Filling the hole in our Gospel

Mother Teresa once said, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world."
"She had it right. We're not authors, any of us. We are just "pencils." Once we understand that, we might actually become useful to God." ~Richard Stearns,  President of World Vision

If I could just let go completley and give it all to Him, I would be good, right? I know I'm not the only person that thinks about this. As I am reading this book, so much of Richard's story reminds me of myself. So many times you say, "ok, I am giving it all to God, all of it, I promise." Then we get impatient or don't usually give to "all" like we promised. We don't want to sacrifice the things we possess...instead they have begin to posessess us. Richard says, "God can't give you the blessings He has for you until you first put down the other things you are clutching in your hand."
For me...it brings a whole new meaning to the verse, " If you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29

In 31 Days my life will be changed forever...

Its hard to believe that in 31 days I will be on my way to Ethiopia in a city called Addis Ababa. I have waited for this day for a year now. God has been preparing me every step of the way. As I read a pre-trip devotional, I am reminded that I was blessed with the gift of Mercy. I know this because of a wonderful class I took at church  a few months ago. What an amazing gift to have!  I love the stories in the bible about God showing mercy...eating with tax collectors and "sinners," healing the sick, feeling compassion for others, and the list goes on. I truly have compassion for others, and I am so excited to see the things God has planned for me. You can't be taught mercy but instead God wants us to learn through our actions and expieriences. Yes, I am going to "serve" and "give" to others, but I am also going to learn more about  mercy and compassion for others.
Of course as it gets closer to time I am getting a little anxious. I am a little too old too say this, but I get home-sick. Pitiful...I know, but true! I have had my first round of shots, trip to the doctor, doantions being collected, and now I wait...
 I am ready to be out of my "comfort zone" and in a whole new world. I can't wait to love on some children and learn more about myself. I'm ready to use my spritual gifts and do it cheerfully! :)

"If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:8