Update on Mi Mama

My mom was released from the hospital today. She was told she had a blood clot yesterday then told that she didn't today (the doctor had assumed without looking at the ultrasound). The Ear, Nose & Throat doctor saw her this morning and verified that she has TMJ (lockjaw) which was caused by an arthritic flair-up. Since there is basically nothing they can do but give her pain meds (which she already has plenty of at home), they sent her home. She is feeling much better, however. Thank you for your prayers. I know that she is feeling better because of the Lord's faithfulness to hear His prayerful people.

Aside: The lessons of the Lord are sweet, albeit bitter while in the midst. But I would rather be in the Valley of Trials with the Lord's presence than on the Mountain of Ease while feeling far from Him. His fellowship is sweeter by the day and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Praises & Concerns from the Weekend

I just returned safely, by God's grace, to Indiana. My trip home was eventful and full of ups and downs.

Ups/Praises :)
1. The Lord gave me the opportunity to talk to my aunt about Christ and the Holy Spirit gave me the words to say. It is such an exciting and joyful thing to know that the Spirit is speaking through you. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." Please pray that the Spirit causes the truth she heard to take root in her heart.
2. The Lord used my sister in a similar fashion to encourage a brother in Christ.
3. I got my car back. :)
4. The Lord ministered to me in such a powerful way throughout the weekend in various ways.
5. I met with my pastor.
6. I got to give Kristi her birthday present. :)
7. I went to church and it was especially comforting and much needed after Saturday night's events (below).

Downs/Prayer Requests :(
1. Trying times with my dad {though the Lord did remind me of my prayer to be more Christ-like while I was driving this evening ;)}
2. We had to take my mom to the ER Saturday night because she suddenly developed excruciating pain in her jaws and ears and also had pain in her chest and neck. My mom has a high tolerance for pain so I cannot even imagine the amount of pain she must of had as she cried and groaned uncontrollably and held her head in her hands for several hours. It was almost unbearable to witness. The doctor did several tests (EKG & 2 CAT scans which, thankfully, came back normal) before finally giving her medicine to dull the pain. They think they may have found a blood clot in her thigh but they aren't for sure (unrelated to the pain in her jaw/ear/neck area). She was admitted into the hospital and there reamains as they continue to run tests and stuff. The doctor she saw today thinks she may have TBJ (lockjaw if I am not mistaken) so a Ear, Nose & Throat specialist is going to see her tomorrow. Please pray for her healing and wisdom for the doctors.
3. Lack of sleep (4 hours last night and again tonight)

Not exactly how I thought my weekend would go, but the Lord was still so gracious in His provision and care. I was reminded of what wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ the Lord has blessed me with. I am deeply touched with the love and concern they have shown. Futhermore, the Lord ministered to me in a special way on the road this evening through songs and a sermon. I was reminded once again that I cannot do it all and that I have to:
1. Put something down: which for me means to suck up my pride and admit I cannot do all my reading for school...sorry New Testament 1, your reading will be the first to go
2. Hand something off: this is something I have been thinking about lately regarding the Connection Team I lead at RF and the organization I lead at school, but the Lord hasn't shown me the who and the how yet.
3. Give something to God: my finances/debt and the schoolwork I am drowning in

Ok, I seriously better go to bed so I can semi-function tomorrow.

Week Ahead

Before I get into my post...We have electricity!!! It came on around 10:00 last night and we are so thankful to the Lord. :)

This means that it is time to get back into the swing of things. This week promises to be a busy one (aren't they all?) but one I am looking forward to. Here is the agenda (Lord willing of course!):
Monday: I am off the entire day...well, except for helping out Mrs. K., but I don't really consider that work.
Tuesday: Back to classes...
Wednesday: My former roommate at Mobap just moved to the area and I am heading to her place after work.
Thursday: Free ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery (YUM!) and ISF (the organization I lead at school) is hosting it's first Praying for the Nations event. We are focusing on Russia & Eastern Europe during this meeting. I look forward to learning about this region and lifting it up to the Lord will my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sometime between Thursday evening and Friday morning I am heading home. :) This is exciting for many reasons, but most of all I am missing some very dear people to me more than usual and I get my car back. My dad and I swapped cars the last time I was home because my car had a bad strut which he was unable to get off by the time I had to leave. I miss my car and my CD player and music and sermon CDs, and will be glad to have them back. :)
Friday: meeting with my pastor which I am looking forward to. Plus I get to give my sister her bday gift (Today, 9/22, is her 21st birthday...make sure to wish her a happy bday). I also plan on visiting my aunt with the intentions of sharing the gospel with her. Please pray that she will be receptive (and at home!), the Lord will give me the words to say, & that I would be sensitive to the Spirit's leading.
Saturday: no plans...maybe Meadow Heights :)
Sunday: Meadow Heights if not the night before, eating Cold Stone (again!) with my sister for her birthday & heading back to Indiana.
Homework will have to be worked in there whenever possible, of course. :)

I look forward to all that the Lord has in store this week. Following Jesus is such an adventure...my week may look like this or it may not. :) He is worth anything and everything I could possbily give up and I trust His all-wise and sovereign plan. What a wonderful and awesome and beautiful God He is!

Emerging...

I bet you thought I had fallen off the edge of the earth. :)

I am sitting at a friend's house right now *borrowing* internet and enjoying some hospitality. Praise the Lord for good friends. As most of you know, Hurricane Ike came through the Kenutuckiana area causing much damage and leaving many without power, including my roommate and me. We lost power Sunday afternoon and we don't expect it back anytime soon unless the Lord by His grace intervenes. We have much to be thankful for though:
1. We have water! In F'town, when we lost power, we didn't have water either.
2. Our refridgerator wasn't full of food. We lost almost everything that was in there but at least we hadn't just gone to the grocery store.
3. We are safe.
4. We were able to meet our neighbor and invite her over. Please pray that the Lord will continue to give us opportunities to get to know her.
5. It isn't hot or cold outside.
6. Our next electric bill should be cheaper. :)
7. No school. This is such a blessing because I am able to catch up on all the work I was behind. This is such answered to prayer (though not exactly the answer I was expecting :) ).
8. Papers Unique has power so I can still work.
9. We know people who have electricity and are gracious enough to share it.
10. The hot water is insulated enough that I was able to take a hot shower.

"...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." -Philippians 4:11b

Regarding my last post, I have a few updates. I now have one job. I no longer work at B&BW or A+ Tutoring. The Lord gave me those jobs and has saw fit to reduce me to one...which is fine with me.
Please continue praying for my home church, but also pray for my local church. Last Sunday, one of the elders announced he was leaving the church. He really didn't explain why but I appreciate the openeness of it all. Both of these situations have left me a little dishearted, but the Lord has been so gracious in ministering to me. He reminded me through a sermon a few weeks ago that He is still in control of His church and working even when He can't be seen. Also, I was reminded that churches that are advancing the Kingdom of God are a target for Satan.

Aside: Have y'all seen the latests commercials about High Fructose Corn Syrup?! The corn people are trying to pass off that it is healthy and "all-natural." Please! The FDA, of course, is fully supporting them. How can they just get on TV and flat out lie? HFC is hard on the liver and makes you crave more food.

I have a couple more prayer requests before I finish:
1. Please pray for me financially. During my time of unstability of either not having a job or not making enough money, I have accrued some credit card debt. I know this is my fault, but please pray that the Lord will graciously allowing me to climb out of the hole I have dug.
2. A week or two ago, we were challenged in chapel to go overseas for at least one week in the coming year. Those who were willing to take up the challenge were encouraged to stand and were prayed for and I was one of those who stood. I have been planning on going on overseas some time within the next year for A.M. credit at school. There are several options: I could go for one week over spring break to West Africa, two weeks to somewhere in Asia over the summer, or 4 months (!) to South America during one of the upcoming semesters. Please, please pray that the Lord would give me guidance. I want to go and do whatever He wants me to do no matter what the cost.

Thank you for those of you who support me in prayer. I appreciate it more than you know.

Lessons of the Lord: the Lord' s provision and sovereignty, spiritual warfare, the gloriousness of the Son taking on flesh forever, the history of the early church

On My Heart

I have a prayer request for whomever may be reading this. My home church has been heavy upon my heart these past few days and I would like for you to share the burden with me by joining me in prayer. There has been some changes in leadership-of which I do not know the details, but God does-so I ask for you to pray these things for the leaders and for the church in general:
1. Unity
2. that Satan would not be given a foothold
3. relationships would be restored/healed where necessary
4. the Holy Spirit would bring conviction where necessary
5. the Lord Jesus Christ would be lifted high in all things and in every way

Also, I was contacted about tutoring again. I am not sure if the Lord wants me to do this or not. I have to reply to them by the 4th so please pray that the Lord would give me clear guidance. Also, pray for me financially. I know that the Lord will supply my every need according to His riches in Christ Jesus, but there are times when I have trouble holding on to this truth. Please pray that the Lord would strengthen me to hold fast to Him without wavering. I know He will provide and I can't wait to report when He does.

The Lord Jesus Christ is so absolutely beautiful and worthy of all praise. I hope you have taken the time to remember that today.

When we see His matchless face, in speechless awe we'll stand and there we'll bow with greatful hearts before the great I AM.

Even so, come Lord Jesus.