Cherish

Last night at Missions Conference a beautiful thing occurred: the Holy Spirit filled the gym in a way that I have not experienced at Biola before. Not only did the Holy Spirit work in the lives of many Biola students, but the Spirit is continuing to work in the lives of people this very second. The work that happen last night cannot and did not stay within the walls of the gym. Students were led to confession and repentance. Worship, prayer, and an open mic for confession lasted until 10pm. No one wanted it to end... being in the presence of the Lord with other believers who are needy for Jesus is powerful.

As I was worshiping and crying out to the Lord is desperation, a dear friend came out of no where... at the perfect time.

We embraced each other, cried, and prayed. For a long time.

God always puts people in our path when we need them. Shannon has been a friend that God has used in such mighty ways in my life. I am convinced she is my heart sister. I think I will forever cherish that moment. It was so special. I wish I could take the memory out of my head and heart and put it onto this page... so others can see how powerful friendship really is.

Embrace your friendships. God has placed people in your life for a reason. Go beyond the surface talk... get to their hearts.

I do not think I will ever understand how Biola students or Christians for that matter do not understand Missions. The whole stinkin' bible is about Mission(s).

Is it that hard to see? Open your eyes Biola.

A Franciscan Prayer

May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.

May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.

May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen.

May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.

And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.

It is almost Christmas- ICS Style!

Missions conference is almost here and I am so beyond excited I can't see straight.

Bring it Holy Spirit. BRING IT. Make people fall more in love with Jesus. Show us our faults and make us rely more on you. Empty us... please.

P.s. Everyone donate for blood for missions... Even if you hate needles.

P.s.s. Donate for Japan relief. our money is not our own... God is slowly teaching me this. Here is a worthy organization... Samaritan's Purse.

God desires us to PRAY!

Our world is broken... yet I have to remind myself that God allows somethings to happen, whether they are good or bad, for His glory. I do not understand this and I do not think I ever will fully. I have been sad girl and was crying pretty hard earlier in prayer this morning after I saw new pictures and videos.

I do not know why, but this earthquake in Japan has rocked me more than most. God has been breaking my heart for Japan and Asia in general a lot recently. I am thankful for this because I am more inclined and reminded to pray for Japan... for the long haul.

Our world is a mess. Good thing God desires our prayers and responds. He hears the prayers of the Saints. Pray for:

Libya- political rest, safety, peace.

Egypt- same as Libya... and for good leaders.

Haiti- to not be forgotten, more relief, and to turn their eyes on the Lord.

New Zealand- relief and to look towards Jesus.

Afghanistan and Iraq- Pray for our troops...

and for Urban America. Thanks friends. Let's be faithful in prayer.

Giddy about Church

Today I told my friend Alain about moving to Memphis and he instantly said, "Well... sweet, you have to go to Bryan Loritts Church," which is Fellowship Memphis. It is so funny that he said that because I have been church web site hopping (there should be a term for that) and I have been so stoked about checking out Fellowship Memphis! Bryan Loritts is a Biola Talbot Alum as well. When I move I really want to get involved in a church and make it my family. During college I moved around so much (home, school, Washington D.C., Azusa, etc), that it was hard to plant myself somewhere. But now I finally can... which is one of the things I am most excited about for after college! Don't get me wrong... I have loved going to Southlands Church and now the Persian Church.

Anyways, this church seems awesome. The heart of the church seems to align a lot of thing things I value and see important. Check it out yo.