wowzer. it's been a few weeks since I wrote last. no one prolly noticed though, haha, but hey, it's cool. anyways- wow- so much has happened in the last few weeks. one of the main exciting things in these past weeks was that i was able to visit two of my dearly beloveds in Louisville, Kentucky (Aly & Gianna who went to Zambia with me) and it was so incredible. Being able to surprise Gianna and just spending time with them and their families was really wonderful! Man alive- I sure missed them.
While I was there, one night I sat in a park next to Aly and we looked out onto the Ohio river. The water was lit up by the reflections of the street and bridge lights, and it was beautiful. As I watched cars pass over the bridge, I tapped into something I feel that God has been trying to teach me. Each car came into sight, passed, and then left my sight. The amount of time on the bridge wasn't long- but it was very important- necessary- to get to the other side.
In our walks with Christ, time is little, yet it is what we are given- right here, right now. It is important, completely necessary, to be found in Christ for eternity.
I watched a car pass over without its lights on. The car still made it to the other side- but her lights didnt shine. As a follower of Jesus, I can still spend eternity with Him without truly making a conscious decision each morning to be a light for Him- but is that really how I want to live? The answer to that is, no, absolutely not.
As a new school year comes around the corner, I am very excited to live with my lights on. I'm excited to wake up each morning and devote the time God has given me here, on this bridge, to shine HIS LIGHT. I'm so excited to live fully, have fun, breathe deeply, and learn to enjoy even the small pleasures of this place. I am excited to seek His face in all things, and find amongst the continual ticking of the clock, that each day I have a choice- to be a light- or to not.
Shine, Jesus, Shine.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
conquerors...
Oh, what a wonderful day. 11:07, cloudy and dark outside...and i LOVE it. I hope it rains today.....i feel like playing in the rain :))) Anyways...
Last night I was babysitting my two favorite children (Trysten and Laken) and I just kept looking at them and watching them play and giving them big hugs and kisses. Much of the time I was there, I was overjoyed being with them, but also deeply saddened- thinking about my girls in Zambia. Deeply saddened as we went to the beach, knowing that many many millions of children have never experienced playing in water. Later that evening we snuggled on the couch, just the three of us, and watched a movie before bed....how many little kids have the opportunity to snuggle up on a couch, wrapped a blanket, with people they love, and watch a movie. I just kept looking in Laken's eyes and thinking about my little girls in Zambia- thinking that they have no one that loves them like this- no one to see the beauty in their eyes, no one to snuggle up and hold them. No one to kiss them, no one.
well today as I was spending some time with the Lord, I came across Romans 8:35-39 which says, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written. "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. "
Nothing can separate us. We are conquerers. So despite hardship, famine, danger, and nakedness, my little orphans in Zambia are still the Children of God. Nothing- nothing- can separate them from that!!!!!!! I found it striking to read the words, "we face death all day long." All day-everyday- we are facing death! Some of us are facing death in more physical ways: famine, sickness, disease...others of us facing death in emotional ways: fear, doubt, mistrust, stress. Some of us face death each day when we are surrounded by lies, gossip, drugs, alcohol, sex, and wicked mouths. Despite the differences in what we face each day, we are all facing death! All of us! Each and everyone of us- every day! It is in choosing to follow Christ that we step away from these things, and chose to walk in life and peace. Christ speaks through this by saying if we are truly in Him, choosing to walk on the path to true life, then nothing can separate His children from His love. Awesomeness huh?
all glory and honor and power to Christ the King-
LOVE YOU ALL!
we are conquerors- conquerors through the love of Christ!
Last night I was babysitting my two favorite children (Trysten and Laken) and I just kept looking at them and watching them play and giving them big hugs and kisses. Much of the time I was there, I was overjoyed being with them, but also deeply saddened- thinking about my girls in Zambia. Deeply saddened as we went to the beach, knowing that many many millions of children have never experienced playing in water. Later that evening we snuggled on the couch, just the three of us, and watched a movie before bed....how many little kids have the opportunity to snuggle up on a couch, wrapped a blanket, with people they love, and watch a movie. I just kept looking in Laken's eyes and thinking about my little girls in Zambia- thinking that they have no one that loves them like this- no one to see the beauty in their eyes, no one to snuggle up and hold them. No one to kiss them, no one.
well today as I was spending some time with the Lord, I came across Romans 8:35-39 which says, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written. "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. "
Nothing can separate us. We are conquerers. So despite hardship, famine, danger, and nakedness, my little orphans in Zambia are still the Children of God. Nothing- nothing- can separate them from that!!!!!!! I found it striking to read the words, "we face death all day long." All day-everyday- we are facing death! Some of us are facing death in more physical ways: famine, sickness, disease...others of us facing death in emotional ways: fear, doubt, mistrust, stress. Some of us face death each day when we are surrounded by lies, gossip, drugs, alcohol, sex, and wicked mouths. Despite the differences in what we face each day, we are all facing death! All of us! Each and everyone of us- every day! It is in choosing to follow Christ that we step away from these things, and chose to walk in life and peace. Christ speaks through this by saying if we are truly in Him, choosing to walk on the path to true life, then nothing can separate His children from His love. Awesomeness huh?
all glory and honor and power to Christ the King-
LOVE YOU ALL!
we are conquerors- conquerors through the love of Christ!
Friday, July 25, 2008
2 Timothy 14
Tossing and turning all night. Couldn't sleep. Finally got up, washed my face, and opened my Bible. Opened up to 2 Timothy, one of my favorites, and began to read the words I've read before. Verse 14 stood out- as if I've never read it.
"Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."
Wow. I'm sure I've read this many times, but this morning- it really hit me. We are commanded to guard the good deposit that is entrusted to us. I began to then dig in and question God what it is that He has deposited in me, and how am I supposed to guard it.
I spent some time meditating over the words, through prayer and reading and I did not seem to find "the deposit" God has placed in me. However, God did show Himself in this. God has trusted me with something! God has trusted each one of His children with something so unique, something so individual and perfect according to who He has made that child to be. Isn't that amazing? Each one of us- He has trusted us with something! As I continued to pray and read I came to realize this: If He trusts me then I must make it my first priority to do the work He trusts me to do.
In the latter part of the verse, "guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us," we are instructed to guard it (Christ's deposit in our lives). In seeking Christ's desire in my life as to how I am supposed to do this, He instructs me to continue to seek His will, and open my heart to the workings and teachings of the Holy Spirit. This, is an area that I feel that I must continue to grow in.
My last question that I really sought God's reply on this morning was "Lord, how do I seek your Spirit for protection?" he replied, "breathe in me." This would require me to make it my utmost desire to be in continual prayer and seeking His truth in His word.
I thought I would share this with you this morning, because it really is amazing that God trusts each and every one of His children with something so specific. Maybe, if we all were reminded of this more frequently, we'd be more apt to seeking His work and seeking, exactly what it is that God has entrusted us with today!
Love you all! Praise God, for He is soooooo good :)
Have a WONDERFUL day!
"Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."
Wow. I'm sure I've read this many times, but this morning- it really hit me. We are commanded to guard the good deposit that is entrusted to us. I began to then dig in and question God what it is that He has deposited in me, and how am I supposed to guard it.
I spent some time meditating over the words, through prayer and reading and I did not seem to find "the deposit" God has placed in me. However, God did show Himself in this. God has trusted me with something! God has trusted each one of His children with something so unique, something so individual and perfect according to who He has made that child to be. Isn't that amazing? Each one of us- He has trusted us with something! As I continued to pray and read I came to realize this: If He trusts me then I must make it my first priority to do the work He trusts me to do.
In the latter part of the verse, "guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us," we are instructed to guard it (Christ's deposit in our lives). In seeking Christ's desire in my life as to how I am supposed to do this, He instructs me to continue to seek His will, and open my heart to the workings and teachings of the Holy Spirit. This, is an area that I feel that I must continue to grow in.
My last question that I really sought God's reply on this morning was "Lord, how do I seek your Spirit for protection?" he replied, "breathe in me." This would require me to make it my utmost desire to be in continual prayer and seeking His truth in His word.
I thought I would share this with you this morning, because it really is amazing that God trusts each and every one of His children with something so specific. Maybe, if we all were reminded of this more frequently, we'd be more apt to seeking His work and seeking, exactly what it is that God has entrusted us with today!
Love you all! Praise God, for He is soooooo good :)
Have a WONDERFUL day!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
the days go by....
Yay! What a great day today is. I'm loving the morning breeze that is coming through my windows--it is so beautiful and gentle. The birds chirping outside, singing their happy songs, and the flowers and leaves moving gently with the wind. I love summer.
So things around here are doing just fine. I've been spending the majority of my days alone, partially because usually my family is gone, but also because most of my friends are working and so- yah, lots of alone time.
One thing that I have been doing is working on adding more discipline to my life. Discipline in all areas: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional- the list goes on. This is one thing that I feel God has challenged me for this upcoming school year (which I'm ready to be back at Hope)- to be more disciplined. To do things such as spend more time outside, study harder, invest more fully into friendships, read more, and just really get in the mindset of living- living fully!
Many people are probably still wondering about my trip, and I am still at a complete loss for words. I feel terrible, but I haven't even gone to church yet- avoiding the confrontation. I know that seems terrible but I just don't know what to say. I will however, be going to church this sunday and sharing much of my testimony from Zambia, so I would appreciate prayers for that.
I miss Zambia- I really do. I question sometimes, why it is that I had to come back? I question why it is that God has me here? Through talking with many people though, I really have come to find that God has me here for a reason- I struggle in this moment to find what that may actually be.
Zambia is not only beautiful in the scenic sense, but also in a spiritual sense. So many of us (including myself before I went) think that the whole of Africa is one huge hell hole- with poverty stricken people and AIDS. Well after meeting these people, I found myself standing completely humbled and corrected. The Zambians I met are some of the most amazing people that I think I will ever meet. They have such an amazing outlook on life- even amongst all the poverty and disease. They are so very advanced on spirituality, making them even more open to Christ and the love He shares.
Well, I love and miss my girls terribly. I really am praying for an opportunity in the near future to go back and see them. I hope that if there is anything in you that desires to do something like this- that you open up your heart and ask God for the opportunity. If it is His will, He will make a way!
May God continue to pour his blessings on you!
LOVE YOU ALL!
Have a wonderful day!
Praise the King!
So things around here are doing just fine. I've been spending the majority of my days alone, partially because usually my family is gone, but also because most of my friends are working and so- yah, lots of alone time.
One thing that I have been doing is working on adding more discipline to my life. Discipline in all areas: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional- the list goes on. This is one thing that I feel God has challenged me for this upcoming school year (which I'm ready to be back at Hope)- to be more disciplined. To do things such as spend more time outside, study harder, invest more fully into friendships, read more, and just really get in the mindset of living- living fully!
Many people are probably still wondering about my trip, and I am still at a complete loss for words. I feel terrible, but I haven't even gone to church yet- avoiding the confrontation. I know that seems terrible but I just don't know what to say. I will however, be going to church this sunday and sharing much of my testimony from Zambia, so I would appreciate prayers for that.
I miss Zambia- I really do. I question sometimes, why it is that I had to come back? I question why it is that God has me here? Through talking with many people though, I really have come to find that God has me here for a reason- I struggle in this moment to find what that may actually be.
Zambia is not only beautiful in the scenic sense, but also in a spiritual sense. So many of us (including myself before I went) think that the whole of Africa is one huge hell hole- with poverty stricken people and AIDS. Well after meeting these people, I found myself standing completely humbled and corrected. The Zambians I met are some of the most amazing people that I think I will ever meet. They have such an amazing outlook on life- even amongst all the poverty and disease. They are so very advanced on spirituality, making them even more open to Christ and the love He shares.
Well, I love and miss my girls terribly. I really am praying for an opportunity in the near future to go back and see them. I hope that if there is anything in you that desires to do something like this- that you open up your heart and ask God for the opportunity. If it is His will, He will make a way!
May God continue to pour his blessings on you!
LOVE YOU ALL!
Have a wonderful day!
Praise the King!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
i miss my babies.....
Goodness, I am so in love with my Jesus. This morning was sooo wonderful. I walked around my coffee table today for a while...just talkin to jesus.......it was awesome! i am so excited because I really feel that God is going to give me an opportunity to go back to Zambia.....and, that is the best news of my entire life.
In all honesty, people keep wanting to know how I am and I have no idea what to say. I am absolutely awesome in some respects, and in others I feel like I'm dying inside. I want to be there, with my girls. I miss them all: Aquinocious, Belita, Anita, Barbara, Cathrine, Loveness, Exildah, Peza, Gracie, Ronica, Morebless, Pascalina, Virginia, and Inonge. I miss them, and my heart is still there, in Kafue, Zambia.....im dying to go back.
but on the flip side, i am amazing. I have such a wonderful family and wonderful friends, and have been able to relax and just have some down time on the lake as well. I feel just so fortunate. After seeing some of the things I saw while I was there, coming home and something simple as just opening up my fridge, just humbles me. I have NOTHING to complain about.
Yah, sorry if im rambling terribly..my sister is all over me for this movie marathon...and of course, frozen pizza and sunburns too. Right now, my sister is holding up the frozen pizza to her burnt belly, and well, she says it feels amazing.
Okay, enough already!
Love you all, and I'm just going to shoot one out to my fav---STUMP! You rule, and i miss you like crazy!
<3 <3 <3
in Christ,
Soph
There's no one, there's no one, like Jesus ----a song my little zambian pack sang! miss them <3
In all honesty, people keep wanting to know how I am and I have no idea what to say. I am absolutely awesome in some respects, and in others I feel like I'm dying inside. I want to be there, with my girls. I miss them all: Aquinocious, Belita, Anita, Barbara, Cathrine, Loveness, Exildah, Peza, Gracie, Ronica, Morebless, Pascalina, Virginia, and Inonge. I miss them, and my heart is still there, in Kafue, Zambia.....im dying to go back.
but on the flip side, i am amazing. I have such a wonderful family and wonderful friends, and have been able to relax and just have some down time on the lake as well. I feel just so fortunate. After seeing some of the things I saw while I was there, coming home and something simple as just opening up my fridge, just humbles me. I have NOTHING to complain about.
Yah, sorry if im rambling terribly..my sister is all over me for this movie marathon...and of course, frozen pizza and sunburns too. Right now, my sister is holding up the frozen pizza to her burnt belly, and well, she says it feels amazing.
Okay, enough already!
Love you all, and I'm just going to shoot one out to my fav---STUMP! You rule, and i miss you like crazy!
<3 <3 <3
in Christ,
Soph
There's no one, there's no one, like Jesus ----a song my little zambian pack sang! miss them <3
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
it's been a few days...
hey all.
well, sorry it's been a while. i've been caught up doing other things-
anyways,
well, what is new. Not a whole lot is new. I am really starting to miss my babies in Zambia. I cannot go a day without thinking about them, and wishing I was there to love on them. I'm anxiously awaiting my return to Zambia.
I just finished editing my photos and working on my book, and so that will be here in a few days. i am very excited to see how it turns out.
Well, that's all for now. I think i will probably head out on the lake in a bit.
lots of love.
in Him
well, sorry it's been a while. i've been caught up doing other things-
anyways,
well, what is new. Not a whole lot is new. I am really starting to miss my babies in Zambia. I cannot go a day without thinking about them, and wishing I was there to love on them. I'm anxiously awaiting my return to Zambia.
I just finished editing my photos and working on my book, and so that will be here in a few days. i am very excited to see how it turns out.
Well, that's all for now. I think i will probably head out on the lake in a bit.
lots of love.
in Him
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
bang.
things are hittin here pretty hard right about now. culture shock is majorly setting in, and i am missing everything so much. there is so much i love and know here, but, well it seems like lots of it doesnt really matter. so many things that i have here, are just unnecessary. i like things simple. i enjoy things much differently than most- and I really hadn't realized this until i was actually gone.
babbling, sorry.
i love it here, it's just, i want to be back over there.
take a moment to go brighten someone else's day!
and you, yourself, have a wonderful day.
Jesus loves us!
babbling, sorry.
i love it here, it's just, i want to be back over there.
take a moment to go brighten someone else's day!
and you, yourself, have a wonderful day.
Jesus loves us!
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