One Foot in Front of the Other

I has been a difficult month. I began fundraising, and things were going really well. Then...two days after my initial fundraising efforts, I was slammed with an upper respiratory infection. Then our heater broke (first filling the house with smoke). The smoke, coupled with the cold, didn't help my sickness. The heater, which was supposed to take several days to fix, was fortunately fixed in two. Then my car battery died. Not a big deal, just an added expense.

I was resting and drinking a lot of liquids, etc. and beginning to feel better then, suddenly, took a turn for the worse. Spent two days with basically no voice and finally broke down and began a course of antibiotics. Then our heater broke...again. Seems the motor which had been replaced was defective. Again, the house was filled with smoke but fortunately the heater was fixed the same day.

THEN tonight I broke a tooth!

It has been a difficult month. I have been sidetracked from all of my fundraising efforts and missed an opportunity to minister through song at a womans event. I hope to get back on track as my time for fundraising for this initial trip is slipping away.

I feel very overwhelmed by all that must be accomplished in order for me to serve in France. It is truly a daunting task. I am so thankful that God has promised to provide all our needs according to His riches in glory. Even when I am beaten, in my weakness He is strong.

Lord, I pray you will continue the good work you have begun in me. Protect me from the enemy and keep me safe. Help me to keep walking when I am weary, one foot in front of the next. I pray that you will keep me close and in your word. Help me to cast all of my anxiety on you, because I know you care for me. I pray for the people of the nation of France. Soften their hearts, Lord. Show them your love and teach them of your grace and mercy. Bless this effort Lord. Increase my faith and help me to stand on your promises for you Lord, are faithful.

In Jesus name, Amen!

Still Struggling...

I continue to struggle with fear. God has encouraged and challenged me today through friends on facebook...

On this day, God wants you to know...
...that fear won't get you where you want to go. It's not easy to head off into uncharted waters, but every journey starts with a first step. Fear will keep you from taking that first step, from untying the boat from the dock. Fear will also keep you from making new discoveries. Don't let fear keep you tied up, set sail and see what God has planned for you...

"Believers! We know the doctrine...the harvest is plentiful...how many more convicting messages needed before we just start laying it all down and getting spent for the one who spent it all for us?..." (Pastor Aaron)

I know there will come a day when I look back at this struggle and think, "Why did I struggle so with this? Why did I doubt God's goodness and sufficiency? What was I holding on to? Why did I wait so long?"

Lord, help me to let go and trust you sooner....

Fundraising

It is time (actually long past time) for me to begin fundraising. I planned to sit down tonight and begin to call people to make appointments to share the need in France. Instead of sitting down to make calls I found everything else in the world to get involved in. Washing up the few dishes in the sink, writing an old friend, making a to-do list. Just this one more thing, then I'll start calling...

As I thought about it, I realized this is something I am struggling with. I'm scared. I realized I am scared because...what if people don't support me? What if, after all 4+ years of praying, waiting, planning, working....I'm not really called? What if I made a mistake? Or, what if I am called and people don't listen to the Lord regarding investing in His work in France?

I realize as I work through these thoughts that the Lord has called me and He will provide. I am hoping people will pray and earnestly seek the Lord regarding supporting me both financially and spiritually (both while I prepare to go as well as once I am on the field in France). I know God will provide all of my needs according to His riches in glory.

Please pray with me that the Lord will move in the hearts of His people to pray for the nation of France and provide for the workers in France.

If you are interested in hearing more about this work and how you can help, please contact me!