I want to thank you, you who have journeyed with me, this messy, broken, blemished mama learning to walk by grace, making lots of mistakes along the way. Saying yes to God, daring to offer what is small and believe somehow God could use it to reach the world. It takes courage to be small and still dream big and know it’s not really about size, but God. <–Click to tweet 

It takes audacity to believe I can raise world changers, too.

I’m learning more and more, to live brave, live bold is only lived by His Spirit. And I read this verse in the Message for the first time yesterday and I’m making it my new life-verse.

And I’ll add it to the others.

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Galatians 2:20 NASV

And.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 MSG

After years of being paralyzed because of fear I’m convinced life in God is an adventure to be lived and that doesn’t always mean waiting until I’m unafraid before I move forward — but moving on His command.

It takes the most courage, to simply — begin.

And I began this blog in obedience. I didn’t even know what a blog was when I started. So much so, I thought “blogging” was my idea. Then I saw how many others had the same idea. Funny, eh? Then a couple of short months into it, I realized how small my mark was in the enormity of the blogosphere. And it took more courage to continue.

I’ve always dreamed of missions work and tried to be rid of the dream of it as my life’s journey only seemed to take me further and further away. But the dream would not be rid of me. And God chose this unlikely route — blogging — to involve me in missions and this work is tailor made for this mama. And my life’s Author is God, and I like the story I’m helping Him write.

So friends, I thank you again for journeying with me. Many come and go, some stay a while then move on, and some have stuck with me all along. I’m grateful for you. I pray, as I tell you the stories that are still being written in this surrendered life in God, that I will somehow serve as a beacon lighting the way to the Way.

If you’re still coming along, here’s a short update. You will find stories this week and over the next few weeks about my recent trip to Haiti. It takes time to process all that my senses took in. And the work that God does in my heart is a slow and deep one.

You will be hearing about World Help. I am growing to love them — the heart of those behind World Help. I feel as though I am part of a family, one that I’ve longed to be part of, but only imagined in my dreams. They are amazing. Everyone I have met part of World Help, are genuine lovers of God and His people, and they are not interested in building their own kingdom, but God’s. And they are funny people too, who know how to laugh, who have the joy of the Lord. And I, being the greatest skeptic and the least trusting of them all, say all of this wholeheartedly. Husband is a witness to it, too.

Also, you’re going to hear about a book Lara G. Williams wrote. I am part of her launch team and truly honored to be. She’s bared her soul in writing her story, telling of her husband’s unfaithfulness and God’s faithfulness in bringing healing and restoration in their marraige. It’s called, To Walk or Stay: Trusting God through shattered hopes and suffocating fears. You can get the book, here. And I am even joining in on an online book study beginning April 15, 2013. It will be my first. I hope you will join me.

I know it’s time to start sharing about my marriage struggles and this serves as confirmation. I’ve kept you in the dark on that part of my life — for a reason. But it’s time.

It’s time for so much. A life surrendered to God is full of blessing and grace and dying. In the losing of life is also the finding. I’ve only barely begun to understand what Paul meant when He said, “I want to know Christ better. I want to know the power that raised Him from the dead. I want to share in His sufferings. I want to become like Him by sharing in His death. Then by God’s grace I will rise from the dead.” Philippians 3:10 NIRV

I do too, Paul. Though I don’t always know how. Join me? Subscribe | Facebook | Twitter