Grace

"The Shepherd leads those not to be Hallmark versions of perfection, but rather persevering versions of humility. Grace stands in the gaps."

-Ann Voskamp

Opened Doors

Waiting for direction can be a trying process. Our culture has taught us a need for immediate satisfaction, but there is so much to be learned in the waiting! When HE finally opens a door, we can see how he's been preparing us for this time when He reveals His plan. And it's SO worth the wait!

The Lord has been so faithful to put so many pieces together for the next year of my life, and I'd like to share a few more details about the adventure He has provided for me!

I am going to be an English teacher at a small, K-12 school for the children of Macas, Ecuador. Emmanuel Christian School is located in Macas, Ecuador, which is located in the South East part of Ecuador. Robin and Wendy Gutierrez are missionaries through Global Outreach, the missions organization that I'll be working through. The school has about 350 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Although ECS is considered a "Christian" school, 70% of the students who attend do not know Jesus. Their desire to learn English is what draws them to the school.

In Macas, I will be teaching Christian Education for the summer term and then 1st-6th grade English for the school year, September through June! It is my prayer that I will be able to not only teach these children English, but also about how much Jesus loves them and about His desire to be The Lord of their lives. This is the most important thing I can teach them!

Please pray that the students, teachers, families, and people of Macas will be open to hearing from Him and that I will be bold in sharing about my faith. I am so excited to see what The Lord is going to do in Macas and am so grateful that He has opened this door for my life!

Thanks-Giving

Almost finished with this book, and I can safely say that I highly recommend it. Ann Voskamp is a beautiful writer, who describes her journey toward FULL living in a quite inspiring, yet simple manner. It's a must-read! Best $9 I've spent in while. Get it here.

More details to come!

Ready for Battle

1 Chronicles 12:8b
"They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear."

These warriors that went to fight with David were brave, strong, and ready. Though I wouldn't on first thought consider myself a "brave warrior," my second glace at this verse made me think. I am supposed to be fighting The Lord's battle against this world and our sinful nature. And I can't be brave and ready for battle unless I am "able to handle my shield and spear."

Ephesians 6:10-18

"Finally, be strong in The Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is The Word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

To be a brave and ready warrior, I must learn how to depend on God's Word as a life-line. This is vital. With my shield of faith, (trusting that HE is LORD) and my sword of The Spirit, (His Word) I can be prepared to fight for His Glory so that others can know!

The Lord gives us times of peace so that He can build us up and train us to be His brave warriors, ready for battle. Are you ready?

Happy Day for Allie!

This precious friend of mine just found out some great news! She is going to be at RTS in Jackson this fall to start Seminary for Christian Counseling. I could not think of a more worthy lady. Allie is the definition of a self-less friend, who is passionate about life and loves generously. She is going to be wonderful Counselor. She loves The Lord even more than her friends and I know He is going to use her in big ways!

Even this picture shows her selfless nature as she woke up early for my birthday last summer to go blueberry picking in Pontotoc. Such a loving friend! Sooo Proud of you, Allie!

Right where these feet are

I'm in grad school, smothered with midterms, grammar rules, science projects, and meetings. I am longing for the next phase of life, free of school. A warm summer, and then leaving to spend a year in Macas teaching children and sharing my faith. How can I help it? :)

But...The Lord says, "Little Laura, you are in Starkville for a purpose...find it and thrive...today!" To bring joy, encourage, reach out, be discipled, be stretched, and grow closer to Him, for today.

The thing is, there will always be something in life to look ahead toward, something to distract our eyes from the "today" where God has planted us.

I like the way Ann Voscamp says it...

"The only place I can ever be alive is right here.
Right where these feet are is the only place joy will ever be possible."

He brings the Spring

The daffodils are budding and beginning to bloom! What a beautiful reminder that The Lord will always bring spring-time after a cold, dreary winter season.

What a Great God we serve!

Hope you have a sun-shiny, spring-time day!