Step by step

Another day... oh how wonderful it is to know that His mercies are new every morning.
Thank you Lord for your grace, for your unfailing love, and the TRUTH that you so wonderfully plant in every breathe that we take. We are your children, we are your hands, we are Yours.

Be with us Lord, let every breathe we take and single thing that we do and think of reflect You!

I love You...

Quotes from the Lo

"Never let other's small thinking change who you are and will become."

"Do not limit yourself to the way others view you."

"I know what we can do, lets get 100 people together to go and toilet paper their house!"

"Live as closely to others as possible... a simple and incarnational life is what Christ has called us to."

"Hold on to your convictions, you must submit, but that will not change who you are."

The inspiring and gentle words of the wonderful Umfundisi Lo... I'll miss you man!

The Lord's Plans...

The Lord’s plans will succeed.
Those who oppose God will fall.

As I read the above words tonight, I couldn't but help to be encouraged. Some would assume that this two-liner is a strong "watch out" reminder, but when I read these words, I can't help but have a smile of HOPE creep across my face.

In recent times I have been told by some that there are certain things I "can't" do, or I am not cut out for. In my mind, I have tendencies to argee with these statements. But then, there is this incredible burst in my spirit that says what I am hearing is nothing but a LIE.

My heart has been troubled by these "discouraging" words, but not because they were said, but because they were pointed at the plans that the Lord has set for my life. There are certain undeniable plans that the Lord has set before me that no-thing or person can or ever will stop... no one that, is except me.

The reason these words are so slicing is because I know that when words discourage me, there is something that begins to tear at the TRUTHS that God has put in me. I am the only one that can disrupt the plans of God for my life, but the words of others inevitively will have an effect on me as a human. However, my willingness and obedience will be what makes the final decision in the accomplishment of what God has aligned for me and my future.

So all that to say... the Lord's plan will succeed!

Don't believe the lies that the world and Satan try to sell you. Listen to the words of Christ. You can do it... You are loved... You are healed... and You are Saved!

In the mean time don't worry about the standards and evaluation of those who are around you, but remember... you are not here to please the people of this world, or yourself... but you are to GLORIFY GOD! That's all He wants of you! He never said that people would know you are a Christian by the clothes that you wear or the scriptures that you quote or the big words that you say, but that "they will know you by your fruit." Can people see your fruit? Can they see the Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, and Self-Control flowing from your life? Maybe we should re-think our approach to life...

Oh, how great He is truly is... how amazing is His love... He never FAILS!!!!!!

Trip to Mississippi

Check out my thoughts about my trip to Mississippi on my Missions blog at www.esperanzamissions.blogspot.com
There are a lot of things that I am still not quite sure I processed as I have returned from this trip. All we can is pray. Pray that people will be able to go where they are needed, that the church may glorify Him more and more with each day that passes. That the people of Mississippi will not quickly forget about how precious life is... and truly sing to the Lord:
Everyday it's You I live for
Everyday I'll follow after You
Everyday I'll walk with You my Lord

Going to Mississippi...

So, I think I'm about ready. I've been getting ready all evening to go on the mission trip to MISSISSIPPI! I am quite excited. I don't have any particular expectations, just that this is what God wants us to do, and He will make it amazing! So, I'll let you know what happens. We leave tomorrow morning at 5:30 AM. that is in 5 hours from now. I'm pretty energized... which I wish I was earlier today when I was with 20 first graders, but at least I'll do what I need to do!

Well, keep us all in your prayers!

Leaders: Cat and Phil
Members: Nick, Grant, Autumn, Jocelyn, Marissa, Lauren, and Me (Kallie G.)

I love you all... and you remain in my prayers as well!