When Nehemiah and the the Lord's people returned to the land of Judea they brought out the Book of the Law.  It was read to them and they wept.  They had fallen away from His word.

Today I am little grieved. I finally forced myself to get up early this morning and read His Word.  It has been too long.  I am grieved, feeling guilty for not spending time with Him.  But just like in the book of Nehemiah, the priests told the people, "This is the Lord's day, do not grieve"

I will rejoice in His words.

Burundi Bound September 9th!

It seems that every post I write is rack with some heavy overtone.  It would seem from this blog that my life is always on the brink of chaos or spiritual depression.  Well, I need to disclaimer that and say that it's just not true.  But in those many times of joy and completion, I don't feel the need to write about it. I simply enjoy them. 

Its when I am feeling down, confused, or spiritually down that I feel the need to write my thoughts.  I guess its kind of like when I am happy, I am quick to forget the Giver of all blessings and true joy.  Yet when I am oppressed I am so quick to run to Him.

So since I am writing, I am sure you can guess that I am feelin' a little down.  Yes fri

ends, this spiritual battle that is going on in my soul right now is raging more than ever.  Yet, I am still trying to remember that He is in control and that with Him on my side I have won.  

I am 66% supported. Praise the Lord! My vacation with family down at the Outer Banks, NC was such a blessings.  I am now back in Blacksburg, trying to raise the last bit of my support. I fly to Bujumbura on September 9th!  

I haven't even landed in Burundi and I am already plagued with insecurity in myself and my calling to serve Him.  Its tiring. I am so tired of it. 

He rose on the 3rd day and conquered sin.  His love for me is unconditional. I rest my ever wiry head in this.

To hear the words, "Well done..."

Today Ben Entwistle passed away at the age of 20.

Some people take more than 70 years before they get to go home, but Ben got to go home earlier than most.  I am shocked, surprised, grieved.  

Often we are shocked when the Lord chooses to take His best servants, but maybe He just wants better company.  He gives and takes away...but those of us who are left behind can't help but feel the loss.

May I decrease, and He increase...

With every draw back and set back that I have gone through in the past few days, I have rejoiced because my understanding of God has become just a bit bigger. His comforting embrace has become just a bit more tighter, and His faithfulness to me has been proved a little more.

12%-my support level right now.

As we diminish, He increases. May I continue to diminish.

'Tis the season...to eat!

HAPPY 4th of July!!!

I'm not a very good American, but here's the deal.  I LOVE apple pie!  

There is nothing more satisfying than a slice nice, warm, spiced apple pie with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream on top.

YAY AMERICA!!!

He chose 12...

Being forced to raise support head-on this week is probably the hardest hit my pride has ever taken...

Encouragement though has come from unexpected places and at unexpected times. He is indeed Jehovah Jira...my provider, He restores me soul.

As I have reflected on Christ's model of discipleship I have realized many things, but one that has stuck with me is who His disciples were. They were not the highly educated, not the cream of the crop, and probably not the most refined of society. They were rough fishermen. Christ looked past ALL that, and saw obedient hearts. He sees my heart. He sees my desire to serve Him, and as I continue to feel completely inadequate to serve Him, He reminds me. "Obey me. I am all you need. I will provide. Trust me."

Things that I have been telling myself this week...

"Isaac, He will get you to Burundi when He wants you there"

"The kitchen doesn't have to be clean, just kinda clean"

"Yes you're leaving, but you can still continue to build relationships"

"It's only money"

"Thank goodness for YouTube"

"22, what a WIERD age"