Thankfulness, Prayer and Hope: September

Things I am thankful for...

• A supportive family who believes in what I am doing with my life
• Reaching 50% of my support raising goal
• The season of fall: changing color of leaves, apple cider, football games
• Dark chocolate and it's wonderful flavor
• The ability to laugh at myself

Things I am praying and trusting the Lord for...

• Connecting with the other 50% of my support team
• Searching, budgeting and buying a "new" car
• Relationships - a lot of my genuine community is at a distance and I want to use this 'solo' time to draw closer to Him
• The official release of the Jesus Film Media app for Apple products (sooooo soon - check my blog again this week maybe!!!) 
• Daily surrender to trust Him and His leading

Things I am hopeful and looking forward to...

• Eventually buying my own, first, nice car
• Reporting to my job with Jesus Film Media in Orlando
• The New Staff Follow Up conference in October
• Hopefully running the Turkey Trot in the Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade
• Snow... can I say that? It's almost been 2 years!!! I want to snowboard so baddd

Here's a question for ya...

When it comes to blogs, what do you like to read about?

I've realized that a lot of times I write about my job, how I have seen God at work, prayer requests and recently I've posted videos...

The reason I started this blog two years ago, was to stay connected with family and friends when I was living overseas. After being State-side for over a year, I have continued to blog and this and that - and I admit, I've enjoyed looking at the statistics of readers. I'm analytical like that *adjusts nerdy glasses*.

So I was wondering... for you as the reader, what do you like to read about? When I read other people's blogs, I personally like pictures and different kinds of media and obviously cool stories. I want to write posts that are meaningful, playful, fun and refreshing. I want to share stories of encouragement, randomness, joy and amazement. 

Thoughts, ideas, opinions?

Jesus Film Media

The Jesus Film Donor Video from Cooke Pictures on Vimeo.

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus"

On Sunday, this song was played at church. I loved it.

When I drive, it's crazy how many times I find myself on "auto-pilot" driving by places, landmarks and roads I've seen hundreds of times before. As I was driving down a familiar road this morning, I found myself looking off into the distance and up to the clouds in the sky. Amazed by it's great vastness, it's unique beauty, it's unending horizon - I remembered God created all of that. Meaning not only is He creative, but He is HUGE.

He is a big, artistic, creative and caring God. In as much thought that went into that scene I saw for a few moments, how much more does He have precious thought, care, love, patience, and desire for what's best for me.

Often times, I find myself getting caught up in the here and now. I start grabbing at the "steering wheel of life" to steer it myself, rather than trust in where the Lord is leading. Sometimes, I take time to reflect on past life situations and experiences; (which I should do more because...) every single time, He has proven faithful. Looking back on the whole story, I can see where and how God was leading. Hind-sight is always 20/20 right? In reflecting on these moments, I want to continue to grow my trust in Him.

1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just to take Him at His Word;
   Just to rest upon His promise,
   And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just to trust His cleansing blood;
   And in simple faith to plunge me
   ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just from sin and self to cease;
   Just from Jesus simply taking
   Life and rest, and joy and peace.
4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
   Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
   And I know that Thou art with me,
   Wilt be with me to the end.

"So, wait... you are home? For how long? Why?"

Yes. It is true. I am home in Michigan... and at that, for a while. Being on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ essentially means being a missionary. I think traditionally (as a kid this is what I thought too), when people think of missionaries,  they think of overseas, using a Bible to point others to Christ while living in the bush of Africa.

But, in fact, being a missionary can mean living in the United States also. Which is what I get to do! Eventually, I will be doing ministry with Jesus Film down in Orlando, Florida at the headquarters for Campus Crusade for Christ.

The Jesus Film was started in 1979, and is a docudrama of the gospel of Luke from the Bible. In the last 30+ years, the film has been translated into more that 1,180 languages! It is reported that 225 million people have come to know Christ as their personal Savior after watching the film in their own native tongue. We have new projects and tools that will help make these films, as well as other Jesus Film products, available to everyone - missionary or corporate individual, in the bush of Africa or in the suburb of Detroit.

The front end of a missionaries job is to partner with people, both in prayer and finances. Which brings me to explain why I am home: home to meet with current and new supporters. (I'm also excited to be home for a Michigan fall! Beautiful weather!!) People who have a heart for Jesus Film ministry, people who want the gospel to be shared across the world, people who have a desire to support missionaries, people who see their calling as "sending and supporting" verses " going to the field", and people who just like to be generous or people who God has called them to give. Maybe you fall into one of those categories...

The other day, God graciously reminded me that is nothing I say or do or show to people I meet with that persuades them to give. Three weeks ago, I met with a family, who ended up deciding not to support me. This past Sunday, with a beaming smile, she gave me a hug and wrote me a check saying God had been working on their hearts and wanted them to support me - $1,200!!?!

What does my week look like? Phone calls, working through a seminary class, thank you cards, emails, voice mails, prayer letters, keeping track of supporters giving, phone calls, follow up conversations, writing blogs, meeting with people, and more phone calls! I am learning to be content in whatever the circumstance (Phil.4:11), while also looking forward to actually starting the position with Jesus Film down in Orlando!

So, I will be home for a few months while I meet with people and share about the ministry God has called me to for the next couple years of my life. I could be home till next month, January 2013, August 2013 or really any time - it's completely up to God's timing.

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19