Kelsey Hinkley - Jeremiah 29:11

Being Single

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"My life is not on hold until I have someone to hold."

I have wasted 2 years searching for satisfaction in anything but the only one who can fully satisfy. While I was in Haiti it was Him who clearly wanted to take hold, grasp my arm and pull me from the pit of loneliness and self seeking desire that I'd been sitting in. Let me reveal truth that I had never allowed to penetrate my heart until very recently.

Whenever asked what I wanted to be, my response was, "A wife and mother... and of course serving the Lord for the rest of my life too." Guess what, that answer doesn't work anymore. It doesn't work because I was seeking my satisfaction in the hope of becoming a wife and mother someday and I was resigned to the lies that my life doesn't being until after I take someone else's last name. Truth is my life really isn't about me, in fact, it never has been. I've lived far too long making this life about me and searching for things, people, careers, etc. to satisfy a longing when God, the Creator of the universe, is the only water that can completely quench my thirst.

I had to learn a few tough lessons in Haiti, lessons that I am at a loss of words to describe how grateful I am that my God thought enough of me to teach them to me just to draw me into a special place of intimacy with Him. He wanted me to stand in the authority given to me as His beloved daughter the day He sent His only son to shed blood for me.

Being single is not a condition given in response to a lack of something we did or didn't do or something caused by us not being good enough. It's time to wake up! Those of you who are sitting in the same boat I sat in just 2 months ago, hear me out! Listen, being single is a gift! Being single is a time when we should be asking God, "What can I do to serve you? What can I do to serve your beloved around me? How can I grow each day, deeper into the man or woman you have designed for me to be?" I spent way too many nights alone at home crying and bathing in self pity, worthlessness, loneliness and feeding off the lies that the enemy was using to keep me from flourishing for my King during this precious time. This is a time for living in reckless abandonment for the One who created you and called you out of darkness.

There are many of you I know who are struggling with this. Hear this truth...in Jeremiah 29:11 the Lord promises that He has good things for us, He doesn't seek to harm us but to prosper us. Know that the things God has promised to you He's not slow in keeping to those promises as 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." If that verse doesn't make you go "Wow!" then you need to check your heart. God is waiting for us to realize the truth about this season of singleness, no matter if you're 20, 35 or 58, He's not slow to keeping to His promises, He's waiting for us to get our act together. Also some of you may need to check your heart on the things you think He's promised to you and the things you've promised for yourself or the words you're putting in His mouth. 1 John 3:19-22 This then is how we know that we belong to truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything.

I've heard many people talk about being single over the past few years it's been mostly people who are already married. The one thing I hear from them time and time again is, "If only I had used my season of singleness as a time to serve God with reckless abandon rather than searching and dating a million people or sitting at home in self pity, oh what I could have done for Him."

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Something we need to hear that this world and the body of Christ doesn't share too often is this - every relationship on earth will pass away but the one relationship that will never fail us, that will never leave us, that will never fade or end, the one and only one that is for eternity is our relationship with God. Our relationship with Him should come above every other relationship here on this earth.

The Word of God is filled with SO much truth that He is faithful, that He loves us unconditionally and that all He asks is true devotion and love from us to Him - if we obey He has great things beyond our imaginations in store for us. I am choosing everyday to hold to the truths that He wrote in His Word for me and I believe that He is faithful and I put my hope and trust that the earthly things He has promised for me will come to pass in His perfect timing. Until then I commit to living a life in total reckless abandonment for the only One who is worthy.

What are you running after? Where are you searching to find your satisfaction? I challenge you to look into your lives and fall on your face before the One who created you if you have been looking for the things of this world to make you happy or please you. The time is now, get your act together and live totally sold out for your King. Your life is in play right now, it doesn't being the day you find love here on earth, it's already begun. Make this season of singleness a time without regrets, a time when you can look back on and say that you were committed to the Lord and you were crazy in love with Him. Serve others in His name, find satisfaction in Him and hold to His truth for your life. Hebrews 10:22-23 "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Sara's Blessing

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This morning was an ATL (Ask The Lord) morning for ministry.....Oh how I love to ask God what He wants me to do for Him! I'm always so excited to see howHe's going to speak and then show up, I'm usually sitting on the edge of my seat, anxious, ready and waiting for Him. This morning we spent some time in prayer asking God what He wants us to do for Him today and who He wants us to minister to. During prayer I received a vision of an area just down the street from our house, an area where it appears houses use to stand but that's there now are pieces of what used to be. So in my vision I saw that area and some adultsand children with the word 'LOVE' written over the area like a banner. I sensed the Lord telling me to bring the leftover bread, rice and chicken from our meal with our apartment community last night. Our host, Sharon also felt the Lord telling her we needed to give the food away also. God also gave her a vision of a grandmother and a baby. We prayed some more and myself and a few other girls received a vision of the color red and a sense that we were going to do some healing today. So myself, Sharon, Katie and Cora packaged up the rice, bread and chicken along with some candy and began our walk to the area down the street. We had about 10 pieces of candy....I sensed we'd be entertaining a few more children than that so I stopped and purchased about 50 more pieces! When we arrived the first person we met was a sweet, 60 year

old grandmother, Sara. Sara's face was filled with joy at the sight of usa walking to meet her. She welcomed me into her home while Sharon, Katie and Cora entertained a fast growing group of curious children. Inside Sara's home I asked her about her family and if she believed in God, she said she was Roman Catholic but on her door was a sign reading, "God bless this home." She said, "There's one God so it doesn't really matter about a religion." Sara has four children and four grandchildren, she was widowed a few years ago. She told me the place where we were standing was once four seperate homes housing her family and extended family until an electrical fire in 2008 destroyed them. Now herself, her family and extended family live in the skeleton of what a

(PICTURE LEFT:: Oliegh and her 6 children) fire left behind of their homes two years ago. She apologized for the mess and the smell, she told me they have no money to rebuild or to make what they do have nice, all the money they get goes towards food for all of them. At about that time her niece, Oliegh walks in with her 2 year old son, Lee. Lee was coughing and his nose was dripping with snot. I asked Oliegh if he was sick, she said he had a cough and chest pain and then she pointed to his unclothed lower half and said that he has a hernia and his lower area was enlarged. They have no money for medicine and no money to go see a doctor. I lost it. I looked over at Sara and asked her in she would walk to the pharmacy with me to get some medicine. She, with a smile said, "I am blessed you want to help me and my family!"

We purchased medicine for baby Lee, gave all the rice, chicken and bread to Sara for the community for dinner tonight. Sharon, Katie and Cora played games and sang songs with the children and handed out all the candy we had! The Lord spoke to us through visions earlier in the morning and they were confirmed! The color red - Oliegh had a bright red cloth she was using to wipe up Lee's snot. (PICTURE RIGHT:: Sara, Lee and Oliegh with the medicine) The sense of healing - we purchased medicine for Lee's couch and chest....praying for healing for the other parts of his body.

God used the four of us to show His 'LOVE' to this family through meeting felt needs and putting smiles on their faces. Sara kept saying, "I am so blessed you are doing me and my family such kindness!" I replied, "Do just one thing for me, if anyone asks what those people were doing visiting you today or where you got the food and medicine from, please just reply, 'The Lord God blessed me today' and give Him all the praise."

(PICTURE LEFT:: Sharon and Katie with the children)

(PICTURES BELOW:: Gingin and Yinin, twin girls that weren't sure if they liked me or not!)

Stories from the Philippines :: Part One

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone! I am still in the Philippines....currently writing to you from an internet cafe in Cebu about 5 min from my house. I just wanted to give you a few stories and pictures...I know you've been waiting to see what God has been up to through my team and I here!

The girl you see with me in the picture to the left is Sabrina, she is 8 years old and she lives in the Red Light district of Cebu City called Lorega. Lorega is a community of people who have made their home among the dead, literally, their kitchen tables, beds and living areas are on top of graves. It's a place filled with drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality and rap. Sabrina was raped and left alone in a very broken, hurting condition. Since the rap, Sabrina has been adopted by the local church where she has a place to sleep away from harm, food to eat and people to truly love on her in the church community.

The picture to the right is Shirley and her daughter, Pearlie along with some of my girls, Katie, Lorena and Margaret. Last week our team prayed for little Pearlie, she had been suffering from an ear ache that occurred everyday at 3pm....I spotted that as spiritual warfare against this child. At 3pm the next day after visiting Pearlie, myself and my team prayed against the evil upon her and in the house....we went and re-visitied today....the very day we prayed, Pearlie DID NOT have an ear ache that day nor has she had one since! Praise God!

Our first day in Lorega we assisted with a Feeding from the local church. We taught the children songs, played with them and shared the story of Shadrack, Meshak and Abendago in the furnace. Most of these children may only get one or two meals a day. The majority of these children are the kids of prositutes.....children forgotten, not cared about and not loved by their earthly Mothers and Fathers but loved dearly by their Father above. We were blessed to be used by God to share that love with them.

Pictures: Above left, teaching the children songs....direct left, feeding the children rice soup.

Psalm 62: 11-12

"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard; that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord are loving..."

Habakkuk 1:5

"Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."

2:3 "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."

"Adventure to the Philippines" beings today!

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Leader training for the Philippines begins tonight at AIM. I will be with all the other Ambassador leaders tonight through Wednesday when the participants arrive. We will be going over logistics for each of our locations and building relationships among our leader teams. I have two co-leaders, Kassandra and Trevor, they have both been to the Philippines before...what a blessing that will be for sure. The Ambassador participants (High Schoolers beween the ages of 14-18) arrive in Gainesville on Wednesday for a few days of training and team builing before we actually get to the Philippines. My team has 7 girls and us three leaders. We will be flying from Atlanta to the Philippines on Sunday.

Please be praying for safety beginnning now through the end of July when we return. Pray for unity among the leadership team and for the team as a whole. Pray that we do not for one second of this adventure forget that none of this is about us or anything we can do, it's all for the King and His glory and only because of what He has done for us. The joy of the Lord is our strength!

Proverbs 23:26 - My Son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways.

I John 5:14-15 - This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.

Keep looking for updates as this adventure continues!
Thank you for your prayers and support!

Tears for Haiti, Heartbreak for the World

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

What did God do to me in Haiti? On May 20th I boarded a plane in Atlanta with a final destination of Port Au Prince, Haiti. 31 days later I landed in the Miami airport and looked the shock of returning back to the States directly in the eyes. I spent several hours of my layover in Miami in tears. Tears because I missed the community in Haiti and didn't want to be away from the presence of the Lord there, tears because of the great need still left in Haiti and massive tears for the selfishness, greediness and lack of gratitude and praise to the Lord in the States. Everywhere I looked in Haiti, on every Tap Tap (bus/truck) on buildings or every other word in a church service was "Merci Jesus!" "Thank you, Jesus!" The Haitians can say thank you Jesus in the midst of their trouble, how do we respond to trouble? It was then I realized that I left my heart in Haiti. "Why Haiti?" I asked the Lord. He knew exactly what He was doing. Before I left for Haiti I was dry, empty and close to giving everything up to the "easier" road in life. The Lord captured my heart just in time! When I was preparing for Haiti I had the mindset that I work for a missions organization, I've been a Christian all my life and I've got this whole "I'm right with Jesus" thing down...I was so wrong! In fact, I needed Him more than I've ever needed Him before. In the four weeks I spent in Haiti the Lord stripped away the layers of crap I'd been hiding behind exposing the brokenness that He wanted to heal. The brokenness I thought I was doing a good job of masking, maintaining and "fixing" by myself. Thank the Lord for His unconditional love and abundance of grace. I am just bursting at the seams with His joy. I feel like a high school girl who just got a new boyfriend and she wants to tell everyone she meets how dreamy he is and how much he loves her. The cool thing about my Beloved is He loves me unconditionally, nothing I could ever do could make Him love me more or less, I will never lose His love, I'll never get boring to Him, He'll never "change his mind" and He'll never stop pursuing after the depths of my heart. I'm so in love with my Creator!

What did God do through me in Haiti? My main roll all four weeks was support staff for our Short Term Mission teams. Each week I was assigned a new team to support. I figured out the food, water and supplies the teams would need for the offsite ministry locations. My roll in support staffing also required me to serve the Project Leader and minister to the participants. I lead small groups of ministry teams out into the communities to pray, heal, love on and bring Kingdom to the Haitians. God worked through us and we saw people come to Him, we saw people healed from sicknesses and disabilities. Each week we blessed the communities through the pastors by giving them water, rice, beans, Bibles, tents, tarps, whatever was specific to the needs of that community. AIM Haiti is about coming alongside the Haitian Pastors and working with them to meet the spiritual and tangible needs of their communities. We are about discipleship and seeing the glory of the Lord in every life, on every street corner and in every tangible need met in Haiti.

Thank you for your prayers while I was in Haiti. I know I am loved by my King, He romanced my heart, I am blessed. Please partner with me and continue to pray for the nation of Haiti and the AIM staff giving up everything for God's glory there.

Enjoy some pictures from my trip! (There are lots more on Facebook, check them out!)

James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their disress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Luke 11:34-35 - Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.

2 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that thoughhe was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

I want a love like that

Tue, 8 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel went into a lions den because he refused to obey a law that said he couldn't pray to God. Shadrack, Meshack and Abendego were put into a fiery furnace because they refused to bow down to anything but God. These men didn't just love God, they LOVED God. They loved God enough to serve Him even when the risk for death was high. God saw the great love and devotion from these men. He saved them. He took care of them. He provided for them. He loved them.

No one has ever passed a law that said I couldn't pray to my God. No one has ever asked me to bow down to an idol. I've been asked, enticed and lied to by the enemy to do things to compromise my soul and to keep me from receiving God's blessings.

I look at the stories of those men and many other stories in the Bible of people who loved God enough and trusted Him enough to stand up for His name against the worst of trials, threats and persecutions and even death itself. These truths of people who had great love and trust for God cause me think on the many times I've faced the enemy and didn't stand for my King. I'm in awe at how He saved these men from lions and fire and I have trouble trusting God with my finances, my relationships, and my future. Seriously?! My King loves me, He desires my heart and He longs to be trusted with ever intricate detail of my life. The big things and the small things, He wants to be in the driver seat.

My Beloved,

Please forgive me for not trusting, for not loving You enough.

You are the Great Provider and You know the deep longings and desires of my heart. In Your time and by Your will, You will bring all good things promised to pass.

Thank you for desiring a love with me. Give me a burning passion to love you increasingly deeper everyday. Amen

Let this encourage you to desire Him as He so desperately desires you. He longs to have a deep relationship with you. He is a good God. Hold to Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I Saw God Today

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The sun is hot, the air is heavy with dust and the smells of fried foods, sweat and pollution fill my senses. The sights around me as my plane landed last week were more than what I could ever have imagined. As I traveled, allowing my eyes to connect with my heart, I was filled with hopelessness and despair. I sat wondering how the Lord was really here and how this nation could even survive like this. It didn't take me long to understand that God was more alive to the people of Haiti than He was in my own life.

After 10 days here I've seen things I didn't know existed and I've experienced situations that have broken my heart. I've kissed the face of Jesus in a sweet 7 year old Haitian girl, I've touched His hand in the palm of a woman caring for 6 children not her own with only a few sticks and sheets for shelter, I've seen my Lord in the eyes of the translator who didn't ask for anything as he was in need but instead just kept being a humble servant as we distributed tarps and food to others. There hasn't been a day when I haven't seen God alive, working, moving and shining here. The Haitians know their Lord, they know He's a provider, they trust Him and their faith didn't shake even when this piece of land did.

I am standing in complete awe of my God! I came here to serve and bless the Haitians and I'm getting wrecked and shaken for my King!

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Thank you for your prayers!! May you be blessed in knowing that your prayers and support are a part of the amazing way that God is working here!

T-5 Days Until Haiti

Sat, 15 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Plane ticket has been purchased, bags are almost packed - I'm only 5 days away from being in Haiti! As the hour of my feet landing outside of the United States again approaches I find myself stressing about making sure the little details here are taken care of and that I have every single thing I could ever need for 4 weeks packed in my small backpack. This is going to be a great adventure and I'm excited to watch the Lord use me to bring glory to His name in Haiti.

I could use your prayers...

A fear of mine is that my selfishness will creep up while I'm in Haiti. You would think that in the midst of the devastation that I wouldn't complain or whine about anything...I'm desperately praying for that... I am uncertain as to what my shower and restroom situations will be like or what the food and availability of water will be. I want a sticky note on my forehead that reads, "Look around, take a deep breath...are you seriously going to complain right now?!"

Also please pray for the condition of my heart beginning now through my time in Haiti. I have some very important future decisions ahead of me and great opportunities that have been placed before me but I only want to do what the Lord has planned. Currently I am in a state of confusion and frustration regarding these opportunities and I want to choose the right path. Pray for me to clearly hear the Lord's voice and see Him move and act in that direction. The acting part can be a little difficult for me sometimes. :)

Can't wait to share with you my time in Haiti and how the Lord worked in and through me. Check back for stories and pictures soon.

Helping Haiti is in My Future!

Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Yes, you did read that correctly. I am going to Haiti on May 20th for 4 weeks to serve with AIM. The Lord has been speaking and moving over the past few weeks! I love it when He desires to take me deeper with Him and when He shows He wants to use me, this is awesome! The blessings He has been pouring out are too many for me to contain! I have been blessed beyond measure and am so thankful to say that I am fully funded for this trip. What an AMAZING God! As far as the details of what exactly I will be doing in Haiti I am not certain. The Lord called, I said yes, and I'm just being available to serve as He desires. The needs are unending and I want to be used to benefit His Kingdom and help the nation of Haiti to see Jesus.

Please pray for safety, my heart and my processing of the situations and people I will encounter. My biggest prayer to the Lord is that the people I am blessed to encounter in Haiti will not see a bit of Kelsey but they will see the great, unconditional love of Jesus and miracles will happen and lives will be changed because He moved through me.

Keep checking the blog for updates while I'm there. I can't wait to share with you more of the greatness of our King from my experiences in Haiti! To read about what AIM has been doing and how the Lord has been moving since the earthquake click here.

Thank you for your prayers and support!!!

Where do you go when your stars go blue?

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When you feel lonely where do you go? When you feel lonely what's your poison? When you feel lonely who do you turn to? Do you go to places with darkness and cover your light? Do you drown yourself in that drink? Do you turn to that person who "makes you feel good"? Is it a temporary high? Do you feel emptier than before the sting of loneliness found you?

Would we feel less lonely if we searched for happiness in the right places, people and things?

"'For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,' Says the LORD who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalms 147:3

A little on the positive side

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I feel as though most of my blogs are about support raising or deep things I'm dealing with in my spiritual life so I thought I'd write to tell you about the fun things that have been going on over the past couple months. I know I am certainly in a mood today of needing to be reminded of the blessings and good things that surround me.

On February 15th very very early in the morning, my friends Rosie and Jonathan welcomed their baby girl, Mikayla Grace into the world! Rosie was in ComLife with me when I moved here, we lived in the same house, shared many ups and downs during that time and I have been blessed to watch her and Jonathan get married and make an addition to their family. Rosie is a great friend, I have learned a lot from her, we've shared many laughs, many tears and I love her empanadas! :) It's been a sweet sweet joy to watch Mikayla grow into the now beautiful two month old she is! (That's a pic of her in the "still too small" Easter outfit I bought her)

My sister, Kasey came to visit me here in Georgia over my Birthday weekend the beginning of March. She helped me celebrate #20! It was a great time to have her here, we went to the Atlanta Hawks vs. Detroit Pistons basketball game in Atlanta for my Birthday. The Pistons lost but we still had a great time at the game together. The weekend went by fast but I know that Kasey doesn't like being away from home for too long so I'm sure she was glad to visit but even happier to get home.

I have a friend that I work with who is planning for her wedding this summer, she's getting married July 25th and over the past several months it's been a lot of fun watching her pick out her dress, the flowers, the cake, the invitations...etc. I've been trying to help her as much as I can....never having been in the situation before I sometimes don't feel like I have much to offer but nevertheless, it's been fun doing lots of girly fun days with her as she prepares for her special day.

The beginning of this month, the Ambassador program held their leader training for all the people leading short term mission trips this summer. I am co-leading the four week trip to the Philippines in July. At the training I had the opportunity to meet one of the two of my co-leaders, Kasandra. She is really sweet, we get along great and she's been to the Philippines in the past. That's such a blessings to me to know that she has been to the area before and she knows the contacts there as well, I feel like it's a boost of confidence and security. The training was a huge success, there was about 35 other leaders there and the Spirit of God moved more and more everyday to prepare our hearts to lead His youth for His Kingdom glory this summer. I am BEYOND excited to lead this trip in July!!! Thanks for your continued prayers as the time approaches!

May is going to be a very busy month...lots of preparation with the summer trips and the big World Race adventure around the corner. I also have a REALLY REALLY awesome surprise coming in May that I can't wait to reveal to you....details soon. :)

Thank you for your time reading my blogs, praying for me and supporting me. In moments when I feel dry and lacking of happiness, I think of you and I know that the Lord has blessed me with you as my friends and supporters. Too many times regular, daily life causes me to overlook or forget to be thankful for the sweet simple blessings in my life. I am selfish most of the time, constantly complaining about the things I don't have, the money I don't have, the people I want in my life who aren't, or the situations beyond my control that suck when there are others in this sad, cruel world that are in far worse situations or circumstances. I am not hungry, I have a roof to sleep under at night, a job, a vehicle that gets me to a and b and a loving, supportive family and community of friends, I am blessed.

A word of encouragement to you that spoke to the dryness and loneliness of my heart this week....may you find something in it too! Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Closer to the GOAL!

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Lord is providing!!!

$615 Raised for the World Race!

Want to help me reach my goal?! $13,685 Left to raise!!!

You can be a part of changing lives and bringing glory to God's Kingdom through my journey on the World Race. Would you prayerfully consider giving financially to my ministry? Every penny brings me closer to my goal and closer to being able to minister, love and bring hope to the lost internationally.

The "Support Me!" link at the left will take you to a secure site to make a donation online OR you may send a check payable to Adventures In Missions P. 0. Box 534470 Atlanta, GA. 30353-4470 and be sure to designate the donation as "Appealed by Kelsey Hinkley"

Thank you those of you who have given and continue to support me and my ministry, you are a HUGE blessing!

I'm not as good as I want to be

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today someone told me something about myself that made me very ashamed. I know that I am not perfect and many times I operate in my flesh but when someone else calls you out on it, it doesn't feel so good.

My Father taught me how important my reputation and character is, he taught me by the example he set. My Dad is very respected and liked by many in his community and profession. The people that know him know the things he stands for and the things he will not tolerate. I have always admired my father's character and the reputation he built. Something I've strived towards but feel I often come up short.

Growing up, very early on I made many mistakes, not small mistakes. I disappointed my family, many close to me and eventually myself. Even though I have learned greatly from my mistakes, poor choices and disobedience, I continue to screw up. In most things I have made the mistake, learned my lesson, repented, accepted forgiveness and thankfully been wise enough not to make that same mistake twice. Unfortunately that hasn't been true for every mistake or poor choice. Sometimes even, I make the poor choice consciously! (I just paused, tightly closed my eyes, swallowed hard and took a deep breath...that's not easy to admit.) How stupid I am sometimes! My character and reputation suffer but above all that, I call myself a follower of Jesus Christ - His name, character and reputation suffer. It's like this lady a few weeks ago, a car ahead of me with a Jesus fish magnet on her car - she flipped off and used graphic words as to what she wanted to do with her foot to the man driving the car that just cut her off. Nice huh?

I hate that there are days that I consciously choose to walk in my flesh. No matter what happens outside of my body, no matter who says something hurtful, how stressful my day was or whatever the situation may be, I am in control and responsible for my attitude and the choices I make that reflect who I am and who Jesus Christ is.

Romans 7:15-19 "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing." Verse 24-25 "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

I'm just not as good as I want to be. I am inadequate in my own power to possess a positive attitude in a tough situation or make a wise choice I can be proud of in a time of peer pressure or temptation. Thankfully, Jesus spilled His blood to cover me! Every stupid, selfish, ignorant and shameful thing I do, His blood was spilled for me.

Psalm 25:4-7 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are far from old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord. "

The Philippines in July

Sun, 7 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a child in slavery, an orphan left to die alone, a poverty stricken father who's lost his job and cannot provide for his family or a daughter sold into the sex trade? The people of the Filipino islands never have to wonder, for most, it's their life.

AIM has a base in the Philippines where they have been building relationships and ministering to the Filipino people and sending ministry teams there each summer to show the love of Jesus and bring healing, hope and a new way of life to the people.

This coming July I will have the opportunity to co-lead a high school age trip to Cebu, Philippines. This will be my first time leading a mission trip out of the United States. I am more than excited to be used by God in this way, to have the opportunity to disciple a group of young people as they minister for God's Kingdom.

Please pray for the hearts of the young people who are being called to participate on this mission trip. May each of them hear the voice of the Lord and be obedient to His call for them to experience Him and minister to the lost and broken, an experience that will change them forever.

Also please pray for the Lord to provide a co-leader(s) to be a part of the leadership team with me for this trip. Being my first leading experience I pray the Lord provides leaders who I can look up to and learn from.

1 Samuel 2:8 "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. "For the
foundations of the earth are the LORD'S; upon them he has set the world."

His strength in my weakness

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's been almost a solid month since I announced my embarking on the journey of the World Race. This month has been one filled with many ups and downs. I struggle even right now writing this blog to express to you where my heart is. Of course I assumed that with the submission of my will to the Lord to participate and prepare for the Race that the enemy would attempt to fight against me succeeding stronger than usual. There are moments when I find myself trying not to think about anything, not the planning, the purchasing, the finances or even my heart's condition spiritually. I am so ashamed to admit this fault yet understand that the only way to push through this daily funk is for me to be on my knees even when I don't feel like it and to have you covering me in prayer. How can you cover me in prayer for the things I'm struggling with if I don't open this book and expose my faults, struggles or shortcomings?

Last weekend I was sifting through some boxes of stuff from years ago (why I brought them to Georgia and didn't leave them in MI, I don't know) anyway, I found a verse I wrote on an index card. I used to write verses on index cards and tack them all over the house in the places people's eyes might be frequently. My Mother sometimes was driven a little crazy by this I'm sure! The thing about this index card, my child like handwriting and all that makes it noteworthy is the verse on it and the fact that I believe the Lord brought it to my eye at the right moment when it spoke the most. Philippians 2:13 "God is at work within you, helping you want to obey Him, and then helping you do what He wants." This verse causes me to wonder about God and His greatness. How many times over the course of twenty years has He protected me and scooped me away from some situations with really bad potential. How many times has He guided my steps even when I wasn't asking Him to. Many times I find myself having a difficult time wrapping my mind around the gravity of His love for me.

All of this to say, I have been struggling with feelings of failure and a lack of motivation. However the thing that never ceases to amaze me is that He still loves me and He's still walking beside me, providing, protecting and guided even when I'm not actively pursuing Him.

So what about you? What about those times when you acted without a care in the world and He was there, protecting, loving and guiding you? I think He's a God that loves His children - no conditions, He just does.

When you feel the enemy attacking you remember this - Psalms 138:7 I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your powerful arm you keep me safe.

When you feel weak or inadequate recall this, it might instill confidence in you as it does me - II Corinthians 12:9 But he replied, "My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak," So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.

11 Countries 11 Months

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I can barely contain my excitement with this news.....I AM GOING ON THE WORLD RACE!!! I have been praying on and off about doing the Race since June of last year but my flesh put up a strong fight until about three weeks ago. I was expecting this big bomb to go off or major fireworks but all that took place was me, a Kleenex box, and my Bible on my bedroom floor in tears. I think I've just had enough, enough of this mediocre life. I went to church as I have been for the past several months very faithfully but not because it's the "right thing to do" or because I work for a missions organization but because I ACTUALLY wanted to. In that church service three weeks ago I felt the Holy Spirit move like I never have before. That moving in my spirit was what lead me to my knees crying to God on my bedroom floor that afternoon. I wish I could explain to you in detail what changed or what sort of tangible thing brought me to that place but I can't. All I can say is that there's something more out there, something greater than me, my plans and my dreams. I KNOW that I wasn't created to please myself or to bring glory to my name or do things that satisfy my selfish desires; it's just not about me. I don't care who thinks I'm crazy, I don't care who thinks it's too much or I'm going "overboard", I'm just sick of my life being about me and those who think such things, I'll be praying for you. Although it may sound like after that day things have been easy or I've set my mind to a task and I should have no problems following through, actually I have to choose EVERYDAY, sometimes many times a day to have a positive attitude, to bite my tongue when my flesh wants to rise up or to do something I know won't bring honor or glory to the name of Jesus who shed His blood on a cross for me. I think sometimes we hear that and we aren't affected by those words or what that means, we've become desensitized to Christ who became man and did such a thing to save our rotten selves who continue to seek personal pleasure that is not glorifying to His Kingdom. We are blessed to receive grace and mercy, I know I'm reminded everyday that without grace and mercy I'd have gone to hell a long time ago. Thank you Jesus for your love! :)

Well, now that you know where my heart is in this decision and where I am in my walk with Christ, let me tell you the FUN details about the World Race! The Race is an 11 month journey around the world experiencing and encountering Christ in the hardest, saddest, most broken places of the world while allowing the Spirit of Christ to dive deeper and sweeter inside your very core than EVER before. I am certain I will never be the same after this experience.

Let's talk logistics... :) I will be going on the World Race September 1st of this year! The cost of this trip is $14,300 this includes everything from plane tickets, food, lodging, etc for the 11 months. Now for the REALLY exciting details....the September race route... India, Nepal, Pioneer Central Asia, Thailand, Cambodia, Kenya, Uganda, Pioneer Africa, Romania, Ukraine, Pioneer Eastern Europe. EXCITING!!!

I guess that's a lot to take in all at once, I will keep you all posted as my journey to September nears. It is because of your obedience and faithfulness to Christ that I have this opportunity to serve Him in such a way! Please check out more about the World Race at www.theworldrace.org and to contribute to making the race possible for me, click the 'Support Me!' link to the left of the page!

Love and Blessings!!!

HAITI NEEDS OUR HELP!

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This is an e-mail I received today from an AIM staff member....READ THIS and ACT FOR THE GLORY OF CHRIST!

The situation in Haiti is devastating, and we want to give you some tools to communicate how AIM is responding.

The Lord gave us a strong word this morning that we are not to react to the need, but that we are to respond to what He's doing and how He is responding to the situation. God has provided us a window to confront darkness with light. He has assembled and is continuing to assemble his Body to act - not only with AIM, but globally.

This is a moment in time not where AIM is looking to receive recognition, but an opportunity for Christ to receive glory. For the past week, I have been inundated with calls and responses from the Body of Christ about how they can serve the people of Haiti. My hope is refreshed and renewed in Christ's Body that is alive and well. Here's how you can communicate to your supporters who want to help Haiti (feel free to forward the rest of this message):

Pray. We can never neglect the power of prayer. Pray for the nation of Haiti, our missionaries on the border, and their ministries. Also pray that we establish relationships in communities where we can begin long-term rebuilding.

Give. One of the easiest ways to make an impact in Haiti is to give. You can give through AIM at http://adventures.org/haiti. This money is being directly funneled to our people on the ground, who are using it to provide much-needed supplies for those affected by the earthquake.

Go. We are currently working on sending short-term trips to to Haiti. This week, we're sending initial teams to help with setup and relief work. Check for more information about upcoming trips and the latest Haiti news at http://haiti.adventures.org.

Share. Do what you can to help us get the word out! Our hearts go out to Haiti, and we want to see God transform and redeem this country for His glory. Help us mobilize as many people as the Lord may be calling.

Purpose Driven

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's been exactly ONE year that I have lived here in Georgia and worked for AIM. This past week I was reflecting on the last year of my life and seeing the positive, good lessons I learned and all the many ways I grew but I also looked at all the many things I did wrong and the attitudes I had with different situations that arose last year. All that really made me just thank God for how quickly He can transform us and how He protected me or blessed me when I didn't deserve something good. (not that I ever really deserve anything good) I just thought I would share with you some positive things I learned last year in hopes that it may encourage you with goals or areas you aspire to grow in this year.

Many positive lessons came out of my ComLife experience the beginning of 2009 and I grew with Christ in several ways after also, but I'm only going to share a few that stick out. The first one is regarding resolving conflict. Not necessarily a fun one but I love that I have a better grasp on how to understand people and why certain people with certain personalities do things or act in ways they do. I feel equipped to know how to maturely handle resolving conflict in a variety of situations with a variety of people, not saying that I always get it right but I try. :) Along with the understanding of people, I feel I have learned the importance of quickly resolving conflict with a person. The longer the wait and the deeper the space grows between an uncomfortable or heated situation the stronger things like hate, anger, an unwillingness to forgive and revenge creep into the situation.

Patience, something I've talked a lot about and I am by no means saying that I have mastered this virtue but I have learned something new about its meaning. I thought that being patient was sitting and waiting for the Lord to show up and do something in my life, through some lessons and stern chats with Him I realized that patience IS about waiting on His perfect timing and His perfect plan BUT I'm not supposed to just be content and comfortable in my daily life. I should be serving Him better, trusting Him more, pursuing Him deeper and striving to further His kingdom while I wait for the other great desires of my heart to take form. I love it! :) When I finally got this revelation I was like, "Yes! I get it! I will serve you while I'm waiting!" a simple thing you might think but when I REALLY understood what He was saying and asking of me, it lifted this heavy "waiting burden" and now the deep unknown hole doesn't seem scary because I'm not focused on that so heavily anymore, I'm just trusting my Creator. :)

So like I said, I have learned many awesome things this past year and I feel like I grew up a lot, being on my own and managing all the things that come with being an adult. I am looking forward to taking on this new year, breathing in every moment and savoring each sweet and undeserving blessing that the Lord gives. I pray that this blog and the things I write about inspire you to evaluate your relationship with your Creator and that my experiences or the things I am learning will challenge you to go deeper and find more purpose, more meaning and reach for that purpose driven life.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

All my love and prayers!

2010 Financial Support Needs!

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

2010 Support Breakdown

Talking about support raising and needing funds to support my ministry is always difficult. However as I approach this new year, I am trusting Christ with my finances and my provision. I am also trusting that you, my family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ will be obedient to the Lords tug on your heart to support Kingdom growth.

I want to give you, my wonderful supporters an idea of what my financial needs are for this year.

Total amount of support needed for 2010 - $11,400.00

A quarterly breakdown of - $2,850.00

A monthly breakdown of - $950.00

On top of my regular support needed I will also be co-leading a mission trip to the Philippines in July! The cost for that trip is $1,800.00 (More info and exciting news on the trip to come soon....!)

This is a tentative schedule of my financial needs for this year. As you pray about giving to support my ministry this year please be open to the spirits moving and the Lord changing plans. :) Thank you for your faithful financial support throughout ALL of 2009. You are each rock stars and I am sure have a special place in Heaven for being obedient to Christ through your giving to support Kingdom ministry!

Snow crunching under boots, the smell of gingerbread cookies in the air...

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you for all of your love, prayers and support throughout 2009. You have been with me since January and I am blessed to have such wonderful family and friends surrounding me! Hope you will continue to join me in 2010 for the unknown journey the Lord has prepared for me.

As the snow falls around you, the Christmas music blares on every radio station, bright, colorful lights and greenery surround streets and homes, you make plans for spending precious time with love ones, please don't forget to remember this Holiday season, to give ALL the praise, honor, glory and thanks to the One who gives unconditional love and gave the greatest sacrifice for you and I. As you read this, please let these words sink into your mind and take to heart the Lord's desire for us to love Him.
Have a VERY, VERY Merry Christmas and a SPECTACULAR New Year! :)

I know the title of this blog has nothing really to do with the blog but it's fun.... :)

An ongoing lesson in patience

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Lord if the desires of my heart aren't your desires for me, take them away." I feel as though I've had to pray this often over the past few months. I have desires that burn within me for companionship and love and lately I've been finding myself struggling more than ever to keep my eyes, heart and mind focused away from that. Not because it's a bad thing but because obviously the Lord hasn't given it to me yet so I shouldn't be thinking and dreaming about it. I find myself being very curious and observant of people in relationships around me, one person in particular who's inspired me and I keep playing my time spent with her over and over in my head about how she handled herself and her heart in her relationship is Shaye....the new Mrs. Regan. ;) I watched for about six months as she strived to walk in a godly relationship with her now husband. I watched her fail, struggle and succeed. The way she guarded her heart and didn't allow herself to dream too heavily about the future has impacted the way I desire to live my life. Unfortunately, I tend to find myself in a dream world about 3/4 of my day...I'm still productive at work and conscious, I just multi-task and dream! :) But I am striving to find a healthy place where I'm trusting God daily with my future and with my deep longings and desires.

I know two things the Lord is really testing me in is obedience and patience....some days are better than others but I guess that's what happens when you're learning and growing in your walk with Christ. Ya know, this life and relationship is about a daily choice and some days we do better than others. There should just come a point when you've learned the lesson and you have more good days then bad days. :)

Jeremiah 17:7

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Thank you Lord, for being patient with me as I strive to achieve the path of righteousness you've laid before me. I know You are faithful and You will provide!

Changing with the Seasons

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Do you ever have this feeling that just when you think you know where your life might be going for a little while, it changes...? Well, I must be special or something, yea something alright. I just wrote a nice blog about heading off to India in a few months and now I must tell you, I will not be going.

First off let me start by saying how much I've felt your prayers heavy over the past few weeks...I've really needed them. I will not be going to India with the Novas Project because after much thought, prayer, and careful decision making, AIM has decided to not proceed with this program. The Lord just does things we don't understand sometimes...that doesn't mean we're not disappointed or frustrated; we just have to trust and obey. (That is a fantastic hymn!) :-)

Here is what I feel that the Lord is doing in my life currently. I feel as though He is testing my obedience. "Kelsey, if I say go, will you go?" I recall responding with, "Yes, but I think I will drag my feet." Sure I was excited about India and about a new adventure but I desire to plant and grow somewhere and make an impression and a difference somewhere. I know I discussed concerns about feeling too comfortable here and honestly I cannot say what the Lord is going to do in me to change that but I am seeking Him for that path. A path of constant change and growth toward becoming a strong, God fearing woman.

So I would ask that despite another quickly changing season, you would still partner with me in serving as a full time Missionary here in Georgia serving the Kingdom. The work that is done daily by the staff here in the office is vital to AIM and it's success. Missionaries can both be serving on foreign soil and typing behind a desk. I have chosen to continue on serving here with AIM, would you stand behind me and this ministry and continue to support me with your love, prayers and finances?

Love you all! See you in about two weeks when I'm home for Thanksgiving!!!

INDIA - Preparation, Progress, Prayer

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In about two and half months I will be on my way to Mexico for my training before I head off to India. Over the past few weeks I have struggled a lot with thoughts of making this decision to go... I am just really starting to feel comfortable here at AIM and I'm afraid of how things will look when I come back. Yea I know, why I am thinking about "after the trip" when I haven't even begun. I just feel so good here, I am forming relationships, having so much fun with a new group of people and I have a stable routine down at work. Have I gotten too comfortable? Is it bad when we're comfortable where we're at or should we constantly be changing and growing? Maybe I'm expecting too much out of myself too young...I mean, really, I'm not tied down or locked into anything or anyone so when God speaks I should listen and go, right? I am well aware that people will come in and out of my life and seasons will change and so will I. Despite all the unknown answers to my questions the things I do know are that, if this is God and I am called to India, he will provide the finances, he will handle the logistics and he will take care of my need for relationships. He does want good things for me, he wouldn't lead me down a destructive path (unfortunately, I seem to handle screwing up perfectly well all by myself but thank God for his grace and forgiveness). J

New friends, new culture, new routines are difficult and uncomfortable but I'm sure that with my Beloved at my side (and only with him) I CAN do this. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who gives me strength.

Thank you, faithful prayer warriors for your shouts to heaven on my behalf, you are crucial to my serving the Kingdom. If you would please be praying for my heart as this trip approaches and pray against the enemy as he will continue to try to destroy my joy and confidence during my preparation. Psalms 18:32-34 "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle."

You might be curious about the finances for the trip...God has been SO very good and he continues to surprise me through your obedient giving hearts to support my ministry.

Last update: 9-16-09 - $4,038.00 Beginning Goal Needed! Current need: 10-26-09 $3,745.00 Amount needed by January 12, 2010 To give, click the "Support Me!" Link to the left of the page.
Thank you for your generous donations and obedience to Christ. You make a difference in the lives that are touched by this ministry through your giving!

My Little Big, Hard but Fun Project!

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Occasionally I have crazy ideas....this was one of them. :) Back in July I was sitting on the patio here at AIM during a ComLife meeting (that I checked out of....opps) and thought to myself, "this place need some plants, life and something to make people smile." Well AIM is celebrating there 20th Anniversary this October and I am involved in putting it together so I decided I would "spruse up" the hill (felt like a mountin) before the Anniversary. Along with the help of Quentin Brady, Deryck Livingston, Jerry Goode, Corey Jacobs and Jason Driver, we pulled it off and now AIM has some beautiful flowers and bushes! :-)

Here are a few pictures!

I have to say a BIG thank you to Pam Bosserd.....I wouldn't have been able to do ANY of this without everything that you taught me! :)

HAPPY HARVEST....HAPPY FALL!!!

Broken Hearted

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Broken hearted isn't always a bad thing especially when it's for your family. First of all let me say that I am fully aware that NO ONE is perfect, we ALL make mistakes, I should know that well by now huh. Maybe in this blog you'll see more imperfections but I just can't help from being broken hearted and crying out to God to save my family! I'm feeling upset and angry but not hopeless and beaten. I want to put on my fighting gloves and beat Satan in this battle for my family! For too long I've thought I can't say that or I can't pray that or I can't think that because I'm too young or because we don't say things like that to our family members. Well guess what, those are lies! I can and will pray and intercede on your behalf. I am sick of spirits of depression, suicide, lust, broken marriages, alcohol, rejection, verbal and physical abuse that linger down every vein of my family, it HAS got to STOP! Family, please hear me; YOU are a loved precious child of the King! The God we serve is a God of love and mercy; we were created to bring honor and glory to His name. He loves you and He DESIRES you to love Him back! He is hungry for you. The lives you're living, the broken marriages, the cheating, the alcohol, the abuse, those are lies and tricks from the Devil! Please stop making your life about YOU, it's never been about you, it's always all been about Him. Serving Him, loving Him. There is peace, happiness, and reprieve in a REAL relationship with Christ. Stop living mediocre lives, you were created for better! Stop settling for less than the King has for you! Family, I love you and Christ loves you. Please know that my heart is crying, screaming, desperate for you to turn back to your creator. I love, love, love you and no matter what you, don't do or who you are I always will because that's what love is and being a family does.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

Eph 3:17-20 And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

The Real Superwoman!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

No, it's not Mother's Day, her Birthday and no, I didn't do something really bad and now I'm trying to make up for it, I just want to tell you about the most beautiful, incredible woman ever! Sometimes I think, "How is it possible that SHE is MY Mom?!" I'm going to do my best to tell you about her but I'm not sure if anything I could ever write will do her justice.

Not only is my Mother insanely beautiful but she's smart, talented, a great Mother, daughter, sister, employee and friend. Everything she does, she excels at. Currently she works four different jobs (seasonally), In the spring/summer she works at a farm/greenhouse, the winter she works at a tree farm, full time as a township clerk and FULL time as a wife and Mom. I don't know how she does it all! :) She fell in love at twenty to the best man God could have given and she is faithful, loving and caring.....her role in their marriage has taught me so much about being a good wife and about the real meaning, deep meaning of walking out loving someone daily. Despite the many different situations that surrounded her growing up, she has learned to forgive when it's tough, bite your tongue when you want to scream, and trust that God's knows best when you think you have it all figured out. Her faith is an inspiration to me every single day! She is a prayer warrior and she has radical faith in her Creator.

If I sit silent for a few minutes, I smile thinking about the past 19 years I've known her and all the laughs, tears, and memories. Someday, I hope I can be half the woman, wife and mother that she is every day.

Mom, I love you!

Financial Update

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey All! Below is a detailed financial update.

Monthly Staff Support: I am SO VERY happy to say that I have met my monthly support goal of $950.00 for September, October, November and December and it's only the middle of September!!!

Between now and January 12th I need to raise $4,038.00 in order to do the Novas Project. That's 4 MONTHS to raise $4,038.00!!! :)

Thank you all SO much for your continued prayer and financial support.....you are SO AMAZING! I am blessed to know such wonderful people like you!

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Surprise, Surprise!

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Isn't it funny how quickly life and plans can change?! Yea, I thought that when I found out about two weeks ago that I am supposed to go to India this January. Yep, you read that correctly, India! So, here's the little story behind this....September of last year I felt the Lord saying that I was to go to India January 2010 (which I told many of you). I sort of pushed that idea aside because I wasn't really up for it...or so I thought! Up until about two weeks ago I was sold out for the AIM office for at least a year, but someone ;) had other plans. Through some praying and chatting with friends and leadership at AIM, I made the jump and decided to do the Novas Project this January. The Novas Project is an eight month program mimicking the life of a missionary in a foreign country. I will spend two months in Mexico Training at the AIM base there then off to India after that! The cost for this program is $9,500.00 I have to have at least 60% of that by January 12th. Please be praying for the Lord to provide this large amount of finances needed. Also as I begin to prepare my heart, would you pray against distractions and things that would hinder my growth throughout the next few months. I appreciate you and all your support over the past year, thanks for being a part of this year with me....I hope to journey many more with you all!

Change again! Oh when will this end....just kidding, I know change is good and without change our lives would be boring. And plus, it probably means you're in a good place when you can hear Gods voice and move, even if you can't see the end of the tunnel and you don't know why. Anyway, I am very excited to be entering into something new, yet again! :) I am going to miss the friendships I've made here in G'ville but I'll be back probably before they can even miss me!

Unfortunately, in the midst of this new, good, exciting news there's some not so good news...I will not be able to go to Swaziland in October. :( Due to my finances and lack of interest in the trip this fall, Swazi isn't going to happen for me. Thank you for all of your prayers and support, I apologize for the disappointment. Maybe someday in the future my heart will encounter the treasures of Swazi, for now, we'll just have to wait and see.

Keep checking for more updates about India, finances, and my adventures in G'ville. Love you all! My ministry wouldn't be possible without such wonderful people like you!!! :)

Going to Swaziland in October

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Swaziland, Africa Vision Trip

I am going to Swaziland, Africa in October for ten days! AIM is offering a Vision trip for people to go there and get a glimpse of the work we do and how you can get involved. I am going to experience firsthand what AIM does in Swazi for example the Timbali Crafts women and the orphans that The Sound of Hope support. I am working under both Timbali and The Sound of Hope and I believe in what they are doing but I really feel the need to see Swazi firsthand. This trip will allow me to see the big picture as far as the real need and care for the orphans and help to relate with people here when selling and supporting the SOH. Maybe there is something else God has to teach me during my visit, maybe more ways I can help Swazi or maybe this trip is just to reinforce the campaigns I already stand behind, whatever happens, I am SO excited to go!!! :)

I am in need of finances to pay for my plane ticket to Africa. Please pray about financially supporting me for this trip OR if you think you might be interested in going to Swaziland yourself.... :) you can visit www.visiontrips.myadventures.org for more information about Swaziland and the Vision trip and to apply! It would be such a joy to share this trip with you! Blessings!!!

Goodbye ComLife :(

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So on Tuesday I got back from my visit to Michigan and began packing and moving things over to my new apartment, I was lucky to find four girls who work at AIM that I can live and build community, to move in with. Two of the girls are working with the World Race and two of them are working with the Novas Project. They are all very wonderful and I am excited to see what this next chapter of my life holds with them! Yet while all of this moving and 'new roomie' excitement is happening, I am in the process of ending my ComLife program and saying goodbye to the wonderful friends I have made. We will be having our debrief the 28th thru the 30th at a cabin in the North Georgia mountains where we will be spending our last few hours enjoying each other's company and reminiscing about the past year/6 months together. Please pray for my team and I throughout this next week, it will be hard to say goodbye. I am having a really tough time, I love change and handle it well but this is the first real time I have ever had to say goodbye like this before. :(

Amanda, Jess, Kim, Teresa, Maggie, Rosie, Toya, Barton, Kash and Shaye.......I WILL MISS YOU AND I LOVE YOU BUNCHES!!!! I am excited about the next journey of each of your lives; it has been a tremendous blessing to know each of you! <oOo>

On a different note, I enjoyed seeing many of you at my house on Sunday; you are all such a blessing. Thanks for bringing out some very yummy food and fellowshipping with my family and I. As most of you know, I am coming on as full time staff with AIM August 1st. I will be working in the Donor Relations department as I have been the past 6 months. Coming on as full time staff requires me to raise support to work at AIM, my goal that I need to support raise monthly is $950.00. Would you please pray about becoming a monthly supporter of my ministry with AIM? Any monthly amount is accepted and greatly appreciated! :) Thank you for your constant love, support and prayers!!!