Bigger Than I Can Imagine

Today, on the way home from church, I was with one of my dear Russian friends and she shared that her parents had recently been in the states for a conference. At the conference, they found out that the church had been praying for my brother, John, and me. Somehow, this church knew of our struggles that we are dealing with in our current living/working situation. I have no idea how they found out, but I am so grateful for their prayers!

I think that's just like God to not only reassure us that people are praying for us, but to also put us in our place and to show us how big HE is.

Sure, I have friends in California, but I haven't really shared with any of them the struggles that we are experiencing, and I know that my brother and John as well haven't shared with anyone. We have no idea how this church knows, but just knowing makes it much better! People are standing with us, and seeking God for us! Wow! I am amazed at how God works for us!

What an amazing God we serve!!

And to the people out there praying for me, my brother, and John....THANK YOU!!! Just knowing that others are praying for us, helps so much!!!

Getting to Know Me :)

I haven't done one of these survey in years, so I thought I'd put one on here!!

What woke you up this morning?
Some weird sound near my fridge! Yikes!!!

Where are you?
In my apartment in Vladivostok

Is tomorrow going to be a good day?
Hopefully a good day!!

What’s on your mind RIGHT NOW?
This upcoming week and all the things I have to do for it!! AAHHHH!!!!

What kind of home would you like?
a comfortable one

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
still traveling the world!

Do you listen to music every day?
Oh yeah! Music is such a huge part of my life!!

Do you still go trick or treating?
ha! no!

What was the last thing you ate?
frozen grapes

Are you a fast typer?
yeah

What's your favorite color?
It depends on my mood.

Whats your favorite type of soda?
DR PEPPER

Have you ever moved?
Many times

Have you ever won an award?
yeah

Are you listening to music right now?
yeah, Hillsong-Ты мой Господь

Who makes you mad?
Mean and rude people!

Have you ever heard a song written about you?
yeah, my brother wrote one for me.

What do you do when you’re mad?
call my mom

When was the last time you actually cried?
last week

Ever cried yourself to sleep?
oh yeah, of course. i'm a girl!

Do certain songs make you cry?
not usually

What usually makes you cry?
something very moving or sad

Are you usually a happy person?
yep

What makes you the happiest?
several things make me happy, but being with my friends and family makes me the happiest!

Hope

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

Wow! This verse was what I needed to hear today! Life has not been easy the past three months. There has been almost something each day to deal with, and I'm not going to lie, it's been tough. Lately, it's been to the point that I just want to go home. Then God always comes to the rescue and reminds me that my time here in Russia is short and to tread on through all the daily muck and mire.

I often wonder, when another issue/problem arises, why there is so much spiritual opposition? It's not like I am Mother Teresa or Corrie Ten Boom. The work I do here, isn't something that is out of this world amazing. It's simple. I'm a teacher. So, why on earth am I facing so much opposition?

The only answer I've come up with, is that God is using all of these trials to make me seek Him. When I seek Him, I grow as a person and in my walk with Him. I know so far, that He has taught me from people I've come across, to watch out for certain characteristics and behaviors in my own life, to purge of them while I am young and not to let them take root and grow.

I am grateful for what I have learned, but sometimes I just need a break, and today was one of those days.

But God you are ever faithful and You have reminded me yet again that, "we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."