Giving is Caring

Well, let me just say that I'm blown away!! God has been so faithful and He is like the smartest!! HA, but we will never totally grasp just how much He has done for us!! SO GOOD to us!

So, right now I am raising money to go back to Northern Ireland, which would seem nearly impossible, since just graduating from college (yet, nothing is impossible with Jesus). BUT i believe that God will have me go when the time right (and the when enough money comes in). 

Each little step of faith that i take has been blessed by God. The first step after moving to Florida with my mom, dad and younger brother (where i sleep in the living room :) ) was trusting that God would provide for me to go back to N. Ireland. 

Another step was working for a family friend, who is a contractor. Throughout the whole job we chatted about God's wonder, and i learned from this man the importance of generosity. Everything we have was given to us by God, and i realize that we have A LOT!! So, if God has the power to give us all these things, then we should have no trouble giving, though that is usually not the case. But, the more that i give out of faith and love, the more God gives back :) You cannot out-give God!! 

Another effort, which was more out of desperation, was that i applied to many different places like a pizza place, a plant sanctuary, tennis clubs, and an "Irish pub." No one emailed me back. This was disappointing, but remembering that God has a much better idea in mind for my life. 

Just at the end of last week i was "recruited" as a substitute teacher for the school my parents work at. So yesterday i helped out with the preschool class, which was a bit rough, with being new, but i learned that i have much to learn!! 

And, just last night i was blown away with the generosity of a friend from back in Kentucky, who gave 500$ out of an act of faith!!!!!!!! WOW!!! God is soooooOOOooo good, and i know He is behind this. That's a big step closer to applying for a VISA and getting a plane ticket, but i will trust in His timing, though it is frequently a difficult process. 

PS... Shout out to my MOM!!! For listening to my complaints, worries, wonders, and strange-ness. (Like the other night i was thinking about the phrase "Sharing is Caring," but i do not think the Bible says that we should share, but that we should give all.)

I'm blown away with how much you give, and i do not know how you survive on so little sleep. God will bless you if you keep doing what you do to bring Him glory, and i have no doubt that you are!!!!

 You are beautiful inside and out. You inspire me because you talk to me about God, which does'nt always happen around our house, but you help me to know that that is our true purpose in life, and in everyday life. You surprise me with your knowledge about a life with Christ :) and your openness to my thoughts as well. Thank you!!!!! Love ya mumzy

Life's a beach

What does this phrase make you think of?

... Life's a beach... 

You are probably imagining yourself walking along a beach, with the sunshine warming you, and the power of the ocean made evident in the waves crashing all around. Or maybe going to the beach reminds you of how much you hate sand in everything :) (which i cannot understand). 

Yet, the other day I was thinking of this phrase and reminded of the reality of the beach. You can sit on the sand all day and watch the beauty of the ocean in front of you, but you'd never experience the truth about the ocean until you actually got in its waters (and even then it's not comprehensible). 

A lot of people are afraid of the ocean, whether it is because of sharks, jellyfish, or maybe because they can't swim. Yet, getting out and swimming in the ocean is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. Not to mention, surfing (or more like trying to surf) is another awsome thing that i have been able to experience. Being out that deep in the water, my dad and i have seen "flying" manta rays, manatee, dolphins and many-a-jellyfish out on the big blue.

But, as you probably know, with going out into a massive body of water; you don't know what in the world is in it!! Which is scary, but is totally worth it, because you get to see the beauty that comes with risk and trust. 

Such is life, my friends. God will challenge us to do new things. Don't let fear tempt you to stay on the safe side, but instead give your whole life to God and have faith in Him to take you to deeper waters and He will show you so much peace and beauty, that it will change your life!! 

Life is a beach, because we are given the opportunity to step into "the ocean" daily.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways"
-the Lord