A Word from The Word

As we journey closer and closer to the date of our exploratory trip, we have been encouraged to ask God for a word of confirmation from The Word.  Having received confirmations outside of The Word, we were already excited and confident of what God is calling us to do.  With further guidance we have been challenged to step out on the water in a different way.

The word that I received came at an unexpected time and location.  I was at the church offices helping out with something and a framed scripture on a friend’s wall made my heart beat faster.  Really, Lord?  That scripture.. is it for me?  Yet, as I read it and read it again, my eyes hung on seven words: distributing to the needs of the saints.  We aren’t sending funds, Lord.  We are feeling the call to go. 

Funny as He is, as I was sharing with Andrew that evening about the word I had received, I had the inkling to look it up on BlueLetterBible.com and get to the root meaning of the words.  I actually laughed out loud as I read what this portion of Romans 12 meant.  The Greek meaning for the word “distributing” in this particular scripture means to partner with and to be in communion with.  The reason why I laughed, this is our heart, to go to New Zealand and partner with an established ministry, to help them.

Andrew has received a word from The Word too, but he will share that at a later date.  I am once again encouraged to ask God for more words from The Word, for further confirmation.  The great thing is, this is not something I need to conjure up or make happen.  As we have seen, God will make it known when and how He wants to.  We just need to stay open and aware as we read His Word.

God is awesome and most worthy to be praised and adored.  We long to live our lives as living sacrifices unto Him, walking in obedience to what He has called us to do.  Won’t you join us and see where He might lead you?  Who knows, that person’s situation that you just can’t stop thinking about may be your next opportunity to be Jesus with skin on.  Be open to whatever He calls you to do.  It could be as simple as buying lunch for the person behind you in the line or reaching out to a friend that has been on your mind.  

Let go and let God!

Change isn't always bad

I find as we get closer to taking our exploratory trip, I think differently than before.  I know I shouldn't be shocked that God is working in my life but sometimes it just isn't how you expected.  Just like the clay in the potter’s hands, if we truly are surrendered and pliable, we do not fully know how God will mold us.

As an example, I find myself wanting to be in New Zealand right now.  I have had these types of feelings before but they were for selfish reasons like I don’t want to be at work or I am having a bad day in general, it was a reason for escape.  Now, it is about the people; learning about the people that I will come along side in ministry.  Who are those people that I will meet daily and talk with about Jesus?  What are the things that God wants to teach me through them.  How can I serve them in the spirit of love and Christ?

Too many times I have seen evangelism to be about numbers and not the people.  How many people did you talk to?  How many accepted?  As if people’s salvation is like a selling technique and it is all a numbers game.  When you look at the ministry of Jesus it is built upon the relationships he had with people.  He poured into the apostles; even the one He knew would betray him.  It is the difference that we have in Christ.  Christianity is about a relationship and not a religion. 

I continue to pray for a heart molded by God.  I pray that I would see people through His eyes and not my own.  I pray for the people I do not know yet but desire to see.  I pray The Lord’s will be done in my life; less of me, more of Him.

He must increase, but I must decrease – John 3:30 (NKJV)

God Bless

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God Bless!!

Andrew

Dawn's Thoughts . . .

Hi all!  We are just under 82 days out and I have to admit, I am both excited and nervous about this wondrous trip ahead.  There is so much to be thankful for and we both can see the hand of God in all of this.  I admit one of the challenges that I have encountered as we prepare our hearts and minds for going overseas long term is the emptying of our home.  I find myself attached to strange things, oh those silly sentimental strings!  

I love this tea set that I bought many moons ago and have only used once.  Why???  I think because there is a mental value for it and the simple beauty of the set, something that I am not sure I would easily have again.  So, I place that pretty little tea set into the storage unit box in my mind and continue on.

We have already started to offload some of things through the exciting world of ebay.  We have sold over 60 DVDs and a few pairs of shoes.  Just today I listed a fabulous coat that I have only worn once.  I know that little beauty will find its way into hands that will love it even more and enjoy it more often.  Let the metamorphosis begin!

I often think about the visa process and what that entails.  I understand that it is a good one inch stack of paperwork.  Goodness me, they are thorough on their review of who they let stay in that wonderful country for more than three months.  I am not daunted by the task, but truly wonder how long that process will take.  There are physicals to have done, bank reviews to provide, police history to render (not that it will take but a moment to provide that.. no .. really!), and a plethora of other items they need to make a well educated decision.

As August approaches, please pray for us!  It will be a crazy beautiful month for us.  Our five year anniversary is August 1, my 40th birthday is August 16 - with a party to be thrown, and our trip over the great blue sea to New Zealand to commence on August 28.  With all of these precious things going on, it will be easy to lose track of time.  

So many things on my mind and I just wanted to give you a glimpse of whats going on for me.  Thanks for taking a moment out of your busy day!  Blessings to you and yours!  

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26