What God taught me through Narnia :)

Today I watched the Chronicles of Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. As I was watching it and as it got towards the end, I realized a lot of correlation between it and the Gospel. For instance, this boy, Eustace, he is an only child who happens to be spoiled. He gets a little greedy and takes some gold and gets turned into a dragon. At first I was like, well, he got what was coming to him. Then as the movie progressed, the fact that he was a dragon came into a lot of use. There was a scene where he saved the boat from capsizing because he grabbed onto the stern (with his tail) and pulled the boat. Then there was another scene where he had to fight a sea monster and had an upper hand until some old man through a sword at him and scared him off. Then the next scene that comes up with the boy is when Azlin, (the Lion or "God" character) turns him back into a boy but because he had this certain sword stuck in his side, he was able to fulfill the plan by laying down he last needed sword on the table to take back the kingdom. Now, this is what it got me thinking. We all have bad stuff happen in our lives. We all go through different things that are bad, different seasons that are harder than the rest, but it all seems to be for a greater purpose. As I am in my last week here in the states it really got me thinking even more about my purpose in Latvia and life. Number 1 is ultimately to glorify God. I am to glorify Him with my worship, my time, my everything. My life is for Him. But then I look at the ministry purpose God has for me. I was reminded that everything happens for a greater purpose. Yes, sometimes we fall stupid to our mistakes and temptations, but ulitmately it all works out for His plans, especially when we are obedient. I was reminded about the stuff God has redeemed me from and the love and forgiveness God has placed in my heart. I was reminded that our lives are for a greater purpose than our little world of just me. I was reminded that even when we don't think about it, our choices and our life affects many other people. Another thing I got out of the movie was right after Eustace changes back from a dragon to a boy. Edmond, (one of the main characters) askes Eustace, what was it like when Azlin changed you back? Eustace responded with this statement. "No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it on my own. I needed His help." This is a daily reminder for me and especially with this new journey I am embarking on. I cannot, let me repeat that, I CANNOT do this on my own. No matter how hard I try, I WILL fail! But, it is Christ within me, leading me, guiding me, teaching me, molding me, who will succeed. Sometimes I get in my head, oh I got this. Wrong. Every move I make, every relationship God wants me to build, every opportunity to serve and love His children, I cannot do on my own. I must rely on His strength and His strength alone. I would ask that you join me in prayer for this specific thing. I know I'll need it. Thank you again for being on this incredible and wonderful journey with me! If you are reading this you have probably invested in a part of my life and I am forever grateful for that! I promise to keep you updated and post pictures and videos as times allows. :)

Bittersweet Blessings

Hello beautiful people! :) Today, as a church family, we celebrated the next step in this journey, relocating to Latvia. We worshiped together, prayed together, ate together, and studied the Word together. I continued to be overwhelmed at what the Lord is doing not only in my heart, but in this church body! I have seen this church grow from a few members meeting in the Event center, to families who are actively engaged in many aspects of helping this community feel God's love. It amazes me how much this body of believers loves and supports one another. And not just in my journey but in many other lives as well. I am reminded of the first series I remember Kenny preaching, Community. The graphic for this series was a beautiful tree on top and the roots on bottom. (Like usual duh :) ) Anyway, Kenny said this picutre represneted our lives. In a church, when we mesh all of our lives together it sometimes it can get messy. But when we work together as one, when we are walking through life as one, something beautiful is the outcome. I think I can say I am witnessing the something beautiful this church is creating! The way this church, this body of believers loves and supports each other, whether it be someones sick, injured, having a baby, or doing God's work, this church is always right there to support and love you. Even if you don't have a relationship established the center and focus is Jesus and that is all that matters! I am humbled and blessed to be a apart of something so beautiful and meaningful. I will truly miss worshipping our Savior with these people but I know God will allow me to carry them and what I've learned in my heart! I love you SCC family!!! Thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, and supporting me! I can confidently say you all play a huge and vital role in this journey! Thank you so much! I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do in and through you all over the next 2 years! For those of you who don't know, here is a picture of the parting gift I was given today. Again, truly blessed by my SCC brothers and sisters!