I am here in Africa because the love of God has compelled me to be here. God has called me to be here; in this moment. What an honor and blessing that is to be here on his behalf. The kingdom of God works best when we go to each other. Missions is a process of growing your faith; not knowing when and where the money for funding God's work will come from. It takes having faith that God will speak and use the right people, and man he SURE DID. I thank God for each and every person that made this journey possible for me. It's amazing how many people God used and how faithful so many were to his calling on each life. God has been teaching me in the last year that if I am willing to fight His battle, He will provide. God surely has provided for me in more ways than just one, but I am constantly reminded that it is a battle field. The battle field is very evident here. The enemy hates what we have come to do here in Africa. The people of Africa don't exactly know what to do about the problem of orphans here. The answer is simply God.
There are so many orphans all around the world. They are the forgotten, the lost, and at times invisible. Psalm 68:4 says that God is a father to the fatherless, a defender of the widows. He sets the lonely in families. I have come to see that I have expanded my family. I am family to Obed, to Osvaldo and Moises. James 1:27 says, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orpahns and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." This verse really spoke to me today. It is one that I am familiar with, but it is one that hits me right in the chest when I look at the beautiful faces of the children and people I saw at church today in Matipane. Doug taught a lesson on worry at church today. First, we got to introduce ourselves to the congregation. Can I just tell you that we were greeted with the warmest of welcomings. The worship leader and pastor wanted us to spread out amongst the people. No white person was allowed to sit by another white. We all had to be mixed, for they said we were all a part of God's family. It brought me to think about myself and how I am at my own home church. I generally sit in the same row, with the same people, every single Sunday. God spoke to me that I need to reach out and spread my wings. I need to get out of my normal, regular row, and be warm, welcoming, and inviting to others.
The sermon was about worrry; something that overcomes many of us on a regular basis. There are so many things we worry about. Worry isn't about where we are at in the world. Most of us think that if we just had more money we wouldn't have anything to worry about. Worry is universal. It comes from the enemy.
I know many people at home have worried about my stay here, my safety, my return. The team has also worried about how we will be able to accomplish all God wants us to accomplish here in Limpopo. God is moving though and showing that He is mighty and able. I have never seen people worship in such a big way. The people at church today showed me such a passion and love for God by their worship. They inspired me to not hold back, to give EVERYTHING over to God. We had no stage, no grand performance, no sound system, or lighting system. We didn't have air conditioning or heat. We didn't have fancy, comfortable chairs. All we had was a space made from metal and wood logs. Half of the roof was missing, letting the sunlight shine down on us. We all were from different backgrounds, wearing different clothes, speaking different languages, YET I have never felt God's presence so strong. I saw and felt God in powerful ways. I saw God at work in the middle of nowhere, in a dirt field in Africa. God doesn't need to be created into something He is not. We don't need to make him more attractive by having a beautiful church building, creating church into a huge production. God is his own production, and it was very clear to me at church today. The people of Matipane have a passion and love for God that is contagious. I want that, and I felt Him in such a powerful way today, in a way that is very hard to explain.
All I know is to stay connected; to feel God in this way, I must be intentional. I must love Him without hesitation, and I must love others in a way that God first loved us.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Back Home again :) Saturday, Sunday June 22 and 23
Saturday, Sunday-- June 22 and 23 2013
We finally made it to AFRICA!!!! Dad and I left Thursday morning for the airport really early. I met Sandy and Addie there, and we flew the short ways to DC. We had a 6 hour layover there. We ate lunch at Max and Ermas, met a lovely grandma and granddaughter going on her 14th birthday trip to South Africa.
We arrived Friday evening at about 6:30pm. A man was missing on the flight when we stopped in Dakar. It delayed us a bit, but Doug and Johnny were there to pick us up. It was wonderful to hug and see Johnny again! I missed my south African Dad!
We drove to the City Lodge, where we met the Michigan team. Addie, Doug and Sandy's 10 year old grand daughter shared a room. We got situated and met everybody down for dinner. It was wonderful to see and meet the whole team. There are 22 members in total, which is the largest team i have ever been on. We headed to bed about 10:30pm.
I woke up early this morning feeling pretty good and well rested. Thank you lord for providing safe travels. I can't believe we are FINALLY in Africa. I never in my wildest dreams thought i would be back so soon. :) I am not complaining though.
Lord, I ask you to help me to be open to seeing and feeling everything you want me to see and feel. I pray for safe travels as we drive to Ava Maria, the retreat center we will be staying the week at. Looking forward to a beautiful day. Help me to be thankful for everything that I have.
Psalm 4:7-8 says, " You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine. In peace i will lie down and sleep, for you alone will keep me safe.
God really has given me greater joy than I could ever have imagined. Africa is home, and it truly feels so wonderful to be back. This country is one that has such GREAT contrast. God wants us to believe enough to be sent into the world as believers. Having faith in the one true God sets us apart. I know and feel in my heart that God has sent me to Africa this summer. I know not everybody understands, not everybody will understand, but this week, in this moment, I pray for those that i know God will put in my path that will understand the work that is being done, my love for Jesus, and those lives that I will touch through His work I am doing. Jesus was a servant. Jesus is not about meeting needs. He is about making disciples in His image. Jesus started pulling guys together. And I am excited for the guys He has pulled together for this week's retreat and VBS teachings.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Yakosa, A Beautiful Blessing
With less than two weeks until I fly away to Africa, My God has been readily preparing the way for me with each passing day. I am growing, learning, and preparing my heart and mind for the days ahead. Each day brings on new meaning as I hold myself responsible to soaking in all the time I can with those I love and hold dear to my heart here in the States. I have never been gone for more than two weeks out of the country. As I ponder what it might be like to be gone for so long, I sit and wonder what my heart will feel like being in Africa again, working with the beautiful children, and then returning home.
This journey, unlike any other, has brought much peace and comfort on the preparation side of things. I was filled with many fears with the last trips, not knowing what to expect. I feel at ease this time around, which I think has a lot to do with my growing faith and trust in God. He truly has prepared the way for me, and I feel this favor and blessing upon me daily.
A rare and beautiful moment was presented to me last night during my work out with my mother. I am blessed to live in a beautiful area, filled with running trails through the woods and celery bog. Last night's weather was just perfect; a cool breeze, a beautiful sunset, and my mother by my side to fellowship and talk about life and the upcoming plans ahead for us. We started our 4 mile hike just at dusk. At the end, we sometimes choose to stay straight on the road that my home sits on or turn left into a neighborhood and go the back way. My mom commented and asked, "Would you like to turn into the neighborhood?" I thought she asked if we could just stay straight, which would lead us to being on the wrong side of the road. I told her we needed to cross so we would be on the sidewalk away from the cars. She didn't really question my answer, though she was a bit confused, so we kept on walking, only 1/4 mile away from my home.
As we were coming up to the part of the road where we cross, I noticed a woman with her backpack on the ground, waiting at the bus stop. Many city and campus buses pass each and every day, as many students live in the apartment complex across the street. I seemingly pass the strangers that are waiting every day on my runs/walks; most listening to music, reading a book, or just simply consumed by their smart phones. This time was different though. The woman stood alone, with no others waiting for the bus, with it also being close to 10:00pm. As we got ready to pass her, I heard a polite "excuse me" coming from her direction. We stopped, smiled, and listened for the next words to come.
A sweet, beautiful woman, smiled back at me timidly and asked, " I do not have a smart phone, and I have been waiting for the bus for over an hour. Would you mind looking at your phone to see when the next bus comes?"
Easy enough task right? I walked closer to her, phone in hand, and proceeded to look up the bus schedules, which I didn't have much luck in finding. The woman had a heavy accent, one I recognized from my trip to South Africa in October. She had rich, beautiful skin, and I instantly knew she was from a country in Africa. A few minutes passed, and with a little bit of hesitation at first, we decided in a moment to just give the woman a ride home. She was only going a couple miles down the street . We motioned for her to walk the short distance to our cars, and she followed with a slight hesitation as well.
As we approached the cars my mother said she would run inside to get her keys, leaving both of us outside in the parking lot waiting.
"What is your name?" I asked.
"Yakosa. I am from Malawi, Africa," she replied.
My eyes lit up as I began to tell her my name and that I would be going to Africa in just a few weeks. I told her about my trip and what I would be doing. She asked what church I was going with and I told her all about Horizon International and the adventures ahead of me. She then began to open up about how she was going to Purdue, getting her masters in agriculture, and leaving to go back home in late July to teach the farmers in her village what she learned.
As we stood together, talking, and getting to know each other, we heard the sound of the passing bus go by.
She pointed, with a look of disbelief saying, "AHH, there goes the bus."
I smiled.
"No worries, we were meant to be together and meet each other tonight."
We all hopped into the car, ready to make the short drive to where Yakosa had been staying. As we drove off, Yakosa began to share with us that she had been in the middle of praying when we had walked up. She told us that she had started to complain after about 20 minutes of waiting, but God told her to stop, thank Him for the beautiful evening, and start praying and trusting that God had a plan and would never forsake her. After about 40 minutes of praying that God would bring the right people to help her, my mother and I walked up.
She told us that we were angels sent from God and answers to her prayers that evening. My mom and I were stunned; speechless. The next 15 minutes we exchanged words of encouragement and talked about how amazing Our God is that we serve. As we pulled up to her home, Yakosa and I exchanged emails and hugs, as if we had been long time friends. She got out of the car, hugged my mother and I both, and stood and waved as we drove away. My mother and I turned to each other, with tears in our eyes, in awe.
What a blessing and gift God gave us in meeting and helping Yakosa. My mom had been worrying about my trip, having never been to Africa. The unknown is what frightens her. She looked at me and said, "God sent me Yakosa tonight to show me that I have nothing to fear while you are gone in Africa. God showed me a little bit of Africa here in Lafayette tonight."
I can't explain what happened in the short 25 minutes we had with Yakosa. God's presence filled the car and our hearts as we became instant friends because of our same love for God.
What makes me sad is that I'm not sure what would have happened if God had given me that opportunity a few years ago. I would have stopped, but I'm certain I would have been very hesitant in taking her home, fearing the possibilities of what might happen considering she was a stranger to me.
The blessing though is that God has given me new eyes and a new heart that longs to see what He sees in people and that feels what He feels. I am thankful I was able to see the blessing right in front of my eyes.
Yakosa also taught me a valuable lesson about my own prayer life. I need to trust more and believe in the prayers I am offering up to God each and every day. Sometimes Prayer to me seems like smoke that wafts up from my lips and quickly floats away in the air, unheard and meaningless. I sometimes feel that God isn't hearing what I am saying or even cares for that matter. I catch myself at times thinking, "God has bigger issues" or "I am not really that gifted in prayer". I usually connect those doubts with Satan trying to work in my life to catch me in a moment of weakness.
My friends in Africa and Nicaragua sometimes seem like they have an edge on me. God chose them to be rich in faith. Helplessness and faith are essential and vital for a growing, strong prayer life. I need to learn from my dear friends. Christians living in poverty can not rely on their possessions for security and comfort. They must solely rely on God's promises. Most of the time they only have God to turn to, not a paycheck, a car, or a new winter coat. When they pray, they pray with urgency. They pray hard and faithfully. And THAT is what I need. As I come to God with my prayers, I need to forget about all the stuff that I have, and remember to trust God's power. Praying changes who I am and why I do things. The Holy Spirit will take over my heart and mind, and give me thoughts intertwined with God's thoughts. He will give me lasting reasons to serve those in need. Without prayer, my own abilities and reasons for wanting to help will diminish. They will run dry. I must remember to keep in constant prayer; asking God to keep my heart open to the things He wants me to feel and see.
Last night was such a gift, and I thank God for my new friend, Yakosa. I pray that God blesses her and her family as she stepped out in faith and is doing amazing things for her country of Malawi.
Have a beautiful weekend friends!
Many blessings filled with God's LOVE,
Meg :)
This journey, unlike any other, has brought much peace and comfort on the preparation side of things. I was filled with many fears with the last trips, not knowing what to expect. I feel at ease this time around, which I think has a lot to do with my growing faith and trust in God. He truly has prepared the way for me, and I feel this favor and blessing upon me daily.
A rare and beautiful moment was presented to me last night during my work out with my mother. I am blessed to live in a beautiful area, filled with running trails through the woods and celery bog. Last night's weather was just perfect; a cool breeze, a beautiful sunset, and my mother by my side to fellowship and talk about life and the upcoming plans ahead for us. We started our 4 mile hike just at dusk. At the end, we sometimes choose to stay straight on the road that my home sits on or turn left into a neighborhood and go the back way. My mom commented and asked, "Would you like to turn into the neighborhood?" I thought she asked if we could just stay straight, which would lead us to being on the wrong side of the road. I told her we needed to cross so we would be on the sidewalk away from the cars. She didn't really question my answer, though she was a bit confused, so we kept on walking, only 1/4 mile away from my home.
As we were coming up to the part of the road where we cross, I noticed a woman with her backpack on the ground, waiting at the bus stop. Many city and campus buses pass each and every day, as many students live in the apartment complex across the street. I seemingly pass the strangers that are waiting every day on my runs/walks; most listening to music, reading a book, or just simply consumed by their smart phones. This time was different though. The woman stood alone, with no others waiting for the bus, with it also being close to 10:00pm. As we got ready to pass her, I heard a polite "excuse me" coming from her direction. We stopped, smiled, and listened for the next words to come.
A sweet, beautiful woman, smiled back at me timidly and asked, " I do not have a smart phone, and I have been waiting for the bus for over an hour. Would you mind looking at your phone to see when the next bus comes?"
Easy enough task right? I walked closer to her, phone in hand, and proceeded to look up the bus schedules, which I didn't have much luck in finding. The woman had a heavy accent, one I recognized from my trip to South Africa in October. She had rich, beautiful skin, and I instantly knew she was from a country in Africa. A few minutes passed, and with a little bit of hesitation at first, we decided in a moment to just give the woman a ride home. She was only going a couple miles down the street . We motioned for her to walk the short distance to our cars, and she followed with a slight hesitation as well.
As we approached the cars my mother said she would run inside to get her keys, leaving both of us outside in the parking lot waiting.
"What is your name?" I asked.
"Yakosa. I am from Malawi, Africa," she replied.
My eyes lit up as I began to tell her my name and that I would be going to Africa in just a few weeks. I told her about my trip and what I would be doing. She asked what church I was going with and I told her all about Horizon International and the adventures ahead of me. She then began to open up about how she was going to Purdue, getting her masters in agriculture, and leaving to go back home in late July to teach the farmers in her village what she learned.
As we stood together, talking, and getting to know each other, we heard the sound of the passing bus go by.
She pointed, with a look of disbelief saying, "AHH, there goes the bus."
I smiled.
"No worries, we were meant to be together and meet each other tonight."
We all hopped into the car, ready to make the short drive to where Yakosa had been staying. As we drove off, Yakosa began to share with us that she had been in the middle of praying when we had walked up. She told us that she had started to complain after about 20 minutes of waiting, but God told her to stop, thank Him for the beautiful evening, and start praying and trusting that God had a plan and would never forsake her. After about 40 minutes of praying that God would bring the right people to help her, my mother and I walked up.
She told us that we were angels sent from God and answers to her prayers that evening. My mom and I were stunned; speechless. The next 15 minutes we exchanged words of encouragement and talked about how amazing Our God is that we serve. As we pulled up to her home, Yakosa and I exchanged emails and hugs, as if we had been long time friends. She got out of the car, hugged my mother and I both, and stood and waved as we drove away. My mother and I turned to each other, with tears in our eyes, in awe.
What a blessing and gift God gave us in meeting and helping Yakosa. My mom had been worrying about my trip, having never been to Africa. The unknown is what frightens her. She looked at me and said, "God sent me Yakosa tonight to show me that I have nothing to fear while you are gone in Africa. God showed me a little bit of Africa here in Lafayette tonight."
I can't explain what happened in the short 25 minutes we had with Yakosa. God's presence filled the car and our hearts as we became instant friends because of our same love for God.
What makes me sad is that I'm not sure what would have happened if God had given me that opportunity a few years ago. I would have stopped, but I'm certain I would have been very hesitant in taking her home, fearing the possibilities of what might happen considering she was a stranger to me.
The blessing though is that God has given me new eyes and a new heart that longs to see what He sees in people and that feels what He feels. I am thankful I was able to see the blessing right in front of my eyes.
Yakosa also taught me a valuable lesson about my own prayer life. I need to trust more and believe in the prayers I am offering up to God each and every day. Sometimes Prayer to me seems like smoke that wafts up from my lips and quickly floats away in the air, unheard and meaningless. I sometimes feel that God isn't hearing what I am saying or even cares for that matter. I catch myself at times thinking, "God has bigger issues" or "I am not really that gifted in prayer". I usually connect those doubts with Satan trying to work in my life to catch me in a moment of weakness.
My friends in Africa and Nicaragua sometimes seem like they have an edge on me. God chose them to be rich in faith. Helplessness and faith are essential and vital for a growing, strong prayer life. I need to learn from my dear friends. Christians living in poverty can not rely on their possessions for security and comfort. They must solely rely on God's promises. Most of the time they only have God to turn to, not a paycheck, a car, or a new winter coat. When they pray, they pray with urgency. They pray hard and faithfully. And THAT is what I need. As I come to God with my prayers, I need to forget about all the stuff that I have, and remember to trust God's power. Praying changes who I am and why I do things. The Holy Spirit will take over my heart and mind, and give me thoughts intertwined with God's thoughts. He will give me lasting reasons to serve those in need. Without prayer, my own abilities and reasons for wanting to help will diminish. They will run dry. I must remember to keep in constant prayer; asking God to keep my heart open to the things He wants me to feel and see.
Last night was such a gift, and I thank God for my new friend, Yakosa. I pray that God blesses her and her family as she stepped out in faith and is doing amazing things for her country of Malawi.
Have a beautiful weekend friends!
Many blessings filled with God's LOVE,
Meg :)
Friday, May 31, 2013
Much has been Given
Hello Friends,
The count down begins. I leave for my journey to Africa in 20 days. I can hardly believe it. Each day God continues to piece every little detail together regarding the trip. With each passing day, I am reminded of how much God loves me, how God is taking care of me, and how God will use me this summer in Africa. Each donation and with every card of encouragement I am reminded of how God has everything figured out.
As I have been preparing spiritually over the course of the last few months, I continue to grow closer to God daily. A particular verse has struck me dead in my tracks, causing me to pause and share the meaning that the verse has in my life today.
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." - Luke 12:48
A few years ago, I wouldn't have thought much at all about this verse. I would have probably made the conclusion that I really didn't have THAT much, so the verse probably didn't really apply to me. I also probably would have stated that I wasn't entrusted with much of anything either, so much wouldn't have been asked of me either. I would have looked at the worldly possessions that I had, which in my opinion at the time, didn't add up to much. I had a car I drove in high school that my parents graciously bought for me. I had my own furniture that I owned, a laptop, a cell phone, a closet full of clothes. None of what I possessed seemed to be that special or out of the ordinary. Everything was of basic necessity, or so I thought.
But now, after what I have seen, how MOST of the rest of the world lives, God has used this verse to truly speak directly into my life. And if I am being honest, I could almost be brought to tears at the sheer love that I feel when I am reminded of ALL that I have been given AND entrusted with.
Why don't you stop and take a few minutes to ponder over what you have been given? Have you been given much? I know I certainly have. I have been given a beautiful apartment, one that I have had the privilege of decorating and painting exactly how I have wanted. I have been given an amazing, new job over the last year; one that I love and am truly blessed to possess. I have been given new friendships; real and lasting ones; friends that I can call in any time of need, with any trouble. I have been given a new heart; one that is seeking after God and expanding His Kingdom. I have been given two, beautiful, sweet, loving boys, who I have had the blessing of meeting and loving on in the country where they are from. I have been given the opportunity to be a part of 3 different teams,
spreading God's love in Africa and in Nicaragua. I have been given the opportunity to spend the summer in Africa, loving on orphans, children who are forgotten even in their own cultures and countries.
What strikes me as the most amazing part of this list of blessings is that all of these gifts came from God and were given because He loves me so much. Did I need to paint my apartment three different colors? No, not at all. Did I have to start sponsoring my two precious boys or take any of the trips I have been on in the last year? Technically, no I didn't have to. It wasn't a life or death decision according to a world view.
As I ponder over all that has been given to me, I can't help but remember the beautiful faces of those less fortunate than myself that I have met in Nicaragua and in Africa. I could have just as easily been born in South Africa, Ethiopia, or Nicaragua. But God chose differently for me. Acts 17:26-27 says, "God determined the times set for men and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." God had a reason for placing me exactly when and where he did, as the daughter of a middle class business owner and kindergarten teacher in West Lafayette, Indiana. It might seem pretty random, but it wasn't.
I realize that God was the one that gave me everything, and I take great pride and joy in knowing that He entrusted me with everything that I own. He trusts me to bless me enough with Obed and Moises. He trusts me with opportunity after opportunity to be His Hands and Feet in Africa and Nicaragua. He has trusted me enough to send me to Africa for two months this summer. He trusts me enough to provide a job that I love, that gives me the opportunity to serve Him in other countries. The more and more I trust Him, the more and more He blesses me. God also prepared particular good works for me. God has been planning and preparing in advance, giving me exactly what I needed to find him and do the good works He has planned for me.
You and I could choose to shut out the troubles of this world, stay quietly at home, and enjoy a comfortable, pleasant life here in the United States, ignoring the staggering numbers of deaths from starvation, AIDS, and other preventable diseases that steal the lives of so many each and every day. Or, we could use our positions as children of God, to speak up for the oppressed, risk comforts and devote time into investing in those who need the Light of Jesus brought to them.
Could it be that God has placed me or you in a position of comfort and material power for such a as time as today? I'm definitely not a savior of the world, but God is always on the move, ready to raise up relief and deliverance, PEOPLE who will go for Him, who will be His hands and feet. I believe I am a part of THAT Plan. My piece of that plan may seem small, as if it doesn't matter, but I'm just one part of the body of Christ. God IS on the move to change the world one person at a time. Obed and Moises are two small boys that have had their world changed forever. If Obed had living parents, the difference I have made for him would matter to his mother and father. It matters to both boys.
I am convinced that God is asking me to dance with Him, and we are finally in fact dancing together, at the same pace. I have been asked much, but He also is giving me much in return. And we surely are dancing the most beautiful dance I have ever been a part of. The craziest part about this dance is that God is really only asking one thing of me. I wish I could say the same about my daily requests I offer to God. Believe me, I don't just ask for one thing. I ask much of Him, and He only asks one thing from me; LOVE. He asks that I love Him with all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul. He also asks me to love those who are hard to love; those who are easy to love; those who are forgotten, those who are alone. He asks me to love every single person in this world,
and He has given me MANY opportunities to do so.
Those opportunities haven't just been presented to me in Africa or Nicaragua. He has given me many here in Indiana, in my every day life. Friends, I urge you to take a look at the beautiful life God has given you. If you are reading this blog post, you are not physically hurting for anything. You have been given much, and much is being asked of you; much in the form of loving God and loving others.Take heart, for God loves you and trusts you. You have been hand chosen by Him. You are special and loved more than you will ever know or be able to comprehend. You have so much to offer, so much love to be shared with others.
Start dancing with God today. Some of you may say that you can't dance and you have no idea how. Let God lead. He will show you. All you have to do is follow His perfect, planned, precise, steps. Everybody surely can dance! :)
Love you all.
Meg
The count down begins. I leave for my journey to Africa in 20 days. I can hardly believe it. Each day God continues to piece every little detail together regarding the trip. With each passing day, I am reminded of how much God loves me, how God is taking care of me, and how God will use me this summer in Africa. Each donation and with every card of encouragement I am reminded of how God has everything figured out.
As I have been preparing spiritually over the course of the last few months, I continue to grow closer to God daily. A particular verse has struck me dead in my tracks, causing me to pause and share the meaning that the verse has in my life today.
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." - Luke 12:48
A few years ago, I wouldn't have thought much at all about this verse. I would have probably made the conclusion that I really didn't have THAT much, so the verse probably didn't really apply to me. I also probably would have stated that I wasn't entrusted with much of anything either, so much wouldn't have been asked of me either. I would have looked at the worldly possessions that I had, which in my opinion at the time, didn't add up to much. I had a car I drove in high school that my parents graciously bought for me. I had my own furniture that I owned, a laptop, a cell phone, a closet full of clothes. None of what I possessed seemed to be that special or out of the ordinary. Everything was of basic necessity, or so I thought.
But now, after what I have seen, how MOST of the rest of the world lives, God has used this verse to truly speak directly into my life. And if I am being honest, I could almost be brought to tears at the sheer love that I feel when I am reminded of ALL that I have been given AND entrusted with.
Why don't you stop and take a few minutes to ponder over what you have been given? Have you been given much? I know I certainly have. I have been given a beautiful apartment, one that I have had the privilege of decorating and painting exactly how I have wanted. I have been given an amazing, new job over the last year; one that I love and am truly blessed to possess. I have been given new friendships; real and lasting ones; friends that I can call in any time of need, with any trouble. I have been given a new heart; one that is seeking after God and expanding His Kingdom. I have been given two, beautiful, sweet, loving boys, who I have had the blessing of meeting and loving on in the country where they are from. I have been given the opportunity to be a part of 3 different teams,
spreading God's love in Africa and in Nicaragua. I have been given the opportunity to spend the summer in Africa, loving on orphans, children who are forgotten even in their own cultures and countries. What strikes me as the most amazing part of this list of blessings is that all of these gifts came from God and were given because He loves me so much. Did I need to paint my apartment three different colors? No, not at all. Did I have to start sponsoring my two precious boys or take any of the trips I have been on in the last year? Technically, no I didn't have to. It wasn't a life or death decision according to a world view.
As I ponder over all that has been given to me, I can't help but remember the beautiful faces of those less fortunate than myself that I have met in Nicaragua and in Africa. I could have just as easily been born in South Africa, Ethiopia, or Nicaragua. But God chose differently for me. Acts 17:26-27 says, "God determined the times set for men and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." God had a reason for placing me exactly when and where he did, as the daughter of a middle class business owner and kindergarten teacher in West Lafayette, Indiana. It might seem pretty random, but it wasn't.
I realize that God was the one that gave me everything, and I take great pride and joy in knowing that He entrusted me with everything that I own. He trusts me to bless me enough with Obed and Moises. He trusts me with opportunity after opportunity to be His Hands and Feet in Africa and Nicaragua. He has trusted me enough to send me to Africa for two months this summer. He trusts me enough to provide a job that I love, that gives me the opportunity to serve Him in other countries. The more and more I trust Him, the more and more He blesses me. God also prepared particular good works for me. God has been planning and preparing in advance, giving me exactly what I needed to find him and do the good works He has planned for me.
You and I could choose to shut out the troubles of this world, stay quietly at home, and enjoy a comfortable, pleasant life here in the United States, ignoring the staggering numbers of deaths from starvation, AIDS, and other preventable diseases that steal the lives of so many each and every day. Or, we could use our positions as children of God, to speak up for the oppressed, risk comforts and devote time into investing in those who need the Light of Jesus brought to them.
Could it be that God has placed me or you in a position of comfort and material power for such a as time as today? I'm definitely not a savior of the world, but God is always on the move, ready to raise up relief and deliverance, PEOPLE who will go for Him, who will be His hands and feet. I believe I am a part of THAT Plan. My piece of that plan may seem small, as if it doesn't matter, but I'm just one part of the body of Christ. God IS on the move to change the world one person at a time. Obed and Moises are two small boys that have had their world changed forever. If Obed had living parents, the difference I have made for him would matter to his mother and father. It matters to both boys.
I am convinced that God is asking me to dance with Him, and we are finally in fact dancing together, at the same pace. I have been asked much, but He also is giving me much in return. And we surely are dancing the most beautiful dance I have ever been a part of. The craziest part about this dance is that God is really only asking one thing of me. I wish I could say the same about my daily requests I offer to God. Believe me, I don't just ask for one thing. I ask much of Him, and He only asks one thing from me; LOVE. He asks that I love Him with all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul. He also asks me to love those who are hard to love; those who are easy to love; those who are forgotten, those who are alone. He asks me to love every single person in this world,
Those opportunities haven't just been presented to me in Africa or Nicaragua. He has given me many here in Indiana, in my every day life. Friends, I urge you to take a look at the beautiful life God has given you. If you are reading this blog post, you are not physically hurting for anything. You have been given much, and much is being asked of you; much in the form of loving God and loving others.Take heart, for God loves you and trusts you. You have been hand chosen by Him. You are special and loved more than you will ever know or be able to comprehend. You have so much to offer, so much love to be shared with others.
Start dancing with God today. Some of you may say that you can't dance and you have no idea how. Let God lead. He will show you. All you have to do is follow His perfect, planned, precise, steps. Everybody surely can dance! :)
Love you all.
Meg
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
God is Not Silent
Growing up, I never was in need of anything. I was blessed to be born into a wealthy, loving, family who happened to live in the United States of America. I grew up taking everything I had for granted. Education was simply something that was required and expected. Meals were never scarce. Money was never a problem. I have never given a thought to the abundance amount of clothes that hang in my closet or the 20 pairs of shoes I must own. Running water, flushing toilets, and electricity never once crossed my mind growing up, becoming a teenager and later moving out and going to college.
As a college girl, life seemed to have a few more responsibilities; paying my rent on time, buying groceries, and attending my college classes. But still a sense of ENTITLEMENT plagued my seemingly dead to the rest of the world body. My college scholarship was earned by who? ME. I had put in grueling and countless hours of hard work into getting a gymnastics scholarship. Surely, I was owed everything that had been given to me. And what did this worldly attitude provide me? Nothing but a indifferent life style that left me feeling small, empty, and unfulfilled.
My attitude revolved solely on my small, insignificant kingdom I had built around myself; everything centered on my gymnastics career, the athlete boyfriend I had to have, and the many so called "Friends" I had in order for me to experience happiness and joy. Yet, as time passed by, the emptiness always came back. The longing feeling I had to want a life that was fulfilling always seemed to be close by, yet somehow so far out of reach.
Have you ever felt this? I am sure most of you know what I am talking about. I tried to create a fulfilling life for myself. I was driven and hardworking. The goals I set for myself seemed to be good ones; earning my degree in hopes to be a University Athletic Director, getting married, having children, etc. Yet, my pursuit of these dreams I had for myself never gave me full satisfaction. I wasn't sure what was wrong with me. Why wasn't I happy? Didn't I have everything I would ever want or desire? My school was paid for, I was treated with the utmost respect being an athlete, I had what seemed be a decent relationship with a like-minded man, and I had love and support from my family and friends.
Still, I knew something needed to change. I felt it at the core of my very being. My heart longed and ached for something more, yet I couldn't put my finger on what was missing. I believed I had given my life to God, yet my actions were not showing that I even knew Him or was a friend of Jesus'. I told myself I was a Christian, yet nothing about my lifestyle made others believe I was Jesus' follower. My eyes were blinded, a veil covered my face, and ultimately I was living in a dark world plagued by my selfish life style. I considered myself to be a good person. I was devoted to my boyfriend, my friends, and my family. I didn't cheat, lie, or steal. I worked hard in my classes and in gymnastics, but every single part of my daily routine was solely done for myself. I did everything for me, never going out of my way or out of my comfort zone to do anything for anybody else. Sure, I would buy my friends birthday gifts, send my parents cards to express my love and appreciation for them, yet I never gave until it hurt, I was glorifying myself in all of my actions.
My small Kingdom I had grown to gradually build up around me over the 21 years of life I had lived came tumbling down in the blink of an eye when gymnastics and my fiancé were stripped away from me. Everything in my life seemed to be spiraling down, and I had no control of anything. I was lost, hurt, and filled with anger as everything I had worked so hard for came crashing down and was gone in an instant. I hit rock bottom, and finally was able to see that God was waiting there at the bottom, as My Rock, for me to finally confront him and give Him free reign over my life. But in my darkest days, I was able to rely not on myself, but on God to bring me to true life, true happiness, and true joy.Gone are the days that my life is defined by being a gymnast. God has revealed himself to me, and I am now defined and known as a woman after God's own heart. I see now how broken this world is, and I have seen Jesus in the children and people of Nicaragua and Africa. God has mended my broken heart with the giving of my heart, piece by piece, away to the less fortunate, the poor, and the orphans of this world. God is my comfort and strength in my times of need. I have finally confronted my worldly heart and I have asked God to transform it into the heart that He has always wanted me to have. I now realize that I needed the Holy Spirit to change me and the Scriptures to renew my mind so I wouldn't conform to the world any longer.
Christ didn't scramble to elevate his position in the world. Instead He willingly moved downward-- far, far downward. And not only did he assume the lowest position, he placed special value on those around him who were also in the lowest positions; the widows and orphans of this world.
I can't thank God enough for this continual faith in me. I have a long way to go, but I thank God that He is revealing himself more and more every day. He is teaching me what it means to put Him at the top of life, deny myself daily, and take up the cross instead. I can't wait to show His love and share His love to those in Africa in just a few weeks. I can see the children now, their faces bearing the image of Jesus.
I praise God for using each and everyone of you, helping me to be the woman I am today, planting seeds, saying prayers, and offering love and financial support as I embark on this amazing new life God has given me.
I am honored to go and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need love and affection. These people, the children in these pictures, have saved my life, and brought me to the feet of Jesus, and I can't thank them enough for showing me who Jesus really is and that I have a forever friend in Him.
Blessings and Love to you all,
Meghann
Friday, May 3, 2013
God Keeps on Writing
Hello Friends--
It has been a little over a month since my last blog post. I have been overwhelmed with the faithfulness of our Amazing Father. With the return from my second trip to Nicaragua, I couldn't feel more filled and blessed to be a part of God's story. As if life couldn't seem to be more filled with excitement, love, and joy, while I was in country in Nicaragua in March, God seemed to be whispering in my ear that I might be needed for an extended period of time to work and help with the sponsorship program in the schools that NRN is involved with. I couldn't have been more excited to experience not only ONE WEEK in Nicaragua with my amazing friends and family there, but to spend SIX WEEKS at a time seemed like exactly what God had in mind and exactly what I wanted to do with my time this summer.
Of course, I needed to write up a proposal, stating what I would be devoting my time towards in Nicaragua for the 6 weeks; how I would join my church's team for the first week, help in the schools and with the sponsorship program for 4 weeks, and help led a team out of Terre Haute with my amazing team member and Nica Family member, Kathy. Upon my return, I quickly put together my proposal, sent it to the NRN President, Vice President, and Lead Missionaries Ginny and Cecil Campbell. Quickly, I remember just a few short weeks ago how wonderful it would be to spend and invest 6 weeks into the people, children, and the 4 schools in Nicaragua. I imagined how much I could help and what I could make possible by spending the 6 weeks there. Despite knowing that a trip like mine and investing 6 weeks into a place that I call home would be pleasing and right to God, for some reason I still felt like I wasn't getting the confirmation from God that I needed for this amazing trip.
I grew anxious, praying and asking God to help me to feel 100% sure that Nicaragua was where He wanted me to be this summer. I didn't want to act out in any selfish manner, knowing that Nicaragua, my children , and my dear friends and family who lived there would be something I would never turn down if presented an opportunity to be there with them. Nicaragua is home, and if you only had one time a year to visit, wouldn't you jump to any opportunity to go back? I certainly did as soon as I landed back in the States. Yet, God wasn't giving me immediate feedback. It was almost as if I wanted God to write on a billboard, "Meg, Nicaragua is where I want you this summer." I continued to not get my sign though.
Growing frustrated, I tried to stay still, knowing that the board wouldn't review my request until a few weeks later in April. I thought, "Well Meg, if you get approved and a whole board of people are praying over your stay there, then that is enough confirmation for you to go for six weeks."
The week of the board meeting came around, but the weekend before I was blessed with the opportunity to go the Great Banquet retreat in Frankfort, Indiana. The three day retreat was exactly what I needed at the exact time I needed it. I was able to go and spend 3 days away from technology, away from clocks, and just focus in on God and talking to him. I met so many amazing Sisters in Christ, experienced God's fullness and abundant Love for me in ways that I never thought possible. Going into the weekend I thought for sure God would give me answers about Nicaragua there, and then the following Monday I would surely hear from one of the board members about my proposal.
Well turns out, God didn't give me much of any answer at the retreat, and Monday came around, the day of the board meeting, and I never heard anything.
Talk about upsetting. I thought to myself, "Well, maybe the meeting ran late, and I will hear something tomorrow." As if waiting couldn't make the week any harder, the week also marked my last few days of coaching gymnastics. Most of you know I was a gymnast in college, and for the last 20 years of my life, gymnastics has been #1 above EVERYTHING. My girls that I coach have truly saved my life. I'm not sure if any of them realize just how big of a blessing they are to me. Over the last three years, I have had the privilege and honor of not only helping them be better gymnasts, but in using my story and my life to help them to see themselves how God sees them. Each and every one of my girls over the last three years has grown so much in their walk with God. What an honor and blessing it was to see them grow and mature. I love the girls like they are my own, but God and I came to terms and a conclusion that it was time to let my babies go. I had planted the seeds in their hearts, and I had to trust that God would protect them and send them exactly where they were meant to be. I was an emotional wreck that week to say the least.
Tuesday rolled around, no answer about Nicaragua and Wednesday rolled around and still, NOTHING. I was growing angry, tired of waiting on God. How dare I say I was growing tired of waiting when I really had only been waiting a couple of weeks? Can I say that PATIENCE is not my strong suit? :) As Thursday came around, the day marked my last official practice coaching the girls. Before I walked into the gym, I had a melt down on the phone with my mother. My mother will always be someone I can cry and vent to. I appreciate and love her dearly for the countless hours she has listened to me and offered me loving advice. I proceeded to pour out my emotions and frustrations about where God wanted me to be, why He hadn't given me an answer, what I was going to do without gymnastics, basically the whole nine yards. Of course, my mother calmly told me God would give me the right answer when it was time and that I needed to be patient. It wasn't exactly soothing or what I wanted to hear, but I had five minutes till the start of practice and I needed to hang up the phone.
I thought to myself I could check my email quickly before practice. As I opened up my gmail account, an email from Doug Ehrgott stuck out like a sore thumb. Doug was my Africa team trip leader in October, who works for Horizon International full time as a Global Team Builder. Doug and his wife Sandy have taken over 100 teams and trips to Africa. As I opened the email I couldn't believe what I was reading. The email explained that Doug had just returned from Africa the night before and God laid it on his heart to ask me to spend 8 weeks in Africa serving the AIDS orphans with him in a few different countries. I couldn't believe it. The answer to my prayers was delivered in email form from Doug. Everything finally was coming together, and I simply responded and said that I was all in.
Now with the email coming in the middle of April, I wasn't sure about any logistics or costs about this incredible journey. I knew that God had to line up many things to even make it possible for me to go. Doug later told me the dates, the costs, and what I would be doing exactly, and to be quite honest I was excited, nervous, and fearful all at the same time. Doug was so sure about everything though, telling me to not worry about the high cost of the trip, that God would provide and the right people would support me and want to be a part of the journey along side of me.
The last three trips God has blessed me with an incredible job to be able to fund all entire trips by my salary alone. With budgeting and the amazing blessing from my boss, I was able to make all three trips possible without asking support from anybody else. With my departure date only 8 weeks away, I had no idea how I could possibly come up with roughly $10,000, factoring in two months of rent to prepay before I left and all the trip expenses. Asking for financial support has also been something that somewhat turns my stomach. People are weird about money, including myself at times. God is really growing me in my faith, for I am having to rely on Him in ways I never have before.
With the close of just a little under 2 weeks of raising support, I have raised close to $2000. God has used my sharing of this journey to not only bless me, but to bless others. I have been handed 500$ cash by a man I barely even know, and I have been blown away by everybody's giving and willingness to help. God has shown me that by asking people to be a part of the journey I am blessing them and I am showing them who God is and what He wants us to be.
I am amazed at God's faithfulness and how He is writing this journey of mine. If you are a person that knows me very well, you can see that NONE of my life is anything that I would have written for myself. BUT it is SO MUCH BETTER. I couldn't have even imagined any of my life amounting to half of what it has been to date, and I have God to thank. He picked me up, opened my eyes, and has allowed me to see through His eyes a broken world, plagued by orphans all over the world. I have come to realize and know that we are all ADOPTED. The children of Nicaragua and of Africa, along with my dear friends and family in both countries have added so much purpose and meaning in my life that I never know could exist.
My life has been restored and I have finally answered His knocking and calling He has had in place for me all along. The world wants something different of me, but I am standing firm and trusting that God will provide everything I need to do His work in Africa for 8 incredible weeks this summer. Friends, if you are reading this and have given financially, I thank God for your faithfulness and willingness to come along side of me. Without you, I would not be going. It seems that I have a long way to go, numbers wise, but for God, this is a very small task and HE WILL SEE IT THROUGH. If you haven't given, I ask you to pray that God directs you in the right way and ask what He would want you to do.
I love you guys so much. blessings to you and yours on this beautiful day God has given us.
Meg
It has been a little over a month since my last blog post. I have been overwhelmed with the faithfulness of our Amazing Father. With the return from my second trip to Nicaragua, I couldn't feel more filled and blessed to be a part of God's story. As if life couldn't seem to be more filled with excitement, love, and joy, while I was in country in Nicaragua in March, God seemed to be whispering in my ear that I might be needed for an extended period of time to work and help with the sponsorship program in the schools that NRN is involved with. I couldn't have been more excited to experience not only ONE WEEK in Nicaragua with my amazing friends and family there, but to spend SIX WEEKS at a time seemed like exactly what God had in mind and exactly what I wanted to do with my time this summer.Of course, I needed to write up a proposal, stating what I would be devoting my time towards in Nicaragua for the 6 weeks; how I would join my church's team for the first week, help in the schools and with the sponsorship program for 4 weeks, and help led a team out of Terre Haute with my amazing team member and Nica Family member, Kathy. Upon my return, I quickly put together my proposal, sent it to the NRN President, Vice President, and Lead Missionaries Ginny and Cecil Campbell. Quickly, I remember just a few short weeks ago how wonderful it would be to spend and invest 6 weeks into the people, children, and the 4 schools in Nicaragua. I imagined how much I could help and what I could make possible by spending the 6 weeks there. Despite knowing that a trip like mine and investing 6 weeks into a place that I call home would be pleasing and right to God, for some reason I still felt like I wasn't getting the confirmation from God that I needed for this amazing trip.
I grew anxious, praying and asking God to help me to feel 100% sure that Nicaragua was where He wanted me to be this summer. I didn't want to act out in any selfish manner, knowing that Nicaragua, my children , and my dear friends and family who lived there would be something I would never turn down if presented an opportunity to be there with them. Nicaragua is home, and if you only had one time a year to visit, wouldn't you jump to any opportunity to go back? I certainly did as soon as I landed back in the States. Yet, God wasn't giving me immediate feedback. It was almost as if I wanted God to write on a billboard, "Meg, Nicaragua is where I want you this summer." I continued to not get my sign though.Growing frustrated, I tried to stay still, knowing that the board wouldn't review my request until a few weeks later in April. I thought, "Well Meg, if you get approved and a whole board of people are praying over your stay there, then that is enough confirmation for you to go for six weeks."
The week of the board meeting came around, but the weekend before I was blessed with the opportunity to go the Great Banquet retreat in Frankfort, Indiana. The three day retreat was exactly what I needed at the exact time I needed it. I was able to go and spend 3 days away from technology, away from clocks, and just focus in on God and talking to him. I met so many amazing Sisters in Christ, experienced God's fullness and abundant Love for me in ways that I never thought possible. Going into the weekend I thought for sure God would give me answers about Nicaragua there, and then the following Monday I would surely hear from one of the board members about my proposal.
Well turns out, God didn't give me much of any answer at the retreat, and Monday came around, the day of the board meeting, and I never heard anything.
Talk about upsetting. I thought to myself, "Well, maybe the meeting ran late, and I will hear something tomorrow." As if waiting couldn't make the week any harder, the week also marked my last few days of coaching gymnastics. Most of you know I was a gymnast in college, and for the last 20 years of my life, gymnastics has been #1 above EVERYTHING. My girls that I coach have truly saved my life. I'm not sure if any of them realize just how big of a blessing they are to me. Over the last three years, I have had the privilege and honor of not only helping them be better gymnasts, but in using my story and my life to help them to see themselves how God sees them. Each and every one of my girls over the last three years has grown so much in their walk with God. What an honor and blessing it was to see them grow and mature. I love the girls like they are my own, but God and I came to terms and a conclusion that it was time to let my babies go. I had planted the seeds in their hearts, and I had to trust that God would protect them and send them exactly where they were meant to be. I was an emotional wreck that week to say the least.Tuesday rolled around, no answer about Nicaragua and Wednesday rolled around and still, NOTHING. I was growing angry, tired of waiting on God. How dare I say I was growing tired of waiting when I really had only been waiting a couple of weeks? Can I say that PATIENCE is not my strong suit? :) As Thursday came around, the day marked my last official practice coaching the girls. Before I walked into the gym, I had a melt down on the phone with my mother. My mother will always be someone I can cry and vent to. I appreciate and love her dearly for the countless hours she has listened to me and offered me loving advice. I proceeded to pour out my emotions and frustrations about where God wanted me to be, why He hadn't given me an answer, what I was going to do without gymnastics, basically the whole nine yards. Of course, my mother calmly told me God would give me the right answer when it was time and that I needed to be patient. It wasn't exactly soothing or what I wanted to hear, but I had five minutes till the start of practice and I needed to hang up the phone.
I thought to myself I could check my email quickly before practice. As I opened up my gmail account, an email from Doug Ehrgott stuck out like a sore thumb. Doug was my Africa team trip leader in October, who works for Horizon International full time as a Global Team Builder. Doug and his wife Sandy have taken over 100 teams and trips to Africa. As I opened the email I couldn't believe what I was reading. The email explained that Doug had just returned from Africa the night before and God laid it on his heart to ask me to spend 8 weeks in Africa serving the AIDS orphans with him in a few different countries. I couldn't believe it. The answer to my prayers was delivered in email form from Doug. Everything finally was coming together, and I simply responded and said that I was all in.
Now with the email coming in the middle of April, I wasn't sure about any logistics or costs about this incredible journey. I knew that God had to line up many things to even make it possible for me to go. Doug later told me the dates, the costs, and what I would be doing exactly, and to be quite honest I was excited, nervous, and fearful all at the same time. Doug was so sure about everything though, telling me to not worry about the high cost of the trip, that God would provide and the right people would support me and want to be a part of the journey along side of me.The last three trips God has blessed me with an incredible job to be able to fund all entire trips by my salary alone. With budgeting and the amazing blessing from my boss, I was able to make all three trips possible without asking support from anybody else. With my departure date only 8 weeks away, I had no idea how I could possibly come up with roughly $10,000, factoring in two months of rent to prepay before I left and all the trip expenses. Asking for financial support has also been something that somewhat turns my stomach. People are weird about money, including myself at times. God is really growing me in my faith, for I am having to rely on Him in ways I never have before.
With the close of just a little under 2 weeks of raising support, I have raised close to $2000. God has used my sharing of this journey to not only bless me, but to bless others. I have been handed 500$ cash by a man I barely even know, and I have been blown away by everybody's giving and willingness to help. God has shown me that by asking people to be a part of the journey I am blessing them and I am showing them who God is and what He wants us to be.
I am amazed at God's faithfulness and how He is writing this journey of mine. If you are a person that knows me very well, you can see that NONE of my life is anything that I would have written for myself. BUT it is SO MUCH BETTER. I couldn't have even imagined any of my life amounting to half of what it has been to date, and I have God to thank. He picked me up, opened my eyes, and has allowed me to see through His eyes a broken world, plagued by orphans all over the world. I have come to realize and know that we are all ADOPTED. The children of Nicaragua and of Africa, along with my dear friends and family in both countries have added so much purpose and meaning in my life that I never know could exist.
My life has been restored and I have finally answered His knocking and calling He has had in place for me all along. The world wants something different of me, but I am standing firm and trusting that God will provide everything I need to do His work in Africa for 8 incredible weeks this summer. Friends, if you are reading this and have given financially, I thank God for your faithfulness and willingness to come along side of me. Without you, I would not be going. It seems that I have a long way to go, numbers wise, but for God, this is a very small task and HE WILL SEE IT THROUGH. If you haven't given, I ask you to pray that God directs you in the right way and ask what He would want you to do.
I love you guys so much. blessings to you and yours on this beautiful day God has given us.
Meg
Friday, March 29, 2013
Just how much I'm loved
When I think about my life, I immediately reflect on the many high and low points that have occurred over the course of the past 25 years. BUT, my perspective on the challenging low points that have happened has dramatically changed over the last eight months.
God has changed my very being by opening up my heart and, more importantly my eyes, to feeling the things that break his heart every day and seeing the world from a different view. My world has completely collapsed, caved in so to speak. Have you ever reached that point where controling your own life just becomes too big to manage? You are overwhelmed with stress and the pressures of being successful in our fast pace society.
I was there. Three years ago. I will never forget my breaking point. Everything I had wanted for my life had failed me. Gymnastics had come crumbling down in a very emotional and stressful way, causing me to doubt even my own identity. My romantic relationship had completed crashed, and I wanted to escape my own life. I knew there had to be more to my life. I knew I wasn't fulfilling God's calling for my life. Our culture and Satan stole me from dreaming God dreams. I had turned into my worst enemy. I had allowed my pain and anger to take over my life. Satan had fed me lie after lie, filling me with anger, hatred, pain, self-doubt, and negativity. I was done. I had HAD IT. I needed out, and all I could think of was to pray and to rid my life of all the negative. I would like to say it was easy and it happened overnight. I'd also be completely lying. Over the course of the year following me falling to my knees and asking God to show me the right way, I slowly began to tear down the walls, repair all the damage that people and circumstances had caused, and to give my life completely over to God.
Words can not express the gratitude I have for Jesus and for how He stepped in and worked every last detail out. The things I used to stress about (money, job security, getting married) have diminished, and the pain that used to consume me has been replaced with true happiness and everlasting joy that only can come from Jesus.
Eight months ago, I finally listened to God's calling on my life to give more of myself to Him, by going and blessing others in another country. My life has never seemed more fulfilling. No gymnastics award or school success has ever amounted to the sense of REAL accomplishment I have experienced in Nicaragua and South Africa. I realize TRULY how much God has blessed me with, how I am not lacking or hurting for anything, and that He has never left my side and has a successful life in store for me. The word success has even changed. Success is not meaused by how much money I make, what kind of house I live in, or what kind of car I drive. Success is measured by how many people's lives I can change by showing them God's love. Success is being a God girl; one that loves and follows Him wherever He takes me. I am learning to be intentional about everything that I do, making the moments count, and looking for areas to serve others in.
I still struggle, in so many ways. My life has actually gotten harder, putting forth much effort into listening to God and trying to live for Him with every aspect of my life. My heart is still broken, but broken for different reasons. God gave me a new heart, but my new one is in two other countries. My heart is with my little boys, Moises and Obed. A piece is with NRN and Horizon International. A piece is with my hurting, lost country here. I constantly have to remind myself that I can not fix everything in this world, but I can start with one person at a time.
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the people and children I love in Nicaragua and South Africa. I can't escape the passion that fills me, the Holy Spirit. The worldly things I used to crave are gone and I crave God moments. I crave feeling His Presence, His hand, His touch, guiding me down the correct path.
This weekend has never seemed more real to me. Jesus is in fact alive and well. I have seen him. I have seen him in the people and children of Nicaragua and South Africa. I see Him in their smiles, and I see them in their broken hearts. I saw Jesus yesterday in a dish washer at Paradise cafe. He is here, I feel Him, and I long to stay close and connected to Him. My life has forever changed because of Him and how He gave His life for me. I only hope to make him proud, a proud daughter of His God girl.
Love you guys. Have a blessed Easter. Please stop and remember how much you really are LOVED.
Meghann
God has changed my very being by opening up my heart and, more importantly my eyes, to feeling the things that break his heart every day and seeing the world from a different view. My world has completely collapsed, caved in so to speak. Have you ever reached that point where controling your own life just becomes too big to manage? You are overwhelmed with stress and the pressures of being successful in our fast pace society.
I was there. Three years ago. I will never forget my breaking point. Everything I had wanted for my life had failed me. Gymnastics had come crumbling down in a very emotional and stressful way, causing me to doubt even my own identity. My romantic relationship had completed crashed, and I wanted to escape my own life. I knew there had to be more to my life. I knew I wasn't fulfilling God's calling for my life. Our culture and Satan stole me from dreaming God dreams. I had turned into my worst enemy. I had allowed my pain and anger to take over my life. Satan had fed me lie after lie, filling me with anger, hatred, pain, self-doubt, and negativity. I was done. I had HAD IT. I needed out, and all I could think of was to pray and to rid my life of all the negative. I would like to say it was easy and it happened overnight. I'd also be completely lying. Over the course of the year following me falling to my knees and asking God to show me the right way, I slowly began to tear down the walls, repair all the damage that people and circumstances had caused, and to give my life completely over to God.
Words can not express the gratitude I have for Jesus and for how He stepped in and worked every last detail out. The things I used to stress about (money, job security, getting married) have diminished, and the pain that used to consume me has been replaced with true happiness and everlasting joy that only can come from Jesus.
Eight months ago, I finally listened to God's calling on my life to give more of myself to Him, by going and blessing others in another country. My life has never seemed more fulfilling. No gymnastics award or school success has ever amounted to the sense of REAL accomplishment I have experienced in Nicaragua and South Africa. I realize TRULY how much God has blessed me with, how I am not lacking or hurting for anything, and that He has never left my side and has a successful life in store for me. The word success has even changed. Success is not meaused by how much money I make, what kind of house I live in, or what kind of car I drive. Success is measured by how many people's lives I can change by showing them God's love. Success is being a God girl; one that loves and follows Him wherever He takes me. I am learning to be intentional about everything that I do, making the moments count, and looking for areas to serve others in.
I still struggle, in so many ways. My life has actually gotten harder, putting forth much effort into listening to God and trying to live for Him with every aspect of my life. My heart is still broken, but broken for different reasons. God gave me a new heart, but my new one is in two other countries. My heart is with my little boys, Moises and Obed. A piece is with NRN and Horizon International. A piece is with my hurting, lost country here. I constantly have to remind myself that I can not fix everything in this world, but I can start with one person at a time. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the people and children I love in Nicaragua and South Africa. I can't escape the passion that fills me, the Holy Spirit. The worldly things I used to crave are gone and I crave God moments. I crave feeling His Presence, His hand, His touch, guiding me down the correct path.
This weekend has never seemed more real to me. Jesus is in fact alive and well. I have seen him. I have seen him in the people and children of Nicaragua and South Africa. I see Him in their smiles, and I see them in their broken hearts. I saw Jesus yesterday in a dish washer at Paradise cafe. He is here, I feel Him, and I long to stay close and connected to Him. My life has forever changed because of Him and how He gave His life for me. I only hope to make him proud, a proud daughter of His God girl.
Love you guys. Have a blessed Easter. Please stop and remember how much you really are LOVED.
Meghann
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