2012

Thank you God for your goodness!

This year has been a year of the unexpected. It hasn't been an easy year by any means. However, I've seen Gods love, mercy and redemption work miraculously in what seemed like impossible situations. Jesus wasn't lying when he said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10) I thank God that He gave us the Holy Spirit because He has given me so much strength this year! He's also reminded me that just as much as God whats to restore me to right relationship with Him, and He has :), that He longs to do the same with those who maybe caused the greatest wounds in your life. You see, God has opened my eyes to a revelation of His love that has ruined me forever. How can I hate what God created in His own image and desires to pour His love lavishly upon them? He is too good to be true, yet He is true!

At the beginning of the year I came home from Harvest School with Iris Ministries. I came home with new, God breathed dreams and no intentions of staying in the States for more than a year. Well, it's been a year and I'm still here haha :) It's okay though! I still have hope in the promises and dreams God has placed in my heart....I just might have been off on the timing. Much like Abraham, and God's promise of a son. He waited for 20+ years for his promise, "Against all Hope, Abraham in hope believed...." (Romans 4:18) God's been working in my heart to take Him at His word, EVEN when I can't see the next step in front of me. Thank goodness He is my firm foundation, right ;)

At the beginning of April I moved to Kent, Washington to live with an amazing family. I like to think of them as my second parents & family. The Stanton/Cook family means more to me then my words could ever express. Their love is like Jesus' love, selfless. They've taught me what generosity looks like and are some of the most compassionate people I've ever known. I love you guys and miss you very much! And I miss your truck Bryan and your amazing jokes ;) And Shelly, I miss drinking all your coffee creamer haha ;)

In September, I moved to Redding, California and I'm attending Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. Don't get hung up on the name...it's not like Harry Potter or anything :) Although I think it would be cool to fly. If Peter could walk on water, I mean why can't I fly ;) Anyways, this has been one of the most stretching experiences I've ever experienced. I really didn't have the money to come and honestly I didn't feel like I needed another "ministry training school." I battled with thoughts, and occasionally still, about what people think of my journey. Sometimes I think people think I'm chasing my own tail...heck, sometimes I think that. I'm on the potters wheel, and I want to be on the potters wheel. I hear His voice and I trust that He will make His voice heard when it's time to move forward. In the mean time, I'm surrounded by an amazing culture of people pursuing the love of God and bringing His presence and power to earth. I feel so honored to be here!

I've been overwhelmed by Gods goodness and that goodness that flows in His children. I can't wait for the day that I get to pour into people to measure (and beyond) that people have poured into me. All my needs have been exceeded while I've been here in Redding. Because of your generosity, I've been able to help meet needs of other BSSM students and some of the homeless here in Redding! Just last Thursday I was give a 2003 Toyota Camery by amazing friends in Portland. Yesterday I was almost in tears because I could actually go to the grocery store when needed. Thank you Chelsey, Debbie and Cynthia (some of my roommates) for being so willing to help drive me and others around when needed. I'm excited that I now get to help provide rides :) I love being a daughter of God!

I've been so bless by the people here at Destiny House (The place I live)! I couldn't ask for better people to run with while I'm here. You guys have become family and I'm so thankful for you :) Shout out to all my amazing roomies! I love you and I love our DANCE PARTIES <3

Thank you Mom, Phil, Dad, Ben, Grandma Carol, Grandma & Grandpa Phelps, Auntie Val & Uncle Jeff, Bryan & Shelly Stanton, Geoff Brown, Sara & Peter Lowry, Sarah & Matt Ryan, Emily Svitak, Sam & Krystal King, Bassett Family, Bob & Ada Laughlin, Mike and Judy Hammer, Bob & Betty-Jane Wright, all my friends at Mt. Hood Christian Center and those I don't know who have lovingly supported me. Thank you for believing that I am good soil! May God pour out everything I have received upon your families.

Here's to 2013! For the best is yet to come :)
"May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13

Raw

If my heart is overwhelmed and I cannot hear Your voice

I'll hold on to what is true though I cannot see

If the storms of life they come and the road ahead gets steep

I will lift these hands in faith, I will believe

I remind myself of all that You've done

And the life I have because of Your Son

Love came down and rescued me

Love came down and set me free

Now I am yours, I am forever yours

-Lyrics from Love Came Down

You know this last year God has taken me on this journey of learning that He doesn't leave lack. I've always been a very independent and self-sufficient person. I realize I allowed myself to become this way due to different life circumstances  and I became this way to help protect my heart from being disappointed. I don't think being independent or self-sufficient is always a bad thing, but these have become barriers between me trusting God. This is bad. 

This last month has been really difficult because of this fear of being disappointed by God. In reality I know this is not true. For God never leaves lack and once He has started a good work, He sees it through to completion. I started this blog with a song and there is a line that says, "I remind myself of all that You've done." When you start to doubt what God has called you to, remind yourself of all the promises He has given you. Remind yourself of all the times He has come through. Remind yourself of His goodness. Remind yourself of the gift He gave, which was His son. Let these thing be the determining factor of how you see your current situation. 

I honestly wanted to write this blog to remind myself that He is always, and always will be, good! He has provide my every need. Why would He not now? Why would He not provide for you? In Him, there is always enough!

So, what do you need? I believe He will provide what you just asked Him for and you will never be disappointed. Thank you for being Jehovah-Rohi (The Lord is my Shepherd).

Alive

What a year it has been! A year ago I was in Mozambique doing Harvest School with Iris Ministries. Now I am in Redding, CA going to Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM)! God has been teaching me new things, reminding me of old revelations and completely transforming my love and life. These past couple of months haven't always been easy, but Papa God is growing my faith and teaching me to be 100% dependent on Him in every way.

While I was in Africa, God really began to redefine my heart and He started to grow my dreams for the Nations. I never thought it would lead me back home (USA) for a time. I've come to BSSM because they are living out the word of God and they are seeing lives transformed. Sons and Daughters coming home and experiencing the Fathers tangible embrace. It's amazing and I feel so honored to be here.

About three weeks ago I went to a park down the road, where the homeless hangout, with some sack lunches. Side note, people don't want to be your projects. Don't make the homeless, your neighbor or even the people in Africa your project. They are people and they simple want to be known and loved. Anyways, I made friends with a 27 year old lady who has been on the streets for 11 years. That's a long time to be on the streets and she has experienced a lot of life. I hadn't seen her in awhile and was getting a little worried. I'll get back to my friend in a minute. For school I'm a part of a group that has taken over a region of Redding to minister to. This part of town is the perfect place for me. Prostitutes, drug deals, gang banger's...you name it, they've got it (no joke). Today, I was alive! We are loving on people living in this old hotel as their homes. One mom had 6 kids with her. These rooms have two beds one bathroom and no kitchen. So a mom with 6 kids in this place....you do the math. I was talking with one of the mama's when all of a sudden I see my friend from the park walk up to the place! She invited me into her room where I met her friends and we chatted for awhile. God has bigger plans than I can imagine and I believe we will see this whole place transformed and my friend.

Pray for my friend. Pray for Capri (This is my region of Redding). Pray that addictions would be broken. Pray that the hungry would be fed. Pray that the girls in that place would be protected. Pray that the love of God would ravish this whole city