Tuesday, January 24, 2012

decisions, decisions, decisions

ive never really enjoyed making important decisions. ive actually always hated it. there have been a lot of decisions in my life that i felt were incredibly important and life-altering but none as huge as the decision i have finally come to regarding africa and graduating. 

i have received (almost) nothing but affirmation from everyone in my life about my decision to go to ghana. I am incredibly overwhelmed by the response of people with whom i have shared this news with. after much prayer, counsel, tears, and consideration i have decided that i will be move to ghana in july 2012. 

i also was given the option of going straight to where i will be living and not doing the mission trip with my team or doing the mission trip and then going to my job. this was an incredibly difficult decision to make because my heart was set on the mission trip and i had planned on going with friends. in my head, this was a time of transition for me to get used to ghana while still being with my american friends. i finally decided that it will be best for me to go straight to my job and living with the family that started the school. this will save a substantial amount of money and i feel like this is the best option for me. I will still be able to fly over with my team and see them a few times during their stay.

 i was presented with yet another decision. graduate in may 2012 without a teaching certificate or withdraw and come back to get my certification? there are pros and cons to each and i have played them all out in my head more times than i can count. i have decided to graduate in may 2012 with a degree in elementary studies and a minor in psychology.  

many people might say that graduating without being certified is a waste of 4 years of school, or that i really should just finish what i started, and that i may need it to fall back on. but i have no choice but to trust that the Lord will take care of me. hasnt he always? i strongly believe that i was in school the last 4 years for a reason and that took me down the path that has lead straight to me teaching in africa. at this point, i cannot see past my year in ghana. i am not sure if teaching in the states is something that the lord will lead me to or not, but i do know that if it is, He will provide means for me to do that when the time is right. 

i know that that was a lot of information and it might not all sound pretty and poetic but this is more a place for me to keep track of what is going on because some days i truly cant believe what is happening in my life so i have to write it down. 

please continue to pray for me and the work that i will be doing in ghana and thank you to everyone who has already been doing so. i appreciate you more than you know.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Truth

i come across verses daily that inspire me and keep me motivated to continue on this path that God has guided me to. i want a place to compile those specific verses so that when i am feeling weak, as so often i do, i can go to them and be reminded that this truly is the work of the Lord.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.“If you love me, keep my commands."  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:12-18

" So do not fear,for I am with you. Do not be dismayed,for I am your God. I will strengthen you with my righteous hand. All who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced. Those who oppose you will be as nothing, and perish. Though you search for your enemies you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you "Do not fear. I will help you." Isaiah 41: 10-13
"If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know & understand that the Father is in me & I am in the Father." John 10:37-38 

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
 "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family and go to the land I will show you." Genesis 12
"This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands." 1 John 5:2