Waves of Love

    Something is on my mind tonight as I sit outside on our hotel balcony and listen to the distant waves crashing on the nearby beach. Love. I know in 2015 I did a blog about love (You can find that here if you're interested!) But I feel as life continues on, this topic is needed to be shared more and more. His word says this... "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
    Lately I have felt smothered by the hate I see everywhere. Whether it be walking around hearing people talk or seeing someone post something. Hate is well known, and well used by all. Hate for the outcast, hate for celebrities, hate for the rich and hate for the poor, hate for our neighbors and dare I even bring into the blog...hate for our president. We ridicule openly on social media, we gossip to our friends, we write blogs and articles and books, make videos and start rallies. And I say "we" because I'm just as guilty, no one goes unchecked.
    But God...(this has recently been my new favorite saying!) But God, He is the true example of the opposite of hate. He teaches love and grace. To welcome the outcast and pray for the celebrity, befriend the rich and give to the poor, to open our door to our neighbors and pray for guidance for our president. There are three things guaranteed to last forever, faith, hope and love. But the absolute greatest? LOVE.

    So, I challenge you to change. Change your mindset towards others, even if you disagree with them. Change what you post on social media, because trust me, we all need more uplifting posts these days. Change your prayer life! I cannot stress this one enough, let me tell you what, your life will change when you start praying for the ones you don't even want to say the names of! I write this not only to share with you, but also to write this on my heart as I type it out. In a year where hate is running rampant, dare to be a rebel and share His love instead. Watch how our world changes, with just you changing how you think towards others. Waves of love crashing on the beach, breaking down the hate one tide at a time! For without love, and without His love, we would not last forever.

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

All The Nations

It's been a little over 3 years since I have written anything on this blog. To be specific, my last mission update was 8/21/16! My mom and I had a discussion today about the mission field and what it looks like for me right now. There was a time in life where I was called to third world countries; Africa, Haiti and almost Lebanon and Syria (I signed up to go with my church in 2018 but due to a family sickness was unable to go.) Now, I feel as if my mission field is right here, right now. After all, Jesus said.... 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV) 

...and to me that includes this nation. He doesn't limit where He is with you, He will not be with you just in church, or just on a mission field in Zimbabwe or any other third world place for that matter. No, our God says He is with us ALWAYS!

So, what is my mission field looking like these days? As most of you know my family owns a boat called "La Cigale" that we travel around the states on. This year we decided to keep our boat down in The Keys as we returned to Ohio for the summer. Before I left I felt strongly called to begin to participate in some of the different ministries going on at a church called Big Coppitt First Baptist Church. We love it with all of our hearts and have found such a great family of faith there. I began singing in the worship band and also working at an after school program with elementary schoolers who have become dear to my heart. So, when we return this fall, that will become my mission field once more! I'm beyond excited to return and spend my winter worshipping Him with some amazingly talented and humble people, as well as reach out to children in public schools who desperately need Jesus at this impressionable time of life. It is a bonus that I'm able to enjoy this ministry alongside my family, as we work to befriend those around the marinas and beyond to build relationships and shine His light to everyone. God has truly blessed us with the life we live, and we try our best to give Him all the glory for it! We will be leaving Ohio on October 11th and begin driving down to Marathon, Florida where our boat is docked. Along the way we will be stopping at quite a few different places so we will not reach the boat until November, but we are very anxious to return to our home and the amazing friendships we already have there! I hope to give more updates via facebook, and post more blogs on this site so that you can truly see what God is doing down in The Keys! Thank you all for your constant prayers and support, it really does take a village! I encourage you, if you're not feeling called to a third world country, do not be discouraged! We are all missionaries, and this entire world is our mission field. There are neighbors just around the corner who may not know Him. God can use you here in the U.S. too! So, listen to His calling on your life and know that whether it's Africa or America you are called to make disciples of ALL THE NATIONS for His glory!