How Wonderful

Who is this God

Who numbered the hairs on my head

And how does he know

When I rise and go to bed?

Who is this God

Who even cares to know my name

Knows my wandering thoughts

And loves me just the same

How wonderful, how wonderful

This being called God must be

And to think one such as he

Loves a sinner such as me

Who is this God

Who cares to know my fears

Yet walks with every man

On all distant frontiers

Who is this God

And how can I know him more

There is nothing like Him

That I’ve ever known before

How wonderful, how wonderful

This being called God must be

And to think one such as he

Loves a sinner such as me

Who is this God

Whose glory ever abounds

However could I please Him

With these simple human sounds

Who is this God

Who can touch my very heart

I know I’ll always praise Him

and never wish to part

Giggle Breaks

Today just seems like a good day for a laugh.  Maybe it’s because my kids at work made me laugh today, or maybe it’s the early onset of a three day weekend with family and all things good but it just seems like a good day for a laugh. 

What a strange experience it is to go every day from graduate level seminary classes to the 2 year old world of potty training.  My professors do a pretty good job of being entertaining however it’s the random, unexpected comments from my daycare kids that really get me going.  So here are some of the things that they tell me:

Little girl at naptime:  Did your brother paint your fingernails?

While waiting for parents to arrive at the end of the day:

Boy: what are we doing?

Me: we’re cleaning our classroom, then your dad’s going to come and pick you up, then I am going to go home.

Boy: (laughing) you can’t go home, you stay here!

Me: No, I go home at the end of the day too.  I have to go home and see my mommy too.

Boy: (laughing more) You don’t have a mommy!

Little girl in the lunch line: Are you a girl?

Little girls at potty time:

Girl 1: I have pink princess underwear, what do you have?

Girl 2: I have tink-owr-belle!

Girl 1: Miss Brittany do you have Tinkerbelle underwear?

And my fave…

Little boy at snack time eating a popsicle:

Boy: (starts crying hysterically) My popsicle is up-side-down!!!

(I take the popsicle from him and turn it around and give it back.)

Boy: thank you!

That’s all I can remember right now but I’ll post more as the kids say them.  I think it’s so important to always be looking for the things in life to be happy about.  Sometimes working with 2 and 3 year olds can be no fun at all, but when I remember that I am doing things for God and not I it’s a lot easier.  When I first started working at my job at the preschool, I just couldn’t understand why God would want me there.  I really feel lead to work with children in need and these kids are definitely not needy.  But they do need Jesus all the same. 

There is a teacher that I work with during naptime that I really enjoy talking to.  And believe it or not, she is not a Christian, but kinda, sorta interested in the subject.  She asks me about seminary and my church sometimes and I get to share a little about what God is teaching me.  Naptime can be pretty crazy and we only work together for an hour or two each day so sometime we don’t get to talk at all. But I am always praying for opportunities.  Please pray for this new relationship!  Also, there is another girl who is on lunch break with me that I am praying for opportunities to share the gospel with.  This girl is so negative that most days I would prefer to eat in my car than in our break room.   I’m serious, everyday it’s something.  But God didn’t put here there by accident, so pray for her, and me. 

Keep in mind that today is a wonderful day that God has given you! Don’t like opportunities to share Christ pass you by. 

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an Inexpressible and Glorious Joy." 1 Peter 1:8

Showers of Blessings

With classes starting this week, I've been just a tad bit busy, and in my business I've neglected writing anything for this blog.  So I'm going to share an older story with you.  I have a collection of stories that I wrote about spending the summer in the Philippines last year and hope to share them periodically.  So, here's the first one. 

Showers of Blessings

Once again it was a Saturday and we were free to do what we pleased with our day.  Saturdays always began with a few hours at the internet café where for a few hours took us back home to the United States, where we listened to stories of the lives we once lived and tried to explain what was happening in our new lives.  On this particular day we walked to the post office to mail some letter, the supermarket to pick up a few things, and Folcan, our favorite little café.  The café was probably the most American place in San Pablo.  We loved sipping our frappes and relaxing in the air con.  This day was especially hot and humid and as usual I was missing the mild Ohio summers.  Luckily the heat didn’t last.

We watched the clouds roll in as we dodged our way in and out of allies and back to the orphanage.  The storm came quickly and the first drops fell as we ran inside.  The Heavens split wide open and poured out the rain.  We all ran out on the balcony to watch the rain, which was the hardest rain I have ever seen.  The kids were all playing in the rain and before long, my team and I were out there too! 

 The water was only a couple of inches deep on the basketball court, but in the street it was up to the kids waist.  Soon the little boys were digging plastic bags out of the garage can to fill with water and launch at their ates, who were watching from the safety of the balcony. 

At one point, one little girl laid down in the water and waved her arms back and forth like she was making a snow angel.  We played basketball and had a dance party.  It was just a good time. 

In a way, playing in the rain that day reminded me of how God has showered us with his blessings.  He has showered us with strength, knowledge, and His Word.  Each time we encountered someone in the Philippines we had to spread the truth that God gave to us because he has blessed us with so much.  That day the streets were flooded with water, but I pray that someday the city will be flooded with believers. 

Oh Lord How I Love You

Oh Lord how I love you

And how I need you by my side

Each dawning day on Earth

In you do I confide

My heartbeat is in your hand

And my strength is your breath

You carry me through the desert

You crush my Goliath

I lift my hands to praise you

My always faithful King

When I consider your greatness

How can I cease to sing?

Ever unfailing and unstoppable

Your love encompasses me

I’ll never know it’s depth

‘Til in Heaven I join thee

Oh how I love my Lord

The creator of my soul

With thanksgiving I praise you

You have made me whole

Red and Yellow, Black and White, They are precious in His sight

Last Monday I officially started my new job.  It’s at a preschool and so I now spend a large portion of my day with 2 and 3 year olds.  What an adventure!  I arrive at noon, right as the kids are finish lunch and begin to lay down for naps.  Now I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to get 13 3 year olds to fall asleep at the same time but it’s quite an experience!  There are treasured few who lie down and close their eyes without protest, but with most of the kids, it’s a battle.  They want to be tucked in, read to, a back rub, a 20^th drink of water, or when all else fails, they cry for mommy.  And I have to confess that, though I don’t believe it’s ok to lie, when they ask for their mommies that I tell them that their mommies are also sleeping because it’s nap time for everyone.  Most of the kids are asleep within 30 minutes, but there are always one or two who need an hour and a half to fall asleep.  It’s crazy! 

If we’re lucky we might get a few peaceful minutes.  Once everyone gets to sleep the kids who fell asleep first start waking up.  The rest of the day flies by.  Bathroom breaks, snacks, outside playtime, inside playtime, inside activity.  Then before I know it parents are arriving and it’s time to start cleaning up.  I will definitely add parents of small children to my prayer list!

I love my job now, but I have to admit that I had some misconceptions when I began.  I feel really strongly about working with children in need and so I wasn’t sure about this job at a preschool for the privileged.  I wondered how God would use me there.  But, of course, God had something he wanted to teach me.  I already knew this, but I guess I forgot it.  Kids are kids.  They are the same whether they are privileged, not privileged, farm lads, city slickers, American or Filipino.  Kids are the same no matter where they come from.  They all just want to play and be loved.  It’s when they grow up they more differences can be seen.  When we become adults we have a way of tricking ourselves into believing that different is scary or inferior.   Yet, we aren’t so different.  Many of the people in my dorm building are of a different ethnicity than I am.  But they are all amazing girls and some of them have become very close friends. 

So anyway, my point in telling you all this is that God will use you wherever you are.  All people need Jesus.  Tomorrow I get to take care of a bunch of little children who need Jesus.  I’m sure that some of them are from Christian families, but some of them aren’t.  They are going to grow up and they probably won’t remember me, but I still have to do what I can to lead them to Jesus.  So when in the quiet, when I’m patting a child’s back trying to help them fall asleep, I’m also praying.  I pray for the kids, their families and my coworkers.  Today my challenge for you is to look around you and try to find your mission field.  Who can you be praying for in your quiet moments?  And remember that no one is so different from you that you can’t reach them.  Give them a chance and you may make a friend.  If you start to feel like you need some encouragement, go find some kids to play with. 

This is one of my favorite little kiddos!  One of my nephews!

Our Life, God's Way

I set myself a goal of updating at least once a week and it looks like I already broke that.  I’ve had time to update but I guess I didn’t want to. In the week or two since I last wrote I made the decision to leave my job.  Now, if you’re reading this then you probably know how I feel about children, and particularly orphans and poverty.  With that being said, giving up my job was a very difficult decision.  I wanted to be able to do my job, but my level of stress became a clear indicator that it wasn’t for me.  At first I was afraid that I had somehow failed myself or God, but after some deep prayer conversations with Him I realized that I wasn’t a failure and He already had everything figured out so I had better move on with my life. 

I’ve been unemployed for almost two weeks now and I don’t like it.  I’m the kind of person who likes to have a plan and stick with it.  Now everything is up in the air and it makes life uncomfortable.  I’m sure you’ve felt this way too.  As humans, we think no job = no money, no money = no bills paid, no bills paid = I lose my car, etc. etc.   Worry is a natural tendency.   A little bit of worry in these situations is ok I guess, but I find that when I give my worry to God and replace it with faith things start looking a lot more like Honolulu and a lot less like Mexico City.  With God in control we can realize that God must have something else in mind for us. 

Perhaps it’s a better job or a job where we will have more chances to witness to those around us.  Remember, we are called to be witnesses both near and far and more often than not our workplace is our mission field.  Like Jesus told the apostles in Acts, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts1:8).  Two things stick out to me in this verse, first, the three cities mentioned.  One is so near to the apostles that it could be considered home, and then the verse ends with to the ends of the earth.  We have A TON of space to cover.  So if you’re the only Christian in your workplace and you’re miserable, stop pouting and start witnessing!  Secondly, I notice how the phrase, ‘you will’ is used two in the verse.  ‘You will’ receive power and ‘you will’ be MY witness.  Jesus is very clear about what is expected of us and thankfully lets us know that we will have the Holy Spirit with us at all times. 

Now, realizing that God has a plan, already knows our needs, is with us at all times, and loves us with a greater love than we could ever possibly fathom, things don’t look so bad do they?

As always, if any of you need a little extra prayer or someone to talk to this week email/text/call me and I’ll pray for you!  As for me, pray that God’s will, will be done in my life.  I’ve filled out tons of applications and an interview today for a job that would be totally awesome.  But if it’s not where God wants me then I pray I have the wisdom not to take the job and continue seeking His will.

I think a great way to end the night would be by reading John 16:17-33.  Make sure you pay special attention to the last verse!

God's Love Letter

Sometime over the past year I came across this letter that is a love letter from God.  Essentially it takes Bible verses and summarizes them into letter form.  I think it's one of the most beautiful things I have ever read and it's much better than anything I could have written.  Then again the author is God so course it's awesome!  Anyway, I thought I would share

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love,Almighty God

Amazing right?  Well here's my idea for this letter. Print it out and hang it up by your bed or somewhere where you will see it everyday.  Then, when your feeling unloved or just having a bad day take a look at it.  It's pretty hard to be grumpy when your reading about all the wonderful things God has in mind for you!

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