Well we are about halfway in and I have made some awesome friends! I love this city so much already, even though it has been a bit rainy. I have seen rugby and netball- which is similar to basketball, but extremely different. I enjoyed netball very much today in the sun.
I have gotten to know the Patrick family very well and I adore them and their hospitality to me and our team. We have come to the realization that the chocolate is definitely better here and the best thing I have eaten so far has been a roast pumpkin and lamb pizza!
We have had great times with people that we have met in the college including winning trivia at the whitebull pub one night, which we will return to regain our title, and an 80's themed birthday party with some of the girls that we have met and they are hilarious. I hope that we can hang out more in the next few weeks.
We are riding the bus a lot and being chauffeured by our friends here and that has been cool. We are not allowed to drive the cars that are opposite in almost every way from home, but maybe we can work something out lol.
We are now off to dinner in town and then team + Aussie bonding at bowling!! more soon!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
some lingo!
here in Australia they have a few new phrases for me... here is what they would say for some of our common words
idiot-nob
trunk of car-boot
tons (lots)-heaps
front of car-bonnet
awesome!-cracker!
shopping cart-trolley
sprite-lemonade
fries-hot chips
cookie-biscuit
biscuit-bikky
breakfast-brekky
get "f'd"-get stuffed
yield-give way
how ya doing?-how ya going?
McDonalds-Maccas
guys-blokes
friends-mates
stupid Americans-sepos (septic tanks bc we are full of sh*t)
football-gridiron
jacket-jumper
sneakers & jeans-sneans (they say this is characteristic of americans..and they make fun of it)
dorm-college
gum-chewy
good time-banta
small truck-ute (as in utility)
tell me when youre ready-sing out when youre ready
suspicious (scandelous or promiscuous)-sus
enjoy
idiot-nob
trunk of car-boot
tons (lots)-heaps
front of car-bonnet
awesome!-cracker!
shopping cart-trolley
sprite-lemonade
fries-hot chips
cookie-biscuit
biscuit-bikky
breakfast-brekky
get "f'd"-get stuffed
yield-give way
how ya doing?-how ya going?
McDonalds-Maccas
guys-blokes
friends-mates
stupid Americans-sepos (septic tanks bc we are full of sh*t)
football-gridiron
jacket-jumper
sneakers & jeans-sneans (they say this is characteristic of americans..and they make fun of it)
dorm-college
gum-chewy
good time-banta
small truck-ute (as in utility)
tell me when youre ready-sing out when youre ready
suspicious (scandelous or promiscuous)-sus
enjoy
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Hear the royal decree!
So for my personal development plan, I have been studying security and this begins with how good the gospel is and where my identity is. I have been reading a book by my favorite author, John Piper, called God is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of Himself. The goal of the Gospel is to see and savor God Himself, being changed into the image of His Son so that more and more we delight in and display God’s infinite beauty and worth.
So here are some excerpts that just speak volumes for themselves. Be filled with hope and joy!
God is the Gospel. The good news is that the King himself has come, and the enemies have been defeated, and if we trust in what He has done and what He promises, we will escape the death sentence and see the glory of our Liberator and live with Him forever! This hope fills us with hope and joy (Rom 15:16) and frees us from self-pity and empowers us to love those who are suffering!
The biblical meaning of the Christian Gospel includes the existence of the living God and His coming into history with imperial authority over all things as the long-awaited King of Israel and lord of the universe. This King was Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior. He fulfilled the Old Testament expectations of the Son of David, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again triumphant over Satan, death, and hell. He promised His own Spirit to be with us and help us. On the basis of His death and resurrection, the gospel promises a great salvation- eventual healing from disease and liberation from oppression, peace with God and others who believe, justification by faith part from works of the law, forgiveness of sins, transformation into the image of Christ, eternal life, and the global inclusion of all people from all nations in this salvation.
The gospel is not good news without the spirit:
>John 14:17-18- You know [the Spirit of Truth] for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
>In other words, when the Spirit comes, he will be the Spirit of Christ. The Spirit will be for us the presence and power of Christ himself. The fellowship of Christ, promised in the Gospel, happens by the Spirit’s presence in us.
>The Holy Spirit is the down payment, a guarantee of the fullness of joy we will know in the perfected fellowship with the Father and the Son in the age to come (2 Cor 1:22; 5:5). What makes the gospel good news in the end is the enjoyment of the glory of God in Christ. The Holy Spirit provides the present experience of that enjoyment. Therefore the promise of the Spirit in the gospel is what makes it good news!
So here are some excerpts that just speak volumes for themselves. Be filled with hope and joy!
God is the Gospel. The good news is that the King himself has come, and the enemies have been defeated, and if we trust in what He has done and what He promises, we will escape the death sentence and see the glory of our Liberator and live with Him forever! This hope fills us with hope and joy (Rom 15:16) and frees us from self-pity and empowers us to love those who are suffering!
The biblical meaning of the Christian Gospel includes the existence of the living God and His coming into history with imperial authority over all things as the long-awaited King of Israel and lord of the universe. This King was Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior. He fulfilled the Old Testament expectations of the Son of David, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again triumphant over Satan, death, and hell. He promised His own Spirit to be with us and help us. On the basis of His death and resurrection, the gospel promises a great salvation- eventual healing from disease and liberation from oppression, peace with God and others who believe, justification by faith part from works of the law, forgiveness of sins, transformation into the image of Christ, eternal life, and the global inclusion of all people from all nations in this salvation.
The gospel is not good news without the spirit:
>John 14:17-18- You know [the Spirit of Truth] for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
>In other words, when the Spirit comes, he will be the Spirit of Christ. The Spirit will be for us the presence and power of Christ himself. The fellowship of Christ, promised in the Gospel, happens by the Spirit’s presence in us.
>The Holy Spirit is the down payment, a guarantee of the fullness of joy we will know in the perfected fellowship with the Father and the Son in the age to come (2 Cor 1:22; 5:5). What makes the gospel good news in the end is the enjoyment of the glory of God in Christ. The Holy Spirit provides the present experience of that enjoyment. Therefore the promise of the Spirit in the gospel is what makes it good news!
so sus..
Well we have been on campus a few days! It is so beautiful here, chilly, but comfortable! We have to walk everywhere, but that is wonderful and it warms us up! We got to go the the Australian version of 'step sing' last night and that was so cool. We are already making ground meeting key students to pour into in the colleges (resident's halls) at the uni (university) and the staff here have been serving us soo much!
The people in this town are amazing and I have adored the welcome we have received in the church! The Lord is already doing a lot here, and I am reminded that He does not need me or this team to get His work done, but He has sent us here and I am so thankful that He is equipping us and preparing us to be used to further His Kingdom!
The goodness of the Gospel is that He is the end result, the ultimate prize and our job here is be be immersed in the culture, to meet students, and to build relationships that will glorify the Lord so that they will know Him! Thank you all for your prayers and for your support and getting us here.
I got to get coffee with Nick, an Australian Staff guy, and Courtney Kelly- Courtney Kelley, yesterday at Booloominbah and it was soooo cool! Nick and the staff guys, Steven, Tim, and the Chaplain, Martin have been great to teach us a lot of the differences to watch out for and prepare for in the culture, our histories which influence how both Australians and Americans view the world and religion, and of course some terminology. Some of these include fairy floss=cotton candy, sepo=american, paying out=making fun of someone, sledging=teasing, and sus=suspicious. I love it.
Keep us in your prayers to have fruitful conversations and that our motives will be purely to spread His good news so that the nations would be reached :)
Excited to be Down Under,
Savs
The people in this town are amazing and I have adored the welcome we have received in the church! The Lord is already doing a lot here, and I am reminded that He does not need me or this team to get His work done, but He has sent us here and I am so thankful that He is equipping us and preparing us to be used to further His Kingdom!
The goodness of the Gospel is that He is the end result, the ultimate prize and our job here is be be immersed in the culture, to meet students, and to build relationships that will glorify the Lord so that they will know Him! Thank you all for your prayers and for your support and getting us here.
I got to get coffee with Nick, an Australian Staff guy, and Courtney Kelly- Courtney Kelley, yesterday at Booloominbah and it was soooo cool! Nick and the staff guys, Steven, Tim, and the Chaplain, Martin have been great to teach us a lot of the differences to watch out for and prepare for in the culture, our histories which influence how both Australians and Americans view the world and religion, and of course some terminology. Some of these include fairy floss=cotton candy, sepo=american, paying out=making fun of someone, sledging=teasing, and sus=suspicious. I love it.
Keep us in your prayers to have fruitful conversations and that our motives will be purely to spread His good news so that the nations would be reached :)
Excited to be Down Under,
Savs
Tim is cute. Holla at me.
5/21/10
Tim is cute. Holla at me.
We are in Armidale!!!!! The bus ride from Brisbane was so long!
We went straight to Steven’s house for dinner with their staff and it was fantastic. He is the staff guy at UNE and he let us use his internet and we flocked to it as if it were food and we hadn’t eaten for days! The highlight of being there has to be the conversation about how to remember names of students because they had already done a great job of getting to know us in just a few hours. So a team member who shall remain nameless proceeds to use the tactic she had been told to try, using new friends’ names in sentences to remember them…her example in conversation was “Tim is cute. Holla at me.” Tim is a staff guy at UNE…who happened to sitting no less than 6 feet behind her watching her and listening intently. Upon hearing this, he shrugs, smiles, and walks away. Hilarious!! We have quoted this many times…
Anyway, we are staying at the dorms and they are amazing! Seriously these are the nicest dorms I have ever seen in my life. We have our own rooms in the international hall- and there was space for us all to be together in the same hall. We do have to share unisex bathrooms but even that has worked out. The Lord’s provisions are everywhere!!! The rooms are huge with lots of space and a desk. We don’t have internet, so I am writing now with plans to post when I get a chance. This means that my blogs will just all appear at once lol.
Today is our first day to see the campus in the daylight. Its absolutely beautiful from my window. It is autumn here and the leaves are falling and it is gorgeous. There is a deer park behind our building that we are going to get to see today. Some kangaroos got into it several years ago so it has turned into a habitat for deer and kangas! I am thrilled!!! We are going to get to see the Booloominbah to see the school! This is the picture that I have put at the top of my blog. Yes that is our destination today. There is a bistro there that I will most likely get lunch or something nearly everyday lol.
I am looking forward to being here for the next 40 days learning all that the Lord has in store for the team and I in the security department.
Thank you for all your prayers and I will get more updates to you as soon as I can!!
That all may know,
Savs
Tim is cute. Holla at me.
We are in Armidale!!!!! The bus ride from Brisbane was so long!
We went straight to Steven’s house for dinner with their staff and it was fantastic. He is the staff guy at UNE and he let us use his internet and we flocked to it as if it were food and we hadn’t eaten for days! The highlight of being there has to be the conversation about how to remember names of students because they had already done a great job of getting to know us in just a few hours. So a team member who shall remain nameless proceeds to use the tactic she had been told to try, using new friends’ names in sentences to remember them…her example in conversation was “Tim is cute. Holla at me.” Tim is a staff guy at UNE…who happened to sitting no less than 6 feet behind her watching her and listening intently. Upon hearing this, he shrugs, smiles, and walks away. Hilarious!! We have quoted this many times…
Anyway, we are staying at the dorms and they are amazing! Seriously these are the nicest dorms I have ever seen in my life. We have our own rooms in the international hall- and there was space for us all to be together in the same hall. We do have to share unisex bathrooms but even that has worked out. The Lord’s provisions are everywhere!!! The rooms are huge with lots of space and a desk. We don’t have internet, so I am writing now with plans to post when I get a chance. This means that my blogs will just all appear at once lol.
Today is our first day to see the campus in the daylight. Its absolutely beautiful from my window. It is autumn here and the leaves are falling and it is gorgeous. There is a deer park behind our building that we are going to get to see today. Some kangaroos got into it several years ago so it has turned into a habitat for deer and kangas! I am thrilled!!! We are going to get to see the Booloominbah to see the school! This is the picture that I have put at the top of my blog. Yes that is our destination today. There is a bistro there that I will most likely get lunch or something nearly everyday lol.
I am looking forward to being here for the next 40 days learning all that the Lord has in store for the team and I in the security department.
Thank you for all your prayers and I will get more updates to you as soon as I can!!
That all may know,
Savs
Sneans...?
5/20/10
Sneans!!!
We are in Australia!!!! We left the US on Monday, skipped Tuesday altogether, got to Brisbane on Wednesday hung out and went to the shops and slept for 12 straight hours, went to orientation at the University of Queensland on Today. At orientation we learned several things about the culture to prepare us for the weeks ahead. A staff girl taught us the basics…no spitting, drop bears, and sneans! Drop bears are bears that WILL attack you from the tree tops so watch out for them…and their poo. Sneas are characteristic of Americans…people who wear sneakers with jeans. They think that is kind of gross lol. A third of our team was fitting this on orientation day haha. We stayed with the Brisbane team in their apartments for a few days and will return there just before we leave for home. We will drive to Armidale to the University of New England tomorrow morning!
Sneans!!!
We are in Australia!!!! We left the US on Monday, skipped Tuesday altogether, got to Brisbane on Wednesday hung out and went to the shops and slept for 12 straight hours, went to orientation at the University of Queensland on Today. At orientation we learned several things about the culture to prepare us for the weeks ahead. A staff girl taught us the basics…no spitting, drop bears, and sneans! Drop bears are bears that WILL attack you from the tree tops so watch out for them…and their poo. Sneas are characteristic of Americans…people who wear sneakers with jeans. They think that is kind of gross lol. A third of our team was fitting this on orientation day haha. We stayed with the Brisbane team in their apartments for a few days and will return there just before we leave for home. We will drive to Armidale to the University of New England tomorrow morning!
He Treasures Up His Bright Designs
ok I wrote this on the plane over...I just got internet access so I am posting it now :)
5/17/10
He Treasures Up His Bright Designs
Oh how do I even begin to process what excitement is running through my veins to be on the flight to Australia right now. I am thrilled to my wits end! The God that I serve has created universes so massive that they are simply indescribable. As I look out the window, I am in awe of the beauty of the canyon land in New Mexico. As much as the earth is filled with wonder it is still just a speck in the sunshine of this great universe. I am flying to Australia today. That is across the world. How small do I feel today…
Disclaimer…this blog will be full of tangents as I have been sitting quiet, just thinking like the Feeler that I am for 3 solid hours!!
We are significantly insignificant. What does this mean? That the God who has created places that seem like they would only be in a story book and galaxies trillions of light-years away so beautiful that we cannot grasp with our vocabularies not only knows who the heck we are, but knows us by name and has sought us out to know us and know everything about us and use us for His great ministry across the world. This means that He loves us so much that He sent His son to die as payment for my sins that deserve hell so that I can have life and joy more abundantly. This certainly is a mysterious way that He moves in to soften my heart and teach me more about His great characteristics and show me His bright design.
He has blessed me so with the opportunity to fly through a thunderstorm and see clouds so closely and so brightly that they blind my eyes with their brightness, much like it would be to lay my eyes up on Him. Whoa.
While thinking of Australia, I am amazed at the adventure before me. I think of Acts 2:23 which says, this Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, crucified and killed by the lawless hands of men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. God has a definite plan and foreknowledge that knew enough that his son would be crucified and killed by the evil, enemy hands of lawless men, how would he not know of what is going on in my life and in the lives of Aussie students that He is sending our teams to meet? What is this beauty of a God who loves us so much!? What is up with this all empowering love that is able to cross seas and destroy rebellion of evil men and women to be melted by the God of the Gospel. Such a great love! Not only does this verse tell us that God is all knowing, but that His son Jesus could not possibly be held by death and was promptly raised from the dead. This is huge. Just as the one who died for my sins to become my savior cannot by held by death, my sin cannot be held by it either. In Christ I have freedom from sin and newness in Him because He loves me and is all-powerful all the time.
How assuring is it that he has a plan for me. This is where my identity lies. In His mercy and in His grace and His forgiveness and faithfulness to me that He loves me enough to hold on to me so that nothing can snatch me (Romans 8:38-39) out of His grasp that is as wide as the universe (Job 38:31)!
He is the everlasting, never failing, redeemer GOD! And He is in control. Assurance lies within Him that He loves us. Where can we go to be away from His mercy and all protecting hand? Beats me… I am going across the world right now and He is ever aware of what I am doing and how I am glorifying Him with my life, if I am at all. How convicting is it that just as the light can reach my face, He can see me and know my heart. More that that, HE knows my heart and He knows what I need and has planned for my growth and laid out for me His good works to glorify Him and to teach me His characteristics and how to best reflect His image. All understanding comes from Him and the acceptance that suffering is part of that plan. Suffering through some relationships and through personal development. He allows it to happen for understanding of Him and ultimately for His glory.
So, as for my sweet Australia! I am again reminded of this great blessing to be in hot pursuit of the Lord wherever He sends me as I look to my left and see my dear sisterfriend, Courtney Kelley!!! She encourages me sooo much and I am so grateful for he in my life because the Lord is definitely working in her to grow her and to grow those around her in Him. I am so fortunate to not only spend the summer in Armidale, but also alongside her! What a blessing to minister hand in hand with her and Ben, Josh, Alicia, Jared, Sarah, Kendal, Gabe, Megan, Amy, Joseph, and David! Oh man God is so good!
I don’t know how prepared I am for this, but God equips the called and I am fully faithful that He will guide me to best serve Him through this ministry.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support of this mission and I will keep you posted on the things that we do as well as the things that I am learning this summer! Praise Him!
5/17/10
He Treasures Up His Bright Designs
Oh how do I even begin to process what excitement is running through my veins to be on the flight to Australia right now. I am thrilled to my wits end! The God that I serve has created universes so massive that they are simply indescribable. As I look out the window, I am in awe of the beauty of the canyon land in New Mexico. As much as the earth is filled with wonder it is still just a speck in the sunshine of this great universe. I am flying to Australia today. That is across the world. How small do I feel today…
Disclaimer…this blog will be full of tangents as I have been sitting quiet, just thinking like the Feeler that I am for 3 solid hours!!
We are significantly insignificant. What does this mean? That the God who has created places that seem like they would only be in a story book and galaxies trillions of light-years away so beautiful that we cannot grasp with our vocabularies not only knows who the heck we are, but knows us by name and has sought us out to know us and know everything about us and use us for His great ministry across the world. This means that He loves us so much that He sent His son to die as payment for my sins that deserve hell so that I can have life and joy more abundantly. This certainly is a mysterious way that He moves in to soften my heart and teach me more about His great characteristics and show me His bright design.
He has blessed me so with the opportunity to fly through a thunderstorm and see clouds so closely and so brightly that they blind my eyes with their brightness, much like it would be to lay my eyes up on Him. Whoa.
While thinking of Australia, I am amazed at the adventure before me. I think of Acts 2:23 which says, this Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, crucified and killed by the lawless hands of men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. God has a definite plan and foreknowledge that knew enough that his son would be crucified and killed by the evil, enemy hands of lawless men, how would he not know of what is going on in my life and in the lives of Aussie students that He is sending our teams to meet? What is this beauty of a God who loves us so much!? What is up with this all empowering love that is able to cross seas and destroy rebellion of evil men and women to be melted by the God of the Gospel. Such a great love! Not only does this verse tell us that God is all knowing, but that His son Jesus could not possibly be held by death and was promptly raised from the dead. This is huge. Just as the one who died for my sins to become my savior cannot by held by death, my sin cannot be held by it either. In Christ I have freedom from sin and newness in Him because He loves me and is all-powerful all the time.
How assuring is it that he has a plan for me. This is where my identity lies. In His mercy and in His grace and His forgiveness and faithfulness to me that He loves me enough to hold on to me so that nothing can snatch me (Romans 8:38-39) out of His grasp that is as wide as the universe (Job 38:31)!
He is the everlasting, never failing, redeemer GOD! And He is in control. Assurance lies within Him that He loves us. Where can we go to be away from His mercy and all protecting hand? Beats me… I am going across the world right now and He is ever aware of what I am doing and how I am glorifying Him with my life, if I am at all. How convicting is it that just as the light can reach my face, He can see me and know my heart. More that that, HE knows my heart and He knows what I need and has planned for my growth and laid out for me His good works to glorify Him and to teach me His characteristics and how to best reflect His image. All understanding comes from Him and the acceptance that suffering is part of that plan. Suffering through some relationships and through personal development. He allows it to happen for understanding of Him and ultimately for His glory.
So, as for my sweet Australia! I am again reminded of this great blessing to be in hot pursuit of the Lord wherever He sends me as I look to my left and see my dear sisterfriend, Courtney Kelley!!! She encourages me sooo much and I am so grateful for he in my life because the Lord is definitely working in her to grow her and to grow those around her in Him. I am so fortunate to not only spend the summer in Armidale, but also alongside her! What a blessing to minister hand in hand with her and Ben, Josh, Alicia, Jared, Sarah, Kendal, Gabe, Megan, Amy, Joseph, and David! Oh man God is so good!
I don’t know how prepared I am for this, but God equips the called and I am fully faithful that He will guide me to best serve Him through this ministry.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support of this mission and I will keep you posted on the things that we do as well as the things that I am learning this summer! Praise Him!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Whats going on in Australia??
Thank you so much for listening today! I had a great time this morning on the radio!
I hope Spring 2010 is treating all of you well! I am in the concluding half the second semester of my junior year as a Communications student at the University of North Alabama. This semester has been filled with joy from leading my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, as president and being part of discipleship groups and Student Government Association. Even though I have been busy, I have learned so much through my activities, classes, and mentors. All these lessons from the past make me so excited about the adventures of this New Year!
Last summer I had the opportunity of living in Ft. Walton, Florida to participate in a Campus Outreach program called Beach Project as a room leader. The Summer Beach Project is a ten-week missions and training opportunity where students from different colleges around the southeast can invest their summer. The purpose behind it is to help each student grow in his or her personal relationship with Jesus Christ and learn how to the share the good news of Christ with others. It is also designed to help build godly character into the lives of the students and that is how it has impacted my walk. God used beach project to give me a vision for the nations and missions to reach students for Christ. I believe that the best way to reach the world is by planning and going.
This summer, the Lord has given me to opportunity to go to across the world to Armidale, Australia on a Cross Cultural Project. There is a great need for laboring Christians in Australia, especially on the college campus. We will build vision for evangelizing the unreached, while learning how to better communicate the gospel in a secular world. Our hope is to see the Lord bring Australians to Christ and grow them into laborers. It is also a key time for character development and gaining a biblical view of fellowship with the body. The team will spend time building relationships with the students at the U. of New England in hopes of sharing the gospel with the lost and helping believers grow in their faith.
I ask that you join me in this ministry! I am seeking your prayers and support for this mission trip. The cost of CCP is $6,000 and this includes the flight, lodging, and food for 8 weeks and programs for ministry opportunities on campus with the students in Australia as well as training for myself in the spring semester and with my mission team that I will be working with for the two months. If you wish to sponsor me financially, there are two ways that you may do so. If you wish to donate by check, please make it to “Campus Outreach” to claim it on your tax return. You may also donate directly on my blog using my paypal account on the left sidebar. The Lord is really using this support ministry to grow me in my faith and trust in Him to provide for me. I greatly appreciate any amount towards His cause.
Even though the financial aspect is important, I am asking for your prayer support—not only for me, but for the students attending and leaders in charge of this program. Pray that God will use this summer reach and grow us to become laborers to the lost world. The Lord tells us, in Romans 8:28, that all things work together for the good of His people, and so I know that He will be working to reach the nations and people groups as well as bless you in this ministry. I am blessed to have this opportunity and excited to share it with you!
For any questions at all about any of this, please feel free to message me!
So that all may know,
Savvi
P.S.
Don't forget to check out UNA's Spring Concert Festival featuring Dave Barnes, Big Boi, and Mutemath, at http://www.vimeo.com/10295845
And of course, UNA's biggest party of the year, ALPHA TAU OMEGA'S CAFFEINE HIGH at www.theteeteevents.com
I hope Spring 2010 is treating all of you well! I am in the concluding half the second semester of my junior year as a Communications student at the University of North Alabama. This semester has been filled with joy from leading my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, as president and being part of discipleship groups and Student Government Association. Even though I have been busy, I have learned so much through my activities, classes, and mentors. All these lessons from the past make me so excited about the adventures of this New Year!
Last summer I had the opportunity of living in Ft. Walton, Florida to participate in a Campus Outreach program called Beach Project as a room leader. The Summer Beach Project is a ten-week missions and training opportunity where students from different colleges around the southeast can invest their summer. The purpose behind it is to help each student grow in his or her personal relationship with Jesus Christ and learn how to the share the good news of Christ with others. It is also designed to help build godly character into the lives of the students and that is how it has impacted my walk. God used beach project to give me a vision for the nations and missions to reach students for Christ. I believe that the best way to reach the world is by planning and going.
This summer, the Lord has given me to opportunity to go to across the world to Armidale, Australia on a Cross Cultural Project. There is a great need for laboring Christians in Australia, especially on the college campus. We will build vision for evangelizing the unreached, while learning how to better communicate the gospel in a secular world. Our hope is to see the Lord bring Australians to Christ and grow them into laborers. It is also a key time for character development and gaining a biblical view of fellowship with the body. The team will spend time building relationships with the students at the U. of New England in hopes of sharing the gospel with the lost and helping believers grow in their faith.
I ask that you join me in this ministry! I am seeking your prayers and support for this mission trip. The cost of CCP is $6,000 and this includes the flight, lodging, and food for 8 weeks and programs for ministry opportunities on campus with the students in Australia as well as training for myself in the spring semester and with my mission team that I will be working with for the two months. If you wish to sponsor me financially, there are two ways that you may do so. If you wish to donate by check, please make it to “Campus Outreach” to claim it on your tax return. You may also donate directly on my blog using my paypal account on the left sidebar. The Lord is really using this support ministry to grow me in my faith and trust in Him to provide for me. I greatly appreciate any amount towards His cause.
Even though the financial aspect is important, I am asking for your prayer support—not only for me, but for the students attending and leaders in charge of this program. Pray that God will use this summer reach and grow us to become laborers to the lost world. The Lord tells us, in Romans 8:28, that all things work together for the good of His people, and so I know that He will be working to reach the nations and people groups as well as bless you in this ministry. I am blessed to have this opportunity and excited to share it with you!
For any questions at all about any of this, please feel free to message me!
So that all may know,
Savvi
P.S.
Don't forget to check out UNA's Spring Concert Festival featuring Dave Barnes, Big Boi, and Mutemath, at http://www.vimeo.com/10295845
And of course, UNA's biggest party of the year, ALPHA TAU OMEGA'S CAFFEINE HIGH at www.theteeteevents.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
What is Solitude?
I have been thinking a lot about solitude in the last few days and have been realizing how it has been creeping into my life in the last week and a half to show mw a lot about myself and what about me that needs to go...
Solitude is defined as the state of being alone, (and my favorite part), especially when this is peaceful and pleasant.
How freeing! To know that solitude and being quiet is pleasant. lol. I am such an extrovert and a feeler that I am almost always engaged in conversation with someone and I am not usually utilizing my free time to look inwardly and think. I do this when I am supposed to like quiet times or in church meetings. But last week in San Diego, I was out of my comfort zone of my close friends that I share everything with and even my one friend was doing his own thing, and so I was basically forced to look at myself and evaluate me. I saw that by the grace of God He allows us to see our sin and help us to defeat it and shear it off to become more like Him. This is whats happening in my life right now.
Last weekend at the airport, two of my 'good' friends decided to give me a personal development workshop by forcing me to make the decision of where to eat (this is frustrating to me because I dont want my decisions about something like food to make someone else uncomfortable or unsatisfied, so I got anxious ok) and then they ditched me. Awesome. I was not only alone in a huge crowded place, but I knew in every part of me that I was being watched and my behavior analyzed. Ouch. My security went out the door.
But this made me really see what am I depending on? Where does my security come from if it can be dissolved so quickly? Clearly it is on man and myself and not the Lord. Reflecting on this led to admitting idols in my life and my pure inability to go anywhere by myself.
Im proud to say that on Monday, I went to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia ( a place I have never been to without getting lost, so I was certainly anxious about that!) to check out the venue. Well I went by myself and toured the museum by myself. How is that for personal development?!
Solitude certainly shows us our sin and our relationship with the Lord. He is so good to us to meet us where we are and even force us into quiet time with Him so that we may see His fullness and His glory.
I would advise taking some time to ride without the radio on and enjoy some silence. Get away from people and tasks and duties. Let HIm show you yourself. Embrace the peace and pleasantness of solitude and seeking to know His characteristics. I am learning how to do this. Seriously, its a serious struggle, and I havent gotten it right yet lol.
Im excited to see how the Lord is still showing me things to repent of and change to be more like Him. He is working and that definitely bring the most secure feeling ever because to know that He is investing in me and my growth is a testament that He will not leave me undone and He will be with me as I learn and He will bring it to completion. Glory to God!
And so Im learning to enjoy solitude. Which is weird. But Im ok with weird :D
Ephesians 2:7-10
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time,(to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
"marinate on that"
Savvi
Solitude is defined as the state of being alone, (and my favorite part), especially when this is peaceful and pleasant.
How freeing! To know that solitude and being quiet is pleasant. lol. I am such an extrovert and a feeler that I am almost always engaged in conversation with someone and I am not usually utilizing my free time to look inwardly and think. I do this when I am supposed to like quiet times or in church meetings. But last week in San Diego, I was out of my comfort zone of my close friends that I share everything with and even my one friend was doing his own thing, and so I was basically forced to look at myself and evaluate me. I saw that by the grace of God He allows us to see our sin and help us to defeat it and shear it off to become more like Him. This is whats happening in my life right now.
Last weekend at the airport, two of my 'good' friends decided to give me a personal development workshop by forcing me to make the decision of where to eat (this is frustrating to me because I dont want my decisions about something like food to make someone else uncomfortable or unsatisfied, so I got anxious ok) and then they ditched me. Awesome. I was not only alone in a huge crowded place, but I knew in every part of me that I was being watched and my behavior analyzed. Ouch. My security went out the door.
But this made me really see what am I depending on? Where does my security come from if it can be dissolved so quickly? Clearly it is on man and myself and not the Lord. Reflecting on this led to admitting idols in my life and my pure inability to go anywhere by myself.
Im proud to say that on Monday, I went to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia ( a place I have never been to without getting lost, so I was certainly anxious about that!) to check out the venue. Well I went by myself and toured the museum by myself. How is that for personal development?!
Solitude certainly shows us our sin and our relationship with the Lord. He is so good to us to meet us where we are and even force us into quiet time with Him so that we may see His fullness and His glory.
I would advise taking some time to ride without the radio on and enjoy some silence. Get away from people and tasks and duties. Let HIm show you yourself. Embrace the peace and pleasantness of solitude and seeking to know His characteristics. I am learning how to do this. Seriously, its a serious struggle, and I havent gotten it right yet lol.
Im excited to see how the Lord is still showing me things to repent of and change to be more like Him. He is working and that definitely bring the most secure feeling ever because to know that He is investing in me and my growth is a testament that He will not leave me undone and He will be with me as I learn and He will bring it to completion. Glory to God!
And so Im learning to enjoy solitude. Which is weird. But Im ok with weird :D
Ephesians 2:7-10
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time,(to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
"marinate on that"
Savvi
Monday, March 29, 2010
It's a Beautiful Day in San Diego..
...I got the top down, windows low, and bumper scraping the ground...
I got to spend last week in community with Campus Outreach as we invaded San Diego State University's campus to gage the culture on the West Coast. This trip was designed to gain an idea of the potential ground for CO in the future as well and to open doors for personal development in the students that went and thats really what it did for me. This was great and prepared me for my trip to Australia by means of a schedule as well as an agenda and a "know how" of what the summer will look like/
So a basic run down of the days activities are these: on Saturday we flew of out Birmingham and arrived in LA where we met up with the U. of West Georgia and drove to San Diego. On the way we stopped at Laguna and saw Orange Beach. So fun!
On Sunday, we attended Harbor Church where they had a beautiful Bilingual service in English and Spanish. What a picture of Heaven this will be! As San Diego is the most culturally diverse city in the nation, we saw billboard in several languages and enjoyed the idea of the tribes, tongues, and nations coming together in the glory of the Lord! In this service they invited the children to come and join in the worship and it was so beautiful! We got to participate in Communion and it was so sweet to break the bread of the Body of Christ with these people. In the afternoon, we got to paint over gang graffiti in the streets. It was really cool getting to help bring hope to the suffering community. The evening we got to spend sometime with Pastor Steven and hear of his vision for Harbor Church and the city of San Diego, to see gospel centered change in the lives of residents and love on them, gain their trust, and serve them as Christ.
On Monday, we headed to campus at the San Diego State University! We got to meet students and just have conversations to gage where they stood culturally and spiritually. We got to see a variety of people who we saw were open to things but very hesitant to admit that there is one truth and adopt anyone else's belief outside of their own experiences. That afternoon, we got to go to an elementary school and help tutor Somalian refugees learn English. So humbling! That evening, we rested and tried to catch up with the time difference and get ready for the week!
On Tuesday, we went back to campus and tried for round 2! We saw more today that they really idolize their independence and freedom and their own culture that is to fit in is to be different and they are unwilling to conform to anyone's beliefs. We stayed on campus all day today and tried to share the gospel more, but conversations this day were tough and we were really humbled by realizing that we are not relying on the Lord. That evening, we headed out to the local favorite, Pacific Beach and found the best tacos in the world at Moondoggies..and they were super cheap for taco tuesdays!
On Wednesday, we headed out the the San Diego Zoo! Well, we certainly couldn't not go..we spent 5 hours in awe of God's wonder. That afternoon we found these enormous cliffs and saw the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean! We decided to make the dangerous trek down to the bottom of them to realize that we had indeed found a nude beach. Yes, the Lord has a sense of humor. That night we ate the most legit Mexican food at a taco stand complete with bullet holes before going back to campus to hang out with their student ministry and meet their key students and gather their burden for their own campus.
On Thursday, we went to a popular beach called Mission Beach. It was chilly, but it was great weather. There were roller coasters there and some of the guys managed to find and pizza a full yard in diameter! As they chowed on this man-meal, they challenged Seth, our director, to get a tattoo. For what, where, and if its true, just email me :) That night we spent on campus at a Christian Fraternity's house meeting more students and teaching them how we have learned to do evangelism.
On Friday, we drove back to Los Angeles and found our Motel 6 in Hollywood. It was great actually. We took lots of pictures as we walked up and down and back up Hollywood Blvd. I got to see my old Hollywood stars, that no one knew by the way, and it was awesome. I loved seeing the Rat Pack, Carol Burnette, Tim Conwey, and Lucille Ball. Hollywood today just isn't the same...That night we spent on Santa Monica Pier! We got to ride the carousel and it was a bit chilly. We ate at an amazing restaurant and concluded the trip with another trip to get 'FroYo' aka Frozen Yogurt...the Cali craze!
On Saturday we departed and I was very fortunate to get to spend some much needed reflection and practical discussion time with the guys from UNA to think for our campus and friends a bit better. It was a great way to fly home in prayer and thinking for our groups.
So what did I bring back?
Basically, it was all summed by Pastor Scott in Florence at Redeemer on Sunday Morning. What a sweet blessing. We were talking about Joseph, which is my favorite Old Testament story, and in Genesis 42, his family comes to Egypt for grain to eat and live and the Lord points out that their need for food brings them to Egypt which reminds them of their sin. He uses needs in our lives to make us look deeply into our hearts. Secondly, joseph puts them in prison for a few days and this solitude that they experience also is from God to show them their sin. What a picture of Gods grace to let us see our sin!
Evangelism is necessary and it is a no-lose situation. Its commanded and ordained by the Lord and He is going to will it the way that He pleases and I am called to be obedient.
I am unable to rely on my skill set. Just because I am a communications major does not make me the grand communicator, My security must come from the Lord alone and He will push me forward and keep all conversations going. He is merciful and deserving of all glory. The greatest way to love Him is to proclaim His name!
For me this trip sat me down, humbled me, and revealed a lot of idols in my life. The Lord pointed out to me more than ever how important it is to deal with my problems and let Him sheer away the dead branches in my life. Its by His grace that we see our sin and in our times of trouble and sorrow is just as much of a time to praise Him than when He gives us a huge blessing or a fun Spring Break.
He is glorious and He is moving! He is certainly doing a work in California and in the hearts of those sweet people that went on the trip with us.
It was so encouraging to be in fellowship of people I have never met but who love the Lord and spreading the good news that He saves because He is the only way into heaven. I cannot wait to be in Australia doing His work and reaching students in a culture that is apathetic but in such need of the gospel just as much as i need it!
I know this one was a long one, thanks a lot for all of your support.
Proverbs 2:6-11
Savvi
I got to spend last week in community with Campus Outreach as we invaded San Diego State University's campus to gage the culture on the West Coast. This trip was designed to gain an idea of the potential ground for CO in the future as well and to open doors for personal development in the students that went and thats really what it did for me. This was great and prepared me for my trip to Australia by means of a schedule as well as an agenda and a "know how" of what the summer will look like/
So a basic run down of the days activities are these: on Saturday we flew of out Birmingham and arrived in LA where we met up with the U. of West Georgia and drove to San Diego. On the way we stopped at Laguna and saw Orange Beach. So fun!
On Sunday, we attended Harbor Church where they had a beautiful Bilingual service in English and Spanish. What a picture of Heaven this will be! As San Diego is the most culturally diverse city in the nation, we saw billboard in several languages and enjoyed the idea of the tribes, tongues, and nations coming together in the glory of the Lord! In this service they invited the children to come and join in the worship and it was so beautiful! We got to participate in Communion and it was so sweet to break the bread of the Body of Christ with these people. In the afternoon, we got to paint over gang graffiti in the streets. It was really cool getting to help bring hope to the suffering community. The evening we got to spend sometime with Pastor Steven and hear of his vision for Harbor Church and the city of San Diego, to see gospel centered change in the lives of residents and love on them, gain their trust, and serve them as Christ.
On Monday, we headed to campus at the San Diego State University! We got to meet students and just have conversations to gage where they stood culturally and spiritually. We got to see a variety of people who we saw were open to things but very hesitant to admit that there is one truth and adopt anyone else's belief outside of their own experiences. That afternoon, we got to go to an elementary school and help tutor Somalian refugees learn English. So humbling! That evening, we rested and tried to catch up with the time difference and get ready for the week!
On Tuesday, we went back to campus and tried for round 2! We saw more today that they really idolize their independence and freedom and their own culture that is to fit in is to be different and they are unwilling to conform to anyone's beliefs. We stayed on campus all day today and tried to share the gospel more, but conversations this day were tough and we were really humbled by realizing that we are not relying on the Lord. That evening, we headed out to the local favorite, Pacific Beach and found the best tacos in the world at Moondoggies..and they were super cheap for taco tuesdays!
On Wednesday, we headed out the the San Diego Zoo! Well, we certainly couldn't not go..we spent 5 hours in awe of God's wonder. That afternoon we found these enormous cliffs and saw the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean! We decided to make the dangerous trek down to the bottom of them to realize that we had indeed found a nude beach. Yes, the Lord has a sense of humor. That night we ate the most legit Mexican food at a taco stand complete with bullet holes before going back to campus to hang out with their student ministry and meet their key students and gather their burden for their own campus.
On Thursday, we went to a popular beach called Mission Beach. It was chilly, but it was great weather. There were roller coasters there and some of the guys managed to find and pizza a full yard in diameter! As they chowed on this man-meal, they challenged Seth, our director, to get a tattoo. For what, where, and if its true, just email me :) That night we spent on campus at a Christian Fraternity's house meeting more students and teaching them how we have learned to do evangelism.
On Friday, we drove back to Los Angeles and found our Motel 6 in Hollywood. It was great actually. We took lots of pictures as we walked up and down and back up Hollywood Blvd. I got to see my old Hollywood stars, that no one knew by the way, and it was awesome. I loved seeing the Rat Pack, Carol Burnette, Tim Conwey, and Lucille Ball. Hollywood today just isn't the same...That night we spent on Santa Monica Pier! We got to ride the carousel and it was a bit chilly. We ate at an amazing restaurant and concluded the trip with another trip to get 'FroYo' aka Frozen Yogurt...the Cali craze!
On Saturday we departed and I was very fortunate to get to spend some much needed reflection and practical discussion time with the guys from UNA to think for our campus and friends a bit better. It was a great way to fly home in prayer and thinking for our groups.
So what did I bring back?
Basically, it was all summed by Pastor Scott in Florence at Redeemer on Sunday Morning. What a sweet blessing. We were talking about Joseph, which is my favorite Old Testament story, and in Genesis 42, his family comes to Egypt for grain to eat and live and the Lord points out that their need for food brings them to Egypt which reminds them of their sin. He uses needs in our lives to make us look deeply into our hearts. Secondly, joseph puts them in prison for a few days and this solitude that they experience also is from God to show them their sin. What a picture of Gods grace to let us see our sin!
Evangelism is necessary and it is a no-lose situation. Its commanded and ordained by the Lord and He is going to will it the way that He pleases and I am called to be obedient.
I am unable to rely on my skill set. Just because I am a communications major does not make me the grand communicator, My security must come from the Lord alone and He will push me forward and keep all conversations going. He is merciful and deserving of all glory. The greatest way to love Him is to proclaim His name!
For me this trip sat me down, humbled me, and revealed a lot of idols in my life. The Lord pointed out to me more than ever how important it is to deal with my problems and let Him sheer away the dead branches in my life. Its by His grace that we see our sin and in our times of trouble and sorrow is just as much of a time to praise Him than when He gives us a huge blessing or a fun Spring Break.
He is glorious and He is moving! He is certainly doing a work in California and in the hearts of those sweet people that went on the trip with us.
It was so encouraging to be in fellowship of people I have never met but who love the Lord and spreading the good news that He saves because He is the only way into heaven. I cannot wait to be in Australia doing His work and reaching students in a culture that is apathetic but in such need of the gospel just as much as i need it!
I know this one was a long one, thanks a lot for all of your support.
Proverbs 2:6-11
Savvi
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Why 'Sweet As" ?
Summer 2008, I got to down to Fort Walton Beach Florida and spend 10 weeks living on the beach with 200 other college students, working a full time job-making bank, and developing some of the best relationships of my life! This was on a program called Summer Beach Project. It was a BLAST!
Anyway, while there, a team of older college students came and talked about their summer trip to Brisbane, Australia to the University of Queensland where they met students and built relationships there. They told us of their adventures and obstacles and several of the slag words they learned, and learned not to use, while there.
The one that stuck out to me most was "Sweet As." Maybe this was because they got these awesome shirts made with them on it, or maybe because I was just impressed with the coolness of this one. Basically the phrase 'sweet as' is a response to something awesome and just replaces our phrase 'cool.' At any rate, I love this.
I have been reading in Isaiah and my response is simply, sweet as!
Isaiah 66.18 says For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.
This is certainly spectacular! He knows the thoughts of this world and He is going to bring them into His kingdom. All tribes, tongues, and nations are going to come to know Him and shall see His glory and give Him glory. This is so comforting to know that He has a plan and He promises to holdfast to His plans. When things just seem to be falling apart, He has a plan. He seeks after His children and promises to complete the good work that He has started in us. This is wonderful news!
Certainly, SWEET AS.
Peace and Blessings :)
Savvi
[sidenote-if the previously mentioned 'Summer Beach Project' sounds like something you may want to do this summer, message me for details!]
Anyway, while there, a team of older college students came and talked about their summer trip to Brisbane, Australia to the University of Queensland where they met students and built relationships there. They told us of their adventures and obstacles and several of the slag words they learned, and learned not to use, while there.
The one that stuck out to me most was "Sweet As." Maybe this was because they got these awesome shirts made with them on it, or maybe because I was just impressed with the coolness of this one. Basically the phrase 'sweet as' is a response to something awesome and just replaces our phrase 'cool.' At any rate, I love this.
I have been reading in Isaiah and my response is simply, sweet as!
Isaiah 66.18 says For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.
This is certainly spectacular! He knows the thoughts of this world and He is going to bring them into His kingdom. All tribes, tongues, and nations are going to come to know Him and shall see His glory and give Him glory. This is so comforting to know that He has a plan and He promises to holdfast to His plans. When things just seem to be falling apart, He has a plan. He seeks after His children and promises to complete the good work that He has started in us. This is wonderful news!
Certainly, SWEET AS.
Peace and Blessings :)
Savvi
[sidenote-if the previously mentioned 'Summer Beach Project' sounds like something you may want to do this summer, message me for details!]
Thanks a Million!
To all of you in my COM 330 class..Thanks for reading!
I wanted to just get the word out that the Lord is moving not only on our campus here in Florence, but across the world as well! I really appreciate your enthusiasm today!
If you have ANY questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to ask! I love talking and I love learning about new people!
Please spread the word about the trip and if you would like to donate, you may do so right here on my blog. Its totally safe and i'm using PayPal, which is the same secure program that ebay uses...
Most importantly, be in prayer for this trip. We will be meeting students and connecting people with the church to change lives and raise up Christ like laborers to send out into the world.
The most amazing thing for me about this journey, is to see how BIG the God we serve is! He is working across the planet to further His Kingdom and reach His people! When I look up at the beauty of the stars here in Alabama, I rarely think of what people see on the other side of the world, but they are praising the same God that i know, and this just blows my mind. It makes so much sense, but at the same time its like whoa He is so big.
To think that He has a plan for us all is mind altering. He knows what He is doing right now and I know that He can use you to support and/or spread the word about this to people who are interested in being a part of this huge adventure.
Thank you all again for checking this out! Have a great week, and I'll see you at the class party on Thurs!!
Savvi
I wanted to just get the word out that the Lord is moving not only on our campus here in Florence, but across the world as well! I really appreciate your enthusiasm today!
If you have ANY questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to ask! I love talking and I love learning about new people!
Please spread the word about the trip and if you would like to donate, you may do so right here on my blog. Its totally safe and i'm using PayPal, which is the same secure program that ebay uses...
Most importantly, be in prayer for this trip. We will be meeting students and connecting people with the church to change lives and raise up Christ like laborers to send out into the world.
The most amazing thing for me about this journey, is to see how BIG the God we serve is! He is working across the planet to further His Kingdom and reach His people! When I look up at the beauty of the stars here in Alabama, I rarely think of what people see on the other side of the world, but they are praising the same God that i know, and this just blows my mind. It makes so much sense, but at the same time its like whoa He is so big.
To think that He has a plan for us all is mind altering. He knows what He is doing right now and I know that He can use you to support and/or spread the word about this to people who are interested in being a part of this huge adventure.
Thank you all again for checking this out! Have a great week, and I'll see you at the class party on Thurs!!
Savvi
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Kingdom of God..not kingdom of self
Starfield puts it this way...
To the desperate eyes and reaching hands
To the suffering and the lean
To the ones the world has cast aside
Where you want me I will be
I will go, I will go
I will go, Lord send me
To the world, To the lost
To the poor and hungry
Take everything I am
I'm clay within your hands
I will go, I will go, send me
Let me not be blind with privilege
Give me eyes to see the pain
Let the blessing You've poured out on me
Not be spent on me in vain
Let this life be used for change
I will go, I will go
I will go, Lord send me
To the world, To the lost
To the poor and hungry
Take everything I am
I'm clay within your hands
I will go, I will go, send me
.....
I believe that we are called to always be doing at least 1 of 3 things for missions, Supporting, Going, and/or Mobilizing.
We are called to praise the Lord and love one another.
Why not praise the Lord by Loving one another?
How can we better praise the lord than by sharing the good news with others, that there is a hero out there that loves us and is ready to redeem us and set us free from the bondage of sin and guilt! How great!
If we have the means, let us support missions by giving of ourselves and our money that You have given us, Lord. You are good and your love endures forever. Let us support this mission with all that we can.
If we have the opportunity, let us go! Let us support missions by sacrificing our time and our bodies for your service and share your gospel to strengthen your kingdom. Let us give you our plans and trust in you to provide for us as you use wherever you want us to GO!
If we have your vision, let us mobilize. Let us tell others of the importance of supporting missions by going and giving financially so that your word may be proclaimed. Let this ever be on our tongues. Hide your word in our hearts so that we may no sin against you and let us be filled with a new excitement that we cannot fathom because it comes from..Give us your strength, joy, and peace so that we may be revived with your beautiful smile on our face to rest in you.
......
What is our purpose anyway? That was a question in my Ethics class at the beginning of the semester..
I think our purpose is to share the love we have been given. And to search after truth by faith.
I read this quote this week:
"Many Christians also take a 'passive trust' approach to seeking guidance and direction from the Lord. They think that knowing God's will comes as God reveals His secret plan to them; then they will know what to do. But guidance is really a matter of obedient, active trust. I examine the options before me using the principles, themes and perspectives of Scripture. Then, to the best of my knowledge and ability, I apply Biblical wisdom and make a decision. My decision isn't based on reading God's mind , but on things He has clearly revealed in His Word. As I step forward, I entrust myself to the Lord, knowing that He rules over everything and will place me where He wants me. This is the Biblical model of guidance. Too many people have their 'Christian divining rods' out in hopes of discovering the secret will of God. Meanwhile, the Bible in their hands is unopened - the thing God has said will be a 'lamp to their feet and a light to their path.'"
How true is this?! What are we waiting for? For faith and trust to become easy? Its so often when we are struggling that the Lord is most visible in our lives. After all, may we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
I get so caught up in what I have to do and accomplish that I forget to not live for the kingdom of savannah where all I want is to squander my time and my energy on pointless things to glorify myself. In this bogus kingdom, I miss out on so much!
But in the Kingdom of God, I am set free and compelled to love others because He first loved me.
The purpose is so much bigger than us. Let us be in the white hot center of Your activity so that we are willing to be used for your Kingdom!
Be encouraged! Be motivated! Be filled with excitement! He is working! And you can share it!
Savs
To the desperate eyes and reaching hands
To the suffering and the lean
To the ones the world has cast aside
Where you want me I will be
I will go, I will go
I will go, Lord send me
To the world, To the lost
To the poor and hungry
Take everything I am
I'm clay within your hands
I will go, I will go, send me
Let me not be blind with privilege
Give me eyes to see the pain
Let the blessing You've poured out on me
Not be spent on me in vain
Let this life be used for change
I will go, I will go
I will go, Lord send me
To the world, To the lost
To the poor and hungry
Take everything I am
I'm clay within your hands
I will go, I will go, send me
.....
I believe that we are called to always be doing at least 1 of 3 things for missions, Supporting, Going, and/or Mobilizing.
We are called to praise the Lord and love one another.
Why not praise the Lord by Loving one another?
How can we better praise the lord than by sharing the good news with others, that there is a hero out there that loves us and is ready to redeem us and set us free from the bondage of sin and guilt! How great!
If we have the means, let us support missions by giving of ourselves and our money that You have given us, Lord. You are good and your love endures forever. Let us support this mission with all that we can.
If we have the opportunity, let us go! Let us support missions by sacrificing our time and our bodies for your service and share your gospel to strengthen your kingdom. Let us give you our plans and trust in you to provide for us as you use wherever you want us to GO!
If we have your vision, let us mobilize. Let us tell others of the importance of supporting missions by going and giving financially so that your word may be proclaimed. Let this ever be on our tongues. Hide your word in our hearts so that we may no sin against you and let us be filled with a new excitement that we cannot fathom because it comes from..Give us your strength, joy, and peace so that we may be revived with your beautiful smile on our face to rest in you.
......
What is our purpose anyway? That was a question in my Ethics class at the beginning of the semester..
I think our purpose is to share the love we have been given. And to search after truth by faith.
I read this quote this week:
"Many Christians also take a 'passive trust' approach to seeking guidance and direction from the Lord. They think that knowing God's will comes as God reveals His secret plan to them; then they will know what to do. But guidance is really a matter of obedient, active trust. I examine the options before me using the principles, themes and perspectives of Scripture. Then, to the best of my knowledge and ability, I apply Biblical wisdom and make a decision. My decision isn't based on reading God's mind , but on things He has clearly revealed in His Word. As I step forward, I entrust myself to the Lord, knowing that He rules over everything and will place me where He wants me. This is the Biblical model of guidance. Too many people have their 'Christian divining rods' out in hopes of discovering the secret will of God. Meanwhile, the Bible in their hands is unopened - the thing God has said will be a 'lamp to their feet and a light to their path.'"
How true is this?! What are we waiting for? For faith and trust to become easy? Its so often when we are struggling that the Lord is most visible in our lives. After all, may we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
I get so caught up in what I have to do and accomplish that I forget to not live for the kingdom of savannah where all I want is to squander my time and my energy on pointless things to glorify myself. In this bogus kingdom, I miss out on so much!
But in the Kingdom of God, I am set free and compelled to love others because He first loved me.
The purpose is so much bigger than us. Let us be in the white hot center of Your activity so that we are willing to be used for your Kingdom!
Be encouraged! Be motivated! Be filled with excitement! He is working! And you can share it!
Savs
Ready to Run!
Hi everyone! I am not much of a blogger, but I suppose I should join in this convenient media craze... The Lord has blessed me a ton with learning and growth opportunities, so why not talk about them! So as I get started... I am a full time student in North Alabama and I am a Christian. I am from a small town and I go to UNA. I am majoring in Public Communications and I love it! Blah, blah, blah enough about that..the purpose of my blog...
I am headed to Armidale, Australia! In the middle of May I, along with 9 other students and 3 leaders, will be going Down Under to the University of New England, right smack in the middle of Brisbane and Sydney, to build relationships and serve the local church by getting students plugged into the ministry. How exciting! I have been fortunate to have been involved with an interdenominational student ministry on my campus called Campus Outreach and the Lord has opened many doors for me for growth in my walk with Him over the last two years.
Over the past 2 summers, I have lived and worked in Destin, Florida on Summer Beach Project. During this time, I have learned how to study the word more fervently and to spend time with the Lord. This summer is going to come with even more challenges as I get out of my comfort zone and into the will of the Lord in the most drastic way I have ever experienced. I learned this weekend at our retreat that we are going to be challenged in the toughest way yet by learning to lead ourselves in personal development to mature our walks with the Lord and strengthen each other on our team. I know that this is going to change my life as I know it. I have had missions in the back of my mind for several years now, and have been waiting for the Lord to show up and show out in my life in a big way that He would send me somewhere that He can use me.
This summer, the Lord has given me to opportunity to go to across the world on a Cross Cultural Project. There is a great need for laboring Christians in Australia, especially on the college campus. We will build vision for evangelizing the unreached, while learning how to better communicate the gospel in a secular world. Our hope is to see the Lord bring Australians to Christ and grow them into laborers. It is also a key time for character development and gaining a biblical view of fellowship with the body. The team will spend time building relationships with the students at the U. of New England in hopes of sharing the gospel with the lost and helping believers grow in their faith. I would love for you to be praying for this ministry and the going forth of the gospel!
The last several months, the Lord has been showing me that He is the only one worth depending fully on. He has been showing me that He is sovereign and that He works things out for my good:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose..Romans 8:28
...And so this means that He has no plan B. He knows what He is doing in our lives. For this reason I am learning to stretch my faith that He is going to provide the $6000 that I need for the trip. I am currently at 22% of that support. I would love for you to be in prayer for perseverance on my part and faithfulness of the part of supporters and potential supporters.
This opportunity to go is one that I will not take for granted and I know its the most amazing thing that I have been a part of yet. As they say down under, this trip will be 'Sweet As'!
I am headed to Armidale, Australia! In the middle of May I, along with 9 other students and 3 leaders, will be going Down Under to the University of New England, right smack in the middle of Brisbane and Sydney, to build relationships and serve the local church by getting students plugged into the ministry. How exciting! I have been fortunate to have been involved with an interdenominational student ministry on my campus called Campus Outreach and the Lord has opened many doors for me for growth in my walk with Him over the last two years.
Over the past 2 summers, I have lived and worked in Destin, Florida on Summer Beach Project. During this time, I have learned how to study the word more fervently and to spend time with the Lord. This summer is going to come with even more challenges as I get out of my comfort zone and into the will of the Lord in the most drastic way I have ever experienced. I learned this weekend at our retreat that we are going to be challenged in the toughest way yet by learning to lead ourselves in personal development to mature our walks with the Lord and strengthen each other on our team. I know that this is going to change my life as I know it. I have had missions in the back of my mind for several years now, and have been waiting for the Lord to show up and show out in my life in a big way that He would send me somewhere that He can use me.
This summer, the Lord has given me to opportunity to go to across the world on a Cross Cultural Project. There is a great need for laboring Christians in Australia, especially on the college campus. We will build vision for evangelizing the unreached, while learning how to better communicate the gospel in a secular world. Our hope is to see the Lord bring Australians to Christ and grow them into laborers. It is also a key time for character development and gaining a biblical view of fellowship with the body. The team will spend time building relationships with the students at the U. of New England in hopes of sharing the gospel with the lost and helping believers grow in their faith. I would love for you to be praying for this ministry and the going forth of the gospel!
The last several months, the Lord has been showing me that He is the only one worth depending fully on. He has been showing me that He is sovereign and that He works things out for my good:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose..Romans 8:28
...And so this means that He has no plan B. He knows what He is doing in our lives. For this reason I am learning to stretch my faith that He is going to provide the $6000 that I need for the trip. I am currently at 22% of that support. I would love for you to be in prayer for perseverance on my part and faithfulness of the part of supporters and potential supporters.
This opportunity to go is one that I will not take for granted and I know its the most amazing thing that I have been a part of yet. As they say down under, this trip will be 'Sweet As'!
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