Inspired by a Third Grader!

So this semester I am co-coaching an Upwards Cheerleading team with a friend of mine.  For those of you who don't know what Upwards is.....it is a Christian youth basketball/cheer program.  The program allows for kids to experience the fun of basketball/cheer without the nasty competition side of things.  It also gives opportunities for God's word to be presented to the kids and parents involved.  Check out their website here. 

Well I am inspired everyday that I work with these girls.  They have such a joy for life.  It also opens up my eyes to how much younger kids watch and imitate what you (a older role model) do. When we do devotions at practice, the girls always have amazing things to say and are so excited to be praying for their friends and others around them.  It reminds that I need to have that same excitement and joy in my spiritual life.  These girls are amazing lights that shine God's love! 

My mind keeps coming back to the bible verse Matthew 18:1-5 which says, " At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, "Who gets the highest rank in God's kingdom?" For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me."


So I am reminded by these third grade girls to have childlike faith....who knew that through teaching these girls that I would be taught so much!  My challenge to you this week is to strive to have a childlike faith.

 

God Bless  KJA

Are we there yet?

So, this upcoming summer I have the opportunity to spend a month in Ireland working with a group called Reign Ministries. It will be an amazing experience that will challenge me spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I am excited beyond belief! In the months leading up to my departure, I have decided to blog about my preparation. I need to begin to prepare myself for the work God is going to do with me this summer. I want to use this blog to keep people updated not only on the little tedious details that go into preparing for an opportunity, but also thoughts on scripture and daily devotions that I am doing. I hope that this blog will not only be a way to challenge myself to stay accountable, but will also be uplifting and challenging to you readers as well! Be praying for me and keep me accountable by leaving comments!

In today's post I wanted to share a few parts of my support letter. Support, both financially and through prayer, is a huge part of what makes this mission trip possible. It costs 4,000 dollars for me to go on this trip. Now for those of you who don't know me that well...I tend to be a worry wart! I pretty sure my family will attest to that! :) So the fact that I am a poor college student with no money in the bank sets my worrying brain off and running. But I know that God will provide.....He desires to provide for us. In my morning devotions today, I read 2 Corinthians 9:8 which says, "God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done." I need to continually come back to that verse when I feel like I will never raise enough money for this trip. Where God's at work....things happen!

Here is a snippet from my support letter that explains what exactly I will be doing this Summer:

"From June 19-July 31, I will be going on a missions trip to Ireland with an organization called Royal Servants. This organization has given me the opportunity to be a Staff discipler. A Staff discipler is a college-aged student who not only make an impact in the overseas ministry, but also make an impact in the lives of the high school students going on the missions trip. I will be given the opportunity to lead and mentor a small group of high school girls throughout the missions trip. Not only will I be able to help others grow spiritually, my personal walk with God will be strengthened. This Ireland trip will be an experience of a lifetime.

Royal Servants has ministries in many destinations, yet I have felt lead to go to Ireland. For over 6 weeks we will dedicate our lives to serving others. First, I'll be working with a local church reaching out in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. I will work with the church's youth group, run Bible clubs, and plan student events at the church. Our team’s goal is to share the message of Christ by creating meaningful relationships. Then I will head to the beach, but not to swim! Our team will minister in the beachside town of Skerries. I will be doing a kids club during the day, youth outreach performances in afternoons and evenings, and evangelism on the beach and in the center of Dublin. "

That is all for today! I am excited to be sharing my thoughts with you and to get your support and input! Please don't be a stranger, I would love to hear from you! I am looking for some fund raising ideas to help me get closer to my finaicial goal....if you have any suggestions I would love to hear them!

God Bless

KJA