The Before

I think my blog feels neglected. It has been almost 2 months since I've last blogged- you'd think I'm busy or something. (Insert sarcastic chuckle here)

So, here's my life lately:

God is good.  


I'm running 13.1 miles 3 weeks from today. I'm more than a little nervous, especially since my fearless running partner (my dad) has ditched me to run solo. Rude. 


I'm less than 40 days from being halfway done with college.  I think I'm having a mid-college crisis because of it. I have this strange combination of fear of big girl world and a desire to be doing something bigger inside my heart. It's a bit of an issue. But, God is faithful. He has put me in Norman during this season of life for a reason! 

Oh, and I'm about to leave for 8 weeks in Peru. I suppose that's a pretty big chunk of my life right now...

Just kidding, that's a huge chunk of my life right now. 

I am so excited. 

I have always heard about all that God does in a person's heart during a mission trip. I've heard about the effects of a mission trip on a person's life after they return home.  

Maybe this is just me, but I thought that before a mission trip, all you do is prepare for the during. 

I think God is slowly proving every theory I've ever come up with on my own wrong- and I'm definitely not upset about it. 

The Creator of the entire universe has been using the time before I leave for Peru to teach me about favor and family and provision. 

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.  There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.  He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Acts 4:32-37

There are a few things that stick out to me about this passage, but the one I want to share today is the bolded phrase- "God's great blessing was upon them all."

That is the New Living Translation.  My English Standard Version says it like this- "great grace was upon them all."

Do you see the all part? Praise Jesus. 

Let's back up. What was happening in the passage? 

The apostles were testifying about Christ.  All the believers were sharing everything they had so that the apostles could testify. And you know what the Word of God says? It says that God's great blessing or His great grace was given to them all. It wasn't just given to the ones testifying, or even to the ones providing for the apostles, it was for them all. 

Friends, that is the church- one part can't function without the other. 

Over the last week, I have been absolutely astounded at the number of people who are so willing to pray for my trip. I am surrounded by some prayer warriors and it is so encouraging. 

I have been so humbled by the Lord's provision through so many people. Words can not describe how He is using friends and family to pour blessing on this selfish, prideful, and wounded sinner's heart. I am so blessed. I am so humbled.

If you are reading this and you are one of the people I am talking about- thank you. 

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:16

I am so undeserving and God is so faithful.

So, I have a favor to ask everyone. Would you please pray for me? for the people of Peru? for the fellowship of my team? for the safety of the trip? for the encouragement of my parents?

I can't imagine how hard it is to let your 20 year old daughter go spend 62 days on another continent.  I am so blessed by their support and encouragement. 

 Bless the Lord, O my soul

and all that is within me 

bless His holy name!

Psalm 103:1

Did I mention the blessing of my sister? She is the coolest.

But, that's another blog.