Jesus wants to share his glory with you!

“But you, Israel, my servant Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you: ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will help you, I will uphold you, with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:8-10

 Sitting in the Miami airport, alone and cold for 6 hours now, I'm thinking about all that God has done and IS DOING, and I cannot help but keep smiling to myself.

Do you realize how faithful our God is?! How he really hears every single prayer and truly desires to fill our hearts up so that we overflow with his love, even in the most forgotten places on earth! God has great plans for you! The more you open up your hands for him to give and take away, the more you will know this awesome Jesus! Your King, who you were made for! The one who's aching for you!

He has called you friend.

He has chosen you.

He will uphold you.

My dear friends and family, I cannot thank you enough for being a part of God's incredible work here! You have supported me, both prayerfully and financially- and in both areas, I would not have experienced this without you. THANK YOU. 

In my last few weeks here, God has blown us away.  

He has grown our baby church from 13 people at the start in August to about 50 who are hungry for him! We've only poured out our desires for him to save this neighborhood and be an Oasis in the desert... and he has answered us! Praise the Holy Spirit for drawing people in and showing them his sweet presence, love and freedom for their lives!

• He has given me opportunities to speak his name with several dear friends who couldn't understand why I would leave a pretty suburb to come to the Mexi-ghetto.
• He has brought more kids to know him through talking about him in our Zonakids club each Saturday! Praise him for these new children!
• On my last Sunday, my dear Rosa, the very woman I've been praying for so hard to know Jesus, who's husband is confused and a Jehovah's witness- she actually came to church and brought her 2 kids, 2 nephews and a young neighbor with her! The greatest going away gift my heart was so overwhelmed, singing next to them on Sunday! I couldn't get over how faithful the Lord is! She wants to come back next Sunday! We're praying she does!

BIGGEST PRAISE: Like I said in the previous blog,

 Jesus has made known his plans for me!
Praise the Lord, I'm on track to serving him long term in Mexico City! I'll be going to a training program this January 13-18, 2013 and hope to prepare and raise support to return by April 2013. I know this sounds soon, but the time is so crucial as God has called me to continue all the relationships and roles I was made for in Oasis, our church and community center. He's never been more clear- I was made to show these dear people his love, praise Jesus!

I would be so grateful if you would pray about supporting me long term.

I cannot do this without the body of Christ. I need you. I need prayer warriors as the enemy does not want Jesus to be glorified in Mexico City. I also need the finances to be able to continue serving God in this place. Jesus wants to glorify you in this too. If you would consider supporting me monthly- even if you could only give a tiny amount. Even $5 a month goes farther than you think.

If you would choose to support me prayerfully and/or financially, please email me at Allieebarber@gmail.com and I will shortly send you more info.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers few!" Who will help us take Jesus to these people?

 

 

BIG NEWS...

"You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; You have guided them by your strength to your holy abode...

You will bring them in and plant them in your own mountain, the place, O Lord, which you have made for your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established. The Lord will reign forever and ever."

Exodus 15:13, 17-18

First, I want to thank the Lord for being as faithful as always, revealing his heart to us here.

Last week, he made my heart jump so high and practically leap out of my mouth! Eating a casual meal with Bob and Shona (my kiwi missionaries) I asked how their meeting went with their Pioneers director, Tim Brown, who had just visited for the weekend. They gave me what I've been begging God for since I arrived here- clarity. They told me they spent the whole meeting talking about how obvious it is that God's designed me for Mexico City and this ministry. How the time is crucial for me to be here- the harvest is now. Not in a few years after I fulfill the American dream of getting a successful job, finding a husband, and cute little apartment. No, the time is now.

Two years ago when I was first here, Shona reminded me of Romans 12:2

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may be able to discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

God started our tiny church, Oasis, just a few months before I got here in August. He's used the relationships that we've built through our community center, to really bring the people to church. We have seen the fruit that we so desperately have been asking him for. I cannot say enough, Jesus is faithful to the end!

Originally I thought I would go back to the states (I can't call it home anymore- my home is where he wants me), work for a few years and then come back to Mexico. Aren't we so blessed that our God is way more creative, exciting, and adventurous than that! He's the one that has made me a perfect fit for this place, this team and this ministry. It's amazing how he designed every little thing in my character, for the main purpose of glorifying him here and bringing people to him! It's been entirely his work, not mine.

Since this is a crucial time for our church and community center, and the workers are really few- God has given me clarity and the goal- returning to the states to support raise and go through long-term missionary training, and then return as soon as possible. We're hoping by April of 2013. God will make it clear when he raises the support- both prayerfully and financially that I'll need.

I would ask you to listen to God in this time- if he would have you support me with your prayers and finances. We are the body and your support has been a beautiful picture of Jesus! Would you continue in helping me show this place God's love and glory?

Praise Jesus that we are gaining more and more ground especially with our neighbors- all of the lost kids have started coming more to our kids' programs and last week a few of them prayed to Jesus! More and more people are coming to church and the Spirit is moving- our prayer, worship and the messages!

(Janet, 14 years)

 

I am still really aching for my friends 13 and 14 year olds, Luis and Janet  who have no father, and a disinterested mother. Their 15 year old brother is going to be a dad. God has burdened me for their salvation and I want so badly to see them know him. What a miracle that Lord willing, I'll be able to continue my relationships with them when I return next year! Right now, they are both searching for role models in the wrong places. Pray for God to change this!

I only have about 2 more weeks here. I'll be back to Birmingham on December 18th and cannot wait to see you all! You all deserve HUGE ALLIECAT hugs :)


Thank you again and again for your prayers! I have never learned the importance of prayer like I have here. I daily need
you to ask God to continue his work here. Please continue in this. You are storing up beautiful treasures in heaven when you pray for us here!!!

"Don't lost heart"- Jesus

"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought to always pray and not lose HEART." Luke 18:1

Our Father is ridiculously faithful. Ridiculously compassionate and overflowing with extreme love. For the whole world. We got to taste just a tiny piece of it and it's completely overwhelming.

My best friend, prayer warrior, and the chic that has brought me more than enough laughs and joy had to leave on Thursday. Wednesday night was probably the sweetest moment God's given me so far. Saying goodbye to all of her friends here was so difficult. The most touching by far was sweet lil George- our 7 year old neighbor who has the most innocent smile in the whole world. This precious kid cried so hard for Beckah, it broke our hearts.

Coming home to pray our last prayer together before she had to leave the next morn, Beckah and I were completely overwhelmed by God's Spirit. Feeling just a fragment of his HUGE heart for George and his entire family (17 precious people total who are all going to hell unless they turn to Jesus, their only Savior) we could not stop crying. I've never felt such a heaviness for any one's salvation in my life like I do for this whole family. I know Beckah would say the same. We both could not (still cannot) believe how faithful and graciously generous God is for giving us a piece of his heart for them. What he's placed in us in nothing that we gained nor created ourselves. It's completely our sweet Daddy wanting to give us good gifts and to share his heart with us.

Every single one of them, our Father is aching for. And there's absolutely nothing I can do to save them, but wait on the Spirit and let him lead them to Jesus. It's hard to wait, but he is so trustworthy.

The parable of the persistent widow has been coming up a lot... I know he hears all our prayers and this lady's story motivates me more and more to keep asking him. This is by far my biggest request if you could join me in praying for this whole family, including:

(sweet George and Sarai- innocent angels)

Luis, Janet, Rosa, Ricardo, Antonio, Lupe, George, Sarai, Chava, Santana, Sergio, Jasmin, and all the rest of them.

Amazing how faithful God is. I was sad about having my day off without my best bud, after Beckah left on Thursday. I didn't want to be alone, but didn't know what to do or who to spend it with. I gave it up to him and the very next morning, I woke up to the answer (all 3 of them) literally sitting on my bed at 8am! My sweet neighbors Rosa and her sons Chava and Santana leaned into my confused face full of morning breath and asked me to go spend the day working on constructing their new house. Though I was exhausted and still a bit fluish how could I say no?! We spent the day on a mountain side, shoveling gravel to build their floor, shooting fireworks off the mt and eating lunch over a fire. Though I didn't get to say a lot about Jesus, God gave me a lot of footage with them and used it to really grow our relationship. (They're Jehovah's witnesses) I'm able to call them Papa and Mami as they care so much for me.

God's blessed me with more people to love than I've ever dreamed of. Though the enemy tries to attack with loneliness, Jesus pulls me up and shows me how deeply he can fill my heart. More than any best friend, child, nor man ever could. He is beyond our wildest dreams.

With Beckah gone, it's been really hard going through the day without sharing life, laughing and crying with my girl. But God is using it to grow my reliance on him and also take me into a new season. He's so exciting like that, always bringing new seasons and surprises. I've already been able to spend way more time with our neighbors in just 3 days than I have ever before. And today he gave me an opportunity to tell them why I'm here. He provides all we need and dream of, always in abundance.

Little by little, he's leading me along, showing me glimpses of what he made me for. I belong here with these people. This nature lover has never known such joy in such a polluted, overcrowded city with hardly any trees in sight. That's God for you :)

You are a part of his glory and goodness. Thank you for continuing to pray for his work here and for me. I am so grateful! I can obviously see that you're praying. Please continue, for his glory!



(George, Beckah, Santana, Luis, Chava, me and Carlos)

Open more doors. Bring the fruit.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, an account of which I am in prison- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:2-4

As always, thank you for continuing to be faithful and pray for us here. Your prayers are moving God's heart to answer us in powerful ways here! I am so thankful for you.

God answered our prayers and brought a full house of people to our Hallergia Outreach event last Friday. It was amazing seeing so many new faces and families enjoying themselves in Oasis (our community center). We had karaoke and lots of games, but even more importantly...Bob was able to give a short message, in which the Spirit totally spoke. We are praying that God rooted his message in each heart that was present and that he'll continue watering and growing the seeds.

Lately, God's been teaching us all about his harvest- how he's the only one who can grow and produce fruit. We're just his workers, following his lead. He is the Harvester. We must be patient and wait for his perfect timing. He's been giving us pictures of him handing us the fruit. He's holding SO much for us. He just wants us to keep asking, seeking, wanting and persevering and he'll hand it to us. He is an abundant God and Giver!

Beckah and I have had days when the attacks of the enemy are extra hard. Some days we feel drained and without joy, but we know that God is fighting for us and all we have to do is surrender and let him do his thing. He mounts us up on eagle's wings, all for his glory. I've been amazed at how faithful he's been in giving us more hunger for him. His presence is so rich, full of abundance. All we have to do is ask him for more and he answers.

The past several days, I've asked him for specific things such as giving me loveliness, purifying my past (full of lust) and helping me seek him above all...

Would you believe it! Each day I've opened my devotion book to find him literally, word for word, promising me these things! God is so real and living. Here's just an example of what he said yesterday:
I am working my ways in you; the divine Artist creating loveliness within your being. My main work is to clear out the debris and clutter, making room for My Spirit to take full possession.
 - Jesus Calling

Let this encourage you to ask, ask, ask in Jesus' name. His name literally contains so much power.

He's been faithful in bringing two girls my age to church...I've been so blessed seeing him work in them. One already knows him and the other is curious. We're asking him to keep them coming and to keep watering these seeds- especially so they'll stay connected to Oasis after we leave.

Those of you that have prayed for God to continue giving me specific pictures and words for people, and also for boldness to share them, THANK YOU!!! He's growing my trust in him, to rely on him entirely whenever he gives me something to share. Last night during our prayer time, I tried to step out more and ask him for a picture/word for my friend who doesn't know him. He answered (not a surprise!) and though I was so afraid for the awkwardness of sharing/not knowing how to explain in Spanish to this girl that I hardly know, he gave me the courage. He even touched her heart as I told her what he said . I'm praying his words stay with her and that he makes her thirsty for more.

He has also continued honoring me in dreaming big. I honestly never thought my sweet Mama Barber would ever be able to see my life here and understand that God made me specifically for this country. I love my mom to death, but God's obviously made us different and I'm not really sure where I get my sense of adventure. Nevertheless, this dream that I've had for some time...for her to know and see me here, is coming true! Like I learn over and over, God has no limits! My parents and sister are coming tomorrow until Monday to help us do much needed construction at Oasis. I've never been more thrilled and thankful!

Please continue praying:

• God would open more doors for us to share his truth with all of our students, especially as our time is coming to an end. Beckah leaves next week and I leave in 6 weeks. Also that he would make what we share clear and give us creative ways to share with our younger adolescent friends.
• For all of the relationships we've made with our friends who are not believers. There are many: Luis, Rosa, Janet, Ricardo, Santana, Chava, Diogenes, and several more. We are so hungry for them to know Jesus. Especially the one household of Jehovah's witnesses that we love. Only he can bring them to himself.
• For his Spirit to continue speaking and leading with dreams, visions, and words for these people. Also, more boldness for us to share these with whoever he tells us to.
• Perseverance, physical and emotional rest, refreshment, wisdom, peace, joy, discernment, compassion, gentleness and ALL the fruits of the Spirit for us to display for his glory.

Again, I rely on your prayers and can't thank you enough! You are one of the reason's I'm here and when you pray, God is using you to display his glory here. May his glory be magnified wherever you are in this moment!

Unless PAPA draws him

Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him, God the Father has set his seal. -John 6:27

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me, draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. -John 6:44

We cannot save a single soul without him. The Father has to draw him. We are only his vessels.

We thank God for giving us his urgency to save these people here. He has especially put one family on our hearts. Our neighbors who are Jehovah's witnesses (3 sisters a brother and all their spouses and kids- 17 people total). We've been having so much fun getting to know them, playing futbol and basquet on the street and hanging out on their porch. Yes, we're showing them love...but it's all meaningless unless they know the truth behind our love- Jesus.

God  gave me this urgency to see them know him two weeks ago. The kids came to our house one Sunday night to ask us to play and we gladly went along. On the way to their house we stopped by the Catholic church service to find one of their brothers, Luis. This precious, spunky 12 year old had gone to church all by himself. When I asked his sister why he went, when even his parents don't go, she told me, "because he likes it." This kid got dressed up and all by himself, chose to go to church over playing with his buds.

God is hungry for hearts like Luis's. 12 years old and he's already searching, wanting more. The problem is is looking into working for his salvation, and not into the Father's loving eyes. That night I had dreams all night of this kid. I know God desperately wants Luis. But only Jesus can draw him to himself. We're praying feverently for this boy- that God would use his thirst for more, to lead him and his entire family to God.

Also, our mama here has a precious daughter, Carmen (39yrs old) who is one of the most loving, inspiring people I've ever met. Carmen is always giving all of herself to others.She works in the poorest area, helping kids with learning disabilities while receiving hardly any pay. She lives by the inspiration to "pay it forward", but not because she knows Jesus. She loves God but doesn't see her need for Jesus.

These people NEED Jesus. Please continue praying they will know him.

God is so real, answering soooo many prayers! He's given Beckah and I more love for each other. Even when we've gone through hard, tiring days when we are focused on ourselves and feeling drained, his Spirit has been our spring of living water, welling up inside of us, making our cups overflow! We are so thankful!

He's continuing to give us dreams, visions and words for specific people! He is so generous, I still can't get over how much! His Spirit is leading, just as we've begged him to. I couldn't ask for anything more!

He's continuing to fight for us against temptation of selfishness. What a King we have, who fights for us!

We live off of the Father's faithfulness in knowing what we need. When you pray for us in Jesus' name, he hears and answers powerfully. Please continue in praying for:

• Luis and his entire family. God is so faithful in growing our relationships with them. Mexicans in general struggle with trust issues, but God has given us so much footage in this family. Pray that he will continue making us bold in every moment we have with them, that they would know Jesus and their need for him.
• Carmen and her family. That she would see that it's Jesus that has given her love for people. Jesus is who she was made for. She's already living out his love, she just doesn't know it yet. Pray for boldness, wisdom, discernment and opportunities for God to speak through us with her and her family.
• other various friends we have that I can't mention. We want to perservere in each relationship that Jesus may be known and glorified!
• our Outreach event this Friday at Oasis (community center) We're having a Hallegria (Allegria=joy instead of halloween) party this Friday at 6pm on el dia de los muertos. This is a really spiritually dark time in Latin America as everyone is taking offerings to the dead in the cemetaries and praying to demonic spirits. We've been asking God to SHINE here in this dark time. Please pray that many would come to this outreach event and that Jesus would touch hearts and destroy all the works that the devil is trying to do here.
• Beckah, who's become my soulsister, is leaving on November 15 and I'm really going to miss her- my prayer warrior, my best friend, my running bud, the only person who really gets me here and laughs with me every day. It's going to be difficult without her, but God's timing is perfect. Pray that he speaks and ministers to us both in this new season- I'll have a month here without her and she'll be adjusting back in Oklahoma.
• Perserverance to run this race for him alone. Pray against loneliness for me especially, as satan always attacks in the same ways. He has no place here.

Thank you all! You're also in my prayers and I have so much joy being your friend.

for laughs- Last week I was tyring to ask Margarita (my mama) if I could use her mirror (espoje). Instead I said, "Podria usar su esposo?" (Could I use her husband?)

LOL we laugh a lot here.

Where You go, I go. Where You stay, I stay.

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.- Jeremiah 31:25

And my God will supply every need of yours, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19

What a great Father we have. Who loves making us wait on his plans, just so he can watch our faces when he surprises us! He gets so much pleasure from our trust and surrender. He's got way more character and personality than we give him credit for. Ask him to be himself with you and you won't be disappointed!

Since I arrived here, I've been asking him to show me the next steps in his plan for my life. I've been seeking and longing for answers. Would he have me stay here? Stay in Birmingham? Go someplace else? In his presence, all questions, doubts, and worries fall away.

 Just last Friday I was sitting in our tiny back porch, surrounded by potted plants, resting in his green love- he knows me so well :) I felt his peace wash over me as I searched my own heart. I've been asking him to show me for so long and I finally felt him tell me.

Allie, my wildflower, what do you desire? This is what I desire.

So I answered, "You know I love this country. I feel like you handmade me for these people- for this country. I trust you'll bring me back here when you choose. Until then, I'm content in Birmingham or wherever else you desire. Where you go, I go. Where you stay, I stay."

What a sweet Daddy I have, to answer me so powerfully, so quickly.

I came inside, checked my email to find an job opportunity waiting for me back in Birmingham. A position for a small church's children director. I still don't know if I'll get it, but OH the Lord is sweet! He directs every single little step of our lives! So silly of us to worry about what's ahead! He wants us to enjoy stepping with him. Because our journeys with him are jam full of adventures, surprises, joy, intimacy, and the deepest love!

He's answered an enormous amount of prayers since I've been here!!! And you, my friend, have been a part of his work. I cannot thank you enough for your love and faithfulness in praying for us here. Muchismas gracias.

• He's given us endless opportunities to speak of his love: with various lost students, with our sweet neighbors who are Jehovah's witnesses, who have the purest seeking hearts- just really lost. The dad flat out asked me today, "So who is God to you?" Ooooooooh the Lord is good! I got to talk with a student today for an hour about her undiagnosed disease that has brought her closer to Him. Her husband left her because he got tired of caring for this beautiful 29 year old. She passionately loves Jesus and takes in poor and dirty street folks, even when they don't give her anything in return. Such sweet moments all from him.
• He's answered our prayers for dreams and visions. And he's blessed me through other's prophetic words of encouragement! Our Lord never runs out of love and encouragement!!!
• He's given me a little 7 year old, Angel who has dyslexia and needs speech therapy. Though I feel inadequate to help him, this is God's doing and I'm so thankful.
• He's given me hard days, breaking my pride and self-reliance- all in Fatherly love in order to teach me to surrender and rejoice in suffering. Do you realize...

"suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." - Romans 5:3-5

He is so faithful, when I've felt completely empty from pouring out so much of myself...He has poured into me- way more than I need. His supply of love, encouragement, empowerment is endless. Be bold in asking him to fill you up. He will.

Please continue praying for:

• wisdom, discernment, and guidance in helping little Angel in speech every Wednesday at 5pm. I have hardly any experience in my field (though I did graduate with this degree) and need the Lord to inspire and lead me in how to help him.
• grace in listening to the Spirit every time we're talking to someone who needs him. Obedience to speak his words, and to be his hands and feet.
• that God would fulfill the meaning of Oasis (our church) as a refuge in this dark, dry and desperate city. He has already been so faithful in hearing our prayers in bringing people to our community center...now we long for more souls in our church here.
• that God would fight for us against jealousy, selfishness, overeating, worrying, self-reliance and pride. We constantly need his deliverance.
• BOLDNESS- I want God to set this place on fire for his name. Pray for us.

So much love, joy, and laughter to you all :)

Allie

Up on the mountain

Be willing to follow me wholeheartedly, with glad anticipation quickening your pace. Though you don't know what lies ahead, I know, and that is enough! Some of my richest blessings are just around the bend; out of sight, but nonetheless, very real. To recieve these gifts, you must walk by faith- not by sight...

Sometimes I lead you up a high mountain with only my hand to support you. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the view becomes; also, the more keenly you sense your sepeartion from the world with all of its problems. This frees you to experience exuberantly the joyous reality of my presence. Give yourself fully to these glory moments, awash in dazzling light.

- Jesus Calling

Jesus sought rest on the mountains. My whole life, I've been drawn to their beauty. Though 21 million people live here, Mexico City is surrounded by glorious mountains. This past Thursday, Bequita (Beckah's nickname here) and I got to climb one. God was so sweet to us, letting us get away from the crowds and find rest in his creation. On the top of the mountain, he led us to Johnny- a guy who needs him. We needed someone to take our picture and quickly made friends with this 35 year old world traveler from England. We spent the whole afternoon talking about life and God. This famous fashion photographer travels all over, only buying one way tickets, living out spontanuity. Amazing how he's tasted fame, money, adventure, love and everything else the world has to offer and still... he senses something's missing.  No matter who you are, Jesus is the only one who can complete you and fill all the missing places of your heart. We're praying for Johnny to seek him.

Thank you all so so much for your prayers. As always, we are so thankful that the Spirit is moving powerfully here.

• We had THREE new families visit Oasis (our church) on Sunday! This is huge for us as we're a small group and haven't had hardly anyone visit yet. Praise God for these families! We're not into filling our church so that we see the result of our hard work. No, we want to fill Oasis with true worshipers who adore our Lord. HE is the one we want to see praised!
• He's giving us more and more opportunities to speak his name!
• Several people this week asked me why it's called "Oasis." I got to tell them, it's because we have a refuge here, in the Lord's presence. It's a place where we can find rest and true, living water. Prasie God!
• I've had days when God has literally expanded my time in order to get all my studies done for my classes. Pretty sweet of him!
• I've been asking God to make me bold and he sure did. I got to share my testimony with a shy, broken-hearted 18 year old guy with acne during my one-on-one English Conversation class. Beckah laughed after I told her about it...I told him how I used to be a shy, insecure, pimplefaced girl. But God showed me his love in Nicaragua and freed me from my insecurities. Maybe a lil too bold, but our God always goes beyond what we ask him, doesn't he ;)
• our prideful, older friend who we've been praying for actually opened a Bible last night and asked us about it. He's still far from wanting to seek God, but he's curious. We're praying he reads John.
• We're getting to build more relationships with our students and neighbors. Classes that used to be difficult are becoming a joy, purely because God's growing our hearts for these people. More people are coming and are begining to trust us, which is a slow process for Mexicans.
• Joyful moments dancing to reggae (my FAV!) in the street with the neighbors, playing skreet ball with da niños , and getting to smell our neighbor's one month old puppy's breath- are all gifts from our Father who adores us. I am so thankful!!!

Please keep asking God for us:

• to give our missionaries rest. Their work is endless and can be draining. Pray God gives them refreshment, joy and rest in the oasis of his presence.
• to fill us with HIS words for these people. That his Spirit leads us always and that we're quick to obey whatever he asks.
• for our friends: Pedro (drugaddict), Johnny (British photographer), and the older man who doesn't know he needs Jesus.
• for God to use us, his vessels, to destroy the works of the devil in this place. There's so much darkness.
• to deliver me from tempation in- selfishness, lust, overeating and discontentment.

I am so thankful for you. Jesus loves you. There is no guilt or shame to hurt your relationship with him. He's destroyed it all. :)

Heaven filled me with more than enough

There's so much more to life than we've been told.
 It's full of beauty that will unfold.
And shine like you struck gold my wayward son...

Still I get hard pressed on every side
Between the rock and a compromise
Like the truth and pack of lies fightin' for my soul
And I've got no place left go
'Cause I got changed by what I've been shown
More glory than the world has known
Keeps me ramblin' on

Skipping like a calf loosed from its stall
I'm free to love once and for all
And even when I fall I'll get back up
For the joy that overflows my cup
Heaven filled me with more than enough
Broke down my levees and my bluffs
Let the flood wash me

- Josh Garrels

He pretty much says it all. Life is full of beauty that unfolds through Jesus. When we pour out our hearts to him, Heaven fills us with joy that overflows our cups. He is way more than enough.

He's been answering so many specific prayers, I can hardly keep up with writing them all down.

• By God's power alone, our prideful older friend has come to our prayer time at Oasis on Tuesday nights. God's overwhelming goodness made me laugh a few days ago. This traditional man, who's been set in his ways, not into knowing God actually told me how much the world needs missionaries. HA! Can you believe that?! You better believe God is working on his heart!
• He's giving us dreams and visions, just as we've begged him too. Now I ask that I would be faithful in speaking what he gives me. Many times I'm too afraid to speak out. I need his boldness.
• He's giving us opportunities to speak his name in our English classes, even when we don't have a plan nor the words. Last Wednesday, a random 27 year old wandered in and was able to have a conversation class with me at the last minute. It wasn't at all planned by us (but by God himself.) We started talking and the conversation led to what all girls love to talk about- boys. Little did she know, this is the area that God has been the MOST compassionate, powerful, and extremely faithful to me. I was able to share my story of him taking me through so much pain in order to really know Jesus. The Spirit filled the room. There were tears. She was confused and curious at my relationship with him. On this day, I know he planted a promising seed in her.
• Because of his sweet tender love, we've gone through hard days. Days feeling helpless, weak, unable to excel in each task like we desire. Days when I can't fully explain my science lesson. When I take the wrong bus. Days when I can't learn the ukulele chords to play with the worship group. Days when I'm low on energy and have to teach 30 rowdy kids one English lesson for 1 and 1/2 hours.  It's these days that make us so thankful. You see, he blesses us with these weak times to refine us. Just like we've asked in Jesus' name. It's difficult because our flesh hates being defeated. Our spirits love that he always wins. Discipline is bittersweet, but ultimately sweeter.
• One night we fervently asked him to give us more laughter. The very next night when our mama took us to get tamales on the street, we laughed so hard that night, she thought the tamales were spiked. Boy is God REAL!!! When you feel low on laughter, ask him for more. He answers.
• He's breaking mine and Beckah's selfishness in order to bring us closer. It's a hard process, but he's blessing us with honesty and teaching how to love. He's our Helper always.
• Last Sunday, our friend Pedro didn't show. However, he brought some of our extended family members. A couple who had both lost dear loved ones and had been angry at God. He's working on their hearts. Amazing how God cannot nor will he ever be exhausted. Always doing so much! And this is just one small part of town...he's moving ALL over the world.
• His Spirit is abiding and leading, even when I don't feel it. I went for a run and felt really off the other day. I took a different path than usual down a busy street and didn't know why. I was almost mad at myself for it. Then I passed her. A woman on her knees, worshiping a stone head on her doorstep. Next to the idol, she had placed an offering of a plastic cup of beer. This was the reason, the Spirit led me down this unusual path. For his Spirit to pass by her- to destroy the works of the devil. To free her from her bondage. He is light in the darkness. This city is covered in darkness. So many trapped, lost souls. Please pray for them.

OH MY GOSH. I almost forgot. Guess what he did today...

I went to a laundromat to wash clothes and met a short lady, with tattooed arms. She said to me, "You're a Christian. You are an angel."
I'm not telling you this to build myself up, but for you to see his goodness. This is what happened.
She started telling me her powerful testimony.

Raped by her father at 6 years old. A life as a prostitute. Her husband in prison for ten years. She lived in bars. Talked trash all the time.

Then God saved her. He made her a new creation. He did a work in her that only he could do. He saved her husband too. Now he travels to prisons all over Mexico. sharing his testimony.

She began prophesying over me- declaring that everything in my past is dead. That God doesn't even remember all my sin. He's made me completely new. I am his angel. I have his joy.

God poured out his love for me through this fiery woman, Lettie. My heart is full.

In the same laundromat, I met another Christian woman who is fluent in English and wants to help us out at Oasis. (We're desperate for more teachers since we're a small number and have over 500 coming now).

I love how Jesus meets us in the most unexpected times and places. He has no limits. The depths of his love are endless. Let him come to you, just as you are. Where you are. You don't have to do anything, but open your heart and let him do his stuff. He's sooooooooooo stinkin' good at it.

Please keep praying for everything here. You can see how obviously he's answering our prayers. You will be rewarded with so much glory in heaven. I wish I could give you something now for your faithfulness to me. All I can say is thank you. And may God completely overwhelm you with his love that you are left broken, for him to pick up, hold close and rebuild.

He adores you.

"You won't relent until you have it all. My heart is yours."

I can seriously feel all of your prayers. This has been an incredible journey and I owe so many bear hugs to each of you. In this past week alone, God did so much that I can hardly summarize the pages of my journal into this blog.

He really answered our prayers for the Holy Spirit to abide and lead. It's pretty incredible how seriously he takes us when we ask and ask and ask. Let this encourage you to keep asking him for more- for yourselves, for the lost, for HIS glory. Ask, ask, ask.

1. His Spirit was abiding in a brother who I hardly know. This guy back in Alabama, obeyed God's voice and sent me random passages in which God was crying out to me- speaking to the very center of my soul. It is amazing how much the Lord delights in speaking to his kids! Since I've been here, I've been battling doing things only for God and not for men, as my flesh constantly longs for recognition and approval. God  knew what I was facing and wanted to speak so powerfully to me, that he told this guy to show me Ecclesiastes 9:11-19. It's about a poor, wise man who delivers an entire little city, without anyone remembering him. God says that, "wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard. The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools." (v.16-17) What a beautiful thing that the Lord is the only one we serve. Who cares if no one remembers us- that's not why we're here. We exist purely for his pleasure. And when we live for his pleasure- we get back way more than we could ever imagine. Let this also encourage you quiet people. God can use you to deliver an entire city if he chooses! DON'T YOU DARE put limits on him. There are NONE.

2. God has been working our on lost friend's heart and preparing it for something new- we're begging God to save him. This older guy suffers from so much pride, loneliness, and the lies of materialism from the world. But God is moving, allowing us to have more conversations about his free gift of salvation. He is curious, but very cautious and set in his ways. We beg you to pray with us for him.

3. God gave me a hard test this past week to reveal the idols of my heart and draw me even closer. Bitter sweetness when my heart is rejected by men, only to be welcomed with joyful, LOUD, passionate singing of the Lord- calling me to himself! He alone can satisfy our hearts. Though there was pain in this lesson, his joy came and that makes it so worth it.

4. Thursday night I was up for hours, preparing to lead my first kick boxing class in our community center on Saturday, when I pulled my hamstring. I could hardly walk without pain on Friday and was terrified of how I was going to finish preparing and lead on Saturday. That morning I read,

"Oh Lord, in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and WATCH." Psalm 5:3

That's what I did- though it took him breaking all of my pride, which was a painful process. Many of you were praying and God was so faithful to us! Saturday morning I woke up with no pain in my leg. He literally healed me. HA! Before the class, he gave me supernatural confidence and joy that was NOT from myself- purely him. I actually had a blast leading the class and a good number of 25 showed up instead of the 70 that registered. I can't say it enough, Jesus is tight. Way to cool for words!

5. Sunday morning, the Spirit moved again. We were sharing testimonies at Oasis ( all 15 of us at our church) when a dirty, mangy looking 30ish year old man wobbled in. He didn't speak, but sat in the back directly behind me. He reeked of paint thinner. His sweatshirt hood was covering his face. I've never felt anything like it before, but when we walked in, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit. Beckah and I both instantly thought of Jesus telling us,

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me....Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did  it to me." Matthew 25: 35, 40

This man stumbled to the front and began speaking about his pain and drug addiction. He was so ashamed and overwhelmed with sadness that he could not hold back the tears. Hanging his head low, he walked away as our pastor tried stopping him. He was able to get his name, Pedro. We got Pedro to sit as we prayed over his trembling body. The Lord was so sweet in this moment. I watched a member, Josue, stroke Pedro's head with so much love as he prayed for him. I was overwhelmed with grief for this poor guy. Thinking about not only all that's he's done- but all that's been done to him. Pedro needs Jesus to come in and heal everything in his aching heart. He left shortly, saying he'd return next Sunday. We are all praying so. This is probably our biggest request- that God would rescue Pedro from his misery and pull him into his loving arms. Please pray for him.

As you can see, the Lord really is faithful to the end. Please pray for:

• our lost, prideful friend
• that God would free up all of our idols and take our hearts completely captive
• daily energy, creativity, strength, perserverance, joy and wisdom for all of our work here- it's a lot. (especially for kickboxing)
• Pedro
• ways to draw our students in and show them Jesus- that the Spirit would lead ALL of this.
• more dreams and visions please! We long to hear more from God.
• more opportunities to be his hands and feet- destroying the works of the devil and speaking life into lost, dead souls.

So so so much love to each of you!!!!!!!!!! May God abide in you all and show you secret, hidden things that you never knew ;)

"...I will be found by you, declares the Lord."

The Lord is moving in Mexico. He's doing some things that we can see.

Like bringing more than 300 people to attend classes in our community center, which is our main ministry of showing people Jesus- by building relationships and demonstrating his character in our own lives. He's given Beckah and I opportunities to build deeper friendships with some of our family members here. He's specifically put one extended family on our hearts. The mom loves God but her husband is strictly Catholic and doesn't want her near Christians. By the grace of God, he's changing and we got to spend a whole afternoon playing futbol with them last week. They are a really sweet, loving family- just lost and trapped in the customs of their country. We're praying God continues working on the husband's heart especially.

God has also given us so much freedom, joy and laughter with our friends here. We just celebrated Mexico's independence day on September 15th. We were both nervous about spending the entire day with all of our Mexican friends...really we were worried about maintaining our Spanish for so long, while enjoying their company and not getting exhausted. (Speaking and constantly translating Spanish in our heads can be draining). What a surprise it was for God to enable us to have a wonderful conversation with the sweetest old man, Abel, for a few hours at dinner. He's a strong believer and we got to talk with him all about God, the Holy Spirit, heaven, and how he used to be a prodigal son. It was sweet! The night was full of fireworks, watching el grito (the traditional Independence yell: "viva Mexico!") on tv, eating yummy posole (delicious soup with loads of ingredients) and cracking up with our awesome kiwi (new zealander) missionaries on the car ride home. We had asked God to help us glorify him in our fun before the day started, and he totally blew our expectations! He is LIFE and the Creator of FUN!

The Lord has also been doing some things that we cannot see. It's these things that really excite me!

He has been ministering to both Beckah and I, answering our prayers in giving us more love for each other. We have both struggled with jealousy...she's one of the coolest girls I've ever known and Satan has tried to use that to make us stumble. Praise God, he has shone his light on our sin and brought us even closer in repentance and forgiveness. Hahaha he always wins over sin!

He has also been doing more in my heart, tenderly growing and leading me. Since I've been here, I've struggled with being uncertain about his plans for my future. I've allowed fear to creep in and at times, I've forgotten why I'm here. I exist purely for him and his delight. How silly of me to forget his promises!

"I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart." Jeremiah 24:6-7

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with ALL your heart, I will be found by you, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 29:12-14

He deserves everything. Not the leftover pieces of our hearts, but the very best. We can trust him with our WILDEST dreams! He keeps giving me dreams about surfing (something I've never gotten to do but one of my biggest desires) in which I'm able to ride killer waves without even using a board. I know he is going to go beyond all my expectations in every single desire I have from him. It's because he's the one that has given me my desires. Of course the Creator of my dreams is going to fulfill them!

ALL OF YOU, I would not be here without your prayers and support. I thank you more times than all the tortillas I've eaten here (that's a lot).

Please keep praying for:

• our sweet Mama's grandson who has an abusive step dad....this boy is quite special. 9 years old and she's never seen him upset. He's constantly smiling and has the purest heart. Our Mama's worried about him eventually turning to the streets like so many kids here do.
• The Spirit to abide in us and lead us in ALL of our words, thoughts, and actions so that God receives ALL the glory here.
• The Spirit to lead more and more people into Oasis (our church and community center). We long to see lives saved.
• Beckah and I- more and more love and service for one another
• My kickboxing aerobics class this Saturday. I've never taught before, just attended a few classes in Auburn....and now over 60 people have signed up to come. HAHAHA it's gonna be cra-cra! Sounds silly, but pray for God to lead me in teaching this class...it's a way to build relationships with theses people. I'll be teaching it every Saturday.
• our extended family here who desperately needs Jesus. We're praying for the husband especially.

He Answers Our Prayers!

God is serious about the prayers we pray. He honors them and answers them. Not always how I would have, but his way is always the best. And he's super creative!

My journal from last Monday reads: "Lord, please test, sharpen and refine me for your glory. I am yours." A scary prayer...if it wasn't to the lover of my soul. But he cares for me with more passion than any human ever could. So, I'd say with any prayer, I'm safe.

The very next night, I was up all night in the bathroom. I had to stay home from work on Wednesday and was up all that night as well, fainting each time after I used the bathroom. Some kind of bacteria had got into my system and it took all my energy for my body to fight it. Stuck in the bed for 3 days, I was really discouraged. So much work needed to be done in the community center I couldn't even walk outside without feeling exhausted. I trusted God, but it took me several days to understand fully why he allowed this.

Just before I got sick on Tuesday, I read "You are a hiding place for me, you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance!" Psalm 32:7

On Saturday morning, I experienced complete brokenness in my bed. I was listening to a song about how much Jesus loves me when He shook me out of my self pity. He overwhelmed me with my purpose here on earth- TO LOVE HIM. That's it. That's all he wants. My heart was weary from trying so hard to seek him and the whole time, he was right in front of me, hanging on the cross. Bleeding for me. Once you discover your purpose like I did, there's nothing to do but sit in his presence. All you can do is soak up his love- which never stops flowing.

This is why he planned for me to get sick... to be awakened again to his love and my purpose. Things were starting to creep back into my heart again- fears, selfish desires and idols. He LOVES me too much to let me live with those. I can say with confidence now, I do not want anything. I have all I've ever dreamed of with him. This is waaaaay more than enough to fill every place in my heart and more!

You wouldn't believe all the other prayers he's answered!!!

I was praying really hard on Saturday for my friend who wants God, but her husband strictly forbid her to stay away from Christians. Guess wah?! Her husband miraculously (so out of his character) let her come to our church on Sunday! God is doing a new thing in her! He's also giving me more opportunities to talk with them both, praise him!

Yesterday, we had TONS of people attend all of our classes in Oasis (community center). God went way beyond what we asked him to do as far as bringing people goes! More than 30 kids in a class that was designed for 15 ha!

Another huge thing he did... I could hardly walk a few blocks on Sunday without losing all of my energy, and I was supposed to teach classes from 10am-7pm on Monday. I didn't know how I was going to do it...I was completely helpless, but I knew God would do something for me. So yesterday I taught my adults english class, 9th grade science, another adults english, and an english conversation class. By God's strength, I made it the entire day! I had barely lasted a few hours in church the day before... and then he got me through 9 hours of standing and teaching. What a God we have!!!

As you can see, God really does care about what we ask him for! I daily rely on your prayers. Please keep them coming when you can. Thank you all so much!

Please pray:

• God will continue transforming us to show Jesus to these people
• He will give us more opportunities to speak his name and be his hands
• He will give us all engery (especially my weak body) to do everything for his glory and not for men
• The Spirit will continue drawing people into church (we had 2 visitors on Sunday!)
• for my friends (a few adults) who don't know him yet

Living one who sees me

"The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness...

'because the Lord has listened to your affliction.'

So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her. 'You are a God of seeing,' for she said, 'Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.' Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi (Living one who sees me)."

Genesis 16:7,11,13-14

Just as God met Hagar in the wilderness, after she had been abused and hurt by her mistress...

He is constantly meeting us here. His love never stops flowing. Everyday we face struggles with exhaustion, learning the language, and serving in the MK school and community center. Beckah and I have realized everyday we're discouraged, it's because we're thinking of ourselves- our weaknesses. It's when we let go of ourselves (our inability to communicate what we desire) and let God have his way, our hearts are satisfied and have peace. Praise Jesus for carrying ALL of our burdens and giving us joy!

I have never been more blessed to live with our new Mexican mama, Margarita. Since we moved in this past Wednesday, this lady has loved us with all of her heart. Her husband passed away just in April and she's been lonely. One of the most caring, thoughtful, and loving woman I have ever met. She cried when she saw Beckah and I praying together our first night. The Lord has done so much for this strong woman and she continues to pour out herself to Him.

Beckah and I had our first big adventure navigating the metro during rush hour to visit the Aztec pyramids a few hours away on Thursday. Jesus was so sweet to us! We've been asking him to put people in our path to share his love and He has!!! At the pyramids we were surrounded by his glory in the numerous mountains and pastures full of flowers. The wind was blowing and we felt His peace. We came across one of the smallest, cutest old man I've ever met. He told us he was having a horrible day. He had hardly any money to support his family, but was trying to sell a few pieces of jewelry. He loved to talk and had a lot of knowledge about Mexico's history and numerous languages. Jesus allowed us to just stand and listen to him for a while. We felt his heart for this man. I know God has a lot in store for him. We were able to give him a small gift from Jesus. He started proclaiming that Jesus is the only saviour, the bread of life, his king. God is so gentle with us.

He has also been helping me in teaching my 9th grade science class. I've felt inadequate to teach but God has loved my weakness I know! After Beckah prayed for him to give me supernatural understanding and teaching skills on Monday (when I felt really unprepared)....guess wah?! HE DID. No surprise, but still so sweet. I taught the lesson better than I'm capable of. It was totally him :)

He has also blessed us with countless conversations with Margaritas's 3 (middle age) daughters who each love the Lord. We've been able to encourage one another and love talking about him together.

We've been busy getting ready to open up our community center and start classes on September 10th. I'll be teaching ingles and  kickboxing aerobic. We are praying for a lot of people to come so we can build relationships and live out Jesus' love for them.

Please keep praying for:

• Beckah, myself and all of the body here to be completely focused on Jesus and not ourselves.
• more divine appointments to speak his holy name (Praise God for answering us already!!!)
• supernatural wisdom and grace for our pastor to lead Oasis (our church)
• the Holy Spirit to continue pouring out himself on Oasis and this community
• our dear friends who don't know Jesus yet (one older man and a younger lady)
• God to save his children here!!!! We are desperate to see these people satisfied by his love.

Bear hugs to every single one of you. I am extremely blessed to know you <3

May God pour out even more of His Spirit on you than you ever imagined before!!!!!

Ask me anything in my name, I WILL DO IT. - Jesus

Oasis (our church) is still tiny, but the Lord is moving. He's allowing us to get lost in worshiping him. There is sweetness, rest and so much joy in his presence. We've been able to draw closer to God and one another, having the sweetest prayer times as a body. I have been blessed way more than I could ever deserve.

The prayer I had been passionately begging God for since January (to have a close friend during my time here) came to life when Beckah from Oklahoma arrived last week. This girl could not be anymore selfless, caring, fun, and a joy to be around! I just cannot get over God's goodness pouring out of my sister. I praise the Lamb for knowing exactly what we would both need and want in this season. Sharing our hearts in prayer, running to work, playing soccer in the rain, and building classrooms in our new community center together- Beckah is already so close to my heart and I could not be more thankful for her.

"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I WILL DO IT." John 14:13-14

Jesus has promised us this. Don't waste your life asking for little things. Let's DREAM BIG and ask for huge things.

Even though we haven't gotten to interact or minister to many people yet, I know that His presence in us is enough. I have been getting a little worn down from the construction work at the center and teaching 9th grade physical science. It has been a challenge, but has made me come to the Father empty. He has led me to go on runs with him around the prison in our area. I pass tons of people on the sidewalks and long to tell them of the one who adores them with everlasting love. And although I don't stop them, HE DOES. His Holy Spirit is touching and ministering to each person I pass without me even saying a word. God is that powerful. He lives in us. He is able to set a person's heart on fire for him. I cannot do much here. But he can and I believe he is. I'm clinging to the unseen and trusting that the Spirit is accomplishing all of His works here.

He gave me a dream last week in which Jesus had written his name all over my arms in glow-in-the-dark ink. He is sending me into dark places, but I know who I belong to. With Jesus, I can do all things.

Please help us prayer for:

• unity in Oasis- we want our love for one another to abound more and more and draw people to Jesus.
• divine appointments- we long to share Christ with these people, but need him to lead us and give us the courage to take the opportunities he gives us.
• supernatural peace, rest, love and joy for the missionaries here. Their lives can get overwhelming with all they're trying to do for the kingdom. Pray for their marriage and family to be blessed more than ever before.
• knowledge- we want to hear the Holy Spirit and obey him in every situation. Pray for him to pour out himself onto us and for us to respond with humility, worship and obedience.

Your prayers > all of the jungles on earth+ every gallon of mint chocolate chip ice cream ever made

In other words, MUCHISMAS GRACIAS!!!!!!!

Where flowers grow...

First of all, I want to thank everyone who sowed into God's harvest and gave. God used each of you to make this mission possible and I am so grateful for you.

Amazing how the three things God put on my heart several weeks ago to pray for: JOY, HEALING, and FREEDOM- are the things this new church needs the most. Carrying baggage and mistrust, each person here needs the Lord to work. A little while ago the missionaries got a vision of birds sitting in cages with the doors open. God has released us all to experience his healing and joy in freedom. Yet, many have a hard time using the wings that God has so lovingly given.

Today he gave a vision of beautiful parrots of many colors, flying up towards the light pouring through jungle vines. Jesus was on the ground looking up and marveling at his work and even showing others. We receive this.

Our new church, Oasis met for the second time today. With a congregation of just 11 people (8 on the worship team and 3 in the pews) we are few, but praying for God to send others to experience his love and rest in this refuge. Worship today was powerful and so sweet. The Holy Spirit is moving. All we want is to worship God and let him draw his children in off the streets, into his Oasis.

My days have been spent teaching science and outdoor games at the MK school, which has been a great experience so far. In May I told God if I could do anything, I'd want him to use my love for his creation to bring girls closer to him and his love. Well guess what. I'm teaching two 9th grade girls about his creation in science and I get to talk about him as much as I want. HA! God is so cool.

A few days ago, I woke up feeling weary and overwhelmed about planning my lessons. I had a headache too. I read a sign in the missionaries' house (where I'm living at the moment) which said:

"Where flowers grow, hope blossoms."

I then checked facebook to see that sweet Lacey Tomberline was praying for me. God heard her prayers and took away my headache and fatigue, so I went on a run. Running around the large prison in the neighborhood, I looked at the huge concrete walls and many barbwire fences. I thought it strange that so many wild, exotic flowers of all colors were growing high on these barriers. Flowers also covered the large fields, separating the prison from the road. Then the Lord reminded me, "Where flowers grow, hope blossoms." He gave me the privilege of praying for the men inside as I ran around the prison. God is always offering hope. He is extremely redemptive. Let's trust more in him and the unseen, instead of what we see.

Please continue praying for the Holy Spirit to set this place on fire for his name. That each of us would burn with a ravaging passion for him. Pray for people to recognize their thirst for him and be satisfied by Jesus alone.

I praise God for each of you. You are all in my heart and prayers.

I delight, I delight, I delight in you!

Amazing how God is always wanting to speak to us...even at 6am after you've only had 3 hours of sleep. The spunky 8 year old boy sitting next to me on my first flight wouldn't stop jabbering about the clouds, his ipod, the lightning, our pilot, Oregon, baseball, whatever was on his mind- he wanted to tell me all about it. I was tempted to sleep and ignore him more than once. But he was so excited about everything and his freckled face so enthusiastic, that I couldn't help but smile. I was actually enjoying myself, just listening and taking in his childlike wonder. I felt my heart growing warm. Then God spoke.

"This is how I feel about you. When you share all of your thoughts with me. I love the wonder in your eyes when your faith is like a child's and I can so easily amaze you. I even love it when you talk so much to me, that you forget to listen. I reeeeeeeally like seeing you excited. My heart grows warmer and warmer just being with you. I delight, I delight, I delight in you!"

He's pretty incredible. On Sunday I visited a new church in Birmingham. A girl came to me after the service and prayed for me. I had never met her, but God (like countless times) told her exactly what to pray. She saw him singing loudly over me and waving with all of his might, a banner of PEACE and LOVE. I had been asking him fervently for his peace to fill my family's home for several days. It made me realize, God has emotions. He gets excited. He sings LOUDLY. Ha! He kept saying to me,

"I delight, I delight, I delight in you!"

He is so glorified when we allow him to sing loudly over us and declare his crazy love to us. His heart grows warmer and warmer when we let him delight in us, and turn our hearts to him. He is crazy generous with his love. So let go of any guilt, feelings of inadequacy, or anything hindering you from accepting his love.

 LET HIM delight in you. Your heart will be so full that you cannot do anything but love him.