Sophomore Youth Group

February 10th 2009.

I was a Sophomore high school girl along time ago, but I had the opportunity to be with 8 young ladies on the 17th of Feb. Each one was full of life and reminded me of what it was like to be far from responsibilities and yet feel so ready for them. Sitting within their circle and listening to how their day went was so refreshing. I wanted to convey to them the awesome work God was going to use them for if only they would be obedient and follow his promises, I wanted to encourage them to follow the dreams God laid on their hearts, I wanted to entreat them to hold on tight to Christ and never let Him go. Instead I told them of my sophomore year and the time when I ran from God before I turned and embraced the call on my life that is Servitude. It was interesting to hear adult's comments come out of young girls. "I wish I could do something like that, but I am too close to my family." or "Is it safe." I am struck by questions like these. Not really by these young believers but when the sam type of questions come from seasoned faith followers I feel down trodden. Is there any place that is safe if you are out side God's will?? If God asked you to leave your family would you not? I too love my family. Some of my closest friend are like sisters to me. Do I not ache in agony the thought of leaving them behind. Do I not fear the idea of being in a place where I may not be able to communicate safely with others? And yet, I go, clinging onto the Father's out streached and stong arm. Knowing that He alone can keep me safe and that without Him I have no family. I hope that I was able to encourage these young women to follow God's path for them no matter how hard it may seem to the world's eye.

Flock by Sheep

Feb. 17th, 2009.

I was invited to share my heart at one of the small groups from my church, we call them flocks, and so I accepted the invitation. I thought I knew how to get there fairly easily. But I got lost so instead of being early as I had intended I was late. I was a clumsy mess, but everyone was so gracious and forgiving. Wendell and Marie Conover, Larry and Mary Fell, Dave and Angie Drevo, Gordon and Deb Opp, John and Linda Pankonin, and Tom and Janelle Martin were all so very welcoming. I really enjoyed opening my heart to them and being able to hear their questions gave me insight about what people want to know. I am still learning so very much about how to inform those who will be involved in this ministry. I get so excited when people come to me with their questions.

FECC

Feb 15, 2009.

I spoke briefly at First Evangelical Covenant Church on Sunday the 15th of Feb and was encouraged by the spirit of Outreach that I found there. The family of faith that I knew welcomed me with loving arms. I was able to speak to several children and touch based with many old friends about my plans. It was good to see familar faces and to give hugs to those I hadn't seen in a while. One boy asked me if it was okay to take one of my pictures with my prayer requests on it, because he said that his day care always prays for people. Of course I said he could have one. The next day I walked into my BSF class and saw my picture hanging up on the prayer map. The teacher from that class, Emmy Harris, saw me and we knew each other from high school and she told me that they prayed for me. I met a woman who was visiting FECC and she and I talked for a long time about China and about the language hurdle I will have to jump. I showed her Rosetta Stone and encouraged her to look into it for her own language learning needs. Boy do I sound like an advertisement. :) Then I got to go out to eat with close family friends the McGee family.

South Dakota & Sick Bed

February 5th-7th, 2009.

I went to South Dakota to share with my extended family a little more of the heart God has placed in me. The Open House was small and nice. I got to spend some quality time with my mom's two sisters, and with both sets of grandparents. I was encouraged by their great love and support. I feel so blessed to be raised in a family that clings to Christ for their strength. Then the following day I was sick and sadly unable to attend my cousin's wedding. It was reported to be a lovely event. The bowling afterward was certainly enjoyable. Congrats to Greg and Lisa!!! I am beginning to feel better, which I need because I am off to work soon. I have a meeting at First Evangelical Covenant Church this Sunday.

January Begins to End.

As January comes to a close I am excited about the up coming month of Feb. I have many plans for Feb. I have an open house in Warner, SD on the 6th of Feb, my cousin's wedding on the 7th, speaking at a youth group on the 10th, speak at First Evangelical Covenant Church on the 15th, speaking at sunday school at Grace Lutheran Church in Walton, Neb on the 22nd. Busy Busy Busy. I am so pumped to see who God is going to touch and use in my life from these encounters. :)

Wyoming and Halfway there!!

December 2008.
My time in Wyoming was a time of regeneration and encouragement. I was able to sit down with Pastor Milo at Highland Park and discuss my future and my desires. Then I was able to hold an Open House there where we (my whole family) were introduced to another family that is going through similar process and this became the beginning of family's abroad support system casper branch. Which I am super stoaked about.

January 11, 2009.
I returned to Lincoln and have been attempting to reconnect with my friends and surrogate family here. This morning I spoke at Faith briefly and was told by the council there that $22,000 has been set aside for me this budget year. That sets me over half way raised and I am so wordless about this. Completely freaking out inside but also amazed and awed.

Progress Update!

January 11,2009.

Today I recieved some good news. I am now officially over halfway raised to go. Scary but exciting!!!



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