Garage Sale in the heat of summer!

This weekend I had a garage sale to raise funds for my mission trip.  The temperature in Florida was in the 90's both days and I can't overstate how extremely hot it was out there!  I am thankful for my family and friends that donated items for the sale.  I made $280 towards my trip.  Tomorrow is the last day for the t-shirt fundraiser and unless something miraculous takes place I will not meet the 50 shirt minimum.  As of today, I have fundraised and received donations of $660 towards my goal of $2000. I was able to apply for my passport early and I'm amazed at how God worked that out!  The estimate for my airfare is roughly $1500. 

Please please pray for me.  I've seen God's faithfulness over and over again in my life but lately I felt discouraged.  I know what that's all about and continue to press on.  Thanks everyone!!!

Pressing on...

Well, I should have known as soon as I committed to going to Israel for a mission trip that life would begin to get difficult.  Not just your day to day little fires but big storms.  I believe in spiritual things.  I believe there is an evil one and that he desires to make our life miserable and will try everything to discourage us as we choose to walk in the ways of the Lord and when we commit to do something for God that seems impossible.  When I committed to going, Satan knew the impact.  The impact in my own heart, in eternity, and in the lives of those in the community.  Not that I have a special skill that will help them in a huge way but hopefully I can provide comfort.  Maybe bring encouragement or be a shoulder to cry on but right now I am feeling a tad overwhelmed with life. 

It might have been easier to just stay in bed today. The winds are like a hurricane.  It's that feeling of this is too difficult and the foggy feeling swirling in my head says you aren't doing so good.  The situations and circumstances seem daunting.  BUT GOD...says, "they aren't too big and you will not have to fight this battle, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged...for I am with you (2 Chronicles 20:17)."  Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."  So, I choose to stand in faith, believe what God says and press on!

The pain reminds this heart that this is not my home!

It was 10 years ago this week I was faced with the possibility that my baby might die.

Ryley was 2 weeks old when he began making strange breathing noises.  One week later while having lunch with a couple of friends, I was faced with the sad reality that something was seriously wrong with him.  I rushed him to the doctor and they sent us to the hospital because his oxygen levels were low.  Ryley was admitted and within a few hours he was transferred to ICU.  During the night he experienced respiratory failure and was put on life support.  The next morning he was airlifted by helicopter from Lakeland to Tampa General.  We drove to Tampa unsure of what we were facing.  A baby in extremely critical condition.  Let me just say…what a shock!  We watched in horror as he sucked on the tube inserted in his throat and while nurses ran beside his bed using a bag to help him breathe while transporting him for testing. To have a sick baby and not know if he will live or die is a scary and emotional roller coaster.  One I will never forget.  Ryley didn’t require surgery, Praise God!  He was diagnosed with two rare respiratory conditions that took two years for him to outgrow. The ups and downs were exhausting but at the same time we experienced a miracle. 

Recently, I was presented with an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Israel in October.  This is rather interesting considering our church was in the midst of a monthly prayer commitment.  One of the prayers each person was ask to pray over was for members of our church to commit to going on a mission trip.  I prayed, as if praying for someone else to go, not considering that I might be one called to go.  So here I am with a tug in my heart saying, "yes, I will go!" 

Just as interesting as how I was ask to go is the actual volunteer work. This trip is to support sick children and their families while they await and receive lifesaving heart surgery. (WOW...My heart can relate! I've been through the emotional stress of a child with a medical condition). The children and their family members come to a community home in Jerusalem.  I will stay at the community home with them for two weeks.  I will have the opportunity to pray for them, cook for them, play with them, make hospital visits and try to comfort them . This will be a time of sharing Christ's love with them.  While writing I was reminded of a scripture verse in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)  God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

I am believing by faith that if God wants me to go he will provide the support. Prayer and financial support. I will have a few fundraisers in the next couple of months.  Would you please pray for me?  This is a little scary.  I've never gone on a mission trip and I've never traveled outside of the U.S. Please prayerfully consider how God would have you help. Hearts made well.  Hearts made one.  Thank you.

 

How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133