From My Journal

I'm not really a big journal person. That's why these blogs are always at random times and never regular:) But I try to keep a journal when I travel especially on missions so that I can look back and remember what God has done. I just want to share this one entry about the most amazing lesson God taught me on the trip to Trinidad. He is so good!

Trinidad 2008
8-14-08
I never knew the boldness that was inside me until I had to be in spiritual counseling all day long. I didn't have the words to say and defiantly not the scripture in my head to back it up. What in the world was I doing here? Maybe everybody else will step up and talk. Well, evidently God wanted me to talk. As soon as I opened my mouth I knew something stupid would come out. It didn't sound right when I went through it in my head. But somehow the words seemed to flow out easily. It absolutely was not me speaking, it was the Lord! I'm not that great at finding the right words, but throughout that entire day God continued to speak the right words for the right people and yes even scripture. I quoted scripture! The very last lady that we saw was probably the biggest challenge. She believed strongly that if you do good things and are a good person you will go to heaven. I shared the gospel with her and she keep referring to good works getting you into heaven. Somehow there were words coming out of my mouth for everything she said. Words to counter hers and to point her right back to it being all about Jesus. Halfway through she just looked and me and said 'ok'. I mean, what do you say to that? I knew she didn't understand, but God had something and honestly I can't tell you word for word what that was, but it made her really think. She still had many questions in her head and I could tell even though she kept saying 'ok, yeah, ok.' We did get to pray with her and I hope that she continues to ask questions and seek after God, the one and only Truth!
God will use us in amazing ways if we just stop putting Him in a box and telling Him what a terrible job He did when He created us. That is exactly what we do when we make excuses for why we can't do things. Just like me when I "knew" I couldn't spiritual counsel someone or teach the gospel to them. God will work out His plan and it will never return void! Let God do the work in you because He will work amazingly!! I pray that the Lord would continue to empty us all out and fill us up with His Holy Spirit, not that we be made any better, but that His gospel may be spread and above all else His mighty name glorified! What a blessing and humbling experience it is to be used by our Lord as a vessel to spread His love, mercy, and truth!! I just love Jesus!!

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." ~Acts 1:8

"Declare His glory among the nations His marvelous deeds among all peoples." ~Psalm 96:3

Back in the States!!

I just got back from my trip to Trinidad and I can hardly tell you how amazing it was!! We were there for 10 days staying in a ministry compound and setting up dental/PT/OT clinics at a local church. We arrived late friday night, unloaded, and tried to get some rest for the early morning to come. 5:45 everyday!! Hard to believe that I was up that early for anything, but it was defiantly a blessing! We had worship every morning at 6:15, then devotions and breakfast before we headed out for our clinic days. Clinic lasted from about 9-5 saturday, monday-thursday and a half day on friday. We also had worship after dinner each night. The last saturday we got to go to the beach which was amazing! We went to a little beach that was pretty much in a cove with mountains surrounding it! Beautiful. and yes I got burnt :( but in my defense I did put on 50 sun block. twice. Anyway, this is just a little glimpse of the trip. I'll share more later after I get all my thoughts together and get a little rest!! I actually started school today so things are crazy but let me just say God is amazing and completely faithful! I'll share stories soon!!