DONE WITH THE BAR EXAM & my relationship with the Lord couldn't be better :)

I've spent the last 2.5 months studying ~10 hrs/day, 5 days/week (usually getting in some extra hours of studying on the weekends).  Studying for the bar exam consumed my life and I was struggling to find a balance of working hard for the Lord and yet giving Him control over my studies.  It was a really hard 10 weeks, usually filled with me getting to the end of my day and realizing I had been so focused on studying that I had failed to keep my eyes fixed on Him and His promises.  I found myself agitated and and constantly thinking selfish thoughts about how important my studies were, which was usually at the expense of those I love most, unfortunately.

BUT all of this work, sweat, tears, etc. came down to two days (July 30th & 31st).  Though I may have done a terrible job relying completely on the Lord for the last 3 months, He is faithful even when we are faithless.  Over the last three days, my intimacy with God has been inexplicable.  He has shown Himself in mighty ways and through His Word He is reminding me that no matter how long it takes for us to "get it right," He is forever loving and true.  I have also been more fully comprehending that this walk of faith is not about "doing things right," it is about doing things with Him.

SO, on Monday I woke up to sweet notes from my AMAZING sister giving me lots of encouragement.

AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE

sweet words to give me confidence

great reflection

Then it was off to downtown Indy for the exam!  In all honesty, the test was extremely difficult.  I felt unprepared for a majority of the information, BUT God was with me through it all!  He gave me peace and has helped me rest assured that it is in His hands, and He is totally in control.  No matter what, He is good and I will put my trust completely in Him, even in the midst of adversity!

Overall, a great experience to draw me closer to the True Judge who is Sovereign over all!!

With Jesus We Will Never Thirst Again....Give A Gift of Living Water Today!!

Many have heard the story of Jesus and the woman at the well.  In John's gospel, we learn that Jesus is our Living Water and when we drink of Him, we will never be thirsty again AND this water will become a well inside of us, springing into eternal life!

How crazy does it sound that in 2013, there are still millions of people in the world who do not have access to clean drinking water AND do not have access to the Living Water that Christ offers?  This is not something we regularly think about, but today I read a story about a woman named Suprita who walked through mountainous terrain every day only to retrieve stagnant water that was polluted by dead animals and human waste....and as I read how her life was transformed through a Christian organization bringing clean water to her village, I realized that Jesus' words are as applicable today as they were two thousand years ago!  

Jesus Wells is transforming entire communities through their ministry of constructing wells.  How amazing is it that we can meet physical needs of fresh water AND meet spiritual needs of giving Living Water to these people as well!  Jesus Wells "not only give entire communities the clean water that is so desperately needed, but they also provide opportunities for missionaries to build relationships and share the hope of Christ with the people in the village."

Gospel for Asia prioritizes providing Jesus Wells to the Dalit people (considered "untouchable" due to their low social status) who are precluded from using public wells.  Much like the Samaritans of Jesus' day (the woman was so surprised the Jesus gave her the time of day - John 4:9), the Dalits need to be shown the love of Jesus and given clean Living Water in the process!

You can support a current campaign to provide a Jesus Well to a village OR maybe even start your own campaign!!  Let's rally together as the Body of Christ to be His hands and feet in giving clean water and access to His Living Water today!

"I have decided to follow Jesus" - The International History Behind the Impactful Hymn

During our time with the children in Africa, it is always fun to sing with them because they are taught Christian songs in their native language and in English (which is really nice when there is a language-barrier)!  One song that the children always know is "I have decided to follow Jesus."  The beautiful sounds of their sweet voices resound in my mind every time I hear the song. 

Today, I came across the story about the creation of this famous hymn.  All praise and glory to God that the development occurred during an advancement of the Gospel in India (one of the most un-reached countries in the world)!!  The lyrics are the words spoken of a recent believer, who would not renounce his faith in Christ, resulting in the death of his children, wife, and himself.  Take five minutes and read this article about how God moves in the midst of persecution. 

Please pray for believers in India who are facing persecution today.  Pray that the Lord would strengthen them and give them His peace that passes all human understanding.  Pray that God will be glorified through their dedication to worshipping Him!

Happy National Day of Prayer!!

Praise the Lord that we have a National Day of Prayer!!  Proverbs 31 Ministries had a great verse and prayer on their Facebook page today.  This is a promise from God: if we humble ourselves AND pray AND seek His face AND turn from our wicked ways, He will forgive our sins and heal our land!! - 2 Chronicles 7:14.

How amazing is this?!?!  God knows that it is good for us to: humble ourselves to prevent pride, pray to Him lest we think we could handle things on our own, seek His face in every situation know that He has a plan and a purpose and He is always present, and to turn from  our wickedness brings us back into communion with Him.  I love that He prescribes only that which is good for us, and He does this out of His love, which makes me love Him even more :)

So today, as a nation and as individuals, as believers and as non-believers, let us humble ourselves, pray, seek the face of God, and turn from our wicked ways!! 

Update on Our Journey to Africa Together

Please Pray & Petition for the Maasai in Tanzania!!

We recently heard news that the government of Tanzania is trying to dislocate the Maasai in the Kilimanjaro region.....moving them off the land of their heritage and creating "game reserves" for people to hunt the big game in the area.  The Maasai are warriors and have expressed their resistance to moving.  PLEASE pray for peaceful transactions between the Maasai and the government.  Please join the Maasai in utilizing a peaceful avenue of signing a petition to support them at: http://www.avaaz.org/en/maasai_fb_dm_3/?blaqSbb&v=23810.

The Maasai tribe is very close to our hearts as a result of our interactions with them in Kenya.  Please join us in prayer for this entire situation.

Maasai in West Kenya

In Africa with AgriStewards

Our recent mission trip to Kenya and Tanzania was coordinated by AgriStewards, a non-profit organization "founded with the vision of teaching willing individuals about farming techniques and God's plan for their lives." For more information about this organization, check out their website here. Below is the AgriStewards report from the trip. Enjoy!