This is going to be short... I am so sorry I haven't written in nearly a month! Things have been crazy here but I'm loving every minute of it! The past weeks have had many growing pains, breakthroughs, revealation, joy aswell tears, but most importantly our team is growing closer and cloer before outreach... which is in 17 days! By monday I hope to have written a much longer blog telling of what I've been learning and details of outreach. Until then, I just wanted to thank everyone who has been praying for me. I had the flu this week and it has been very difficult being so sick out of my comfort zone and far from home, but I am so thankful that God met me where I was, and for all the people who lifted me up in prayer during that time. I felt extremely blessed between the emails from home and my DTS family checking in on me. Thank you to everyone who continues to go on this journey with me and I will fill yall in on the rest of all the amazing things God is teaching me as soon as I can :) THANK YOU EVERYONE!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
being the hands and feet of Jesus
Oh man I've been so busy! I'm now sitting down to write a blog and I can't even remember what all I've been doing lately, this past week is a blur! (And this week doesn't look any less busy I’m afraid.) But the joy of the Lord is my unfailing strength :) Despite the business, I have been learning a lot from the lectures and in my own alone time with God and I've been able to enjoy myself in my short breaks from DTS. Saturday a few of us went into town and went grocery shopping and to the beach. It was so nice just to relax for a day and not worry about projects or book reports! It was one of the hottest days we'd had, and the water was nice cool. My tan I've been working on for a month is finally starting to show!
Last week we learned about God's nature and character as well the life and ministry of Jesus. All I can say is WOW, I am so thankful we serve a COMPLETELY GOOD GOD! I would share what I learned, but something else is on my heart. Yesterday we went to the Juvenile Prison in Barbados and held a church service. Things did not go perfect as planned, and we as a group are learning about taking on leadership positions and leading groups in a church setting but the Holy Spirit was waiting for us yesterday. As we first arrived, the teens (ages 13 to 17) were hesitant and very cautious towards us and didn't really want to open up or sit with us; however, a few did. I sat next to a girl who wasn't very engaging and looked like she was sleeping most of the service, but it was divine I sat by her. During worship, more teens started to let loose and come out of their shell, but I still felt like something suppressing was on the group. As worship continued, even more began to participate in worships. They were such a fun group! I don't necessarily know if they realized what was going on, but God was preparing their hearts for something bigger.
After worship, I along with a leader shared a short testimony. I felt led to share about the joy of the Lord and how God wants us to live in joy, not searching for happiness. Solomon told his testimony which set Alef up to talk about finding our identity in Christ. Alef, one of the students, is a high school teacher in the Netherlands and a professional bobsledder, is blessed with the gift of reaching out to kids of all ages. He engaged the group in a great sermon that impacted everyone. When asked who wanted prayer, 2/3 of the teens came up! The Holy Spirit touched everyone softly and we prayed over the group that they would walk into new identity as a son or daughter of Christ. I can see how easy it is for them to look at themselves as no bodies, or just trouble makers, but God was telling them yesterday that they are so much more than that and they have a destiny and a place in God's family and that He wants every one of them just as they are. As we prayed for the group as a whole, a handful of people raised their hands and said a prayer of salvation. My heart just cried for these kids. I felt so connected with them, I felt their burdens of life and then the freedom they were experiencing, some for the first time. The girl I sat next to was very moved during the group prayer, and as we returned to our seats I gave her a hug and she embraced me like I had never been hugged. There was a bond of friendship with her even though I didn't even know her name! God put me there as her sister to pray with her and embrace her when she needed someone to be God's love. After we prayed together, she walked out of the service with a new smile that she didn't have before. She gave me another huge hug, and I was so moved by this amazing random encounter God planned. A few girls gave us their names and numbers to look up when we return from outreach in February and they begged us to come back, but every week we do a different ministry to help best prepare us for outreach so most likely we will never see them again which really breaks my heart because I see such hope in those girls and boys. What if one youth group, or even one person invested in having a regular service there, building relationships and just sharing God's love with them? If the Holy Spirit could work in their hearts in one simple service I can't begin to think of the change they could have in their lives over three months. All I can do now is pray for them, pray they hold onto what they learned yesterday, and that the seeds we planted fell in good soil and that God will continue to work in their lives because they are not lost, they have each have a purpose and a calling in Christ's Kingdom.
I feel that God has so much more in store for the group. What if we had interceded for the service before we arrived? Or if we continued to this week? This is a learning process for us, but God is teaching us and His will is being done in the ministry we are doing right now. God is also showing me the significance of investing myself in other people’s lives. I have always enjoyed working with children or investing in relationships and working in ministry but I had been doing that for so long, I lost the purpose behind why I had served in the first place: to be the hands and feet of Jesus and share His love. Being reminded of that purpose is key in break through while doing ministry.
On a different note, this week we are learning about inductive Bible study. (I’m a little overwhelmed at the moment with it!) I am excited to see what God has for me in it though. My alone time with God has been so incredible. I am coming to relate to God differently, making it so easy to talk to Him and enjoy spending time with Him. I am learning to put time with Him first, and all the homework and other stuff going on here second. Last week, my bug bites got really bad again. I was afraid of the infection that was setting in but I prayed for hours for it to leave and over night the end of last week it did and I haven’t had a new bite since Wednesday! I really cannot thank everyone who is praying for me enough. Prayer is making such a big difference and I could not do this with out all the support I’ve received! Every card and every email I get makes my day and I’m sorry if I haven’t replied to every one of them, but I do appreciate them greatly!
This week, please pray for good rest, unity in the group, and wisdom for our leaders. Also pray that everyone’s outreach money would come in. Thank you for going on this journey with me! Love you all!
love and peace,
Bekah
Sunday, October 18, 2009
finding, taking back, and keeping our righteous mind
Week three: though only the second week of lectures I believe I speak for everyone when I say we are starting to feel the intensity of DTS. Everyday is filled with homework, classes, processing, work duties, and building relationships, but most importantly, spending time with Jesus. Although hard at times, it has been a great journey this week looking at some of the thoughts and misinterpretations I had my whole life and walking into new understanding.
When hearing this week would be on, "dealing with the past", I was thinking under my own assumption that the week would be about dealing with the problems that haunt us and finding healing. But what does God like to do when we assume things? He shakes it up a little bit. Laurie, our speaker from Atlanta, brought to the table many new thoughts and ideas but none of which really dealt with our "past", but looked more at our flesh. What is our flesh? We can find the definition in the Bible in Isaiah 53:6, "All of us are like sheep who have gone astray, each of us has turned our own way." The flesh is not some gross, ugly sinner's nature that a lot of us think it is. Flesh is simply our own unique way of living with out God. It is the way we deal with our problems outside of God's grace.
Most Christians, including myself, think this battle with the flesh was matter of out choosing the flesh and allowing Jesus to make me "a better person". However, the moment I was born again and was taken from the family of Adam and born into the family of Christ, I won the battle. No longer does my flesh hold any power over me because Christ's grace covered my sins. I am not a sinner, and I do not inherit any of Adam's families characteristics, but I now am able to walk in FULL RIGHTEOUSNESS, one of the many perfect traits in God's family. Full righteousness? How is that we in our human being can live in righteousness? We all know that we still sin! Therefore doesn't that make us unworthy to be called righteous? But remember, we are given a new identity in Christ. We may still sin, but we are no longer sinners and our behavior is not our identity. Our identity is a holy, righteous, blameless, wonderfully made daughter or son of God. We are always seeking Identity in and of our self. People often identify who they are with their job, their hobbies, or even their family name. We as Christians, must only see ourselves as GOD'S BELOVED and CHOSEN and find our identity in Him alone.
There is no condemnation or guilt in our sin, and the Holy Spirit doesn't want to convict us of sin, but of righteousness. When ever we sin and we feel the Holy Spirit convicting us, he is simply calling us to turn around and turn back into righteousness. That is all repentance is: turning around and listening to God. Romans 2:4 says God's KINDNESS and GOODNESS leads us into righteous, never guilt or shame. That guilt and shame we feel is nothing but lies and deceit from the devil.
Here is also a freeing goodness. Once we have revelation of sin, we have the authority and the God given power to stop sinning. It is then our responsibility to tell our flesh to stop fighting and submit to God.
What are some other lies and deceit that have slipped into Christianity and the church over the years?
Laurie made a quote this week that really stood out to me. "Many Christians are living trying to get into a room they are already in". So many of us think that we have to do good works once we become a Christian. We think that God requires us to become slaves to Him. In evangelizing to non believers, we often speak of Christianity as being free. However, once that non believer comes into salvation, there are things we are told we "have to do" such as read our Bible, pray, teach Sunday school, etc. What happened to free? God doesn't want us to be leading Sunday school or reading our Bibles only because we think we have to and we think by doing those things we will gain more of God's love. HE LOVES US WHERE WE ARE AT. Once you have salvation, you are in that room. You don't have to work for God's love. God is a relational God. His love for us is not based on what we do, but who we are. All we have to do, is rest in that loving relationship with Him and live with Him as our source.
So the question I would like to leave you with, is what is your greatest desire? Is it seeing the Broncos win another football game, or going to starbucks? Could it be getting your to do list done, or spending time with your kids? While none of those things are bad, do you desire those little things (or maybe even bigger things going on in your life) more than you desire relationship with the Father? Living in a state of constantly having a reality check to what our greatest desire is, and making sure that is Jesus first will revolutionize your walk with God, your daily life, and even your relationships with others.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
"motion in the ocean"
SATURDAY. The day of rest here on the base. It is also the day of catching up on homework, sleep, and reading books at the beach! So I guess that cancels out the day of rest oh well :)
It has been a great week of new thoughts and ideas, building friendships, and getting to know God as our Daddy, not just our God. This week the speaker Claud, originally from Switzerland, taught on "Father Heart of God". We took all the preconceived notions of God being a distant, unrelational, disciplinary God and threw them away and began to see him as the God of relationship and love, who wants to care for us and take up his responsibilities as our Father. All these things I had heard and believe, but I had never put aside the image of God in Heaven sitting on His throne looking down on us. This week, God asked me to start looking at Him as a Father, one who will never disappoint, who's character never changes, and only wants relationship with me. God is not the condemning God we sometimes picture Him as. He is not asking perfection from us or works, but only relationship. The words I have heard over and over this week is a "deeper love" and "deeper understanding". In my alone time this week God has been revealing more of Himself, and more of His love for me. I am enjoying resting in that knowing my Father is pleased with me and knowing how much He loves me.
This week in lessons, we talked a lot about our earthly fathers and how they form the image we have of God. As I listened to the stories of people from broken homes with hurtful childhoods, I realized just how blessed I am to have the childhood I did with the love of my parents, especially my Father. My earthly Dad raised me in such a way that was a wonderful image of God's love and care for me, gentleness, disciple out of love, and His kind heart. If anything this week, God gave me a huge appreciation and love for my earthy Father, and I already knew he was great dad, but I came to see just how amazing of a Father he is to me and Cameron.
Okay, enough about class, I know everyone is dying to hear about how beautiful the island is! Yesterday we went to the most gorgeous beach with the biggest waves I've ever seen. The waves we're CRASHING onto the shore. I've never seen water be so powerful before. Swimming in the beach was fun.. but when the waves came you were knocked off your feet and swept away to shore. That was not the best part though. We spent time as a group praying and worshiping on the beach.. and I must say there is not a better place to declare His glory.
As far as the rest of the week goes, it feels like we never slow down! Every night we have something going on or homework to do but in the midst of it we've had a lot of time to bond as a group. The girls (and three guys)are really great people and I am so thankful they are on this journey with me. Friday nights we go out as a group and enjoy the culture of Barbados and each others company. Last week I ate fly fish for the first time at a fish market and yesterday we ate nachos at a mexican place! (So much for Bajan culture, but it was good food!) Today, we are going to a beach and I am going to work on my tan and read! I think I am finally adjusted to the heat, but today it is extremely hot, perfect beach weather :)
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I am so blessed by the comments and cards I keep receiving.. I feel so loved from afar and I love keeping in touch with yall. Just so you know.. my adress is Thickett Plantation YWAM St. Philip BB 18027 West Indies. Mail takes about five days to get here. If I have not replied to an email or card I am very sorry, we are so busy and my lap top is not working again so my internet time is limited, but I do appreciate them greatly!
This week as your praying, please pray for the next week of class. Also pray for good time management on my part, and for God to be my source of strength. We have begun intersession for outreach this week, and I would love for yall to join me in this. This next week we are praying for the country of Venezuela, our first destination. Venezuela has the highest crime rate in the world, prostitution, sex trafficking, poverty, child illiteracy, and a corrupt government, but thank goodness all this isn't too much for the Father to change!
Thank you so much for your prayers. I will write another update as soon as I can!
Love and Peace,
Bekah
It has been a great week of new thoughts and ideas, building friendships, and getting to know God as our Daddy, not just our God. This week the speaker Claud, originally from Switzerland, taught on "Father Heart of God". We took all the preconceived notions of God being a distant, unrelational, disciplinary God and threw them away and began to see him as the God of relationship and love, who wants to care for us and take up his responsibilities as our Father. All these things I had heard and believe, but I had never put aside the image of God in Heaven sitting on His throne looking down on us. This week, God asked me to start looking at Him as a Father, one who will never disappoint, who's character never changes, and only wants relationship with me. God is not the condemning God we sometimes picture Him as. He is not asking perfection from us or works, but only relationship. The words I have heard over and over this week is a "deeper love" and "deeper understanding". In my alone time this week God has been revealing more of Himself, and more of His love for me. I am enjoying resting in that knowing my Father is pleased with me and knowing how much He loves me.
This week in lessons, we talked a lot about our earthly fathers and how they form the image we have of God. As I listened to the stories of people from broken homes with hurtful childhoods, I realized just how blessed I am to have the childhood I did with the love of my parents, especially my Father. My earthly Dad raised me in such a way that was a wonderful image of God's love and care for me, gentleness, disciple out of love, and His kind heart. If anything this week, God gave me a huge appreciation and love for my earthy Father, and I already knew he was great dad, but I came to see just how amazing of a Father he is to me and Cameron.
Okay, enough about class, I know everyone is dying to hear about how beautiful the island is! Yesterday we went to the most gorgeous beach with the biggest waves I've ever seen. The waves we're CRASHING onto the shore. I've never seen water be so powerful before. Swimming in the beach was fun.. but when the waves came you were knocked off your feet and swept away to shore. That was not the best part though. We spent time as a group praying and worshiping on the beach.. and I must say there is not a better place to declare His glory.
As far as the rest of the week goes, it feels like we never slow down! Every night we have something going on or homework to do but in the midst of it we've had a lot of time to bond as a group. The girls (and three guys)are really great people and I am so thankful they are on this journey with me. Friday nights we go out as a group and enjoy the culture of Barbados and each others company. Last week I ate fly fish for the first time at a fish market and yesterday we ate nachos at a mexican place! (So much for Bajan culture, but it was good food!) Today, we are going to a beach and I am going to work on my tan and read! I think I am finally adjusted to the heat, but today it is extremely hot, perfect beach weather :)
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I am so blessed by the comments and cards I keep receiving.. I feel so loved from afar and I love keeping in touch with yall. Just so you know.. my adress is Thickett Plantation YWAM St. Philip BB 18027 West Indies. Mail takes about five days to get here. If I have not replied to an email or card I am very sorry, we are so busy and my lap top is not working again so my internet time is limited, but I do appreciate them greatly!
This week as your praying, please pray for the next week of class. Also pray for good time management on my part, and for God to be my source of strength. We have begun intersession for outreach this week, and I would love for yall to join me in this. This next week we are praying for the country of Venezuela, our first destination. Venezuela has the highest crime rate in the world, prostitution, sex trafficking, poverty, child illiteracy, and a corrupt government, but thank goodness all this isn't too much for the Father to change!
Thank you so much for your prayers. I will write another update as soon as I can!
Love and Peace,
Bekah
Friday, October 2, 2009
a new season begins
I cannot believe I have now been in Barbados a week! I am so blessed by everyone who has taken the time to reach out and extend their prayers in my direction.. prayer goes a long way! I have had an incredible week full of new beginnings, friendships, and the opening of a door into a new season in my life.
First I would like to apologize I did not write this sooner, my camera and my computer both broke before I could write my first update from this beautiful island! I arrived here to a warm welcome last Friday, and immediately felt God's presence and blessings here. One of my roommates arrived last Friday as well and we enjoyed having time to recover from traveling and explore the city together before the others arrived. The base, is a former sugar plantation and it is much larger than I was expecting! I love it here; the food is great, the dorms have just been renovated and are very comfortable, and the staff here are so nice and truely love serving Christ.
There are 13 girls in the school and 3 boys! With all the girls I thought it would be hard to get to know one another but we have all bonded quickly and are continuing to get to know one another. My roommates are "AWESOME" (a common word we quote from the dutch student). I was a little hesitate having roommates and in such a confined space, but God predestined us to be roomies and I had nothing to fear. Our personalities are so compatible and God is already bonding us together in his heavenly love.
Classes have not actually begun yet but we have been busy this week with orientation and taking a day long tour of Barbados! We have had a few "intro to DTS" sessions on "hearing the voice of God" and "Bible meditation" and God is pouring out revelation in my heart. Every day he continues to take every pre conceived thoughts I had of Him, and replace it with more of His truth about who He really is. I have enjoyed spending such intimate time with Him and being challenged with new thoughts and ideas.
Worship in the Barbados culture is something else that has been amazing to experience. Right now as a group, I would say we are hesitate not fully giving our hearts in worship to our God. But every morning we come together I can see God break more walls and barriers in between us and Him. I love and value giving God my all in worship and have enjoyed growing closer to Him through the worship in Barbados as well the time I've spent in deep intimate prayer.
The main adjustment I have had difficulty with is the weather, it is SO hot! Luckily, my roommates and I conned the boys out of their ginormous fan so I have been able to get some good sleep and not lay awake because of the heat. Also, the bugs are terrible! If I had any prayer requests at the moment it would be protection from the horrid sand flies that are immune to bug spray! Despite these challenges and disappointments of all electronics breaking, God has met me with comfort and ease adjusting to it here. I am so thankful for the blessings He has poured out on me and my ever growing deeper relationship with him.
As I begin class next week, please pray for new understanding and continuing new revelation of His word. I do not want to miss a single thing He has for me to learn. I am so hungry for fullness and complete intimacy with Him! I know that next week will be busy managing the school load and home work along with starting work duties but I know God is going to give me His strength. Also please pray for the friendships that God is developing and a transparency and love to be the center of every friendship on the base. Continue to pray for my health and protection. And also for outreach! We had outreach orientation yesterday and learned of the cities and countries in which we will be doing ministry in. We start in Venezuela and then go to Brazil, Argentina, and lastly to Bolivia. I am most excited to encounter God on outreach in and through the people we will be ministering with, and to learn of his heart for Justice in an unjust world. Thank you all for your prayers and support! I will write another update as soon as I can!
Peace and love,
Bekah
First I would like to apologize I did not write this sooner, my camera and my computer both broke before I could write my first update from this beautiful island! I arrived here to a warm welcome last Friday, and immediately felt God's presence and blessings here. One of my roommates arrived last Friday as well and we enjoyed having time to recover from traveling and explore the city together before the others arrived. The base, is a former sugar plantation and it is much larger than I was expecting! I love it here; the food is great, the dorms have just been renovated and are very comfortable, and the staff here are so nice and truely love serving Christ.
There are 13 girls in the school and 3 boys! With all the girls I thought it would be hard to get to know one another but we have all bonded quickly and are continuing to get to know one another. My roommates are "AWESOME" (a common word we quote from the dutch student). I was a little hesitate having roommates and in such a confined space, but God predestined us to be roomies and I had nothing to fear. Our personalities are so compatible and God is already bonding us together in his heavenly love.
Classes have not actually begun yet but we have been busy this week with orientation and taking a day long tour of Barbados! We have had a few "intro to DTS" sessions on "hearing the voice of God" and "Bible meditation" and God is pouring out revelation in my heart. Every day he continues to take every pre conceived thoughts I had of Him, and replace it with more of His truth about who He really is. I have enjoyed spending such intimate time with Him and being challenged with new thoughts and ideas.
Worship in the Barbados culture is something else that has been amazing to experience. Right now as a group, I would say we are hesitate not fully giving our hearts in worship to our God. But every morning we come together I can see God break more walls and barriers in between us and Him. I love and value giving God my all in worship and have enjoyed growing closer to Him through the worship in Barbados as well the time I've spent in deep intimate prayer.
The main adjustment I have had difficulty with is the weather, it is SO hot! Luckily, my roommates and I conned the boys out of their ginormous fan so I have been able to get some good sleep and not lay awake because of the heat. Also, the bugs are terrible! If I had any prayer requests at the moment it would be protection from the horrid sand flies that are immune to bug spray! Despite these challenges and disappointments of all electronics breaking, God has met me with comfort and ease adjusting to it here. I am so thankful for the blessings He has poured out on me and my ever growing deeper relationship with him.
As I begin class next week, please pray for new understanding and continuing new revelation of His word. I do not want to miss a single thing He has for me to learn. I am so hungry for fullness and complete intimacy with Him! I know that next week will be busy managing the school load and home work along with starting work duties but I know God is going to give me His strength. Also please pray for the friendships that God is developing and a transparency and love to be the center of every friendship on the base. Continue to pray for my health and protection. And also for outreach! We had outreach orientation yesterday and learned of the cities and countries in which we will be doing ministry in. We start in Venezuela and then go to Brazil, Argentina, and lastly to Bolivia. I am most excited to encounter God on outreach in and through the people we will be ministering with, and to learn of his heart for Justice in an unjust world. Thank you all for your prayers and support! I will write another update as soon as I can!
Peace and love,
Bekah
Saturday, September 26, 2009
*this update i wrote yesterday from the plane/airport..*
This is my second time writing this update, because since the first one so many miracles and blessings have happened it needed revision! I am writing from Long Island where I am comfortably in my cousin’s warm bed for my last night in the United States! I leave for Barbados at 8.30 am tomorrow morning! Before I leave, I wanted to share I few blessings that have happened while on my journey..
After arriving in LA, finding my gate and the nearest Starbucks, I heard over the loud speaker a final boarding call for JFK flight that was leaving in ten minutes. I called my dad and asked if I could skip out on the 3 hour layover and try to get on that flight instead, he told me it was a long shot. It just so happened that there was one seat left on the plane and because in Boise my bags had been booked all the way through by “accident” I was able to get on! This was an enormous gift from God. Instead of only spending a few late night hours with my cousins.. I spent the evening with them. It wasn’t just about skipping a layover; God blessed me with the gift of fellowship on the eve of my departure. He reminded me of His GOODNESS. The entire flight I was filled with his presence to the point where the flight attendant had to ask me why I was so excited. And today I simply walked in His love and He has gone above and beyond just taking care of me but has blessed me every step of the way.
Since now you know what’s been going on today.. I thought I’d fill you in on some pre leaving Boise events…
Tuesday was the first day of nerves for me. It was an emotional roller coaster ride between the good byes, last minute packing, and my last beautiful Idaho sunset. In between the ups and downs though, God gave me clear words of peace and comfort and filled me with excitement. Every time I would start to mentally get overwhelmed, someone would call and talking about my trip brought me back to a place of peace. It was an experience like none other seeing God take care of me before I left. I was so blessed with good times with friends, edifying conversations, and the peace knowing I don’t have to worry. Last night as I began to stress out God reminded me that I don’t have to worry about what I’m going to wear, eat, or where to go. (Luke 12) So I took comfort knowing I packed the right things, I shouldn’t be afraid of foreign food and God is going to be with my guiding me in the airports! Isn’t it nice knowing when we travel alone we’re going with Jesus?! As I sat at the gate in Boise for a mere second I got this panic of, “wow, I’m going to another country alone this is scary!” and then before I blinked I was sweetly covered in the presence of Jesus. It was a relief and an unexpected blessing!
Obviously, the hardest part is leaving my family. It took courage for all of us so early in the morning to get in the car and drive to the airport. I miss them so much already. But I realized as I walked away into security that our hearts are never far apart. God is Lord over our household, and just because I’m not there does not mean he is going to continue to keep us united in His Spirit. I was on the verge of balling as I went through security. Everyone around me though was sympathetic and did not mind waiting for me as I was shaking trying to get my fourty pound carryon bag on the belt. Of course, my ear rings kept setting the security off, but the lady asked, “is that your mom crying over there?” And I answered in tears and shaking, “yes”, and she just let me go through! It was an awesome moment I really just wanted to hug the lady, because I didn’t need the stress of being searched and she just gave me grace. God is taking care of me every single second of this trip.
I cannot thank everyone enough who is keeping me in their prayers or has blessed me over the past weeks. I am not going alone, but with a team of prayer warriors behind me. My aunt told me she is praying that I would come near to God and he would come near to me (James 4). I have never felt closer to God than I do right now. Complete trust. It is hard. Giving up everything and all selfishness and ways of the world to say “God, I’m seeking you, and trusting you.” But he gave me the strength to go, and He is with me and I am closer to Him than I have ever been. I am so excited to see what He has in store. His plans for the next season are great and His love for me is ever abounding. I am resting and walking in nothing but His love today, with my complete trust in Him, and my heavenly Father is holding my hand the entire way, never letting go. I am so comforted.
Today as I travel, pray for peace, more of his presence, and safety. God is protecting me today, from sickness, from being “misplaced” in the airports, and from any and all harm. (I am also counting on him guiding me to starbucks in JFK this morning..)
Thank you Thank you Thank you for your prayers! My next update will be from my dorm in Barbados! I am excited to share all the awesome things God does on the rest of my journey!
Love you all,
Bekah
After arriving in LA, finding my gate and the nearest Starbucks, I heard over the loud speaker a final boarding call for JFK flight that was leaving in ten minutes. I called my dad and asked if I could skip out on the 3 hour layover and try to get on that flight instead, he told me it was a long shot. It just so happened that there was one seat left on the plane and because in Boise my bags had been booked all the way through by “accident” I was able to get on! This was an enormous gift from God. Instead of only spending a few late night hours with my cousins.. I spent the evening with them. It wasn’t just about skipping a layover; God blessed me with the gift of fellowship on the eve of my departure. He reminded me of His GOODNESS. The entire flight I was filled with his presence to the point where the flight attendant had to ask me why I was so excited. And today I simply walked in His love and He has gone above and beyond just taking care of me but has blessed me every step of the way.
Since now you know what’s been going on today.. I thought I’d fill you in on some pre leaving Boise events…
Tuesday was the first day of nerves for me. It was an emotional roller coaster ride between the good byes, last minute packing, and my last beautiful Idaho sunset. In between the ups and downs though, God gave me clear words of peace and comfort and filled me with excitement. Every time I would start to mentally get overwhelmed, someone would call and talking about my trip brought me back to a place of peace. It was an experience like none other seeing God take care of me before I left. I was so blessed with good times with friends, edifying conversations, and the peace knowing I don’t have to worry. Last night as I began to stress out God reminded me that I don’t have to worry about what I’m going to wear, eat, or where to go. (Luke 12) So I took comfort knowing I packed the right things, I shouldn’t be afraid of foreign food and God is going to be with my guiding me in the airports! Isn’t it nice knowing when we travel alone we’re going with Jesus?! As I sat at the gate in Boise for a mere second I got this panic of, “wow, I’m going to another country alone this is scary!” and then before I blinked I was sweetly covered in the presence of Jesus. It was a relief and an unexpected blessing!
Obviously, the hardest part is leaving my family. It took courage for all of us so early in the morning to get in the car and drive to the airport. I miss them so much already. But I realized as I walked away into security that our hearts are never far apart. God is Lord over our household, and just because I’m not there does not mean he is going to continue to keep us united in His Spirit. I was on the verge of balling as I went through security. Everyone around me though was sympathetic and did not mind waiting for me as I was shaking trying to get my fourty pound carryon bag on the belt. Of course, my ear rings kept setting the security off, but the lady asked, “is that your mom crying over there?” And I answered in tears and shaking, “yes”, and she just let me go through! It was an awesome moment I really just wanted to hug the lady, because I didn’t need the stress of being searched and she just gave me grace. God is taking care of me every single second of this trip.
I cannot thank everyone enough who is keeping me in their prayers or has blessed me over the past weeks. I am not going alone, but with a team of prayer warriors behind me. My aunt told me she is praying that I would come near to God and he would come near to me (James 4). I have never felt closer to God than I do right now. Complete trust. It is hard. Giving up everything and all selfishness and ways of the world to say “God, I’m seeking you, and trusting you.” But he gave me the strength to go, and He is with me and I am closer to Him than I have ever been. I am so excited to see what He has in store. His plans for the next season are great and His love for me is ever abounding. I am resting and walking in nothing but His love today, with my complete trust in Him, and my heavenly Father is holding my hand the entire way, never letting go. I am so comforted.
Today as I travel, pray for peace, more of his presence, and safety. God is protecting me today, from sickness, from being “misplaced” in the airports, and from any and all harm. (I am also counting on him guiding me to starbucks in JFK this morning..)
Thank you Thank you Thank you for your prayers! My next update will be from my dorm in Barbados! I am excited to share all the awesome things God does on the rest of my journey!
Love you all,
Bekah
Saturday, September 19, 2009
goodbyes and stocker bears
Five days! That is an accumlivite total of 106 hours I have left in the United States before I leave for sunny Barbados. This is also my last Saturday here for FIVE MONTHS! So what does one do on such a day? Well, my free time has consisted of cleaning my room, spending time with my family, and painting my nails! Yes, that's right; no longer am I under the threat if I show up to work with nail polish I'll be written up.. today at 1:03 I clocked out of the Eagle and Florance Starbucks for the last time.. atleast for now :)
It was bitter sweet to say goodbye to a place and the faces that have been apart of my life for nearly two years. When I arrived for work at 5:30 this morning Nanci and Erin surprised me with cupcakes, the most amazing bean dip ever, and a fruit plate that everyone enjoyed! It was so so so sweet! Between the food, the sign, the store card, the note left by Lauren and Kala, and the "stocker" build a bear that will be my escort on my journey, and the wonderful book and note kathleen gave me, I have never felt so loved. Oh wait, that is wrong. Right after we finally slowed down around 11 my parents showed up with balloons. Then I felt super loved. I have spent so much time at the store, seeing the same smiling faces every day. Working at Starbucks has been a God send. Most teens in high school have some job at a fast food place that basically earns them gas money. Starbucks was never that to me. It was a place of daily miracles and friendship, not to mention caffine and loads of fun! My coworkers are some of my best friends. And I will never forget the way they touched me this morning and how it felt when I realized how much they really cared. I am going to miss them so much.
But, on the flip side, today was also a day of rest as I got to not have to worry about washing my aprons, or when my next shift is. I was able to spend care free time with my family and focus on the coming week. Now, with my metalic colored nails I am writing my next update. There are several mile stones I have crossed this week as I near my departure. God has given me an abounding ammount of excitement and joy over DTS. I couldn't help but share about DTS with every customer that asked why I was so happy. Also this week, I've connected with another student going to school. It has been so nice talking to her. I think we could be good friends pretty easy :) which just excites me even more to think of all the friendships I am going to make at DTS.
As I make new friends in the next few weeks, I will also be saying good bye to the old. Tomorrow I will see a lot of people for the last time before I leave. I am going to miss everyone so much! (Especially my Mom and Dad) Saying good bye is never easy. But as Alyssa and Kona and I decided at the begining of summer, its never good bye, only to be continued.
With all this said (and this is a way longer update than I intended) I have a few prayer requests.
Well, I believe that is all for now.. I will try to make another post before I leave in a four days and two hours!
Peace and love,
Bekah
It was bitter sweet to say goodbye to a place and the faces that have been apart of my life for nearly two years. When I arrived for work at 5:30 this morning Nanci and Erin surprised me with cupcakes, the most amazing bean dip ever, and a fruit plate that everyone enjoyed! It was so so so sweet! Between the food, the sign, the store card, the note left by Lauren and Kala, and the "stocker" build a bear that will be my escort on my journey, and the wonderful book and note kathleen gave me, I have never felt so loved. Oh wait, that is wrong. Right after we finally slowed down around 11 my parents showed up with balloons. Then I felt super loved. I have spent so much time at the store, seeing the same smiling faces every day. Working at Starbucks has been a God send. Most teens in high school have some job at a fast food place that basically earns them gas money. Starbucks was never that to me. It was a place of daily miracles and friendship, not to mention caffine and loads of fun! My coworkers are some of my best friends. And I will never forget the way they touched me this morning and how it felt when I realized how much they really cared. I am going to miss them so much.
But, on the flip side, today was also a day of rest as I got to not have to worry about washing my aprons, or when my next shift is. I was able to spend care free time with my family and focus on the coming week. Now, with my metalic colored nails I am writing my next update. There are several mile stones I have crossed this week as I near my departure. God has given me an abounding ammount of excitement and joy over DTS. I couldn't help but share about DTS with every customer that asked why I was so happy. Also this week, I've connected with another student going to school. It has been so nice talking to her. I think we could be good friends pretty easy :) which just excites me even more to think of all the friendships I am going to make at DTS.
As I make new friends in the next few weeks, I will also be saying good bye to the old. Tomorrow I will see a lot of people for the last time before I leave. I am going to miss everyone so much! (Especially my Mom and Dad) Saying good bye is never easy. But as Alyssa and Kona and I decided at the begining of summer, its never good bye, only to be continued.
With all this said (and this is a way longer update than I intended) I have a few prayer requests.
- WISDOM!
- Safe travels.. my total travel time is 30 hours. It's gonna be a long one. (However I do get to see my cousins in New York on my layover so it isn't all travel!)
- Protection from getting sick before I leave! This seems to be my Mom's biggest concern right now, and some prayer would help put her at rest.
- Awesome prayer time!
Well, I believe that is all for now.. I will try to make another post before I leave in a four days and two hours!
Peace and love,
Bekah
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