It's Time

As I sit here tonight, my bags are packed, the apartment is clean, and all laundry is done, I have one lingering question: is my heart prepared and ready for Africa? I have the ability to do all the above, but one thing I can't do is prepare my heart; that is God's job. My role is to make myself available to Him. I do believe the Lord has been faithful in providing the way for me to go to Africa. I am honored and humbled by all that has happened the last few/couple of weeks and am excited to see how the Lord is going to work the next 10 days! Being faithful, available, and teachable are the traits of a true disciple of Christ. I pray this is true of me and if not, may the Lord have His way in my heart, mind, and will.

Today I was asked what I expected in going to Africa. Two things came to mind: confirmation and growth (to more like Jesus and more in love with Jesus). I feel like a new chapter is starting and I have no idea what is ahead. A lot of uncertainties, but one thing that is certain is Jesus. Letting Him lead my life from here on out is all that I am focused on. I can't take control anymore. I don't care what trials and tests are ahead, I just want Jesus. His grace is sufficient for me.

My heart is heavy as I end this, but I choose to lay my concerns, burdens, and heartache at the foot of the Cross. All glory and honor to God.

Africa

So much has happened since the last time I was on here.  To name a few...
1. My oldest youngest sister got engaged!
2. Xoie Aspen-Grace Smith was born!
3. I graduated from graduate school!

I am excited about what the Lord has in store.  I am still not sure where I will be by the end of June, but He does.  What I do know is that I want to follow with all my heart, soul, and mind.  I will finish up work in June 28, will move on June 30th, and will be in South Sudan from July 4-15!  Please feel free to click on the link below to visit my fundraising page.

http://www.e3partners.org/untilallhaveheard

It's Been a While

No Turning Back...three sweet words that I won't to ring true in my heart.  I have many desires and longs in my heart, but only One can quench these desires, Jesus Christ.  Spring Break was a nice break from daily schedule and rest was much needed and appreciated.  I got to catch up with family and some dear friends.  I had the chance to experinece my first Gaither Concert, thanks to a precious, sweet, and dear friend.  

Graduation is quickly approaching and some decisions have to be made.  Where am I going to live?  Am I going to stay in Fort Worth or am I going to move closer to home?  Africa...what, when, how long?  As I pray and think about these decisions, I can rest that the Lord has all the answers and in seeking out the answers, I am growing closer to Him...i.e. His plan all along. 

 I was hit with the hard reality this morning that nothing in me, that is my flesh, loves the Lord.  While this is hard for me to swallow, I can rest that even though I don't love Him, He still loves me and gives me His Spirit to love Him back!  Oh how I treasure the Holy Spirit.  I am not my own, I am God's.  I will go wherever He leads, leaving all behind; no turing back.