What do I know differently now?

What do I know differently now?

I have now interned with Hillside for five months. During that time my life as a Christian has changed dramatically. Before coming to Hillside, I was ready to make a change in my life. I had been a Christian for fourteen years with parents who are both believers. I thought that I knew a lot of information and beliefs on being a believer of Christ. Once I began my internship, I began to think that maybe I was living in a closet all these years. I see many views in a different light now such as predestination, God’s glory, salvation, etc. All of these topics are great to understand and form your own opinion on after extensive study on the bible and discussions with others. However, the most important view that I see and know differently now, is the importance in knowing how to defend your faith. I remember having to memorize bible verses in Sunday School and going to Dare to Share conferences. I have attended Christian concerts and gone on short term mission trips. Do you know what the theme in each of those activities; sharing your faith. That’s why I wanted to come to Hillside so that I could share my faith to people around the world. But could I defend my faith before I came to Hillside? I thought I knew all the things it meant to be a believer but I could not defend my beliefs. I couldn’t answer questions on the textual authenticity of the Bible, the Christian doctrine of God, the deity of Jesus Christ in the bible, and historical and spiritual issues. Knowing all of this information is very important in defending you faith. In addition, it is also important to know not only your own religion but your audience as well. We did very intense study of the Muslim faith for almost four months. We read the Qur’an, studied to history of Christianity before Muhammad, the life of Muhammad, history of Islam since the death of Muhammad, and the differences between Muslims and Christians. I learned to defend my faith with Muslims. I am so excited to go to Turkey and have discussions with Muslims and build relationships with them. Even if they never accept Christ, I can demonstrate a Christ like love to the Turks. Knowing the Muslim faith will allow to tear down some of the boundaries that separate Islam from believers. Coming to Hillside has changed my life and I pray that my next four months are just as amazing! What I am learning here will impact the rest of my life.

China Greetings

Well its 9:15pm in China and I'm sitting in a "interent cafe." Its kinda gross needless to say. China has been amazing! I would tell you specifics but well... there's lots to say. Having fun with meeting tons of people here in China. The flight here was LONG but we made it shorter by playing tag on the plane. The plane left two hours late so got into Beijing really late. Plus the city is about an hour from the airport. Beijing was cool.. very big and busy. The hotel room was interesting. Susie and I slept with cotton in our ears to keep the cockroaches out; yes we had cockroaches!!! Guiyang was really neat as well. We ate at a nice restaurant and went with our friend Rebecca to do an English Conor with her friends. It was fun to talk with Chinese people who are learning english. Most of them spoke very good english. We went to the night market and walked around. I didn't buy anything but had fun. Haven't ate too many weird things other than duck hot pot that still has the head, neck, and feet in it and water buffalo. Man my tummy hurts!!!! In Kaili we checked into our VERY NICE hotel, ate lunch, and went to the batik factory. There we got our first time to see our "friends" who make the batiks. Needless to say I was really excited to see and meet them. I got very sick at the end so Kris rushed me back tot he hotel where I laid for the rest of the evening... I used the bathroom a lot! (I missed out on a buddist temple and Maio traditional dancing at the arena :( I met two American Olympians at a kayak race in Kaili, Red and Scott. That evening we went to a kareoke bar. This week in China is National Week and Friday was Autumn Day where people eat moon cakes. They are ok. Now we are in the rural parts of China visiting "friends" and getting lost trying to find their houses. No street names out here... lol we will be out and about for four days and then leaving to another provence to visit different friends. Last night we did a english corner at a local school. Gaby and I played hang man and taught twinkle twinkle little stars to the students. Today we had breakfast, visited with a American family who teaches with the school and works closley with our company. Then we went out to visit some "friends." Such a life changing experience. This evening we had english corner in the court yard with about 100 students, dinner and then presented money to orphans at the school so they can stay there. In China, you have to pay to go to any school, even primary. We will be going more into the mountains tomorrow for three days to see more "friends."

My Testimony

God has blessed my life by allowing me to grow-up in a Christian family. There is nothing sweeter than having both parents love and fear the Lord. I came to know Christ at the age of five, in a small Southern Baptist church in Phoenix, Arizona. Shortly there after I was baptized in front of the whole congregation, proclaiming my decision to be a servant of God. When I think back on that day I smile and praise God for seeking me at such a young age. The coolest thing about my baptism is when I got out of the water, all I could see was a bright light that shone from the window in the back of the sanctuary. I fell that was the Holy Spirit confirming my dedication and God’s blessing on my life. Finding Christ at a young age is amazing but my life has been extremely difficult. A few years later my parents went through a messy divorce, leaving my sister and I torn between two households. It’s hard as a kid to respond to divorce, especially myself. I suffered from really bad stomachaches and depression. I was no longer the blond haired, happy girl who spent her days swimming and playing with her friends. I became instead aggressive, chubby and kept to myself. Slowly things started to change. My father remarried a year later; a marriage that was loveless and difficult. My sister and I became to despise my step-mother and step-sister, along with her family. On top of it, my mother moved to Colorado, leaving my sister and me without support. My mom remarried as well to a wonderful man and eventually my sister and I moved to Colorado at the age of 13 in the middle of my eighth grade year. Soon after, my father moved to Texas, divorced his wife and remarried three years later to an amazing woman of God with two kids. God was always present in those situations. Divorce is something I wish no one as to experience but I was given relationships with two fantastic servants of God who have changed my life. High school came and went quickly. During that time I became active in my family church and build some of my closet relationships there. My senior year of high school my stomach pains returned, along with extreme nausea. I can’t remember a morning where I wasn’t sick. I was angry with God, why would he allow me too feel this way? Gradually I lost my appetite all together, eating only a little at every meal. After graduation I went on a Christian leadership trip through Europe, and one night I felt the touch of the Holy Spirit, healing my body. On that trip God taught to me to walk by faith, trusting that He has everything under control. I took that knowledge with me to college. I loved college and the Godly relationships I built there. This past year though until a month or so ago has been the most difficult. Within that time, I ended a serious relationship, had surgery, got diagnosed with both severe acid reflux and ovarian cysts on Christmas Day, and moved to a part of America that is hostile to the Gospel. A week before Camp Gilead I fasted for four days, along with some close friends, asking God to reveal His will here in Connecticut. I was starving for REAL friendships and a purpose. God heard my cry and blessed me with more than I asked. He healed my stomach problems and heart burn. God gave me strong Christ centered relationships. God gave me a hope with my future at Hillside. I no longer desire to retreat back to Colorado; God only knows where I will end up.

Life and Mexico

Wow, everyone! I'm so sorry for slacking on my blog. I wrote a huge blog right before I left for Mexico but forgot to post it so... MY BAD!

Wednesday June 28th was my 20th birthday. Thank you for the cards, phone calls, and presents everyone! As intern tradition continues, I got a celebration birthday breakfast at Kris and Yurihn's. Dorothy made some amazing dishes and we had strawberry rhubarb pie (that I made) and tiramisu for dessert. It was fun and I really appreciated it.

Mexico was AMAZING! I can't wait till the next trip. I wish I had time to tell the whole trip but I will share a few fun stories later tonight. I have to get back to work. We are preparing for Camp Gilead this week. Camp starts Sunday and I will be leading the Missions Skills Class and also beachguarding. I love you all and miss everyone home.

God is moving here and changing my life. Its hard but there is no other place I would want to be than in His arms.

Check out my pics from Mexico. No captions yet. Sorry time is precious and I am already only aleeping about five hours per night cause I have to finish to Koran by Thursday... I'm a walking zombie. LOL

Stac

Aquila and Priscilla

For homework one night last week, I had to read the whole book of Acts- Abi is a slave driver ;) In Acts 18 reveals the story of Aquila and Priscilla. I love reading this chapter! Talk about some major helpership! They practiced hospitality in Corinth after being expelled from Rome. Together they built tents and hosted Paul, a stranger, for 18 months. Within that time, Paul was their guest. Aquila and Priscilla not only opened their home to Paul, they opened up their work to him as well, so that Paul was able to support himself while he ministered at Corinth before the arrival of Silas and Timothy (ACT 18:5). Priscilla and Aquila accompanied Paul from Corinth to Ephesus. In the synagogue of Ephesus they met a man Apollos, whom they discipled. This couple served God at risk of their own lives. ROM 16:4 "They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them." They hosted a house church (1CO 16:19; ROM 16:5)in Ephesus and Rome. In ROM 16:3 says "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus." They were considered by Paul to be his equals.

So what can we learn from them? One that God give us appropriate mates with which to minister and work. God's desire is for us to reach the world with His love. I believe that God will bless me with a mate that we can work side by side for His kingdom. Out of all of the couples in the bible, Aquila and Priscilla's marriage is something I pray God will bless my marriage with. How amazing would it be to minister to others as a team with your spouse! "Bloom where you are planted" was the motto Priscilla and Aquila lived by; they were faithful in serving the LORD wherever they were. God bless me with a servants heart such as that. Make me a Proverbs 31 woman. PRO 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Missions vs Evangelism

Have you ever stopped to ponder the difference between missions and evangelism? Today I was introduced to a new view I have never heard. Evangelism is witnessing to unbelievers who are "like" you. So lets say I share the gospel with my co-workers or peers at school--> that would make me an evangelist. However, missions is when you minister to unbelievers who are "not like" you. So going to Mexico to spread the gospel would be missions.


My question is then, "What does missions mean?"

I got into an interesting discussion with other interns in the office. This week we are learning about Missions in the Church. We had to read the five purposes of your life within Rick Warren's best-seller Purpose Driver Life. The last purpose is missions. In Rick's terms it was said "You are called to a mission". When you think of missions, what do you think of first? Most I think would say that missions is reaching out globally, to preach the gospel... something to that effect. My argument would be missions can be any where. Why restrict missions as an overseas, drop everything, and raise support deal? I believe you can be a missionary in your home town. What if I was a CEO of some Fortune 500 Company and spent a lot in the office? I could make a "global impact" by donating funds to an organization. With every church that gets built, school setup or individual missionaries living abroad, finances are needed. Am I a missionary for God in a sense? I would say yes. More importantly, if we are all "called to a mission" can't my mission be the corporate world. Business people need to hear the word of God. In retrospect, I could start up a Kingdom Company, that makes global impact yet has a business core. God has put a desire in my heart to reach out into the corporate world. I pray that God will use me to further his kingdom through business. If a company is built on solid, ethical standards and morals and incorporates a Christ like environment, could you just imagine the impact. Some of the most influential and powerful people are business men and women. Someday I pray God can use me in this way. Missions doesn't have to be restricted. God allows us to reach unbelievers who are unlike ourselves, in ways we couldn't even imagine. Operation Christmas Child, adopt a child, donate shoes for kids in Jamaica, money to build a home for a family in Mexico, missions opportunities are all around us. What is your mission?

Inspirational Thoughts from Mr. Chambers

No one likes change. We all like the familiar things in life. Whether its friends, places like the mountains, a way of doing things, or perhaps your choice of cereal. As I read my devotion from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers the last sentence caught my eye. Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been. “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know...”(John 7:17)

Now I don’t think that it is saying that I have to change everything in my life but I need to embrace change. More importantly, to embrace God’s will. His will may call us to be uncomfortable. God’s will could change our lives so rapidly. Instead of working an amazing job that pays the big bucks, you could find yourself unemployed, moving into a smaller house, and selling your Porsche. I don’t want my life to be focused on what I once was but becoming something I could never imagine being.

What is God’s purpose of me being here in Connecticut? I have yet to see it. I find myself upset everyday… NOTHING is the same. My expectations have flown out of the window along with my dreams. I am left with a blank slate. God do with me what you will. Make me into something I have never been.

Misson: The Crazy Cat Ladies

Well, I thought garage sales in Loveland, CO were strange. Naive me! So my director Kris owns a three story home, where each floor is an apt. Behind his home is a small two bedroom cottage that his brother's mother-in-law Dorothy lives. Before Kris aquired the home, two older women lived in the cottage. They had 14 cats!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They got kicked out of their home due to the stench and filth of the place. Kris had to replace not only floor but the subfloor, cabinets, etc. Very gross to say the least. Well, apparently wherever they moved to, cats were not allowed so they let all of the cats go free on Kris's property. The cats live underneath the cottage. Now the EXTREMELY strange part of this ordeal. Directly behind the cottage is a small cemetery. These two crazy cat ladies come around 11pm into the cemetery right behind and bring TONS of dried food, canned food, and water. They place all the food and water right behind the house in the baby section. Oh then they begin to call out ALL of the cat's names. The ladies then leave and come back one or two more times.
So last night Vanne and I had some fun with them. When they pulled up into the cemetery we sneaked into the cemetary and hid behind a giant tombstone. We hopped around to a couple of them untilwe were close. Vanne began to make cat noises and spooky noises. One of the ladies said I hear noises and the other said, there are always noises is the cemetary. But the scared lady turned off the car and took a flash light and shined the light in our direction. Thankfully we were behind a big tombstone. I about died of laughter! So as we were planning on how to scare the ladies, the "scared" crazy lady kept shining the flashlight at us. Kris yelled at from his lawn and the mission bomed! We got caught by the light as we crawled back. Needless to say it was really funny and those ladies are completely crazy. They came back two more times; once at midnight and then again at two.

Be Strong and Courageous

Adjusting to a new place can be difficult. For me it has been hard. The language barrier probably is the biggest obstolcal. I get so frustrated with myself, when I can't remember all the vocabulary and I live with native Spanish speakers! I love the people here to death but I can just get so bogged down.
Plus my apartment was supposed to be ready on the June 1st but now it won't be until the 9th, so I'm still living out of my suitcase.
I decided to do my personal reading out of Joshua. The first chapter keeps repeating the phrase "be strong and courageous". That phrase is truely a God send. During this time, I need to be strong in God and courageous in whatever is set before me.

Since I have blogged a lot has happened. I went to Massachusetts to the Yankee Candle Co. and the Butterfly Museum on Sunday with a woman I met at church. Iris brought her cute little duaghter Isabel. Monday, Memorial Day, all the interns went to Kris's mom and step-dad's home for an all day BBQ. Very relaxing and fun. Tuesday and Wednesday we worked all day at the office. Sonya, the new intern, came on Wed. night along with John the missionary from China. Kris and Bob had to stay overnight in Chicago due to weather so they did not get back until Thursday morning.

John is really cool. He does missions work in China. All day Thursday, he taught us about Chronological Story Telling. This method uses reaching people by telling sotries, starting from creation all the way up to Jesus. 2/3 of the world prefer oral communication verses written. I hope that someday I can experience this kind of ministry. Friday we spent the day learning about China and John's ministry there.
If you have never watched Ee-taow watch it now. Every Christ follow should watch this!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2167162629886718161
It's just a small segment cause I couldn't get the other to work but go to brianturner.org to watch the whole 20min video. So amazing!

Well, I am going to go get ready for church. This week we will be working on camp and class time will be on "missions in the church." Thanks for all of your prayers! Miss you all!

Professional Wood Chopper ;)

As I begin to get settled in here in beautiful, I can't forget how I decided to join this organization. It blows my mind away that I didn't even plan on this six months ago! God is GREAT and Faithful.
My first full day was fun. It was Susie's 18th birthday and so we made a big breakfast. Many people came to wish her blessings at breakfast at the Keatings.
In the afternoon we went to the Rocky Neck National Park aka the beach! My favorite place to go :) The sand was so soft, the weather was amazing, but the water was freezing. After spending four hours at the beach we all went home for "home groups." Since the season finale of American Idol was on, we didn't have bible study. I enjoyed meeting women from the church. I'm excited to get to know them better. Yesterday was a semi-normal day. We all met at the office at 9am for devotions, a lesson on a country, prayer for that country and whatever else needs prayer, and projects for the rest of the day. I found out that Sonya and I are in charge of writing chapel sermons for Camp Gilead this year. Um... HELP! Not only that, but we have to create fun activities within the sermon and ideas for the Missions Class. After working for a little bit the server went down and we couldn't get it back up. We went back to Yurihn's house for lunch and watched the camp video.
Ok so now for the fun part... guess what I spent the rest of my day doing. You guessed it, Wood Chopping! Yes I took an ax and chopped wood. I was ok at it; Vanne was the best out of us four girls (Susie, Vanne, Vanessa, and I plus three guys Chris, Jordan and Jr.) We also tore down a shed... That took a while and a few truck pulls before it was finished. That shed was built very well. The reason we were doing all of this work is because a man Bob from our church is paying us money to go towards our trip to Mexico. There are a total of 14 people going, mostly Jr. High kids.
Today we will be working on camp stuff again.

Prayer Requests:
-A creative mind for designing camp chapel services and the missions class
-Continued prayer in financial support
-Discipline with my Lord
-Getting back into the Spanish speaking groove

Three things I'm thankful for:
-Meeting people from Hillside
-Continued increase of health
-Patience from Vanne and Vanessa in helping me with my Spanish

I'm here... FINALLY!

Well ladies and gentlemen, I have finally made it to the luscious green state of Connecticut! I am so tired still (time change is two ahead Colorado time). This is how yesterday went down. I got up at 4am so we could leave my house at 4:30am. Around 4:25am I felt very sick... why? Don't get travel immunization shots the day before you travel, especially yellow fever, hepatitus A and typhoid. So needless to say the restroom was my friend for most of the day. My mom and I arrived at DIA around 5:45ish. None of my bags weighed over 50 pounds!!! I said goodbye to my mom (so sad, I love you and miss you mom) and went through security. Nothing beeped and my big bag of magic tricks did not raise any suspicion. The first flight left at 7:20 and arrived in Midway Chicago around 10:20am. I had a couple hours to kill so I ate half a sandwitch and watched the local news. At 12:50ish my flight took off for Hartford. During the flight a gentleman named Dane sang us a song about how much he loves Southwest Airlines. Now its been a while since I have flown SWA but for the most part it is pretty good. The only thing that I dislike is that there is no assigned seating. Because of this, everyone stands in front of the gate like cattle in there sections of either A,B or C about an hour before departure. I just want to say people should relax and not worry where they are sitting. I was at the end of the B section each time and I still got a window seat.
Yurihn, her little daughter Anna, and Suzie picked me up at the airport. We gathered my bags and went to Yurihn's house. the rest o of the evening was relaxing and getting to know part of the group. I met Vanne, Vannessa, Abby, Terry, Yurihn's mom and Melissa from the church. Today is Suzie's 18th birthday so we are going to have breakfast together, possibly go to the beach if it is warm (it was freezing yesterday!!! Its May 24th!), and watch last years camp video so we can start planning this years Camp Gilead.

Cyclone

Do you hate packing? Cause I loathe it! Its all I did yesterday and I'm still not done. Someone save me from this disaster! If anyone were to start a professional packing service I would be the first to use them. (This is NOT my room but you can just imagine my mess. In fact my mess consumes two rooms completely, plus the storage and laundry room. Needless to say my mom is less than pleased with my territory overhaul...)

I need REST!

SO tired! I can't even start to express my exhaustion.

Tuesday was fun! I got to wash my puppies (well one is small but the other is a beast!). I love washing them; the way their coats feel and smell brings back good memories.
My step-dad Greg and I went downtown to see the Body Works exhibit of Plasticized human bodies. Very neat- anyone who loves biology, museums or weird things in general should take the time to see it.
Oh, then I got to go to my last TNL experience for awhile. The band played the song 40 by U2. While I was singing the song, I had a conversation with God.
The lyrics go like this:
I waited patiently for the Lord He inclined and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit. Out of the miry clay. I will sing, sing a new song. I will sing, sing a new song. How long to sing this song? How long to sing this song? How long...how long...how long...How long...to sing this song?

God(to me): Sing a new song
Stacey(me): How long my Lord?
God: As long as I call you.
Stacey: But how long must I sing.
God: My child, just sing and find joy in Me.

Going to Connecticut will require a new song. What kind of song? Well it depends on the season (Ecclesiastes 3) which won’t be revealed for a while. However I think it will be a song of the present. Being joyful for the 24 hours of today; nothing more, nothing less. I know I need to be present on what is at hand. I tend to think ahead way too much. God help me “be present.”

Mute Math was pretty much AMAZING! Loved it! Thanks Bennett for bugging me enough to go. The drummer is sick! He is so crazy he has to tape his head phone to his head. Afterwards, the gang and I walked down SCARY Colfax to Pete’s Café (I don’t recommend sitting on the porch if you are allergic to cig smoke).

I didn’t get home till almost 2am so least to say I was late for my 11am teeth cleaning. I bought stationary and stamps at Michael’s where my sis works. That evening my best friend/mentor Desera and I made cards for people and chatted. I am really going to miss her!

Well I need to pack and then I am having dinner and chilling with Rachel Love.

Three things God has blessed me with today:

• A brand new hair-do (it’s short but cute!)
• I got to visit my sister Steph at her apt. and see her kitties
• Getting to hang with Rachel

One More Week... Saving Goodbye Stinks!

One more week of Colorado Bliss and then I’m headed off to the East. Sorry for not blogging much this past week; life gets crazy as we can all attest to.

Lets recap this past week…

• I moved out of the Greeley house and back in with the parents
• Finished my last day of work at Crow Creek on Wed.

  

• Saw Nick’s last TNL gig
• Had dinner with Robin
• Attempted to fly fish but ended up hanging out in Old Town Ft. Collins due to cold weather
• Spent my last night at Natalie’s house for gal’s bible study
• Had the most amazing Going Away Party at the Asher’s home (Thanks John, Veronica, Jake and Austin… I am blessed to have you)
• Sadie's first Bridal Shower at the park
• Went to Blue Sky Saturday night for my last time till I return
• Spent Mother’s Day at Cherry Hills, the Outback, and watched Extreme Makeover: Home
• Edition, Desperate House Wives, and the season finale of Grey Anatomy.
• Had coffee at Starbucks with Bree and Shamus O’Brian
• Saw Mrs. Yancy and let me tell you, she looks fabulous!
• Shopping and funny pics with Kowalski (Good times, good times)
• Visiting Jake and Austin at DU (I am going to miss these boys badly!)

Today will be washing the dogs Sammie and Porsche, going to see the Body Works Exhibit with Greg, TNL, and Mute Math.

Three ways God has blessed me this past week:
-Friends who love me and care what’s going on in my life
-Family who supports my decisions
-Quality to spend with my loved ones

Prayer Requests this Week:
-Packing- The basement is a mess and I can’t figure out what to keep and leave behind
-Finances- I’m a 1/3 way there! Thank you to all who are in this with me! Praise God!
-Saying Goodbye- peace and comfort

1 Timothy 4:12

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 Sometimes, I feel looked down upon because of my age. According to most, my ripe age of 19 years and 317 days means ignorance, irresponsibility, and laziness. Some of my good friends that are only a few years older than me, treat me like a child and tease me. I am all for joking around, but when people insinuate that my young age automatically equals stupidity, I feel offended. Unfortunately, I know what its like to grow up fast. I learned a lot of things at a young age, when most children are sheltered. I'm thankful for my trials and experiences. I would not be who I am today if it weren't for them. However, the young are the future. If the youth aren't invested into or even listened to for that matter, this world is going to be a scary place. I must take heed though and listen to the second half of the verse by setting an example- surpassing the norms of college students. Showing others my maturity through my actions, thoughts and words. I love being young but hate being treated like I'm five. I long to be thirty- that in between stage of youth and mid-age. Perhaps that is why women always say they are 29. However, I will wear my age with pride. Yes, everyone I'm almost 20 years of age(48 days to be exact from 5/12... not 40 Bennett). I'm single, in college, and taking every opportunity I can for the Lord. I do long to graduate, get married, have a family, pursue some type of career, but my work with the Lord comes first. Maybe I will never finish college or say "I Do" but living under the will of the Lord is the only place I want to be. Thanks to all my friends young and old who look past my age and determine my value through my actions, words, and thoughts.

Dreams

Our minds tend to wander in our sleep. You dream taking a ride on an elephant through your living room, while your best friend sings "Danny Boy" and juggles three cats... (No I haven't dreamed this one yet). Sometimes I believe that our dreams are way deeper than that. There are real ones; dreams I believe that God speaks to us in. Right before I got contacted by Hillside, I had a few dreams where I know the Holy Spirit was talking to me. They are partly the reason why I am so dedicated to moving to CT. Lately I have been having more dreams. The most recent has occur a couple of times. In my dreams, I befriend very influencing individuals like diplomats, politicians, and even Saddam. I know, dreaming about being Saddam's friend is wacko and strange but my dreams occur but with different people each time. I don't remember names or countries; all I know is that I befriend them, advise them, and preach the gospel to them. Hmmm... God can speak through dreams. Just look at David. He even interpreted them! To have that gift would be amazing.
Do you think any of your dreams have come from God? Have you done anything in result of your dreams?

Blue Sky

Blue Sky

Three weeks till moving day... Crazy stuff man!! I thought I would blog on my church Blue Sky Church, located in the heart of downtown Loveland, CO. Amazing community of people; a mix of everyone can be found there. Its a place of Godly reality- be free to be yourself, no need to be a fake Christian. In the book of Romans it commands us to confess our sins to our brethren. It also says to "rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and morn with those who morn." Yesterday was awesome. as a church we got to celebrate the newest addition to our community and staff- Nick and Kristi Carelton! Nick is our new worship leader and his lovely wife will hopefully find her groove back into student ministry at Blue Sky. I love them both and wish them the best. They have both made a HUGE impact in my life and I am grateful that they both helped me in my walk with God in high school. I'm so sad to leave Blue Sky. They are like my family who accepts me as I am. Joe asked me to share with others about my internship and request for prayer. Scared as I was I made the attempt to share my exciting adventure and request prayer for strength in the Lord and finances. Joe asked me two questions when I was up there. First one was... "What are you most looking forward to this next year?" Hmmm... good question. I think the biggest thing that I am looking forward to is seeing God work in parts of the world that most people don't get to see. Especially Central Asia where boarders are opening up and allowing the gospel to be preached. The School of Mobilization (check out the link on the right hand side) is another thing I am looking forward to this year. I know that Hillside has been working several years on this project and it is getting closer to completion. In fact the day I get to Connecticut, Kris and Bob are going to Mexico to distribute the curriculum to the community down in Chihuahua. Second question was "What do you fear the most?" So many fears... not fitting in, finances, adjusting to culture, missing familiarity, safety, but what I fear most is falling from God. I pray that I will continue to stay strong, dependent on Him, being disciplined in His word and teaching, not allowing Satan to DISCOURAGE me. Discouragement I believe is what I am battling. Please pray for encouragement! Back to Blue Sky... If you are looking for a church, come visit Blue Sky. I will truly miss them but I know I have their support and love while I am gone.

Fly Fishing-- Fish Charming Here I Come

So I got to go fly fishing for the first time yesterday. All I can say is A-Mazing! I think if I could become a professional fly fisher I would. One because its just the coolest past-time ever. Two cause I get to wear adorable waiders and boots. Lastly, cause frankly I'm good at it. 10 and 2, 10 and 2. Yes I know what a leader is and how to put it on.
Kelly and I had a blast. After fishing on the Poudre we decided to cross the raging rapids to the other side and mountain climb to a beautiful rock pile. Then after collecting some neat rocks we crossed the river again and went back to the car cause I needed to get to work. As we were driving back through the canyon, we saw Ray's car so we stopped and walked down the river to find him and his dog Venus (such a cool dog name) but he was really far down so we turned back so I can get to work on time. When we got back to the car, we saw Ray and Venus walking back so we said hi and then went to La Luz for nurishment. Then I went to work which I ended up being 25 mins late anyways. Punctuality is way overrated! ;)

Tribute to my Postman

This is a tribute to my amazing postman! He never ceases to bring my mail between the hours of 12 to 1pm everyday (except for Sundays). Each day he walks up to our door, in his official uniform. No matter what temperature it is, he has on his shorts (yes even in snowy, cold days), button-up blue collared shirt, white Safari hat (why he wears this is beyond my understanding. Perhaps he is planning to shoot a Zebra during his route), knee high white socks, lace up boots below the knee, and his messanger bag. Plus this guy is about 60 or so... in shorts in the dead of winter... I know he will never get to read this blog, but postman "Props to You!" Thanks for delivering my mail in a timely matter and in great fashion(no pun intended). In fact when I get packages he will ring my door bell and give me my mail in person. If you haven't thanked your local postmaster, take the time today and wrtie him a thank you note. Or perhaps give him a cold water bottle on a hot day. Maybe even a gift card during the Christmas season.

You're Everything

Four weeks and my soul is becoming weary. Losing the fight to keep sane. Sadness of losing everything to gain something new. I'd rather lose it all to gain my King but why is it so hard? Why don't I ever reach the mark but fall flat on my face?
My soul is also starting to stir. Can't keep the excitement inside. Joyful leaps to begin again in a new environment. I know that sacrifice will be rewarded. Maybe not in this lifetime but someday.

When my day is hard, I find some comfort in one of my favorite bands. Lifehouse's song "Everything" is such a beautiful song about our whole beings acclaiming the need for our Father. A place of peace, safety, strength, hope, our EVERYTHING!

Find me here, and speak to me. I want to feel you, I need to hear you. You are the light that's leading me, to the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking. You are the hope, that keeps me trusting. You are the light to my soul. You are my purpose...you're everything.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you? Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

You calm the storms, and you give me rest. You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall. You steal my heart, and you take my breath away. Would you take me in? Take me deeper now.

Cause you're all I want, You're all I need. You're everything, everything. You're all I want your all I need. You're everything, everything. You're all I want you're all I need. You're everything, everything. You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.

Three things God has blessed me with today:
*Blue Sky's community... all praise and glory fall to you my God for providing such a place.
*Beautiful day of sunshine
*Time to spend getting errands done today.

The Little Things

Five weeks to go... When I think about moving, I start to reflect on what things will I miss here in Colorado. Sure I will miss my family and friends but there are many things in Colorado that won’t be in the East Coast.

• Wearing sandals in the snow, go Chacos and Tevas
• Actually knowing what a "fourteener" is (There are 54 in CO and I have done 5)
• You switch from Heat to A/C in one day
• Your sense of direction is: towards the mountains and away from the mountains (there are only "Hills" on the East Coast)
• April showers bring May blizzards.
• SPF 90 is not out of the question (oh the white pasty people of the North East)
• Skiing in July (not that I have, but I know you can)
• 'Rocky Mountain Oysters'
• The altitude advantage
• 'The Crack'- real Coloradoans know what this is and yes I have done it
• Living in a town where Valentines Day is bigger than Christmas (Go Loveland)
• Know what REAL snow consists of and can actually ski in powder
• Dry weather in the heat and cold (no humidity)
• Hiking... enough said
• Elk serenading in Estes
• Camping, camping, and more camping
• National Western Stock Show
• Long drives in the mountains with good company
• Palisade Peaches
• And perhaps the corn as well
• Casa Bonita (or not)
• River rafting
• Buffalo Bill's Grave (yes I know where it is)
• Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Steamboat Springs, and RMNP
• Garage Sales in the dead winter at about 10 degrees with Garage Sale WIERDOS knocking at your door 30mins before it starts! (got that one out)
  

I don't know what else to put! There is so much! If you had to leave your state what would you miss?
PRAISES:
*Got four supporters today! My total is up to six... praise God for His continued grace and His faithfulness to provide.
*One and a half weeks till finals!
*Got my loans deferred for a year.
PRAYERS:
*Continued prayer for finances to come through
*My health will continue to improve
*Another roommate to take my spot here at school
*Strength to stay focused on God

Addicted

Yes, I have a severe addiction that must be treated immediately. It’s the newest addiction out there. After one trial, I was hooked. I have to wait until my morning class to get my fix. Spending about 20 minutes a day doesn't seem to quench my thirst. So instead, I shell out a few extra dollars and buy the hard core stuff that keeps my mind twisted up for hours.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, I have fallen into the Sudoku craze. Every morning I grab my local paper and complete the puzzle at ease. It's just not enough and I have to get the hard stuff; the books with up to five stars and a diagonal addition. When will the madness end?
Yeah, I could get addicted to chocolate, baseball, or “Grey's Anatomy” but Sudoku has caught my soft spot.
What things are you addicted to?

All in God's Hands

Six weeks left to go till I am officially a Connecticutan- such a strange word... I'm really excited, however a bit scared. All my letters are out, now I must sit and wait for God's hand to move. Waiting patiently for God to provide is soooooooooooo hard. I tend to lean towards the impatient side. God draw me near and guide my thoughts to fulfill your will. I got my first letter of support Thursday. Praise God, one step closer to relief! I'm in His hands as he is guiding me. I read a neat quote the other day that I would like to share.

"Stop interfering with God's plans and with His will. Touching anything of His, mars the work. Moving the hands of a clock to suit you, does not change the time. You may be able to rush the unfolding of some aspects of God's will but you harm His work in the long run. You can force a rosebud open, but you spoil the flower. Leave everything to Him, without exception. 'Not what I will, but what you will'(Mark 14:36).
-Stephen Merritt

All in the Family- "We are FAMILY"

So my dear friend Kristi and I have decided to spend our Sunday mornings on a mission. Since we attend Blue Sky on Saturday nights and as much as we love to hear Joe twice in the same week (sorry Joe!), Kristi and I have decided to use our time wisely and become... Church Spies. Yes, Sunday mornings will be spent visiting other local churches of other denominations to view their worship styles, visions, sermons, and etc. So stay tuned for updates...

Church visit number one was Christ's Church of the Rockies (we think it is a Four Square Church), and may I note it is right next door to BSC in our former location. Being the ambitious souls we are, Krisit and I, with smiles, walked in and were greeted immediately by the worship singer lady (name can't remember... I know I have failed already). As she started to introduce to us, it became clear that it was no ordinary congregation... "This is my uncle Bob and his wife Betty, my mom, sister-in-law, cousin, my son, my nephew, oh these two people aren't related, my 2nd cousin and her husband with their kids, more uncles, cousins, and people with some type of blood or marriage relation. With about 40 people in total I swear that 30 of those people were related (hence the title "All in the Family" Thanks Bennett) There are three pastors all are which related... big surprise. Worship was fine (kinda like a Twila Paris concert lol) with this cute old man singing and grooving to the music, offering (its interesting to see how different churches handle offering), a trio song with the key phrase (get this) "the snow was ANGEL PILLOW FIGHTS" (best part of the visit) and a sermon.

Oh the sermon... really wasn't bad except for two things. First off the pastor (the children's pastor of the three) started off with a story. Now most pastors do but this one was odd in its context and purpose. He stated and I quote "There was this boy running around the church one day. I asked what he was doing and he said he was looking for a cow. I asked him why he was looking for a cow and that he said he was looking for the cow cause he wanted to give it a karate kick (or a round off kick to the face... go Chuck Norris). Why? Cause the boy had this idea that the cow sat on his head." And he just continued on this tangent for a while and then changed courses. Second bad thing was that he misquoted scripture. Ouch! Only once though.

Funny story that goes along with the second exception. Kristi was looking up the verses that the pastor was referencing (which were wrong). When we finally think we found the right passage, it wasn't. So Kristi turned to me and said "I don't think that they use the same bible." As we sat in shock and contemplated leaving for about 30 seconds, Kristi figured out we were one chapter ahead! Ha Ha!!!

I'm excited for other visits to different churches in the next month.

"Ruffing It"- For Real

So my director and I were talking last week about our traveling plans. It seems that whenever we "travel" we live like the people in that place do. Therefore, I will be sleeping on dirt floors, possibly getting a shower every once in a while, and did I mention for a two to three week stay I only, yes ONLY, get to bring a carry on bag. This bag needs to contain a sleeping bag too. Rumor has it that there are sleeping bags out there that shrink to the size of a football. This week I will be window shopping at some great stores like REI and then ebay whatever I like (poor college student, it needs to be cheap). Any recomendations out there?

So far Hillside has two trips planned out. As I said earlier, we will be going to Mexico the first two weeks of July and now hopefully China the end of August/beginning of September. Pray for safety in these trips and finances to go.

Support letters are on the move... well most of them. I have a HUGE Business Law Exam tomorrow night so, that is kinda a priority today and tomorrow morning.

Love you all,
Stac

Countdown: Two months till migration

Just as birds migrate from one place to another, so do our lives.
God has really put this verses on my heart this evening... so true.


Ecclesiastes 3- A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Isn't neat to think about how our lives are like seasons? Sometimes they are a festival full of joy and excitement and others are sorrowful and a time a reverance. Tonight as I was looking over this verse I know my season is changing. My past season was a hard one with my health and other issues but now I'm in a season of "uprooting." Two months from today I'm migrating to Connecticut for a year. I'm so conflicted right now with emotions of joy, saddness, curiousity, and worry. However I have friends and family who are helping me with this and my Lord is so good to me in taking my anxious thoughts.

What season are you in right now? Take some time to reflect and thank God for not just the "good" seasons but also the "hard" ones.


Prayer Requests:

• We are currently looking for a school director for the School of Missions in Mexcio. Hopefully we can find someone from Latin America. Pray that God will bring the right person for the job.
• Hillside is having trouble finding sponsors for the interns so they are looking into renting another apartment. Pray that the finances will come in for it.
• I am sending out support letters this weekend. Pray that God will bless the letters and that He will provide a strong group of supporters in this internship. It is so hard to ask for support... God is really HUMBLING me!
• Five weeks till finals! I need to focus on the tasks at hand and get through the rough spots.
  

Moving to Connecticut- A God Thing!

So some you may know, I will most likely be moving to Connecticut in June to start an internship with a christian organization called Hillside Missions. I will be there in Connecticut for 9 months and then have the option to serve my Lord overseas in one of their ministries for 3 months. Currently, they have operations in Mexico, China, Turkey, and Afghanistan. In Mexico, Hillside has two ministries. Their big one is a bible college in Matachi, Mexico. We are currently renovating an old hotel into a building where the students can live and study missions and the bible. The students have to make a commitment of 2 years at the school and for 2 years after completion, serve within the ministry overseas somewhere. How amazing! Hillside also works with a tribe in the mountains there in the Sierra Madre Mountains. (They do not speak Spanish) In China, we work with a couple who has been witnessing to a tribe in eastern China. In the past few years, the couple has learned their native tounge, created a written language for the group and has translated the Holy Bible this past Christmas. (It just gives me chills) Afghanistan is interesting. Women is the main focus in this ministry. They are taught how to read and write Arabic and I think English. The women are taught the gospel and also some type of trade skill so they can produce their own income. Turkey is our newest one, where we are in the process of doing church planting in a country full of Musilms.

I applied for the internship about a month and a half ago. Didn't hear from them for a couple weeks, forgot about them... God didn't. He has shard dreams and visions with me that have affirmed God's calling for ministry overseas and to work with Hillside. A couple of days after several dreams, Hillside contacted me and we set up a phone interview.

Next God thing, I made plans to go to Boston last October to visit my friend Lindsay. The organization is located in Bristol, CT about 2 1/2 hours away from Boston. So on a whim, I boarded a Peter Pan bus line over there to visit Kris the director and meet other people involved in the group. It was a great trip! I got to talk to a few interns and others in the community. I was able to get a feel of the environment. God is working there, no doubt about it! I even got to help grocery shop for a father daughter dinner/dance with them. One of the interns is from Mexico and speaks little English. Man I can't wait to pick up my Spanish and work with people from other countries.

What will I be doing? Its kinda mixing bible college, with a job, and throw in a lot of mission work. I get to read the whole Quran and study up on Musilim culture. I will learn theology, church planting, and missionary stuff. At the end of the program I will be certified in teaching English as a second language. I will work on projects to aid the organization like marketing and implementing sunday school material for kids.

This summer I get to teach a missions class and chapel to junior high and high school kids at a week long camp in the "mountains" of Connecticut (I would like to think it more as hills... go Rocky Mountains). The first and second week of July my team will be traveling down to Chiquaqua. The first week we will doing lots of manual labor fixing the hotel for the school. The second week a couple junior high school kids will be joining us and we will be working with the tribe, teaching VBS to the kids of the community.

Prayer Requests:

*Please pray that will provide a way for me to get school credit for this amazing opportunity. I meet with a career councelsor to write up a plan. I really need to stay enrolled so I can take my purple pills!
*Finances is a big one. It costs $200 a month for books, rent and food ( I will be living with a host family) Plus I have to provide money for extra spending and raise support so I can serve in our sponsored countries.
*Pray that my car will survive the next year in CT. Pray that nothing will break or bust!
*Pray for support of my friends and family. Prayer is HUGE and its the way we communicate with God. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts.
*Pray that I won't get to homesick. I know that I will be missing so many people who have shaped my life and have made an impact on me.
*Oh, I need to find someone to take my room up here in Greeley. Know anyone?

Praises: (Can't forget the amazing work of God's hand)
*I got a letter from the Monfort College of Business at UNC and they gave me a $950 scholarship just for this semester! Wow, I didn't even apply for it! Praise God for already providing money for this next year!
*My health is so much better. No more gallbladder pains and I am adjusting to my new restrcitions for aicd reflux.
*Support from my papa. He has been very helpful and it gives me peace knowing that one of my padres is in this with me.
*Thanks to all of my friends for their support and prayers. (Big kudos go to Robin for allowing me to leave her in Boston alone for a day to see CT.)