Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009 in review


It's hard to believe another year has already gone by!!!  It has not been a particularly easy year as God has been faithfully working out some things in my heart, but it has been a really GOOD year!  At the start of the year, God made it clear that I was supposed to go to India so I started preparing for a short trip.  At the end of January, I went to the International House of Prayer (IHOP-KC) for the first time with friends from my local prayer room for a great weekend away. 


Our family grew a little bit when my brother married his beautiful wife on Sunday, March 1 in a beautiful outdoor wedding.  Before heading to India, I moved out of the house I'd been renting with my sister for the previous 2 years.  I spent 3 1/2 weeks in India on my first trip there at the end of March/beginning of April.  I quickly fell in love with the people and began making plans to return to this country for an extended stay. 
June is a big birthday month in my family and I spent the rest of the summer traveling.  I was able to go to Colorado for the first time for a youth conference with my brother's youth group.  I left again 4 days later to go to IHOP-KC for a week with my mom which was a great time for both of us!  A few days after returning from Kansas City, I flew to Charlotte, NC where I joined my friend and 7 of her children (plus 2 of their friends) on a road trip to Weston, FL where we had a great week of fun!  I extended my stay to have a little more time in Charlotte and arrived home at the beginning of August. 
My first week home, I felt that the Lord was calling me to IHOP-KC to complete at least part of a training program offered there.  So I hitched a ride with some friends heading that way at the beginning of September arriving Labor Day weekend.  I made some great new friends, had such wonderful time in the prayer room and believe God really settled a lot in my heart that we had been working on for quite a while!!!  After a month in Kansas City, I returned home to begin preparing to head to India for a 3-6 month stay. 
At the end of October, my sister-in-law called to tell me she and my brother are expecting their first baby at the end of June this next year!!!  I'm SO excited about becoming an aunt!!!  Our family expanded again the next month when my cousin and her husband received their third child for adoption.  He's an adorable 3 month old with a huge smile!  He arrived in their home (at 2 months old) the week of Thanksgiving and has adjusted well to his new family!  Christmas this year was such a blast!!!  My family was invited over to my cousin's house to be a part of the kids' morning.  It was so much like I remember Christmas being like at my grandparent's when I was growing up!  But the opening of presents took so long, the turkey did not get in the oven on time so we hit the only open store (thanks Randall's) for lasagna and snacky food and spent the entire day just hanging out, playing games and having fun!  It was awesome!!!  And to extend the celebration, we had our traditional Christmas turkey dinner for lunch the day after!  We are having a RockHOP time of celebration tonight which I am really excited about and I look forward to what God has in store throughout the coming year!!!  As this day winds down the year, I sit on my cousin's couch watching her sleeping baby and waiting for the two older kids to get up from nap and realize that I have so much to be thankful for!!!  I am blessed in so many ways! 


Thursday, December 17, 2009

Stop hiding

Matthew 5:6 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

It seems like the emphasis has always been on doing good works, but a couple months ago I saw this verse a little differently. It says "let your light shine" which I think means your personal relationship with the Lord. The natural byproduct of loving Jesus will be outward actions that direct everyone's attention to God! Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world" and it is Him in me that will draw people's hearts to Him, not what I do! It's the vulnerability of allowing your relationship with Him to be seen in the things you do that will bring Him glory!!! It's not a matter of doing specific things that are "Christian", but about being transparent as you relate to God. Works without faith are dead, so if you are doing things for the appearance of faith, it will not accomplish much at all. But the result of true, good works should be pointing everyone to the One you do them for, not to yourself!  It's not about you being noticed, but about being a representation of God that people cannot deny!  John 3:21 "...whoever lives by the truth comes to the Light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Will I be ready?

II Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives... 

Someone asked me a question recently based on this verse.  What would our lives look like if we lived in the reality of eternity?  If we live like we really believe all that we say we believe, how would our lives be different?  This is something I've thought about a lot since my time at IHOP.  I had always heard that Jesus is coming back, and knew that it was true, but have not lived like I believe it.  In the last couple of months, I have been looking at my life and asking, "If I KNEW Jesus was coming back in the next 10 years (or 5 years or even this coming year), what would I do differently?"  If there is anything in my life now that I would want to change before Jesus returns, then I want to change it now.  The reality is He is actually coming back some day and I need to live this life in a way that prepares me for THAT day when I stand before Him to give account of my life.  So what does it mean to live "holy and godly lives"?  After being questioned on this a week ago, I started looking at other verses and have focused on I Peter 4:7 and Romans 13:11-14.  I am searching for answers to these questions as I try to live according to these verses.  But knowing I need to change things in my day to day life and actually changing are proving to be very different things!!!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Not alone!

"I'm Still Yours" - Kutless
If all my world was swept away
Would You be enough for me?
Would my beating heart still sing?

If I lost it all would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives and takes away?
If You take it all, this life You've given,
Still my heart will sing to You.

Even if You take it all away
You’ll never let me go
Take it all away
But I still know
That I'm Yours
I'm still Yours

Music has always had great impact on my heart.  The song above really encouraged me after attending a funeral this afternoon and then visiting my grandparents' grave that was at the same cemetary.  A deep sadness was stirred up as we stood looking at the headstone with the names of those we loved.  The day also raised the question of how will I respond when facing loss again in the future.  Hearing the above lyrics tonight was a great reminder that God really is enough no matter what storms I may face in the days ahead.  My comfort, my safety, my security is in my relationship with the One who Created me!  The One who gave Himself to death on a cross to call me His own!  The One who lives inside of me and directs every beat of my heart!  This is why I live!  This is why I can sing!  This is why I will continue to love and serve Him with all my heart regardless of circumstances!!!  That even if I were to lose everything, I would still be lacking nothing because I belong to Him and He is always with me!!!  Deuteronomy 2:7 "...the Lord your God has been with you, you have not lacked a thing."

Friday, November 27, 2009

Thanksgiving


I spent a lot of time in the kitchen during this Thanksgiving season which I really enjoyed.  We tried out some new recipes throughout the day - a few of which turned out to be really good - and prepared our traditional turkey, stuffing, and mashed potato dinner.  My mom and uncle enjoyed the Cowboys game and then the family sat down to dig into the meal.  We all agreed it was probably the best turkey we've ever had!!!  After clean up, a lot of us went to my cousin's house to play games.  We played a variety of games to fight for prizes my older cousin provided.  It was such a fun evening!  (And, yes, we are adults playing Jenga!)


As a family, we are excited about and thankful for our newest additions.  On Monday, my younger cousin and her husband's two-month old little boy was brought home.  They had adopted two kids a little over a year ago (a brother and sister now 3 and 2 years old) and were ready to begin the process of adopting their third.  I was excited that the placement was made the week of Thanksgiving as it will allow me some time to get to know the little guy a bit before heading to India.  My family is also excited about my brother and sister-in-law's little one that is expected to arrive at the end of June!!!  They brought home the first picture on Wednesday!  My mom can't wait to get her hands on her first grandbaby and I'm really excited about becoming an aunt!  It will be such a blast watching my little brother as a dad!  We've already talked about the fun it will be having 4 little ones for the holidays this time next year!  We are indeed blessed!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Flashback Friday

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So I decided to join in on Texan Mama's Flashback Friday.  Since I am getting ready to return to India in less than 2 months, I decided to repost one of the days from my trip last spring previously posted on Tuesday, April 7, 2009  

Free Day

Tuesday was our "tourist" day. We went to a nearby Hindu temple where we walked down a ton of steps to the river, and watched a bunch of monkeys.

We left the temple and caught a ferry across the river to go to a nearby village. We met a Christian woman who invited us to her home. When her friends and family had all gathered, we were able to pray for them. Many of the village children walked us back to the river and stayed with us until we loaded back onto the ferry.


Thursday, November 12, 2009

Recognizing expressions of God's love


"Surely God has set the created order into motion as a continual witness, a voice that incessantly goes forth, a beauty that relentlessly exudes the message of His deep love and His extravagant kindness.  He has not done this without the motivation of love burning in His heart and the yearning for the eyes of the heart of men, who walk amidst this grandeur, to perceive love in all of this created life...As the heavens declare the glory of God, I (take) my place as one receiving this personal expression of God's love - a testimony of His nearness unto me (Ps. 19:1-6)."
- Excerpt from Entirety by Dana Candler

So many times as I watched the sun set, looked up into a cloudy sky, stood in the rain or followed the flight of a butterfly as far as I could track it, I have been struck deep inside with something that I could not express!  I recognized that God was speaking to me, but I did not catch the message.  I did not realize until today that the reason I am so captivated by the beauty of creation is because it gives me the faintest glimpse into the beauty of the Creator and whispers to my soul of His incredible love for me!!! 

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Letter sent out today!


Dear family and friends,
I am thrilled to share with you about my first opportunity to stay for a period of time on the mission field! I am heading back to India on January 5, 2010 to stay for close to 4 months. I am very excited about serving in various ways in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Although I don’t know exactly what my time in India will look like, the pastor I will be working with cares for over 100 kids in a children’s home on the property where I’ll be staying, oversees many pastors from around the region, pastors a large church, runs a Bible college and is preparing to open a Christian primary school next year! Most recently, they have been involved in providing relief to those in the surrounding area devastated by flooding last month. I know that there are a lot of things that will keep me busy, but my main goal in going is to love these people however I can so that through me they would encounter the love of God!!!

I ask that you prayerfully consider partnering with me as I go. I am needing commitments for both financial and prayer support over the next 7 months. Financially, I need to raise about $4000 total for trip costs and monthly support while I am there. By December 1, 2009, I need to have received close to $2000 for the tickets to be purchased. If you feel led to be a part financially, post a comment requesting more information.  For prayer support, I am looking for partners that will commit to pray regularly (weekly or monthly) throughout the next 7 months. I have about 2 months to prepare and will be in India about 4 months so am asking for prayer cover from now through May. Please let me know if you are interested in praying for me whether it’s one day each week, or a specific day each month. I will be sending out more information with specific points of prayer as I get ready to go and while I am there. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much!
Loving Him by serving them,
Carol

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Lord, send me


The song below is a great expression of my heart as I prepare to head to India.  I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those the world would easily forget or pass by.  I want my life to be used to reveal the love of God to those who have never encountered Him before! 

I Will Go - Starfield
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

[Chorus:]
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 wanna live for you
Go where you lead me
I wanna follow you

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Returning to India

I'm so excited that I will be going back to India at the beginning of the year to stay a little over 4 months!!! I will be leaving on January 5, 2010 with a small team. When they leave after 2 weeks, I will stay until the beginning of May. I know that God has great plans for this time and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve in this place! Many in the area near where I will be staying were recently devestated by flooding and my heart has longed to be there to help demonstrate God's love to these precious people!  My heart has been heavy and my desire to be there has been intense so it was great news to hear that my time is getting close!!! Thank You, Lord!!!!


Monday, October 12, 2009

Smell the roses!!!

Got to go for a walk with my cousins and the little ones today! We had so much fun!!! Stopped to smell the roses, pick some flowers, talk to the goats, look at a snake (YUCK!!), and splash in puddles! I've really missed these kiddos. They are getting so big!  It was great to spend some time with them! I love these kids so much!!! 

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Current theme song

"I Would Die For You" by MercyMeI know that I can find You here
Cause You promised me You'd always be there.
At times like these, it's hard to see

But somehow I have a peace You're near.
And I pray that You will use my life

In whatever way Your name is glorified.
Even if surrendering means leaving everything behind!

I know I don't have much to give
But I promise You I'll give You all there is
How could I possibly do less when by Your own death I live?
No greater love is found than in those who lay their own lives down.
As sure as I live and breathe,

Now I know what it means to be free.
And my life has never been so clear.

Now I know the reason why I'm here.
You never know why you're alive

Until you know what you would die for -
I WOULD DIE FOR YOU!!!


The I first time I really heard the words to this song was driving home from Kansas City with my mom last July.  Initially, it struck me as a call to surrender my life even to the point of martyrdom if necessary and I prayed that it would truly be my heart's cry not just words that I could sing!  As I prepared to go to the International House of Prayer (IHOP-KC), I realized it wasn't just a call to embrace physical death for the sake of Christ that was needed, but a daily dying to my own ideas, hopes, dreams, fears, etc.  So while I spent last month focusing on intimacy with the Lord at IHOP-KC, I prayed that I would truly die that He might live through me!!!  Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ; no longer is it I who live, but Christ lives through me!" Though it is a process I think I am still in, I went to Kansas City to die to all that I have always been so that I can love and serve God as He designed me to!  To live a life of radical obedience and abandonment as I love Him with all my heart, mind and strength!!!  This is the desire of my heart!  This is my purpose!  This is my goal! 



Faith building testimonies from Uganda

The ministry of this young lady from Tennessee expressed through her blog is absolutely incredible!!! The faithfulness of God when He finds one who will faithfully say yes is astounding!!! What a challenge and encouragement to allow God to lead and guide each step to fulfill His purpose for your life rather than continually seeking to fulfill your own plans! Holy Spirit, may I become one who will simply say yes and allow you to move freely through me!!! Lord, I want to be Your hands and feet to those You love!!! Here I am!!! Send me!!!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Procrastination at it's finest!

I really enjoyed spending time last night with my "housemate", Julia. She's so much fun!!! She was kind enough to help me avoid packing as long as possible. Since it was my last night, we went out to have some fun! Our evening started out with a quest for ice cream! This meant an extended time driving in circles looking for what turned out to be a great gelato place called Paciugo. It was well worth the hunt and gave us lots of time to chat! Then we headed down to the Plaza where we got a cup of tea from Scooters, listened to the band playing outside, and walked around! It was such a wonderful evening!!! Thanks, Julia! =)




Friday, October 2, 2009

Last week!!!

Last night, a group of us from Commission went to a great Middle Eastern restaurant called the Jerusalem Cafe! It was so much fun to visit with the people I've gotten to know over the last several weeks as well as meet some new friends and try some new food! It was a fun, cozy time!!! Then we were all blessed by a couple that had come with us when they took care of the whole bill!!!

My time in the IHOP Commission has come to an end! God did a lot in my heart through the class, my time in the prayer room and my time alone in my room!!! It's been a wonderful month and I am thankful for the opportunity to pull away to focus on seeking His face!!!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

First week

I have really enjoyed my time in Kansas City so far. The first several days, I had the freedom to go to the prayer room or hang at the house whenever I wanted and I had some great times with the Lord in both places. The Commission started on Wednesday afternoon and the 3 classes we've had have been SO good!!! I've also enjoyed meeting so many people from so many places around the country and the world!!!

Yesterday, a large group of us went to lunch/dinner for a time of fellowship. The food was wonderful and it was great to be able to spend some time with some new people! The ladies at my table were a lot of fun to talk to and get to know!!! I look forward to more opportunities like this in the next few weeks.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

The beginning

I arrived in Kansas City around 10 pm last night. I unpacked and settled into my room while I waited for my hostess to get home from work so I could meet her before going to bed. I was able to sleep in this morning and then went to the prayer room for a few hours. I enjoyed the 20 minute walk there, but it was a bit warmer on the way back!!! The trees around here are beautiful and I am thankful for the cooler weather! The home where I am staying has a swing in the back yard and I enjoyed sitting out there for a while this morning!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Reality hits!!!


Heading into a new adventure, though very exciting, can also be quite terrifying!!! I found myself fighting a sense of panic as the reality of what I am about to do set in today. I know this is going to be a great thing, but it is way beyond my normal realm of comfort! I do believe God has big plans for my time at IHOP and I look forward to all that He will do while I'm there! I hope to be changed in ways I can't even imagine right now!!! The thought of encountering God in new ways takes my breath away! I just need to work through the fears of all the unknowns and not be overwhelmed at all that needs to happen in the next few weeks!!! As I approach this bend in the way ahead of me, I will choose to trust God and follow Him step by step!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

The road ahead

I am amazed at all that God is doing! After a busy summer of traveling, I am preparing to move yet again. Since I will not be returning to India until the beginning of next year, I am going to the House of Prayer in Kansas City for at least one month of a 3 month program. I am excited to see all that God has planned as I prepare to spend extended periods of time on the mission field!!!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Summer trips

What a blessing to be able to get away this summer! I went with my brother's youth group to a conference in Colorado Springs which was absolutely incredible!!! It was my first time to Colorado and a great time for me to hear from the Lord as I enjoyed the beauty of His creation.

A few days after returning from Colorado, I headed off on another road trip. This time, I went to Kansas City with my mom. We spent a week at the House of Prayer. It was a great time for both of us to sit in His presence and hear what was on His heart!

The next week , I flew out to visit my friends in Charlotte, NC. I was there to help her take her 7 youngest children + 2 friends on vacation in Florida so I headed out on my 3rd road trip in 4 weeks. We had a great time hanging out at the beach and the resort. I was able to extend my trip an extra week after we got back to Charlotte and it was great to have some time together to get caught up and just enjoy our friendship.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Heading home

We went to a Chinese restaurant in Hyderabad our last night in India. We spent the night in town, had the morning to do a little shopping and then headed to the airport. We flew to Delhi on Thursday afternoon where we had a lay over until just after midnight Good Friday. Our route home took us up over the North Pole which was pretty cool. After hours of flying, we entered the Central Time Zone at 11:30 pm on Thursday -how's that for going back in time!!!!



Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Saying goodbye

The day our journey home began, I was decorated by a young lady from the children's home. They use henna and draw flowers and other designs on the hands and arms. I was also blessed with a gift of earrings from the girls of the Children's Home. Wearing my punjabi, I left as Indian as I could get!


It was a sad, tearful time as we pulled away after a very drawn out time of saying good-bye to the kids. I can't wait to get back!!!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Free day

Tuesday was our "tourist" day. We went to a nearby Hindu temple where we walked down a ton of steps to the river, and watched a bunch of monkeys.

We left the temple and caught a ferry across the river to go to a nearby village. We met a Christian woman who invited us to her home. When her friends and family had all gathered, we were able to pray for them. Many of the village children walked us back to the river and stayed with us until we loaded back onto the ferry.