Priorities & Emergencies

O

That meme makes me laugh, and a saying I find myself repeating over and over for some reason is, "it's funny because it's true." 

Anyway, I wanted to talk about Priorties and Emergencies. How are they different, and how are they the same? 

I've noticed that mine might seem just a little extreme to most people. Why is this? Sometimes I question myself, are my Priorties right? Should I lower a standard of what an emergency is? Or should I keep it right where it's at? 

Dispatching is somewhere I've learned what prioritizing is. All day long in the 911 world, the phone rings and rings. Sometimes you barely even have time to go to the restroom in a 12 hour shift. It's a hard thing helping everyone that has an "emergency" in a huge city. Especially one with a high crime rate. 

You see, sometimes people call 911 and it's really not an emergency. They'll call 911 because their neighbors left out their trash cans a day too long on the curb, or because someone parked in front of their house when really it's a public street and there's no law that's broken. 

Once you fix the garbage can issue, and explain politely to please call the non emergency line instead because garbage cans aren't a life or death issue- the phone rings again. This time, it's a mother who's baby isn't breathing and is bright blue. Or it's a child who found their father with their eyes closed on the ground, and their chest isn't moving anymore. 

The garbage can people, and the medical issue people called the same number. 911. 

I hope these examples help the world (mainly my peers) understand the difference between an emergency and a non emergency. Yes, I get it- people live in different realities and maybe their emergencies seem different than others. But please world, if you send me an "URGENT" text, Facebook message, or voicemail.... Urging me to get back to you ASAP...please make sure it really is urgent. Let's redefine and get back to realizing what an emergency really is. My phone is filled with them daily of people in crisis, and I can't really drop it all for something that's not. 

PS friends- thanks for understanding, and thanks for being patient when it might take me a few days to get back to you...or if I forget. :) 

Lonely Girl

I want to talk about something that I've observed over the years:

From high school girls, to a career in law enforcement, to living in uganda, working with imprisoned children & teenagers, meeting full time missionaries who've left behind their home in America and now call Africa home, to meeting women who sit in a mega church, mothers who attend small fellowships, pastors wives around this great nation, missionary kids, school teachers, young adults in college, business entrepreneurs, the heads/leaders of non profits, nanny's, mom's of newborns, mothers who have a lot of children and a superhero type husband, newlywed wives, single girls, worship leaders...

There are a lot of themes of similarities that I've noticed no matter how different everyone in the people groups I've described above. What is it?

The theme and the commonality between all of the above:
This thing called "loneliness" 

Have you every heard of it? Have you ever felt it? Have you ever seen it?
I'm sure you have, no matter what age you are, what you do every day, or whoever you associate yourself with.

Loneliness comes in a lot of ways, shapes, and forms. And it's something that I really want to kick in the ass for a lack of term. (Sorry, the Law Enforcement type A comes out in me every once in awhile..and we're all pretty much adults here.)
 
I've seen this stupid but real thing called "lonely" ruin so many lives, so many friendships that could be, and kill so many people's dreams and families literally. It's taken away too many smiles. Let's stop this stupid enemy called "lonely."

He gives us beauty for ashes, not ashes for beauty. He gives us JOY for mourning, not mourning for joy. He takes our rags and clothes us with gladness... He doesn't give us rags and take away our gladness.

No matter where you are, if you feel lonely, or have someone around you who you can see is depressed... associate yourself with others. There's a reason why the Lord says, "do not forsake the assembling of yourselves." I've also heard how "an idle mind is the devil's playground."

No matter where you are, whether it's a hut in Africa, surrounded by people in America in a corporate job, a momma with little ones at home everyday, a teenage girl stuck in public high school fighting to stay pure, a missionary kid, pastor's wife...i could go on and on.

Stop feeling lonely. Stop feeling like you are alone. TRUTH: you are never alone, the Lord is with you.

Get out and make some jesus loving friends, ask for prayer from those around you. Introverted or Extroverted (whatever those mean), get a prayer buddy who's only a text, coffee date, or phone call away.

Life is too short to be lonely. You are loved, you are meant to be a princess, and you are so cherished by the one true God. You. Are. Not. Alone. Fill your time with lovely things. Get outside, paint a picture, sing a song, bake a cake, buy a puppy... :) But most importantly, know that you are loved, not forgotten, and Jesus is always just a prayer away.

HEY, SINGLES!

Hey Singles,

This post is for you. 

What a weird place and season of life you are in. Sometimes it's looked down on within the church, sometimes it's embraced by the feminist or manly culture of "you're better off without anyone," sometimes it's looked at as lonely, sometimes you're questioned and criticized because everyone is constantly asking you when you're going to find that special someone to live the rest of your days out with, sometimes it's to try to find your identity & what you like before you settle down and choose what path you wanna take in life. There's a lot of different types of singles. But how are we to act when we're single...according to the word of God. Hmm. 

Recently, I had a breakthrough. I too am single. Especially within the "christian culture" and when you're a pastors kid, it seems like you're expected to get married at a young age, find that special someone and make sure not to mess up because you're an example to everyone else. It's just something that comes with your "job title" as "pastors kid." I was joking with friends tonight about how one time at a church we visited out of state, the pastor literally would not stop pursuing me about marrying his son...in fact it became really uncomfortable because even when I was holding a 2 year old, he said "wow! you look really good holding that child!! You would be a great mother to grandchildren..." implying yet another reason as to why I should marry his son. Every chance he had he would question me about my love life. Weird. 

That's one extreme- of everyone wanting you to get married, or them thinking that they have the perfect spouse picked out for you. Then here's the other end of the spectrum, and of course there's a lot of in between. I would say the other end, is when you have a friend of the other gender that you spend time with. Sometimes you're criticized and accused of "oh you think that's your future spouse" or "why do you spend so much time with them???" or "you better stay above reproach..." some people might always remind you "don't mess up...!" It's hard sometimes. And sometimes, you just really wish that you could have a brother in the Lord that either didn't think you were his future spouse, and that you could literally just have a brother/sister relationship with. But unfortunately, in today's day and age rarely does that happen, and sometimes it feels like you're walking on egg shells constantly around the opposite sex because you don't want to be accused of anything...ever.

Another-- the lonliness and singles always wanting to get married. They're on a spouse hunt, and they're always looking left and right and considering everyone as a potential future spouse. They go to singles nights, have a lot of "sisters in the lord" and pursue only the opposite sex for bible questions, or edifying. Yup. Flirting gone bad in the Christian culture. 

Last but not least-- the ones who say they'll never get married, and are better off living alone the rest of their life because they're married to their career. 

So singles. Back to the breakthrough I had recently.  I hope it touches you, and is explained just as simply to your heart and pierces it just like it did mine. It's based out of the book of Corinthians, and I think this scripture is often overlooked because this letter (Corinthians) is generally known for and the go to book for the following:

1. LOVE is...
2. Run the Race, don't give up.
3. Divorce & Homosexuality
4. Order within the church / Tongues
5. Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit, don't defile it.

But there's a theme and something that I pulled from it this time. That's what I love is that the word is living and active, and every time I read it-- no matter how many times I do, I seem to fall in love again and have another type of revelation. This time it was out of this passage:

^"32 My desire is to have you free from all anxiety and distressing care. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord;

³³ But the married man is anxious about worldly matters—how he may please his wife—

³⁴ And he is drawn in diverging directions [his interests are divided and he is distracted from his devotion to God]. And the unmarried woman or girl is concerned and anxious about the matters of the Lord, how to be wholly separated and set apart in body and spirit; but the married woman has her cares [centered] in earthly affairs—how she may please her husband.

³⁵ Now I say this for your own welfare and profit, not to put [a halter of] restraint upon you, but to promote what is seemly and in good order and to secure your undistracted and undivided devotion to the Lord." -1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Amplified 

Singles, secure your undistracted and undivided devotion to the Lord. All of your affection should be on HIM. Be so concerned about the cares of furthering the kingdom of God that nothing else matters. These things aren't to "put a halter or restraint" upon you, there aren't so many rules to follow about singleness, and you can live so freely with Jesus that you won't feel like you're walking on egg shells around the opposite sex and opinions of your life and the way you live it won't really matter because you know that you're right where the Lord wants you to be. So, all of those awkward situations, whether it be questions or relationships, just set your affection upon the Lord. You are not missing out. Don't be lonely. Embrace your singleness. How blessed we are to be like the apostle Paul! Able to travel, share the good news, and go freely to edify our brothers and sisters. 

Later on in this chapter, Paul talks about being ready for when marriage comes. It's not a wrong thing to have a desire to be married. But- embrace your singleness too. Enjoy the season. Don't always be looking so far ahead that you miss out on having all of your undivided attention and affection on the Lord. I have a feeling that marriage one day will be a lot easier because my relationship with Jesus won't change. It'll only get stronger, and that's because I'm working on me now- who I am, and who I'm created to be...made perfectly in His image. And it's a beautiful thing. 

Set your undivided attention & affection on the Lord, because really singles- you're not single. You're a part of the bride of Christ, and you're not alone. 

💛

Restored.

One of the greatest things I've learned over the last year is that the Lord restores. 

 

There are so many testimonies throughout the bible that talk about restoration. 

That's one of my favorite things about the Lord, is that he restores. He turns mourning into joy, he makes beauty out of ashes. He gives life to dry bones, and He takes a heart of stone whole and beat again. He can take a diseased body, and give it full healing... He takes darkness and turns it into light. 

Sometimes we don't understand it right away, because we think it's our whole world- the changes in life. But what we may not see in our life right away, is the restoration process. It's the LORD who restores. He restores everything.

I've had the below song set on repeat the last couple of days, "Champion" by Bryan and Katie Torwalt. And every time I hear it, I've been thanking the Lord for everything he's given and that I've seen him restore over the last few seasons of my life. It is a GOOD thing to be in the will of God. And I thank him for watching over my everyday. May I continue to follow after Him, and I'm so thankful that he continues to hold my family, and I in the palm of his hand.

Oh victory you have have won, victorious you have come. What was stolen, you brought back to us. 

 

Our champion, you fight for us. You made a way when there was none. 

 

Our Champion, you're strong in us, the debt we owe you paid it back. 

 

We will shout it out from the mountain tops, that our God is good, he has overcome. Let all the earth every tribe and tongue we will sing it out- he has overcome.

FOR A TIME SUCH AS THIS

In just ONE week, it'll be a one year anniversary of us touching ground back in America. That means as of today, and me typing this blog, i've been back in my "home" country for the last 358 days- with the exception of hopping the border into Mexico a couple of times. It hasn't been easy, in fact, I feel like I've had a harder time transitioning back into America than I did moving to a country where I didn't speak the main language, everyone looked a lot different than me, the food was unfamiliar, and I didn't know anyone. But- I don't want to focus on the hardships of this last year-- even though there were a lot of them for me. I want to focus on what that the Lord has done, what he's shown and taught me, and what the Lord is doing through my life now.


I don't regret my time in Uganda. I don't regret resigning from "my career," and I don't regret giving away all of my possessions except for what fit in 3 roller suite cases, a backpack, and my guitar(s). I miss everything about that season in my life. I miss walking on red dirt roads, praying my old broken down car would start, serving daily in new places like childrens prisons, slums, and on the track where prostitution was huge. I miss going to places I had never been, the uknown everyday, and finding similarities with people my age who came from very different backgrounds. But I know that the Lord has me here in America for a time such as this, and I sometimes have a hard time believing all that the He's done this year alone. The miracles I've gotten to be a part of, and the work of HIS hands that I've seen are all truly incredible.

Now, here I am back in America a year later. I've made new friends and am close with people who I didn't know even existed when we stepped off the plane and back to America. I live in a beautiful city that I didn't even know existed in my own country, or a place I didn't even think I would ever live in. In a summary, I guess I could say that my time in Uganda helped me realize I need to be in "full time ministry" and I know it's only the Lord who could've orchestrated all of this. I've learned that it's not about where you live, but it's about how you serve and where your heart is. 

Give everyday your best, and make them most of every opportunity, learn to be present in the moment and don't spend too much time planning for the future. 

Love who is in front of you, and build the kingdom of God together. 

Never stop worshipfully and reverently fearing God. 

Never stop hearing and following his voice. No matter where you are, what your bank account says, or how many "friends" you have. 

We were made for such a time as this. 

What a special season my time in Uganda was and what a special season my time in SoCal now is. 

I can only imagine how many more countries of beautiful people there are in this world that I have yet to meet and serve with.

Dear Future Husband

The letter below is an open letter to my "future husband." It's to be used as an encouragement for single christian ladies of all ages that true love really does wait; & you don't have to search for it.

Dear Future Husband,

It's me, your future wife. Sometimes, I think about you and what our future will look like together. I'm really excited for it one day, and I can't wait to meet you. A Christian lady, who just so happens to be my momma, once told me when I was early on in my teenage years:

"Don't think so much about what your future husband will be like, and don't try to fix any broken boys. Your future husband won't need to be 'fixed.' He'll already be where Jesus needs him to be, to lead you and live life with you. Work on fixing you, preparing you, and running so fast with Jesus that one day when and if you do meet him you will be a good thing for him, not something that will hold him back from the Lord. Be you, work on you, and fall so in love with Jesus so that when you meet your future husband; you'll know who he is, because he'll look and act just like Jesus."

So that's what I'm doing. I'm working on me. Sometimes other single ladies feel lonely about being "single." But, I don't see myself that way. I don't see myself as lonely, or single, I see myself as married to Jesus- and as I honor him with my life, I'm honoring you. This is what I think the most important thing of marriage is-- that one day when we're married, we'll build the kingdom of God together.

So, as I await for you, my "knight in shining armor" to show up in my life- I'm falling deeper and deeper in love with the Lord. And the good news is, I don't have to go to singles nights. I don't have to flirt with a bunch of different men, I don't have to wear a lot of makeup and dress immodestly, or sign up for dating websites-- because none of that leads to or means true love. Instead, i'll clothe myself with strength and dignity. I'll work on my heart, and try my best to keep my spirit and personality pure. I'll let praise ever be on my lips, and I'll search after Jesus and all that HE has to offer. Then one day, when you come along side me, I'll know it's you. And you'll know it's me. With the only reason being when I look up, is because Jesus will whisper, "that's him..." We'll have the same desire for the Lord, the same heart for the lost, and we'll both know that God is sovereign and he is holding both of our futures in the palm of his hand.

And the best part- we'll live happily ever after, serve Jesus, and go to travel to the ends of the earth together.

-Madeline

Renewing your mind

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” 💛Ephesians 4:22-24 

A sweet girl messaged me the other day and asked along the lines of "how do you put away things of this world, when you want to live for Christ?" 

Ask Jesus to come and renew your mind. Put AWAY things of this world. Become and embrace being a NEW creature in Christ. Throw away old music, surround yourself with strong believers, pray, serve, and step into the calling that the Lord has given you. Fall in love with Jesus. Fall in love with his word. And know that HE loves YOU more than anything this world has to offer. Don't look back. Run the race of this life with him and be ready to punch the devil in the face when old things of your past come up. You'll be tempted, BUT you don't have to give into that temptation. You have the power and authority to say NO to SIN and YES to Jesus. Let the Lord do a work in your heart today, and embrace everything he has for you.

An Airplane Doesn't Change Things

The top picture, me at a village school in the middle of some jungle in Uganda. The bottom picture, me in Newport Beach, CA. 

Something I've learned over the last 10 months is this: getting on an airplane shouldn't change you. 

Yikes. Those are hard words for me to swallow myself. Sometimes I think about my time in Uganda, and I'm forever thankful for it. But something that still constantly shocks me is when I hear or see people say "I'm going to be a missionary" or "send me to a missionary training" or "I'm saving so one day I can go be a missionary." 

Friends. Yikes. Did you know that the word "missionary" isn't in the bible? Woah. Pause. 

But a the term, "follower of Christ is." Is it fun to travel the world and go into all the world as the bible says to do? Yes. Absolutely. We're commissioned to do so as Christ followers. But one thing that I've learned is that no matter where you are, serve and love with all you've got. Do everything as if unto the Lord. Serve, and love the hopeless no matter where you're at. And if you get to go on a plane one day to do it, than praise God. But don't identify yourself as a "missionary" when you're only in a foreign land. 

““The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, And the sons of the foreigner Shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But you shall be named the priests of the LORD, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast. Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant. Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, And their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, That they are the posterity whom the LORD has blessed.” I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.”

Isaiah 61:1-11

All I Need is You // Pursue

 

Pursue All I Need is You // Hillsong

"I close my eyes to see, My king in majesty. Your grace compels my soul, to love and drawing close. I lift my hands and sing, surrender everything. In you I know I'm found, My God, to you I'll bow. Now until forever- Jesus, I surrender. Show me what I don't know, more of you. I'm desperate for your presence, longing to be with you, lead me to a new place more of you. Through the fire, i'll persevere. I won't submit to any fear. Where I'll go you've been before, all my trust is in you Lord. Lead me to you, forever, Lord, I will pursue...I will pursue. You've won my heart, Jesus, you're all that I want
All that I want. All I need is you." -Pursue // Hillsong

I heard this song for the first time this weekend, well I'm sure I've heard it before-- but this is the first time that i've actually taken time to listen to the lyrics and take them to heart. Worship to me is beyond important, and being a worship leader has taught me that Christian Music is more than just a song, it should be our hearts cry. Worship is more than a song, worship is our lifesong as followers of Christ.

Does my life reflect how my walk is with the Lord?

Do I do ALL things and work as if I am working unto the Lord? 

I love this picture that my sister snapped of me a few months ago when we visited San Diego for the first time. San Diego is one of the most beautiful places I've been. It's perfect weather all year around, and the coast is gorgeous. I love this picture because there's an empty seat next to me, and I don't see it as lonely-- but I see Jesus sitting right beside me. He and I had a great chat there, and he speaks to me like a friend. I want to talk about a touchy subject. Something that a lot of young christian girls (and guys, I guess) think about is a future spouse. Yea, lots of us desire a husband (or wife if you're a guy) and marriage is a great thing. But, something I ask myself and keep myself in check with is, is "his grace is sufficient?" Yes, it is. Nothing else, could satisfy my life. I wear a purity ring to remind myself that Jesus is mine, and I am His. He's the ultimate lover of my soul, and even when & if the Lord sends me a husband one day-- Jesus will still be my #1. And as young christian girls (and guys), we shouldn't be striving for a spouse, we should be striving for a deeper relationship with the Lord-- how can we be HIS helpmeet, and how can we help him build HIS kingdom? For we are his bride as the church...a keeper of HIS home... and a keeper of the home is more than doing dishes and the laundry... but that's for another blogpost.

I love finding songs that are an example as to what season of life i'm in. Right now, it's the song above (Pursue // Hillsong). I am content with the Lord, and I like to ask him, "Lord, show me what I don't know... I want more of you!" Let my heart be desperate for his presence, as I'm longing to stay with him... I'll ask him to lead me to a new place, as we should always have something NEW and WONDERFUL happening in our life. 

So, let's persevere, and always strive for MORE of what the Lord has for us. As we surrender, know that ALL we need is Jesus in this life. Nothing else should satisfy our soul like He does. 

Be encouraged friends, and let's strive for a deeper walk with the Lord. 

Love, 

Madeline

Devotion: JOY

“Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);” 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 

Joy. Something that is VERY important to have in life. Especially as Christians. 

One of my favorite scriptures is "let the joy of the Lord be your strength." Sometimes in life, that's all that we might have, joy. The best thing about joy and where I learned it most, is from little children who were imprisoned, some of them were these little cuties pictured above. So many times, we forget as Christians to be joyful about the simple things in this world. No matter what is going on around us, what we have, what we don't have-- we have joy. Unending joy in Christ when we serve him. 

I challenge you today, to see joy in everything. 

He gave us joy in exchange for our mourning, took of our dirty clothes and clothed us with gladness. 

The Lord is GOOD friends. He is the only one that is good, and when we live in this world-- see him in everything. Let's be joyful, glad hearted, and rejoice!

Devotion: STAND

Stand by Britt Nicole

¹⁰ "And if you offer yourself to [assist] the hungry
And satisfy the need of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness
And your gloom will become like midday.
¹¹ “And the Lord will continually guide you,
And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail."

 -Isaiah 58:10-11AMP 

My mom asked me what my favorite scripture is these days, and I told her the one above out of one of my favorite scriptures of Isaiah. It's about how the Lord will CONTINUALLY guide you. No matter what season we may be in. I can always see the Lord's hand in whatever is happening in my life.

He's always there.

Even when we feel like we're in a desert season; the Lord's promise is that you will be like a watered garden, and water will spring forth... his waters never fail us in a desert place. Who is our strength? The Lord. 

But what do I love about that verse? It's the verse before that really gets me. Something that helps me get my eyes off of myself, and back onto the Lord is by getting myself serving, and loving others which is what we're meant to do as Christians.  

How does light rise in darkness?

How does gloom become like noonday?

Offer yourself to assist the hungry, satisfy the needs of the afflicted. 

I love how scripture answers all of our questions. That's the living water. Are we seeking HIS kingdom first? Then all things are added. All things aren't added if we don't seek. 

How is the scripture written in Matthew 6:33? Seek his kingdom first. 

May you see the Lord's hand in the midst of the season of life you're in, may you hold-fast to hope, and if you're in a desert season, may the Lord show you that you are strong. May you serve, and love others. May light rise in the darkness of your life, and may gloom become like the noonday. Serve. Don't stop serving.

End it movement

Instead of putting a ❌ on my hand today to bring awareness to the estimated 27 million salves around the world; I'm going to pray for the women and children world wide who are being prostituted that I've gotten to look in the eyes of and pray for, and offer a way out to. #staydangerous #dosomething #endit #enditmovement #sertministries

Devotion: Instructions

"Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” ² So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll.

³ And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness." 

-Ezekiel 3:1-3nkjv

Now why in the world would I put a picture of flat funny looking cookies with that scripture? Well, the Lord has a funny way of teaching me in every little thing I do. Even when my cousin Gracie and I have a late night baking party and the cookies turn out not so tasty looking. 

Here's our conversation as she pulled these funny looking cookies out of the oven: 

Me: what happened to the cookies?!! 

Gracie: I dunno

Me: Did you follow the recipe? 

Gracie: nope, I hate recipes. I dunno what happened.

Me: Duh!! It's just like the bible. You have to follow it or else your life will lead to destruction. Now the cookies are ruined!! 

Gracie & Maddie: hahaha

Don't let your life be funny looking cookies. Let's read our bibles, follow the recipe that the Lord gives us of instruction and do as it says. His word is there for us as a guide, a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path so that we can live RIGHTeously. Get into your word today, it's sweet as honey.

Strength Made Perfect in Weakness

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10amp

Look up the song "So Faithful" by Kari Jobe, the lyrics spell out those verses so wonderfully! 

It's something no one likes to talk about, our weaknesses. 

For when I am weak, YOU (Jesus) make me strong. 

Let's STRENGTHEN our weaknesses, by letting Christ shine through us in them. 

The Lord is for us, and he will never forsake us in our weakness. 

When we're persecuted- his loving kindness & mercy show. 

When we face hardships- the Lord truly makes us strong. 

When we're distressed- do we rejoice? It's when the Lord shines. His power shows. 

Then again, I remember this. What is persecution? What are hardships? What really is distress? It varies from people's circumstances all around the world, and always remember that someone would love to have the trial your facing rather than the one you're in. I'm glad I've gotten a taste of the rest of the world and know somewhat that my trials in America aren't anything compared to what other women my age face daily in war torn countries. 

I hate the saying "we are all sinners."

At one time we were. But. What are you saved from? Do you ask the Lord to perfect your weakness? How do you see yourself? As more than a conqueror, or do you see yourself as defeated? For the same power that conquered the grave lives in you. Run this race everyday, get stronger in your walk with the Lord. Let's be better. 

Friends, remember. You're less than perfect, but MORE than flesh and bones. And you are cherished, and loved. You can do this thing called life, and no circumstance is too hard for the Lord. Let his power shine. You'll see it!  

LOVE

 Happy Love Song-- "Love" by Jadon Lavik

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that word?

Love can be a feeling, a person, a place, a thing, an action, a taste, a smell, an animal... 

What is love to you?

I'll share with you what love is to me.

So here it is.

Love:: Charity. 

I grew up reading the KJV and so I guess you could say I'm biased to that version, and it's the version I love to just sit and listen and read God's word without question, one that I just take in and swallow.

This word, "charity" is replaced with "love" lots of times in the KJV. 

Love serves. And love is of action. 

When we love something, how do we react to it, and how do we treat it? 

Let's learn to serve the things that we so claim to "love." 

As I sit here and write about examples of love I've seen, and love in my life I hope it encourages you to dig deeper into life on this Valentine's Day, and think more about how you can serve rather than calling it "singles awareness day" or even if you're in a relationship, don't take charity(love) out of the picture. Love goes deeper than some silly holiday once a year.

Some examples of LOVE in my life: 

• Jesus, he paid the eternal sacrifice for me so that I could LIVE a joyful life and have salvation. 

• My family, we stick together and help each other...truly love and serve each other in every season of life. We're good at never forgetting to laugh, and love. We help each other persevere and fight the good fight of faith. 

• Warriors, they fight evil 24/7 that most of the world pretends doesn't exist so that we can have a peaceful and safe life. Love always protects.

• Little ones loving each other, babies who raise babies around the world. 

• People leaving behind their own "lives" that were building their worldly kingdom, surrendering all and choosing to serve others and build God's kingdom. 

• Friends who sharpen each other, encourage one another, and make each other laugh when it's needed most. 

• Believers who come along side a mission & vision and support it. It's a beautiful thing when the body of Christ provides the needs of one another.  

• Love is prayer, interceding for one another and listening to our Savior.

• A little boy (3 years old) carrying water jugs up a steep hill in Kampala back to his families home. I love to see children serving and helping in every way possible. 

•  Ladies in the slums jumping for joy when they receive bibles in their languages. 

• Love is worship, it's praise and thanksgiving.

• Love is when families of missing loved ones stay up for days and look for their family/friend. There's nothing like seeing a family reunited.

• Love is obedience, love is trust, love never fails. 

Keep loving in deed, in word, and in action. He first loved us.

FOLLOW YOU

 Ben Rector: Follow You

I love this song, and it's been on repeat and BLAST lately. I've woken up to it every day and turn it on first thing every time I get in my car. What a happy and uplifting song!

Let's set our burdens down. Don't wait for tomorrow-- today could be as good as it gets.
Set your feet on solid ground, and follow.
Be encouraged, and let's let this be our theme for the week.

Feet of Faith

We are the hope, the change that the world is waiting for. Now's the time for us to rise.

 

"How beautiful and delightful on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace,
Who brings good news of good [things],
Who announces salvation,
Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 
-Isaiah 52:7 


^"14 But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? ¹⁵ And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
¹⁶ But they did not all pay attention to the good news [of salvation]; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” ¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ."
-Romans 10:14-15

Today, I want to share what has been on my heart-- the phrase: "feet of faith"
Let's put feet on faith. The scriptures above are near and so close to my heart. What are we to do as Christians? Are we to doubt, discourage, be an itching gossiping ear? A person who says that the possible is impossible? Or are we to believe with an unwavering faith, encourage, edify, and sharpen those around us with encouraging, uplifting words and let praise flow off of our lips? 

Now's the time for us to rise and carry hope to hopeless lives, let love shine... and show this world that MERCY is alive. 

May this be my lifesong. May I put FEET on FAITH. May I be ever blessed to show this world that mercy is alive, to abandon things of this world... Someone asked me this week what my ambitions are, what I want to do with my life. I smiled, and replied "this." This is what I want to do. I want to share with the world that Mercy is alive. About how Jesus set me free, when I chased things of this world; a career, a fancy paycheck, a boyfriend... I lost my life-- and man am I forever grateful. The Lord has continued to supply my every need, my families every need. And I'm seeing him answer prayers and make vision come alive. I'm seeing hearts changed, lives opened, chains broken, and hearts obedient to what the Lord puts inside of them. Desires are coming alive, and i'm forever grateful. 

Friends, lets pray for those who are around the world putting feet on faith. Those who are truly the persecuted church around the world. Those who have abandoned all, picked up their cross, denied themselves, and followed after Christ. The warriors who fight on our behalf, and lay their lives down so that we may live. I never want to take living in America for granted, and that the Lord supplies a safe place for me to sleep at night, a family I love, and a gospel to preach-- it sure is a blessing to have my life reflect Christ... may my lifesong be to show others that mercy is alive, carry hope to hopeless lives, and let love shine. God is so good. Be encouraged, get out there and DO the work of an evangelist. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. And if we physically can't go for whatever reason... may we send those who are saying "here am I send me." 

MOVE. Do something. Do anything. GO4God!

3AM

It's 3 in the morning and I'm still awake so I picked up a pen and a page...and I started writing just what i'd say if we were face to face. I'd tell you just what you mean to me. I'd tell you, these simple truths: 

Be strong in the Lord, and never give up hope. You're gonna do great things, I already know. God's got his hand on you so don't live life in fear. Forgive and forget but don't forget why you're here. Take your time, and pray. Thank God for each day. His love will find a way... These are the words I would say. 

Roadtrip picture of the sunset over the snowy mountains in Utah. 

Because it's 3am, and I'm wound up from a 13+ hour road trip back to Southern California from a week of ministry in Idaho. 

As you read this, reflect on those lyrics and thank God for another wonderful day. Another day to see miracles happen, and another day to see HIS hand in our lives. Let's show the world that mercy is alive. 

Devotion: Prayer

Devotion: PRAYER.
"If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you." -John 15:7amp

Meet my little friend, Lokuta. He's 5 years old and was in prison for 1 1/2 years in Uganda, from a village 12 hours away. He was so malnourished though, he looked like he could be maybe 18 months... I thought he was almost 2 when I first met him. Thankfully now he's home with his family after we were able to track his family down and get him back to his village. We called him, "the little shepherd" because he constantly walked around with a joy all the other kids chased after and wanted. He's a little leader. This might be my favorite picture in the whole world, him with his eyes closed tight, lifting up his prayers and petitions to his Savior in worship. He makes a lot of Adult Americans prayer lives look weak. He praised God for keeping him safe, and for loving him. This boy had NOTHING. But praise was always among his lips.

  

This poses a question to you: when you pray, what do you pray for? Are the things that you want glorifying to God? Or do you pray something to better yourself. When you pray, what do you pray for? Do you just throw things at the Lord only when you need something? Or do you talk to him like a friend, do you know his voice? And do you listen to him as much as he listens to you? Prayer. Let's all go deeper in our prayer lives, and let's be continually praying so that when something comes up, we don't have to say "ill pray about it and see if it's God's will" we should be in HIS will. If we're united with him there are no surprises,his message should be living in our hearts. HIS words should remain in you. Pray continually.

Justice

"Let justice run down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." 

-Amos 5:24

"Learn to do good.
Seek justice,
Rebuke the ruthless,
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the [rights of the] widow [in court]."

-Isaiah 1:17

"Evil men do not understand justice,
But they who long for and seek the Lord understand it fully."

-Proverbs 28:5

"Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God,
Observe and highly regard kindness and justice,
And wait [expectantly] for your God continually." 

-Hosea 12:6 

"Open your mouth for the mute,
For the rights of all who are unfortunate and defenseless;
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And administer justice for the afflicted and needy."

-Proverbs 31:8-9

Justice. 

Something that the Lord has spoken to my heart, and a constant theme over these last 12 months for me. 

What is it? HOW do we administer justice? How do we understand justice in this corrupt world? How can we FIGHT for justice? How do we seek justice? 

A constant theme. Mainly throughout the old testament. For our God is a God of justice. 

Let's break it down.

Justice:: Judgement. 

If you flip flop bibles, and compare versions (I like to go back and forth through the Amplified and King James Version), these two trade spots. Justice & Judgement. 

"Don't judge. Stop judging." <-- A constant theme throughout the Christian community and the world.  Ouch, a lie from the enemy. 

Only God can judge, yes. But we are to hold each other to the word of God, to administer justice. Are we doing that? What is a righteous judgement? How do we righteously judge one another? 

We trust God, we serve, we ABIDE in Christ. We walk by faith, and we hold one another accountable... in love. 

Let's do that, let's practice justice, and righteous judgement. 

 

Human Trafficking AWARENESS to ACTION

 


 Human Trafficking Awareness Day. As our SERT Team likes to call it, AWARENESS to ACTION day. I think about the girls i've talked too, things i've seen, & cases i've been a part of across the nations...from the little ones running through the slums of Kampala, the older ladies being prostituted online, those who lived a nightmare after being taken from a night of partying, babies who are in their parents arms on street corners being put up for sale, teenage girls who were love bombed and lured by a "charming" older guy, ladies in East Africa trafficked across borders, girls delivered quicker than pizzas, others who prostitute themselves to buy their kids school uniforms, some college students who prostitute from their dorms to pay off their school loans at some of America's greatest Universities, transvestites in SF standing on street corners who are so far confused that they've lost their identity, little ones as young as 4 in Central America who don't have anyone, even others in USA who are toddlers being taken advantage of, and even the perpetrators and pedophiles who we've come in contact with who have found freedom too... All of these situations involve someone's somebody, and most importantly, they are ALL precious to God. "What if it was YOUR daughter, sister, friend, mother?" We could write books on the stuff that we've seen, and the rescues we've gotten to be a part of. But, the greatest news is that there is HOPE, deliverance, GRACE, joy, love, peace, and freedom in the midst of it all. There are Warriors who do more than just put a "Red X" on their hands once a year, there are believers who rise up in the middle of the night, give up "their" friday nights, weekends, and week days, who stand in the gap to fight for the poor and the needy. Thank you for everyone who has chosen to support what the Lord is doing through SERT Ministries, and those who fight & speak for those who can't speak for themselves. Please continue to pray for those trapped, not yet found, and for the warriors world wide who choose to lay their lives down so others may live. God is good and I love seeing chains broken, captives free, and the missing found. Let's go find some more!! Read below in the comments about what the Lord did this weekend, right in our backyard of America.

Friendship & Community

Meet one of my best friends, Maggie. I have better pictures of us, but this one I love because it's a snapshot of what the majority of our time together was spent doing...takin care of little ones in prison and loving them like Jesus. 

"Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for "bad company corrupts good character."
1 Corinthians 15:33

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Proverbs 27:17

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17

Something I miss so much about Uganda, is the community there. 

The people that I met and dove into life with so quickly I like to call "Friends turned Family." 

Don't get me wrong, the community I've found now in the states is similar, it's just different and I like to use my season of life in Uganda as an example. 

I wish that I could bring all of my friends/family to Uganda with me, and they could step on the red dirt for even just an hour and I could introduce them to all of my family and friends there. 

I often wonder why it was that I became so close to my friends and family there. And after close to 6 months of missing them everyday, and crying more when I left Uganda as our taxi driver reversed out of our driveway... I think I figured it out. It's because the relationships I had were ALL built on Christ. They were all kingdom minded, and we all had the one most important thing in mind: building the kingdom. 

Are your friendships, and is your community kingdom minded? 

One of my friends made a joke one time there and he said, "why do we always do christian things?!?!?!" He said it sarcastically, and we all busted up laughing as we were driving back to a house for dinner after serving and ministering in one of the slums in Kampala. We were all tired, covered in dirt, and wet because it was slightly raining. But it didn't matter. 

From that point on, we joked and called each other "our christian friends," and/or "team Rafiki" because Rafiki means "friend" in Swahili. 

Why were we so close? Why did we all get along so well and so quickly? Why did we all love each other so much? Why did we get along despite ourselves being from all different backgrounds of life, different countries, have different cultures, speak different languages, were all different sizes, all like different food, listen to different music, and some of us were female and others male? How did we all adapt so quickly, and why did we choose to spend so much time together? 

Team Rafiki 

It's because we all loved Jesus. Jesus was all of our #1. We sharpened each other with scripture, prayed for each other when we were having a not so good start to our days, were with each other serving the least of these, thanked God for our meals rather than arguing over what we were having for dinner, we had deep conversations about life that matter and made us better as people, we encouraged each other to go for our dreams and goals, we worshiped together, we rebuke each other in love, and we held each other accountable to the standard of holiness and righteousness, and we had so much fun doing it. 

And now that some of us are in America, others are in South Sudan in the bush, some still in Kampala... we long to see each other just like Paul started off writing in most of his letters. But until we (by the grace of God) get to all be together again, we pray for each other and know that we are all right where the Lord has us.

I pray that each of us are surrounded with fellowship that glorifies our Lord. He's closer than a brother, and speaks to us like a friend. 

May we all look at our relationships, and may they be godly! 

That is my prayer for you. 

With Love, 

Maddie & Team Rafiki 

Oh, Fear, my God is near

People fear man because they Fear God so little.

"That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies

Might serve him without fear,

In holiness and righteousness before him,

All the days of our life." -Luke 1:74-75

Have YOU fallen in LOVE with Jesus? 

-Perfect love casts out ALL fear. (1 John)

-God's love is the only thing that will NEVER fail you. 

-you are FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made... The apple of the lord's eye. 

What is the FEAR of God?

"The FEAR of God is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever." -Psalm 111:10 

-FEAR:: "yir-a" ; respect. 

-Example of respect/fear: a fear of ever disappointing someone that you love. You would never want to overstep your boundaries in a relationship with someone you love because it would hurt them, break their heart. 

A reoccurring theme in these last couple of weeks for me is, that the fear of God is the love of God. That we are to fear him, and nothing else. It's not that we are so afraid of him that we don't have a relationship with him. It's a healthy fear, a respect. Did you know that the bible says FEAR NOT 365 times? If there's a theme for this year, it should be FEAR NOT. When we fear God, we don't fear or doubt going to the places where sin abounds, we run towards the fires of this world because HIS grace abounds so much more... Every place our feet tread are ours to take in the name of the lord. Is fear of this world, of serving him whole heartedly, of truly surrendering, laying your life down, what is it that's keeping you from serving the lord whole heartedly? Have you truly fallen in love with Jesus? Let us serve him fearlessly (Luke 1:74 amp) and live in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. 

Some of my favorite scriptures out of the Old Testament about fear: 

Fear not for I am your shield. 

Fear not, I am with you. 

Let not your heart faint; fear not... 

Be strong and of good courage; fear not. 

He will not fail thee nor forsake thee; fear not...

Fear not for I will show thee kindness... 

In the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for my God is with me.

Do you walk by faith? Are you scared to surrender to the one you should respect, the one who breathed life into you, and the only one who loves you with an everlasting love? 

"In God I have put my trust, I will not fear what flesh can do to me..." (psalms) 

I got rid of fear a long time ago. My heart doesn't jump anymore at the things of this life others fear. For I know my God is with me, and he LOVES me. 

"Jesus, my soul is fearless, for you are with us, fighting for us... My defender." (Rend Collective) 

http://youtu.be/gNgFW6TdaHQ