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!!! 

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!!!

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! =)

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!!!