thick f a i t h

these are just some of my thoughts, straight from my heart, speaking right into my heart. 
inspiration from genesis twenty-two. (and new morning mercies)

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"After these things, God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!", and he said, "here I am." (1)
- answering to God's call of "hey" is the beginning to a test of faith. Exactly as it was with Abraham. He didn't say, "what?"and he didn't say "again, really?" He just answered with a willing heart and said, "here I am". He surrendered himself without even knowing all of the details.

"Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I shall tell you." (2)
- God tells him WHAT he's going to do, but he doesn't give him ALL of the details, which in a human sense we usually want all of the details. many times we are too lazy to do something, or we're too consumed in something else to even care. but Abraham cared - he cared so much about God and His will for him, that he gave God the time of day, and he answered to the call right then & right there. he willingly went even though he didn't know where he was going.

"Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the land for the burnt offering, my son." "(8)
Abraham had so much faith that he didn't even use words that would worry his son. He used strong words about his heavenly Father that were (and still are) so true: God will provide for Himself.

"He said, "do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, you're only son, from Me." (12)
- Abraham fearlessly surrendered everything he had to God. His only son. In turn, God surrendered His only son, Jesus. His only son. And Jesus also...went fearlessly to the cross.

what echoed for me was...do I go fearlessly to the cross? do I surrender my everything everyday?

"And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." (18)
- in the end, was Abraham's faith worth it? so worth it. blessings upon blessings we're given to Abraham.

even when we don't understand, even when we can't see the reasons - even then, we must have faith. faith so thick that we know God will come through in His timing, and in His way, which is not always our way...and we have to come to a place of understanding that.

let your faith flow to seek what God wants in the outcome. I struggle with this. but once again - we are all in this together.
let us together, put aside hallow faith and hallow prayers. let us call unto God with the most thick faith, believing that His outcome is best. surrender it all. go fearlessly to the cross. go fearlessly to the end of yourself to do what God has for you. in the end it is always so so good. 
we serve such a good good Father. 

xx sorry for the book. 
happy weekend!

thick f a i t h

these are just some of my thoughts, straight from my heart, speaking right into my heart. 
inspiration from genesis twenty-two. (and new morning mercies)

+

+

"After these things, God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!", and he said, "here I am." (1)
- answering to God's call of "hey" is the beginning to a test of faith. Exactly as it was with Abraham. He didn't say, "what?"and he didn't say "again, really?" He just answered with a willing heart and said, "here I am". He surrendered himself without even knowing all of the details.

"Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I shall tell you." (2)
- God tells him WHAT he's going to do, but he doesn't give him ALL of the details, which in a human sense we usually want all of the details. many times we are too lazy to do something, or we're too consumed in something else to even care. but Abraham cared - he cared so much about God and His will for him, that he gave God the time of day, and he answered to the call right then & right there. he willingly went even though he didn't know where he was going.

"Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the land for the burnt offering, my son." "(8)
Abraham had so much faith that he didn't even use words that would worry his son. He used strong words about his heavenly Father that were (and still are) so true: God will provide for Himself.

"He said, "do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, you're only son, from Me." (12)
- Abraham fearlessly surrendered everything he had to God. His only son. In turn, God surrendered His only son, Jesus. His only son. And Jesus also...went fearlessly to the cross.

what echoed for me was...do I go fearlessly to the cross? do I surrender my everything everyday?

"And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." (18)
- in the end, was Abraham's faith worth it? so worth it. blessings upon blessings we're given to Abraham.

even when we don't understand, even when we can't see the reasons - even then, we must have faith. faith so thick that we know God will come through in His timing, and in His way, which is not always our way...and we have to come to a place of understanding that.

let your faith flow to seek what God wants in the outcome. I struggle with this. but once again - we are all in this together.
let us together, put aside hallow faith and hallow prayers. let us call unto God with the most thick faith, believing that His outcome is best. surrender it all. go fearlessly to the cross. go fearlessly to the end of yourself to do what God has for you. in the end it is always so so good. 
we serve such a good good Father. 

xx sorry for the book. 
happy weekend!

to be caught in His beauty.

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it is something to ask yourself everyday. if the answer is, "no. not really" - that's okay. the most important thing is to be honest and move more towards it daily.

- AM I IN LOVE WITH JESUS MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY? -

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- HAVE I BEEN BATHING IN HIS GRACE DAILY? -

a couple days ago I was burdened with the thought that sometimes we forget God in His beauty.

I so often am ungrateful for what the day throws at me. so much that I don't see God's beauty in it - when it truly IS there.
{Isaiah 43:1}

when we take control of a situation, all that is left is selfish pride. 

it's hard to grip with, but God's will isn't all "good things" - at least what we call them in a worldly sense.

sometimes sickness is God's will. death is God's will. chronic pain is God's will. being emotionally drained is God's will. and that is hard for us to understand. and through every part of it, God is still beautiful, He is still graceful, and He is still God. 

everything in our lives is suppose to bring us to love Him more. no matter life's circumstances, no matter the day's situation, I should still be at His feet, praising His beautiful face. He should become more beautiful to us everyday.

so in all honesty, I ask myself,

am I truly and willingly more in love / more like Jesus today than I was yesterday? in this moment than I was in the last?

ask yourself, every day for the rest of your life. let your answer grow, and let us see God in all of His breathtaking beauty.

and remember - we are all in this together. reach out for accountability, and know that you are never ever alone. xo

happy weekend friends! 

to be caught in His beauty.

-

it is something to ask yourself everyday. if the answer is, "no. not really" - that's okay. the most important thing is to be honest and move more towards it daily.

- AM I IN LOVE WITH JESUS MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY? -

+

- HAVE I BEEN BATHING IN HIS GRACE DAILY? -

a couple days ago I was burdened with the thought that sometimes we forget God in His beauty.

I so often am ungrateful for what the day throws at me. so much that I don't see God's beauty in it - when it truly IS there.
{Isaiah 43:1}

when we take control of a situation, all that is left is selfish pride. 

it's hard to grip with, but God's will isn't all "good things" - at least what we call them in a worldly sense.

sometimes sickness is God's will. death is God's will. chronic pain is God's will. being emotionally drained is God's will. and that is hard for us to understand. and through every part of it, God is still beautiful, He is still graceful, and He is still God. 

everything in our lives is suppose to bring us to love Him more. no matter life's circumstances, no matter the day's situation, I should still be at His feet, praising His beautiful face. He should become more beautiful to us everyday.

so in all honesty, I ask myself,

am I truly and willingly more in love / more like Jesus today than I was yesterday? in this moment than I was in the last?

ask yourself, every day for the rest of your life. let your answer grow, and let us see God in all of His breathtaking beauty.

and remember - we are all in this together. reach out for accountability, and know that you are never ever alone. xo

happy weekend friends! 

an experience: snow camp 2k16

as we head into the close of our last weekend of snow camp, here is what I learned most out of the past seven weeks. >>> 

last weekend I learned and was reminded of things that I didn't even know needed to be brought to my attention. to put into words what I learned and what I felt is kind of hard. I don't want to sound cliche and I don't want to say what every one else says, because every person's experience is different. I have to say, saturday evening as I sat in the rally and worshiped among this thought, God brought some things to my heart and mind.

"Oh God let us be a generation that seeks Your face, O God of Jacob"

- am I a generation that seeks this and am I leading our generation in a way to seek this? -

I was convicted lately and this weekend that I need to genuinely worship God way more often. I don't take enough time to worship my creator with intent on a daily basis. reading the bible is one thing and worshiping God through it is another. God gives us an image of our relationship with Him to that of a marriage. being intimate with God is a privilege we have and not one I take advantage of enough.

this snow camp season I learned that as I counseled other girls, they counseled me. the teenagers I had the opportunity to interact with don't even know the impact they had on my life. just when you think you've reached the end of your patience and the end of your energy, God comes in and gives you more of it.

the end of this ministry is coming to a close tomorrow, but the fruit of our labor is just beginning.

so long snow camp, you taught me lots.
x

an experience: snow camp 2k16

as we head into the close of our last weekend of snow camp, here is what I learned most out of the past seven weeks. >>> 

last weekend I learned and was reminded of things that I didn't even know needed to be brought to my attention. to put into words what I learned and what I felt is kind of hard. I don't want to sound cliche and I don't want to say what every one else says, because every person's experience is different. I have to say, saturday evening as I sat in the rally and worshiped among this thought, God brought some things to my heart and mind.

"Oh God let us be a generation that seeks Your face, O God of Jacob"

- am I a generation that seeks this and am I leading our generation in a way to seek this? -

I was convicted lately and this weekend that I need to genuinely worship God way more often. I don't take enough time to worship my creator with intent on a daily basis. reading the bible is one thing and worshiping God through it is another. God gives us an image of our relationship with Him to that of a marriage. being intimate with God is a privilege we have and not one I take advantage of enough.

this snow camp season I learned that as I counseled other girls, they counseled me. the teenagers I had the opportunity to interact with don't even know the impact they had on my life. just when you think you've reached the end of your patience and the end of your energy, God comes in and gives you more of it.

the end of this ministry is coming to a close tomorrow, but the fruit of our labor is just beginning.

so long snow camp, you taught me lots.
x

up all night

no sleep. selfies. salvation.

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this past weekend I participated in the event known as REVERB with my youth group. this was my last one as a student. (bittersweet!) this is an event where a bunch of young people from churches in the area take over a sport event and stay awake all night long. this is an outreach for the lost to hear about Jesus, and believers to be refreshed. we started at the hockey arena, went bowling, and ran around a sports complex. I was excited for this night and prayed it would be used in amazing ways. as the gospel was being shared and the opportunity to accept Christ was given, I started praying - right then & there. I was deeply thinking ... this may be the night of salvation for someone. (or many ones!) another great night to add to the books. 

up all night

no sleep. selfies. salvation.

---

this past weekend I participated in the event known as REVERB with my youth group. this was my last one as a student. (bittersweet!) this is an event where a bunch of young people from churches in the area take over a sport event and stay awake all night long. this is an outreach for the lost to hear about Jesus, and believers to be refreshed. we started at the hockey arena, went bowling, and ran around a sports complex. I was excited for this night and prayed it would be used in amazing ways. as the gospel was being shared and the opportunity to accept Christ was given, I started praying - right then & there. I was deeply thinking ... this may be the night of salvation for someone. (or many ones!) another great night to add to the books. 

to africa and back (my uganda experience)

it is hard to believe that almost three weeks ago I returned home from uganda, africa. ... it was a two week venture in africa to see a different culture, share how Jesus changed my life, and how He can change everyones. everything that went down in the two weeks I was there worked through me and I am thankful for every piece of it. the 19(ish) (flight there)/14(ish) (flight home) hour flights were indeed my least favorite. I had the opportunity to minister in the country of South Africa last summer, so I had a little taste for what my trip would be like this time, but it was significantly different. A different place in Africa and different ministry. I loved so much of my time in uganda and it was an amazing experience.

...

-

Our first week in Uganda we ministered in the section of Kitende. We stayed on a campus (Word Of Life) in camp dorms, and this is where we also ate, ministered with the school & church they have on property, and had work days. We did door-to-door ministry on streets near by, sharing the gospel one-on-one with people outside of their homes. This was one of my favorite ministries. We also ministered in a few schools doing gospel presentations, singing, skits, and a bible study throughout the rest of the week.

 the wooden door on the left led to my living accommodations during week one.

word of life fellowship church.

I met these girls the week before we headed out, and they soon became a pair of very good friends. I am blessed by their lasting friendship & I loved ministering with them. these girls are my gems.

...

The second week of living in Uganda we traveled five hours to the section of Busia.We stayed with and ministered at the The Village Of Eden: Helping Hands. The ministry is a home, school, and church for people in need - mostly vulnerable women & children. I loved it here and you really felt like you were in the heart of Africa. During this week we did a few days of door-to-door, ministred in many schools around the area, visited a church and helped with ministry, made balloons and sang with kids, and helped with an event at Helping Hands: "Esangalo" (JOY) - Every Saturday they feed over 1000 children and teach them out of God's word. This week we ate rice, beans, & potatoes everyday for dinner and pb&j for lunch. 

inside this open door was where my room was located during week two. (mosquito nets and all - pictured below)

this area was much more villaged. we did door-to-door in a few hut villages.

this was on saturday during esangalo. it was amazing to see this space empty, and then filled!

-

this is some of what I took to my heart, learned, and noticed. ...

a challenge I found, but God worked through, and turned around ... The language was more of a barrier than I had expected. There were some who spoke English - especially in the city, along with the missionaries and students we worked with. For the most part in the villages they did not speak english and it seemed harder to relate, especially with the children. I will tell you - a thumbs up & smile speaks a thousand words to their souls. For the door-to-door ministry we had translators and they were amazing! Although it seemed like a barrier...God works through mud. It was cool to tell people about what I believe, even though I didn't speak the same way they did.

our amazing week two translators: franco & abendego!

...

a favorite highlight & touch to heart ... Everyone raves about the joyful and cute children before they even go to africa. it's true, they are adorable, and they are happy...BUT. africa isn't made of all little children who don't have very much. My favorite was the teenagers, specifically the girls. I could relate to them much more. One of my favorite days was when we went to a school - where they mostly spoke english (score!). I was able to share my testimony in front of many students and then talk with them personally. I was quickly talked to by a girl who seemed very outgoing and wanted my interest. a few other girls were sitting with her and also pulled me into conversation. within minutes they were intrigued into a conversation with me and we talked about our cultures, school, and life. we were almost ready to leave, and there was about seven or eight girls huddled around me. as we were conversing lifestyles and talking about american food (hush puppies to be exact), the girl sitting to my right said "tell us something about God." I asked what they wanted to know. she said "who is God?" It was an amazing moment as I got to share who God is as a whole, and that He began the world and created each of us. I made friendships that day I will never forget.

caroline, susan, jackline, janet, favor, hope, and sarah

...

...

what I took to my heart & what changed me ... This trip pulled me out of my comfort zone (in a good way) to share about the gospel boldly. The language barrier, which wasn't a barrier at all, taught me that God works through every situation and lets people understand the beauty of Himself. I savored the time with the young teenage girls. it reminded me of pouring into young lives here at home. the three weeks I was away from home showed me that getting into God's word in the morning does make a difference in your day. This trip showed me to pray for America. To pray for the people around me and the authority. this country right here needs Jesus just as much as the next. 

God is so good ... Each experience I encountered during those two weeks touched me in some way - some more than others. I am thankful for an amazing God who made it all possible, and makes my everyday mission possible. God is great and works in many big ways, small cracks, & little crevices.

to africa and back (my uganda experience)

it is hard to believe that almost three weeks ago I returned home from uganda, africa. ... it was a two week venture in africa to see a different culture, share how Jesus changed my life, and how He can change everyones. everything that went down in the two weeks I was there worked through me and I am thankful for every piece of it. the 19(ish) (flight there)/14(ish) (flight home) hour flights were indeed my least favorite. I had the opportunity to minister in the country of South Africa last summer, so I had a little taste for what my trip would be like this time, but it was significantly different. A different place in Africa and different ministry. I loved so much of my time in uganda and it was an amazing experience.

...

-

Our first week in Uganda we ministered in the section of Kitende. We stayed on a campus (Word Of Life) in camp dorms, and this is where we also ate, ministered with the school & church they have on property, and had work days. We did door-to-door ministry on streets near by, sharing the gospel one-on-one with people outside of their homes. This was one of my favorite ministries. We also ministered in a few schools doing gospel presentations, singing, skits, and a bible study throughout the rest of the week.

 the wooden door on the left led to my living accommodations during week one.

word of life fellowship church.

I met these girls the week before we headed out, and they soon became a pair of very good friends. I am blessed by their lasting friendship & I loved ministering with them. these girls are my gems.

...

The second week of living in Uganda we traveled five hours to the section of Busia.We stayed with and ministered at the The Village Of Eden: Helping Hands. The ministry is a home, school, and church for people in need - mostly vulnerable women & children. I loved it here and you really felt like you were in the heart of Africa. During this week we did a few days of door-to-door, ministred in many schools around the area, visited a church and helped with ministry, made balloons and sang with kids, and helped with an event at Helping Hands: "Esangalo" (JOY) - Every Saturday they feed over 1000 children and teach them out of God's word. This week we ate rice, beans, & potatoes everyday for dinner and pb&j for lunch. 

inside this open door was where my room was located during week two. (mosquito nets and all - pictured below)

this area was much more villaged. we did door-to-door in a few hut villages.

this was on saturday during esangalo. it was amazing to see this space empty, and then filled!

-

this is some of what I took to my heart, learned, and noticed. ...

a challenge I found, but God worked through, and turned around ... The language was more of a barrier than I had expected. There were some who spoke English - especially in the city, along with the missionaries and students we worked with. For the most part in the villages they did not speak english and it seemed harder to relate, especially with the children. I will tell you - a thumbs up & smile speaks a thousand words to their souls. For the door-to-door ministry we had translators and they were amazing! Although it seemed like a barrier...God works through mud. It was cool to tell people about what I believe, even though I didn't speak the same way they did.

our amazing week two translators: franco & abendego!

...

a favorite highlight & touch to heart ... Everyone raves about the joyful and cute children before they even go to africa. it's true, they are adorable, and they are happy...BUT. africa isn't made of all little children who don't have very much. My favorite was the teenagers, specifically the girls. I could relate to them much more. One of my favorite days was when we went to a school - where they mostly spoke english (score!). I was able to share my testimony in front of many students and then talk with them personally. I was quickly talked to by a girl who seemed very outgoing and wanted my interest. a few other girls were sitting with her and also pulled me into conversation. within minutes they were intrigued into a conversation with me and we talked about our cultures, school, and life. we were almost ready to leave, and there was about seven or eight girls huddled around me. as we were conversing lifestyles and talking about american food (hush puppies to be exact), the girl sitting to my right said "tell us something about God." I asked what they wanted to know. she said "who is God?" It was an amazing moment as I got to share who God is as a whole, and that He began the world and created each of us. I made friendships that day I will never forget.

caroline, susan, jackline, janet, favor, hope, and sarah

...

...

what I took to my heart & what changed me ... This trip pulled me out of my comfort zone (in a good way) to share about the gospel boldly. The language barrier, which wasn't a barrier at all, taught me that God works through every situation and lets people understand the beauty of Himself. I savored the time with the young teenage girls. it reminded me of pouring into young lives here at home. the three weeks I was away from home showed me that getting into God's word in the morning does make a difference in your day. This trip showed me to pray for America. To pray for the people around me and the authority. this country right here needs Jesus just as much as the next. 

God is so good ... Each experience I encountered during those two weeks touched me in some way - some more than others. I am thankful for an amazing God who made it all possible, and makes my everyday mission possible. God is great and works in many big ways, small cracks, & little crevices.