775 Years.

Seven hundred and seventy five.

The amount of years spent by about twenty fearless woman of God who served overseas as long-term missionaries.

I was privileged enough to sit down and have a meal with them. To hear some of their AMAZING stories, to realize my hopes, dreams and desires have been fulfilled by these incredible women. That a life of complete service to the Lord is necessary.

These woman’s calls were quite clear, they knew that they needed nothing less than the faith that Christ would provide and the knowledge of how big the God we serve is.

My Heart.

"Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." Joshua 23:14

I sometimes feel disappointed that I am still here, that somehow I have taken a step off of the path that God has put before me, and in some way have managed to put my own personal wants, and desires in front of the will of God. And that what God has told me these months before, these promises, I might not be strong enough to complete the task set before me.

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24

I am then reminded that my life is worth nothing, unless I am on this path towards a beautiful, loving God. Towards perfection that took the form of a human, that gave His everything for me. When I think of these things, I think that I have been so privileged to be a chosen daughter of Christ. To have been appointed to not just live my life, but live it with a purpose. To live my life with the ambition of preaching the Gospel to those who have not yet heard. To live my life with the desire of striving to do nothing less than please God. To live my life with the intent of having God's flawless qualities flow through my every moment.To live my life with the final destination being the total exultation of Christ.

The expectation is high, and rightfully should be. There is a flawless God working through me; a God who is nothing less than perfection. The expectation is excellence with every breathe. It is my duty to do the unimaginable for God, to do the things I get laughed at for, for the things that people don't understand, to do the things that my family may think is a waste of time. It my my duty at this time is to go to India for a God that I'd give my life for.

It may be discouraging along the way, where there are bumps in the road, where there are obstacles in the way of getting you to what's expected of you. But theres inspiration! Theres a tangible love that Christ shows, there is the history of a God who lived a sinless life even as the sins of the world were thrown at Him. It could be done! That in itself gives me the desire to strive for nothing less in my life. "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12 Wow!!! Such a bold statement made by Christ. A statement that I'm ready to base my life on. A statement that will make me bold in the times where I may have been timid.

A simple affirmation from Christ was all it took today, to set my hopes and desires once again on Him.

"For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it." 2 Corinthians 10:8

What He deserves.

My heart beats for only the Lord. My thoughts are focused on Him alone. My hands move in His name. My words are spoken in reverence to an almighty God. My actions are centered on the will of God. My prayers exalt Jesus' name. My attitude distinguishes me as a Christian. Everything that I am strives for the exclusive glorification of Christ.

This is my prayer today. That the above statements would become true; and no matter what is happening in my life; I pray that my life, my EVERYTHING, would be in total exultation of a perfect God. That I'd devote myself to what I believe in even when things are tough. That I would live my life in worship to a God to who deserves nothing less.

After writing this I realize yet again what a magnificent God we serve. How radiant is His love in my life, how marvelous is His influence that reaches me at every single moment. I'm realizing how entwined I am and how far I am leaning onto God... and I adore Him for that.

"O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." Isaiah 25:1

The Cross

Nine months ago on the first of the month, my world was turned upside down.

"But though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men." Lamentations 3:32-33

I've learned a lot of things these past nine months.

I think the biggest and most important thing that I've learned over these months have been my deepening understanding of the cross.

The knowledge and faith that once something has been brought to the foot of the cross it is no longer our burden.

The comprehension of the defeat of our sins by the blood.

The power to grasp the cleansing power of this blood.

The beauty of a Savior who in our place took on the agonies of Hell, and suffered beyond anything in our wildest imaginations.

The picture that was painted of a God who's unconditional love goes beyond the boundaries of death and reaches down to us individually.

The encouragement that He gives us being able to overcome sufferings of this world.

The compassion and grace that was shown to the children of God.

The majesty of a flawless God who choses to be my friend.

The more I think of it; the more things the cross means to me.

Seven hours Jesus spent on the cross. In seven long minutes my world shattered. In seven days the earth was created. And seven times more will I praise the Lord with my every breath.

"O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle."Psalm 140:7