The cool of the afternoon...

Stuck in my head

I didn't know who Shawn MacDonald was until I came to Moody. My Christian music library has certainly exploded since then :) I've been sitting at work for a few hours singing the few lines I know from this song, so I thought I'd share the lyrics with you. Look up the song sometime...very beautiful.

I want to be ready
When the Son Almighty comes
To lay claim to Him
And Him, alone
I want to be ready
To stand at His side
For His eyes to gaze upon me
In His glory and might

I want to be ready
For Him and Him, alone
I want to be

I want to be ready
To cry out His name
To lay up in His arms
Delight in His fame
I want to be ready
To be embraced by His love
Before Thee Almighty
To take me up above


I want to be ready
For Him and Him alone
I want to be... ready

To gaze upon Your throne
To give You all I own
O My King
To fall upon my knees
To give You all the glory

I want to be ready
For You alone
I want to be

The sun through the rain is like a smile through tears.

My dear friends and therefore loved ones...

May peace abound with each of you today. I have news to share with you.

By various people, situations, and reasons, God has strongly shut the door to going to Ghana this summer. I believe it is His good, perfect, and pleasing will to do so and I'm not questioning "why?"

For nearly my entire life, I have prayed so hard for dream that I believed God called me to. I still think God planted that desire in me so long ago to lead me to the place I am now. As for the fulfillment of that calling, perhaps it is not supposed to take the form of serving in Ghana or Sudan. Perhaps the fulfillment is far different, temporary, or futurist than I think. Or perhaps there is something else in store? Whatever God's plans, the last two days, God has made it so evident that He has different ideas in mind and He is in control.

For those of you that were so gracious and generous to pledge your time and energy in prayer as well as financial support, I am so grateful for your sacrificial love towards me. For the logistics of money, I will soon be sending the checks back to you so that money can be returned to your accounts.

Yesterday, I was not concerned that God may be pulling me out of an internship.

Today, I have not been concerned that God is changing the calling of my life--but I always knew that if and when that day took place, it would be a hard time...and it is. Change can be painful and sudden, but it is comforting to see the hand of God directing the change.

So...because He is faithful, all I can say is...

As you wish, Lord.

Have a good laugh...

The front fell off!

Mulling thoughts

Take a few minutes to write or type your answers down.

Question: Who are the people that inspire you to righteousness?

Internship Update

I received my first sponsorship today in the mail! Praise the Lord! This is actually happening!

Whatever befall...Jesus doeth all things well.

Rock of ages when the day seems long
From this labor and this heart ache I have come
The skies wear out, but You remain the same
Rock of ages I praise Your name.

Rock of ages You have brought me near
You have poured life, blood, Your love and Your tears
To make this stone heart come alive again
Rock of ages forgive my sin.

Rock of ages
Rock of ages
Bind Your children til the kingdom comes
Rock of ages, Your will be done.

Rock of ages when in want or rest
My desperate need for such a Savior I confess
And pull idols out from my hard embrace
Rock of ages, I need Your grace

Rock of ages
Broke and scorned for me
Who am I that You would die to make me free
To give me glory You took the death and the pain
Rock of ages, my offering

Rock of ages
Rock of ages
Bind Your children until the kingdom comes
Rock of ages, Your will be done.


Rock of ages, "It is done!" He cried
The curtains torn and I see justice satisfied
Now write Your mercy here on my heart and hands
Rock of ages, in faith I stand

Rock of ages, my great hope secured
You promise holds just like an anchor to my soul
And bind Your children with cords of love and grace
Rock of ages, we give You praise

Internship Update

The pressure's on...

I got an email today from the director of ECM (Every Child Ministries) that had my flight itinerary attached. Looks like I'll be flying from:

San Antonio-->Houston-->London-->Accra

I'm so excited! And nervous. The common theme for this has been waiting on God. The next thing to watch Him provide is finances. By April 23rd, I have a $2,500 payment due. The full amount has to be in by May $5,210. OOF! A good challenge. If the Lord doesn't provide, there is something else in store. We shall see. :) just PRAY.

The rest of my prayer/support letters are being sent in the next few days. If you'd like to know more about the trip and do not receive one in the next few days, let me know and I'll shoot you an email about it. :)

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In other news, it's SPRING in CHICAGO!!!! :D PRAISE HIM! The sun lives again!!!

blessings,
em