Daniel 6:4-5, The Message

The vice-regents and governors got together to find some old scandal or skeleton in Daniel's life that they could use against him, but they couldn't dig up anything. He was totally exemplary and trustworthy. They could find no evidence of negligence or misconduct. So they finally gave up and said, "We're never going to find anything against this Daniel unless we can cook up something religious."

Poor Daniel, much like the tabloids and paparazzi today, people always want to find the bad. No one supports or encourages an honest life anymore.

I found myself at home vegging in front of the TV tonight. There wasn't much to watch besides reality shows. "16 and Pregnant", "Little Couple", "18 kids and counting", "Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood", "Cake Boss"... really, this is what our creative and technological minds have created?

Anyway, I watched a few minutes of Tori and Dean and saw as they fought to maintain a normal family and normal daily activities (for a celebrity family anyway) amidst the paparazzi. Much like my Dad's blog from Sunday, I am shocked that we've elevated certain individuals to a celebrity status that never seems to have a truly happy ending for anyone. It seems exhausting to constantly need to look good and plaster a smile on your face because if you don't the gossip columns will jump all over it.

Have Christians also become a paranoid paparazzi people? Do we feel the need to hide what we're really feeling or where we're really going so that people don't get offended or jump to the wrong conclusion? I don't know about you, but I can't live my life with that kind of fear! Yes, I'm talking about authentic living (again!). Part of what makes Daniel's story so remarkable is that no one could find anything wrong with him until the changed the rules with the intent of making him either compromise or fail. Daniel's obedience is our example in a paparazzi culture to be steadfast and true. God will be glorified through us and we'll find more peace and less stress by not caring so much about the reactions of others. Just need to love God and love others.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

It was a beautiful moment last night when my best friend Lindy was walked down the aisle at her wedding ceremony to meet her soon-to-be-husband while this hymn was played. The family and friends who were gathered as witnesses joined in the song. The tears that fell from my eyes were tears of the Holy Spirit moving in me as the Lord's presence overshadowed the human elements of the ceremony and spoke to my heart.

I was very thankful that, before the ceremony started, Lindy and her fiance', Matt, shared what the symbolism of a wedding ceremony means to them. You see, to a devout Christian couple, marriage isn't just a legal arrangement or statement of a commitment in a relationship - it's a testament to God's faithfulness to us, His children. God is waiting for us to walk towards Him freely and with great expectancy--a blushing bride. Likewise, God is eager (like a groom) to come down and get his bride (the Church).

God's faithfulness refers to His strong adherence to His promises. He has promised that He will come. Until then, He is waiting for us and He is thrilled to make us His bride when that day comes. And get this -- God never wavers. God is the definition of loyalty and He asks us to also be faithful to Him and wait for Him.

In a world that offers many other "lovers," it's hard for Christians to remain faithful to an unseen God, much less for those who aren't believers to understand what the heck we're talking about with God being a groom and the church being a bride. Unfortunately, our world offers physical things that are immediately available and offer instant (albeit temporary) satisfaction for our yearnings. As a single person, I can sometimes doubt and question whether or not the wait for love, the wait for companionship, the wait for a partner in crime (haha) is actually out there. "Should I settle for something less than the best? Can't I just seek satisfaction in another outlet rather than the disappointing and seemingly endless waiting?"

Strangely enough, this concept and the confusion and frustrations it causes is something men and women have wondered for centuries. Just read the book of Hosea in the Old Testament where God used the marriage between an honest man and a whore to show that God will pursue us and wait for us to come back to Him if we get impatient and try to choose our own path. For instance, Hosea 6:1 talks about God's excitement and passion for imperfect people, people touched by the world. Or Hosea 2:14 which speaks of God's tender courtship of our affections. He won't relent.

I might have gone off on a tangent for a second there, but all I really wanted to express tonight is my humble appreciation of God and His faithfulness. Knowing that He is there is all the satisfaction I need. He is enough and may I never suggest that I be truly happy and satisfied with anything other than my Lord.

Matthew 16:24-25, The Message

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self."

We want to do it ourselves. We want control, we want things done on our timeline and in the way we see fit. As Americans it is our default, actually, it's as humans that it's our default. But clearly we can't be doing God's job for Him. I like these verses after a long stressful week - they help the next days and hours better as I "embrace" the good and bad, laying myself down as I follow Christ... or at least attempt to.

Colossians 2:8, New American Standard Bible

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

Great discussion tonight at small group about living in our culture as Christian women. What is ladylike, what movies should we see, should we use cuss words, and do lyrics really penetrate our minds and have an effect? In regard to television, music, movies, I recommend considering the passage of scripture above along with Philippians 4:8, 1 Samuel 16:7 when you consider your own personal convictions on these issues. It really isn't black and white, Christians won't always agree. But I do believe that it's important to know what you believe and to graciously stand up for it. Don't let people walk all over you and don't compromise.

On that same note, read this for further thoughts (I don't agree with everything but it has valid points):

Question:
In your reviews you always mention profanity as a negative element. Why?
Answer:
The Bible has much to say about “taming the tongue,” starting with James 3. But let's start with the fact that obscene language is inherently symptomatic of a bigger problem. It’s a heart issue (Matt. 12:33-37). God cares about what comes out of our mouths because He created us in His image. He is holy and our love for our Creator shines brightest when we honor Him with every aspect of our lives. That includes our thoughts, actions, attitudes and speech. After explaining how we are His “sons and daughters,” God tells us in 2 Corinthians 7:1 to purify ourselves “from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” In other words we abstain from using obscenities and profanities not just because it “contaminates,” but because it grieves God. Colossians 3:8 specifically addresses vulgar speech (“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips”). Also, we grieve the Holy Spirit when we violate Ephesians 4:29 and 5:4 which plainly teach, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths“ and “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality or of any kind of impurity.” The Apostle Paul proceeds to list a few things that qualify, including “obscenity, foolish talk [and] coarse joking.” The application to entertainment should be obvious. If we’re listening to music slapped with a parental advisory sticker or watching movies that gush profanity, those words become part of our mental vocabulary.

Ephesians 2:19-22, The Message

That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

God is an international God and we're not limited by our country or culture under Christ - we're equal and we're not alone! There is no language barrier or customs between God and His family. So go - do His work and stop making excuses! (I'm talking to myself. Seriously, my excuses are lame. What's stopping me from following God to the local and/or exotic places that need to hear His name?!)

1 John 4:17,18 The Message

The fear of the Lord-fear God (Revelation 14:6), God-fearing (various verses in Acts), save your fear for God (Matthew 10:28), fearless confidence (Acts 4:31, Philippians 1:12), reverential fear (Luke 1:65), have you no fear of God (Luke 23:40)?

"God is love...There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love."

Does the Bible contradict itself? Or is it a language/translation barrier that prevents me from fully understanding what it means to "fear God."

The fear of God can be a motive of obedience, whether that result in reward or punishment. The fear of God can be a guilty fear (remember Adam and Eve were "afraid" after sinning?) upon the conviction of sin. The instance in which it gets most confusing more commonly would be this reverential fear. Reverence is honor and respect that is felt and/or shown. It's extravagant. It's not the type of fear that we associate with apprehension or alarm, it's an entirely different, albeit intense, emotion.

I suppose I have to remember the context, I have to remember to read Scripture with the Gospel in mind - what does God want me to see in these verses in light of what Jesus did for me? Simply put tonight, the love God has for me and the sacrifice Christ made for me is worth my respect, my awe, and my obedience.

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus

In the 1800's a woman named Louisa Stead, her husband, and their little daughter were enjoying an ocean side picnic. They heard a boy cry for help from the water. Mr. Stead rushed to save the him from drowning but was pulled under by the terrified boy. Both drowned as Louisa and her daughter watched helplessly. During the sorrowful days that followed, these words came from the grief stricken wife’s heart:

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, 'Thus saith the Lord.'

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood:
Just in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I'm so glad I learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

1 Samuel 1:25-26, The Message

Hannah said, "Excuse me, sir. Would you believe that I'm the very woman who was standing before you at this very spot, praying to God? I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for. And now I have dedicated him to God. He's dedicated to God for life."

I don't have kids, but I have two great parents who have shown me since I was little what it's like to raise children in a Godly home. Part of what that means is that my parents acknowledged that my brothers and I belong to God. Granted, parents don't necessarily "drop off" their kids at the local church in the way Hannah did with Samuel, but raising children with the willingness to let them go and let God guide their life -- that's what my parents did.

Because I was essentially turned over to God by my folks, I have been able to live life with the freedom of knowing God is in control and no decision He leads me to will be a mistake. My mistakes have all occurred when I tried to rearrange God's plan to suit my preferences and desires. It's when I do what my parents have done and turn myself over to God that life makes sense and God is most pleased.

I admire Hannah and I appreciate that her story was included for me to read thousands of years later.

Genesis 22:12-13, The Message

"Don't lay a hand on that boy! Don't touch him! Now I know how fearlessly you fear God; you didn't hesitate to place your son, your dear son, on the altar for me." Abraham looked up. He saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. Abraham took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.

I'm thinking about sacrifice tonight. I heard someone at church share her testimony about following the Lord even when His plan is not what she thought it was going to be. I bet Abraham had a similar feeling when God asked him to kill his son. But sometimes I think God must actually test us and our willingness to follow Him. Are we going to walk the walk? It might seem weird for God to test us, but honestly, the more I think about it, the more fair it seems. He is God after all. He's not unfair, He won't test us beyond what we can bear, and He never tempts us. That's the devil's work.

Also, this story reminds me of Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1), but I'll talk more about that tomorrow.

Romans 12:9-11, New Living Translation

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

GENUINE
Function: adjective
Definition: having the reputed or apparent qualities or character, produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author, sincerely and honestly felt or experienced, free from hypocrisy or pretense.

I was thinking about the word genuine today after I used it to describe someone I know. I realize that it's a synonym of Authentic, my theme word, so this fascination isn't really a surprise. However, finding verses in the Bible that command Christians to use this honest emotion, solidifies my belief that true love (honest, authentic, genuine, sincere) is what we all need and want -- and we're capable of giving and receiving it if we get our hearts right with God's and see others the way He sees them.

Galatians 6:7-8, New Living Translation

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

I saw a thief today. Maybe it was a crook. This man was in handcuffs outside of the grocery store, guarded on either side by the store manager and security guard. I arrived at the same time as the police and I resisted the urge to stand and watch what would happen. But as I walked through the automatic doors I turned and saw the shirtless, tattooed, bloodied man shake his head from side to side with a look of panic on his face as he stumbled to his knees. I don't know the outcome of this story, I only know that he was attempting to steal from the grocery store.

I couldn't help but think of this story what I read these verses tonight. The humbled situation this thief found himself in today seemed unnatural and almost mocking -- this man was trying really hard to look innocent, but even I could see the guilt and horror on his face with the realization that he had been caught.

Hopefully we will cease our sin and the habits of the sinful nature as they only encourage getting caught. God's justice will find you, in this life or the next, and I'd rather not spend my days looking over my shoulder. Let's do good and be surprised if we get noticed.

The Beauty of the Cross

Last night at church we sang a song the chorus stuck with me. The lyrics of the chorus are:

The beauty of the cross is that
there's One Who has redeemed my soul.
The beauty of the cross is that
I'm finally free and letting go.
The beauty of the cross is that
Your grace has found me just as I am.

Isn't it strange that there is beauty in an object of death and bondage and sin? A symbol of torture and shame is the symbol that gives us the opposite - freedom and hope and love. And none of this would be true without the One who redeemed us. We are finally free.

(Lyrics and music by Jeff Johnson)

1 Timothy 6:17-19, New Living Translation

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

When I was young, we used to sing a song in church that used the words from Psalm 20:7. "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Also, when I was young, my mom would sing to me every night as at bedtime. One of the songs she sang was called Trust and Obey. "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus."

There's something to be said for the childlike faith and ability to trust. What is it in the world that creates a distrust so easily in adults? The challenge of maintaining our pure and innocent trust in God increases with each day we age. But, as we read above, by trusting God and living generously we store up a good foundation for the future so that our efforts will all pay off as we experience true life.

Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, New Living Translation

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.

This depresses me. Nothing about these verses sounds uplifting or happy. I don't know why I always expect to easily find comforting thoughts in the Bible - it's not a requirement for the Words, it's just my own selfishness that demands it. At the same time though, most verses have an encouraging message to them. So I just sat here at work at the end of the day thinking about these verses. And here is what I think.

When I am saddened by what I see on the news or hear my peers talking about, I think to myself "Our world is terrible. I hope the end is near soon. Things can't get any worse."

My heart truly wonders... Can politicians be more corrupt? ... Can the economy ever recover? ... Will the hungry ever be fed? ... Will greed be satisfied? ... When will people stop hurting each other? ... Is there any love in our midst?!?

I'm tired and weary of it all.

But scroll up and read those verses from Ecclesiastes again - "nothing is ever truly new." Generations have asked these same things, I'm not the only one who's doubted and been discouraged. And, unfortunately, all of their attempts to prevent history from repeating itself - education, literature, culture - have failed. We're in the same place as them. And, unfortunately, all of our attempts to save our children and grandchildren from these same worldly plagues will also be futile.

So, while I take comfort in these verses because they affirm that my heart's cry is not alone, it's also a burden to know the state of our world is not likely to change. It can't change without Christ. And as I spend my days on this earth drawing near to my Savior, turning my heart more towards Him and His heart, whatever wisdom I gain will also bring a "chasing after the wind."

"The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow."

Psalm 19:1-2, New International Version

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

We had realllly bad weather last night and today in Dallas. On facebook most of the status updates that I saw all morning were complaints about the rain. The rain was inconvenient, it caused damage, it kept people from getting rest, etc. Granted, it wasn't helpful that a tree branch from my neighbor's backyard cracked one of my kitchen windows, or that I was 15 minutes late for work because traffic lights were out, but I genuinely like the rain and like the storms. I'm so glad God created earth to work the way it does - there is so much you can parallel between weather and God.

The rain is relaxing and refreshing to me - it provides nourishment to the earth and the water cleans what's dirty. God's Spirit is the same way when it surprises us with a downpour of emotions and a rejuvenated landscape/outlook .

Everyone knows that storms come in life. An unexpected death, illnesses, accidents and problems with relationships. The results of the storms can be long lasting, or the storm itself can be the scariest part.

Whether is a spiritual storm or spiritual downpour - I hope you remember God's rainbow promise of faithfulness and find hope. If the sky is gray, just look to the Son.

Psalm 73:28

But I'm in the very presence of God—
oh, how refreshing it is!
I've made Lord God my home.
God, I'm telling the world what you do!

Some of the verses I've been reading lately have dealt with darkness and light. I keep thinking about it during the day. Even Sundays at church we sing the song "Be Near" almost every week. The words that haunt me also deal with dark and light:

For dark is light to You, depths are height to You, far is near, but Lord, I need to hear from You. Be near, oh God - be near, oh God of us Your nearness is to us our good!

I'm not sure why I can't get the spiritual concept of light and darkness off my heart. But I'll keep you posted on anything that comes up that helps me understand why.

Weary? Needy? Thirsty?

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and pow’r.

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.

Come, ye weary, heavy-laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.

This song really struck a cord with me at church a couple weeks ago when we sang it. I was thinking about the upcoming trip to India, people going to Boston from our church in two weeks, my Dad going to New Zealand to teach... then, more than the mission trips far away, I thought of my family members who don't know the Lord and I thought of my neighbors who sometimes drive me crazy and my old friends who have chosen a different course than following the Lord. I wish I knew every face and could meet with them all at once and share the truth of this hymn with them. Arise and go to Jesus, it's not a solution for the suffering, but it is a solution to your shame and sin. If you tarry till you're better you will never come at all.

Psalm 139:23-24,

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Stop hiding, He is there. Rest your heart, it's not as dark as you think. There is good and God put it in you. Let your spirit cozy up to Christ's. Take His guidance as a guide and not a condemnation. Walk the way He shows you and stay clear of the webs and thorns and "too good to be true" paths. Turn your eyes to Jesus.

Psalm 90:2,4 New International Version

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

I just wanted to praise the Lord with this proclamation from Psalm tonight. My heart is light due to the praise to God I'm feeling and it's also burdened with "stuff." I pray that I don't become blinded by the "stuff" and forget to let the praise overwhelm the other emotions so that I can be aware of those around me who need to know of His love.

Psalm 139:13-16, The Message

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.

In my mortal mind these verses seem to contradict each other. "I am marvelously made" can be read in a bragging tone, although the previous verse praises the Creator for His work in the handicraft of our human bodies. So when I default to reading some of these verses as if the author was prideful, it's really not a selfish, conceited pride that I'm accustomed to in my daily life and in my own sin - it's the pride of knowing how Awesome our God is to have constructed such complex and beautiful beings. God is the breathtaking one, not me.

On that same note, it's not just the bones, internal organs or external features that make us attractive (and yes, we are all attractive) -- it's our souls and our minds as well. I can't grasp the fact that we're made in God's image, and yet, probably not even a small glimmer of how magnificent or divine He really is. His mind can fathomed all of our days and knows our waking moments, can we understand it? Our anatomy books can explain the way our bodies work and doctors can try to treat illnesses, but God doesn't need a textbook or microscope.

Tonight, I'm in awe. God makes all things wonderful, even me.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-8, The Message

You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.

Tonight at small group we discussed the sermon from Sunday (in the series Exiles) about how we live in a culture of counterfeit faith and that we need to be the real deal. As a Christ-follower, I have an eternal hope and confidence that comes from knowing that this world is not my home and the suffering/sickness/despair we endure here will not last because God has a place in heaven with my name on it. It's like this verse from 1 Thessalonians says, "we live under wide open skies and know where we stand." I want everyone to know about this. I love the people in my life, I even try to love people I don't know, and as a result, I want everyone to have this hope and confidence that I have.

I have chosen to be a "daughter of the day" and I'm certain down to my toes that the Light is better than the dark. Won't you believe?

Psalm 139:1-6, The Message

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!

When I shared the link from my blog last night with friends and coworkers via facebook and e-mail, my hand was shaking before I clicked send. Anyone who knows me is aware that I'm a very open person, I don't have a whole lot of secrets. Yet the things I write and think "out loud" about on this web site tend to feel more personal than most normal conversations go and daily interactions allow. Because I felt vulnerable by releasing these so-called narratives for anyone to see, I almost began to doubt myself and let it get to me in a self conscience way. But then I remembered that on my quest for authenticity and learning to live out who I was created to be -- it doesn't matter what anyone else may think. I can take comfort in those moments of timidity and fear because I know the truths written in this Psalm. God is my reassuring and ever-present protector, and He knows everything about me. So as deep as I might feel like I am on this blog, or as intimate I feel it is to share my thoughts this openly, it's not even scratching the surface of God's knowledge of my heart and mind. It's a comfort to me and I hope you know this comfort as well.

And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Allow me to tell you a story about what has evolved in the last two weeks. In a way that exceeding my expectations, God used my job to show me a mission trip opportunity. I plan on going to New Delhi India this November.

It’s a neat story, so bear with me. I was answering a Customer's e-mail at work (which had already been handled and shouldn’t have received it in the first place) and, out of curiosity, I went to the Customer’s company web site. On this Christian-based company’s web site, I was led to the testimonials page and there I recognized the name of a man who I worked with in Nashville the summer of 2004. Interest piqued, I looked into the organization he is now working with and found myself captivated by everything I was reading about this ministry – Truthseekers International.

As the week went on, the combination of this unexpected e-mail from a Customer, series of seemingly random conversations I’d had, and "what are the odds" moments that occurred—along with my daily Bible reading—made me feel strongly that God wants me to pursue the opportunity to go to New Delhi for a week long mission trip in November.

On this trip, a group of Americans will travel to New Delhi and work alongside the local Truthseekers staff. Together, they will travel to low-caste neighborhoods and tangibly express God’s love as they wash the feet of the oppressed, abused Indians who are considered “untouchable.”

The small practical steps I’ve taken thus far in pursuing this idea have resulted in open doors: getting the vacation time from work, hearing positive feedback from friends and family who want to help support me, and feeling the of certainty in my heart that God wants me to pursue this and continue to obey Him as He leads. I’m just grateful for the chance to participate in foreign missions again because it’s my passion.

I feel like there is so much more to say about the whole thing, and I would prefer to have had the chance to tell everyone this story face-to-face or on the phone, but the next step of fundraising needs to begin. If you have questions about this or want to hear more, please call or e-mail me.

After asking God about it, my prayer for funding this trip is specific, I am asking for 25 gifts of $100. I sent in the first $100 today – 24 more to go! I will continue to pray that God will open doors for this trip if it is in line with His will for me this year and would appreciate your support in the same.

Conveniently, if you want to give financially, please click this link, or the button provided on the right panel of this page. Thank you friends!

Psalm 37:4, New Living Translation

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires."

A month ago I was filling my down time with an unhealthy preoccupation with the ways I was going to pursue a desire I wanted and the stress of not having it when I wanted it. It made me anxious and lean away from the Lord and more towards my own ugly self. Then, a couple weeks ago, I realized that I was wasting far too much time and energy on this selfish desire. As a result, I began to see that the Lord had given me that desire and plans on satisfying it with Himself, not with what I think is best. So instead of wasting time trying to fill the desire with a tangible, worldly source, I turned to God and found more contentment than the first attempt I had made.

Just like this verse states, seek God, take delight in Him only, and He then brings you the object of your desire in an even sweeter way than you imagined.

1 Peter 1:1, The Message

"I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you..."

I'm so excited about the new sermon series at church called "Exiles." It began today and I was truly moved by the message. I can't think of a series better for me to hear right now than one focused on how this is world is not our home, it's definitely in line with what I feel God has been teaching me and preparing me for as far as missional living and potential opportunities that are coming. I have my comforts and preferences, but I haven't truly felt "at home" anywhere in the last few years. I want to develop authenticity in my life while I'm on earth so that when I arrive at my true home, my faith and life will test as true and bring pleasure to God as we spend forever together.