The Blessing of Spreading the Word

As I sit here thinking through everything that has happened in the past month I am amazed at what God has blessed me with. It brings a mixture of emotions when I see God's hand in my life and what I've done with what He's given me. I am sad to say I've not always responded the way I should've or done the Christ like thing but God knew I would make those choices and He also used those choices whether poor or wise to teach me something. 

   This past month I was blessed with the opportunity to travel with some dear friends and to minister to people along the east coast. We traveled from Pennsylvania to Florida, from Florida to Pennsylvania, to Connecticut and then back to Pennsylvania in a matter of 10 days. It was a ton of fun and full of blessings as we were able to renew friendships, create new ones, and spread the gospel to the most random people! In our quick stop in PA we were able to minister to an Elderly home in Downingtown and seeing these people enjoy music and to hear the gospel at the ages of 90's to 100's! It goes to show you that you are never too old to hear the Truth of God's word!
    My trip closed with saying "Ciao!" to my dear friends and my heart was heavy with the idea that I might not see them again for a long time. But I am also very excited to see how the seeds we planted along the way grow and maybe bear fruit one day.
    Jesus calls us to go into the world and spread the gospel. He also says in 1 Peter that He will make us strong. I never would have thought that I would have traveled and been able to present the gospel like we did on this trip!  All the fears of failure, not saying the right things, or being alone are lies that Satan desires us to believe so that we wont step out in faith and do things. When we replace those lies with the truth of God we are then walking in victory and able to spread the love of Jesus wherever we go!

 The Rega Family and Company singing and presenting the gospel :)

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Winter!!

The breakfast dishes are being finished up and the floors being swept when the excited shout rings through the dining hall "IT'S SNOWING!!" Immediately the entire room empties into the streets of the Ranch and stand, dance, jump up and down, sticking their tongues out to catch the white fluffy flakes as they gently float from the skies. It has finally arrived, the long awaited (and somewhat dreaded for those used to the warmer climates ;) snow. It brings a mixture of  emotions of ecstasy and also the knowledge that it is truly farewell to the warm sunshine and hello to the cold and wet days of winter. But in light of how winter aids in the renewal of our world I am content to say that I am happy to see it arrive. In the same way I am learning to love the winters that God brings into my life as I know that they are designed to mold and grow me. The spring that comes after a cold spell is incredible. God has been teaching my heart to not dread the conviction or the trials, but to look forward to them as they are bringing me closer to Him and His love. It isn't always easy or fun but who ever said they would be. Jesus said "Take my yoke upon you....Pick up my cross daily and follow me....I will not leave you nor forsake you.....Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.....Come unto me and I will teach you my ways..." (multiple verses paraphrased or shortened)  It is such a comfort and a blessing to know that God has my path completely planned out and all I have to do is just trust Him. :) I am constantly laying myself down at the foot of the cross with everything He lays in my path and saying "Lord, I am fully and completely Yours. Take me anywhere and walk me through this!"
This month we are studying Virtue and Thoroughness. Virtue goes back to having morale excellence/righteousness. What exactly is that? Well it boils down to your character. Are we modeling Jesus Christ and are we living fully as He would?  Thoroughness is doing something to completion. Are we thoroughly (completely,utterly, perfectly) seeking out Christ's character and mirroring Him to the best of my ability?  It is constantly challenging as God walks me through different situations and I am tested on what am I doing to truly mirror Christ? Am I choosing to allow the winters that God bring into my life to bring me to greater wisdom of God's love and character?
     Remember that God never brings anything into our lives that we can't handle and there is no winter that doesn't have a warm spring ahead if we choose to accept God's promptings and let Him lead us through the cold storms.