great one! When I say great, its easy to think it was fun and all. Not to say, I didn't have fun but God definitely taught me a thing or to this week. I won't go into too much detail, but God has been humbling me through some personal things. Also, God has been teaching me about faith, and trusting Him. I heard a sermon about how we have to trust in God's presence even though what we may see doesn't add up. I tend to use money as an example because it's something we all use, or could use some of. :) The more and more I step out in faith, though it scares me, God has shown himself faithful time and time again. I was trying to make a budget for myself this week, and after putting in the expected income and expected expenses all I could do was laugh. Laugh because the number expected to come in never really compensates for what must go out. I'm thankful that God is present even when what I see tries to make me doubt his provision!
In the Bible, Jesus talks to the woman at the well about living water. As I watched the water gush in on Thursday faster than we could manage to dump our buckets, God reminded me about the woman at the well. I gave my life to Christ long ago for Him to do with it what pleases Him. Just like the water, I want his living water to gush into my life so that it spills over to others. So that others may know Him. How amazing He is, this God the one and only whom I serve. How could I not give my life for Him, after He displayed the ultimate act of love and giving His life for me?
"For you are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ."
Galatians 3:26
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Spring Break Teams!
For many of you who will read this, Spring Break has now come and gone unfortunately. Sorry about that, but at least now summer is not so far away!
The last two weeks were great! Two different teams came in to work with and serve our community. One group was a high school group from McKinney, TX. The other group was a college group from Kentucky. Both teams helped out tremendously with work that normally would take weeks to finish. Also, two friends from FMU came to visit this past week. Nancy and Kathrina also served at two of the centers and got the opportunity to practice their Spanish. ;) (If you don't know, these two girls are from Germany, so it was interesting to see different cultures mesh.)
Both of the groups that came worked at the two other centers we have in Houston, but I can not express how great it was to interact with new people especially when they are full of such zeal! It's contagious! :) If you didn't already know this, I LOVE MEETING NEW PEOPLE! The longer I am here, my desire to meet new faces only increases. It's interesting...I am with people almost all day, everyday yet still I can't seem to get enough. Don't get me wrong, there are those days when I need alone time but most often I just miss people.
On a different yet similar note, Nancy and Kathrina really encouraged me this week. Aside from Krissy who visited a few weeks ago (which was amazing by the way!) they are the first ones to visit from home. I have to admit, I have been getting a bit homesick. This is not normal for me because I generally like the fast paced environment going from one place to the next, without ever REALLY missing home. Well, I've hit that point. I guess after spending time with Krissy a few weeks ago, and then the girls this week, it's constant reminders of friends, family, and good times. Hopefully, I'll get to visit SC towards the end of May before the summer gets on a roll.
One thing that I would ask from all of you who read and follow my blog, please comment and let me know what you would like to hear about. I know what things tend to stand out to me, but I do this day in and day out so my viewpoint is very different from all of you. I will be posting some pictures soon, if I can figure it out.
Lastly, there is a girl who I've had the privilege of spending time with after work lately. She lives across the street so she is usually playing out in front of the building when I come home each day. The first day I talked to her I was just asking very general things about school, and her favorite subject, etc. She is in second grade, and just a precious little girl. We have starting reading books together after work. From a teacher's perspective, I want her to become a stronger reader. It's interesting how quickly you can see progress if you're looking for it. Not that her progress has been drastic but just seeing her become more confident as a reader is so exciting! If you come across any good children's books that you think she might enjoy, please pass that info along.
Thank you to those of you who pray and give to support me. If you all were not faithful in your support, I would not be able to do what God is allowing me to do in Houston. :)
The last two weeks were great! Two different teams came in to work with and serve our community. One group was a high school group from McKinney, TX. The other group was a college group from Kentucky. Both teams helped out tremendously with work that normally would take weeks to finish. Also, two friends from FMU came to visit this past week. Nancy and Kathrina also served at two of the centers and got the opportunity to practice their Spanish. ;) (If you don't know, these two girls are from Germany, so it was interesting to see different cultures mesh.)
Both of the groups that came worked at the two other centers we have in Houston, but I can not express how great it was to interact with new people especially when they are full of such zeal! It's contagious! :) If you didn't already know this, I LOVE MEETING NEW PEOPLE! The longer I am here, my desire to meet new faces only increases. It's interesting...I am with people almost all day, everyday yet still I can't seem to get enough. Don't get me wrong, there are those days when I need alone time but most often I just miss people.
On a different yet similar note, Nancy and Kathrina really encouraged me this week. Aside from Krissy who visited a few weeks ago (which was amazing by the way!) they are the first ones to visit from home. I have to admit, I have been getting a bit homesick. This is not normal for me because I generally like the fast paced environment going from one place to the next, without ever REALLY missing home. Well, I've hit that point. I guess after spending time with Krissy a few weeks ago, and then the girls this week, it's constant reminders of friends, family, and good times. Hopefully, I'll get to visit SC towards the end of May before the summer gets on a roll.
One thing that I would ask from all of you who read and follow my blog, please comment and let me know what you would like to hear about. I know what things tend to stand out to me, but I do this day in and day out so my viewpoint is very different from all of you. I will be posting some pictures soon, if I can figure it out.
Lastly, there is a girl who I've had the privilege of spending time with after work lately. She lives across the street so she is usually playing out in front of the building when I come home each day. The first day I talked to her I was just asking very general things about school, and her favorite subject, etc. She is in second grade, and just a precious little girl. We have starting reading books together after work. From a teacher's perspective, I want her to become a stronger reader. It's interesting how quickly you can see progress if you're looking for it. Not that her progress has been drastic but just seeing her become more confident as a reader is so exciting! If you come across any good children's books that you think she might enjoy, please pass that info along.
Thank you to those of you who pray and give to support me. If you all were not faithful in your support, I would not be able to do what God is allowing me to do in Houston. :)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thoughts
Normally, when I post, I think of specific things that happened or particular events that represent the work I do. This week has been a great week but there aren't any events that have marked this week for me. Instead, I have been running through some different things in my mind about life, and my existence.
I can't speak for everyone, but I know I was designed for greatness. Not to say that everyone was not designed for greatness; I think most people just don't know that God made them that way. Before I moved to Texas, I was finishing up with my degree. Though everyday I learned something, I would always tell other people "this isn't it for me" or "so much more can be done."
I accepted Christ my junior year of high school. I never really had any dreams other than to play sports. I cared very little about academics, people, or the "American Dream", though I'm still not sure what that is all about. I never had a desire to work a routine job or anything like that, I just went with the flow of things. I made my own decisions, but come as it may.
Since then, I've matured quite a bit, and have a better perspective than I did as a junior in high school. I view the world much differently, but the more I learn and see and do, the more I am less content with what is being done. It's easy to sit an watch what is happening around me. There are times when I watch TV and all I can do is shake my head; then I change the channel. But what good is shaking my head, if all I'll ever do is change the channel?
I wrote down a statement on a post-it one day last semester that read "Mediocrity is never an option when you have the Creator of the universe living inside of you." I stuck the note inside my closest so I would see it every now and then. It's still fresh in my mind. I have absolutely no desire to live a "normal" life. And don't get me wrong, some people are completely content with their jobs and lives and I'm not saying their is anything wrong with that. It's great, as long as it's what you should be doing.
I always wonder, and I'm being completely honest, if I'll find the job that fits me perfectly. I can't imagine what it would even look like. In reality, I may never find a job that fits me to a "T", but if my job energizes me to continue, and to "be the change [I] wish to see in the world" as Gandhi put it, then I'll put up with any amount of displeasure I may experience.
Several people have asked me over the past few years, and I'm going to assume this question is written in a book somewhere because it's used often, "If you could not fail, what would you attempt?" Often I do not have a response, because there is this overwhelming desire that I have to be great. A passion to see the world, and the many faces that make up this globe of diversity. Not to change a person's circumstance, but to somehow give them hope no matter their circumstance. Let me say, I am nothing without Christ, but with Him there's nothing I cannot do. So, what do I do? Day in and day out. In the mundane, in the busyness, in the routine, in the chaos.... What moves me? And as I travel on this journey, what does He move me to do?
Most of you have heard the statistic that most people only use about 10% of their brains. (No, I don't know where it came from.) And this could very well be just another useless statistic that means nothing......but how many of us really feel challenged each and every day? Even just some days? There are days when I feel I am extremely busy, with a mountain of things to accomplish but does it challenge me to the core of who I am? Does it challenge me to be great (through Christ's strength)?
I myself am fearful of the unknown. I avoid the possibility of failure if at all possible. I tend to shy away from tasks that seem impossible though I'm burning inside to see what it would be like to even attempt such feats. Failure is inevitable, so why should it matter if we could fall flat on our faces? What holds us back? And why do we allow it? I remember as a kid I would climb the tallest trees I could find, if I could get to the first branch. Ironically, I am now afraid of heights. I get to the first branch, maybe the second on a good day and that's enough for me. Life hurts after a fall, but if we could only maintain our adventurous side that doesn't mind taking risks, even if it is just being naive.
I'm not challenging anyone to climb a Redwood(unless your heart so desires), but let's get going! :)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light,not our darkness that most frightens us.We ask ourselves.Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine; we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear,our presence automatically liberates others.”
- Marianne Williamson
I can't speak for everyone, but I know I was designed for greatness. Not to say that everyone was not designed for greatness; I think most people just don't know that God made them that way. Before I moved to Texas, I was finishing up with my degree. Though everyday I learned something, I would always tell other people "this isn't it for me" or "so much more can be done."
I accepted Christ my junior year of high school. I never really had any dreams other than to play sports. I cared very little about academics, people, or the "American Dream", though I'm still not sure what that is all about. I never had a desire to work a routine job or anything like that, I just went with the flow of things. I made my own decisions, but come as it may.
Since then, I've matured quite a bit, and have a better perspective than I did as a junior in high school. I view the world much differently, but the more I learn and see and do, the more I am less content with what is being done. It's easy to sit an watch what is happening around me. There are times when I watch TV and all I can do is shake my head; then I change the channel. But what good is shaking my head, if all I'll ever do is change the channel?
I wrote down a statement on a post-it one day last semester that read "Mediocrity is never an option when you have the Creator of the universe living inside of you." I stuck the note inside my closest so I would see it every now and then. It's still fresh in my mind. I have absolutely no desire to live a "normal" life. And don't get me wrong, some people are completely content with their jobs and lives and I'm not saying their is anything wrong with that. It's great, as long as it's what you should be doing.
I always wonder, and I'm being completely honest, if I'll find the job that fits me perfectly. I can't imagine what it would even look like. In reality, I may never find a job that fits me to a "T", but if my job energizes me to continue, and to "be the change [I] wish to see in the world" as Gandhi put it, then I'll put up with any amount of displeasure I may experience.
Several people have asked me over the past few years, and I'm going to assume this question is written in a book somewhere because it's used often, "If you could not fail, what would you attempt?" Often I do not have a response, because there is this overwhelming desire that I have to be great. A passion to see the world, and the many faces that make up this globe of diversity. Not to change a person's circumstance, but to somehow give them hope no matter their circumstance. Let me say, I am nothing without Christ, but with Him there's nothing I cannot do. So, what do I do? Day in and day out. In the mundane, in the busyness, in the routine, in the chaos.... What moves me? And as I travel on this journey, what does He move me to do?
Most of you have heard the statistic that most people only use about 10% of their brains. (No, I don't know where it came from.) And this could very well be just another useless statistic that means nothing......but how many of us really feel challenged each and every day? Even just some days? There are days when I feel I am extremely busy, with a mountain of things to accomplish but does it challenge me to the core of who I am? Does it challenge me to be great (through Christ's strength)?
I myself am fearful of the unknown. I avoid the possibility of failure if at all possible. I tend to shy away from tasks that seem impossible though I'm burning inside to see what it would be like to even attempt such feats. Failure is inevitable, so why should it matter if we could fall flat on our faces? What holds us back? And why do we allow it? I remember as a kid I would climb the tallest trees I could find, if I could get to the first branch. Ironically, I am now afraid of heights. I get to the first branch, maybe the second on a good day and that's enough for me. Life hurts after a fall, but if we could only maintain our adventurous side that doesn't mind taking risks, even if it is just being naive.
I'm not challenging anyone to climb a Redwood(unless your heart so desires), but let's get going! :)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light,not our darkness that most frightens us.We ask ourselves.Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine; we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear,our presence automatically liberates others.”
- Marianne Williamson
Sunday, March 1, 2009
What has been happening and What is to come....
Thank you all so much for your patience! I tend to get off track with my posts. I received a couple of phone calls and cards over the past two weeks that were really encouraging. Thanks again for making it a point to encourage, pray, and support me.
What's been happening at Mission Centers of Houston? What is to come?
Last weekend we had our annual Winter Experience Banquet fundraiser. Our goal was $50,000. Due to the increased number of people we are serving, and the declining economy we were praying that God would provide this amount. In the worst economy as we've been told by news anchors and analysts everywhere, God provided $50,000!!! Since last Friday night other checks have come in as a result of the banquet. God can clearly do more than we could ask or imagine.
We have another fundraiser coming up soon. It's an annual golf tournament. Unfortunately, we were told in our staff meeting on Friday that our two underwriters for the tournament are financially unable to underwrite the event this year. Pray that God will work in the hearts of those He seeks to use to provide for every need here at MCH.
Spring Break is only days away for many people who will be coming to serve at the three mission centers. We are so excited!! Teams coming from different parts of the U.S. will be serving with us to meet the needs of our community. Many have done inner city ministry before, but for the ones who have not it will definitely be an eye-opening experience. Pray that these students will see how God is using this ministry in Houston, and take it back to their own communities to be the hands and feet of Jesus or even decide to come back and serve during the summer. :)
SUMMER MISSIONARIES!!
Obviously I'm excited about the summer. This past week we were given contact information for 7 new missionaries that will be joining us this summer! Please pray that God will prepare these students and that he will send more workers! We need girls and GUYS! I stress this because there's almost always enough girls, but unfortunately always a shortage of guys. We want strong male role models for our boys and young men who are growing up without these godly men to look up to. We know that God is faithful and He WILL provide!
Reload Conference:
Yesterday, we attended an urban youth workers' conference called Reload. It was geared towards church youth groups and the leaders. Though we are a non-profit, we were encouraged and challenged none the less. The main speaker made a statement that is not new information and is found in the Bible. For some reason it finally clicked in my mind... This is paraphrased, Many of you are exhausted and ready to quit working with the youth in your churches and communities because you are doing all the work! He then followed by reading this verse:
"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to EQUIP God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12
We equip our students so that they can build up the church. We teach students so that they will be equipped to reach other students. We have youth ministries, not just youth groups that are based on a "teacher" popping in a video and then asking a few questions afterwards. No wonder the youth stop coming when there's no money to buy pizza each week. Jesus reached the world through a few disciples. I think we can all benefit from looking at His example. God, help us to get it right!
Events at Joy Mission Center:
Thursday we had about 20 beginning nursing students from HBU (Houston Baptist University) who came in and hosted our Health Fair for the community. We had almost 90 people from the community who attended. We had just about as many kids as we had adults! :) People were broken into small groups and each group rotated to the next booth when the time was up. The demonstrations ranged from managing blood pressure and blood sugar to more kid friendly demonstrations of how to wash your hands properly and how to brush and floss properly. As I walked around to make sure we had enough people to translate for the community, many of the kids who come to our afternoon programs would run up and tell me about how dirty their hands were after they thought they had washed them properly. (They told me as they grabbed my hand) :) There were also booths set up that addressed ways to prevent diabetes as well as information on a healthy diet for kids and adults. It was great to see so many parents with their kids!
Preteens & Teens
We had one of our preteens move up to the teen group this week. Roberto is such a bright young man and has a desire to serve. Normally, the teens don't like to pray aloud in front of the rest of the teens but I was so encouraged this week because Roberto who normally prays in preteens volunteered to open and close our Bible study in prayer. This may not seem like much but he is the youngest in the group! He knows that he could get picked on but he doesn't care. He made the statement a few weeks ago that he is not ashamed to talk to God in front of people and other people who say they are Christians shouldn't be either. I'm thankful for Roberto and his family. He is the son of one of our faithful volunteers at joy and he and his family have grown up at Joy. God is doing great things through this family and many others in our community!
Speaking of our Community!
As I have told you before, the number of people we serve each day is increasing as each new day comes. Last week, we set another record since the beginning of the year. The most we had served in one day thus far was 70; last week we served 77 in a single day. Please pray that each person who comes into the center experiences the love of God as we seek to serve God and reach our community through meeting their needs.
Why do we do it?
Many have asked me why I would come to Houston. "You could go teach somewhere else." "Why don't you go to China and teach English, or anywhere else? You can make more money!" Many of my other co-workers are asked the same questions on a normal basis. While I could teach somewhere else, and "use" my teaching degree (in a more common setting than how it is used everyday here in Houston) I choose to remain where God has placed me.
Paul said it best in 2 Corinthians 6:10
"Our hears ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing but we have EVERYTHING! :)
What we do now, will impact generations! I'll be here until God moves me! :)
What's been happening at Mission Centers of Houston? What is to come?
Last weekend we had our annual Winter Experience Banquet fundraiser. Our goal was $50,000. Due to the increased number of people we are serving, and the declining economy we were praying that God would provide this amount. In the worst economy as we've been told by news anchors and analysts everywhere, God provided $50,000!!! Since last Friday night other checks have come in as a result of the banquet. God can clearly do more than we could ask or imagine.
We have another fundraiser coming up soon. It's an annual golf tournament. Unfortunately, we were told in our staff meeting on Friday that our two underwriters for the tournament are financially unable to underwrite the event this year. Pray that God will work in the hearts of those He seeks to use to provide for every need here at MCH.
Spring Break is only days away for many people who will be coming to serve at the three mission centers. We are so excited!! Teams coming from different parts of the U.S. will be serving with us to meet the needs of our community. Many have done inner city ministry before, but for the ones who have not it will definitely be an eye-opening experience. Pray that these students will see how God is using this ministry in Houston, and take it back to their own communities to be the hands and feet of Jesus or even decide to come back and serve during the summer. :)
SUMMER MISSIONARIES!!
Obviously I'm excited about the summer. This past week we were given contact information for 7 new missionaries that will be joining us this summer! Please pray that God will prepare these students and that he will send more workers! We need girls and GUYS! I stress this because there's almost always enough girls, but unfortunately always a shortage of guys. We want strong male role models for our boys and young men who are growing up without these godly men to look up to. We know that God is faithful and He WILL provide!
Reload Conference:
Yesterday, we attended an urban youth workers' conference called Reload. It was geared towards church youth groups and the leaders. Though we are a non-profit, we were encouraged and challenged none the less. The main speaker made a statement that is not new information and is found in the Bible. For some reason it finally clicked in my mind... This is paraphrased, Many of you are exhausted and ready to quit working with the youth in your churches and communities because you are doing all the work! He then followed by reading this verse:
"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to EQUIP God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12
We equip our students so that they can build up the church. We teach students so that they will be equipped to reach other students. We have youth ministries, not just youth groups that are based on a "teacher" popping in a video and then asking a few questions afterwards. No wonder the youth stop coming when there's no money to buy pizza each week. Jesus reached the world through a few disciples. I think we can all benefit from looking at His example. God, help us to get it right!
Events at Joy Mission Center:
Thursday we had about 20 beginning nursing students from HBU (Houston Baptist University) who came in and hosted our Health Fair for the community. We had almost 90 people from the community who attended. We had just about as many kids as we had adults! :) People were broken into small groups and each group rotated to the next booth when the time was up. The demonstrations ranged from managing blood pressure and blood sugar to more kid friendly demonstrations of how to wash your hands properly and how to brush and floss properly. As I walked around to make sure we had enough people to translate for the community, many of the kids who come to our afternoon programs would run up and tell me about how dirty their hands were after they thought they had washed them properly. (They told me as they grabbed my hand) :) There were also booths set up that addressed ways to prevent diabetes as well as information on a healthy diet for kids and adults. It was great to see so many parents with their kids!
Preteens & Teens
We had one of our preteens move up to the teen group this week. Roberto is such a bright young man and has a desire to serve. Normally, the teens don't like to pray aloud in front of the rest of the teens but I was so encouraged this week because Roberto who normally prays in preteens volunteered to open and close our Bible study in prayer. This may not seem like much but he is the youngest in the group! He knows that he could get picked on but he doesn't care. He made the statement a few weeks ago that he is not ashamed to talk to God in front of people and other people who say they are Christians shouldn't be either. I'm thankful for Roberto and his family. He is the son of one of our faithful volunteers at joy and he and his family have grown up at Joy. God is doing great things through this family and many others in our community!
Speaking of our Community!
As I have told you before, the number of people we serve each day is increasing as each new day comes. Last week, we set another record since the beginning of the year. The most we had served in one day thus far was 70; last week we served 77 in a single day. Please pray that each person who comes into the center experiences the love of God as we seek to serve God and reach our community through meeting their needs.
Why do we do it?
Many have asked me why I would come to Houston. "You could go teach somewhere else." "Why don't you go to China and teach English, or anywhere else? You can make more money!" Many of my other co-workers are asked the same questions on a normal basis. While I could teach somewhere else, and "use" my teaching degree (in a more common setting than how it is used everyday here in Houston) I choose to remain where God has placed me.
Paul said it best in 2 Corinthians 6:10
"Our hears ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing but we have EVERYTHING! :)
What we do now, will impact generations! I'll be here until God moves me! :)
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