"Test me in this," says the Lord

"Test me in this," says the Lord

I have watched God OVER provide time and time again. I want to encourage you in giving, as well as share just a few stories of how God has blessed me in giving these past few years. I began to write this post last week, but surely did not come close to finishing. I am just finding the time to sit down again and write, so here it goes! 

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10

  There is one thing that God tells us to "test" Him in. That one thing is tithing. As you begin to grow in your walk with Christ, you begin to realize that there is JOY in giving. Joy in serving. Everything we have comes from God. Everything we have belongs to God. God deserves all the credit in all we do. He wakes us up each morning and breathes life into us daily. If you are alive, He is sustaining you, and He is the one to be praised!

If the God of the universe (the God who created the Heavens and the earth, the sun and the caterpillars, the elephants and the oceans, the trees and the mountains) is telling us to TEST Him, I think it is our best interest to do so! 

 Here are just a few situations where He blessed me far beyond what I could ever ask or imagine after surrendering to His will with "my" possessions and/or "hard earned money". 

1. A concert whose performer I cannot even recall

   I remember being in middle school while my brother Mitchell and his wife Lisa were not yet "a thing". I have memories of them when they were just friends, then when they were talking... when they started dating, and then when they got engaged. They are now married, and I wouldn't trade those memories for the world!
   
   I remember one of those evenings, they let me tag along to a christian concert. We were in a group with other friends from church, and it was an exciting night of wonderful, clean, fellowship. 
   
   (Here is what changed my heart forever that evening!).
   
    I love T-shirts. I really love music, and sporting things I love on my chest or back always makes me proud! That night I decided I was going to buy one, and my heart was set on it! However, when I reached in my pocket, my wallet told me otherwise. I was so bummed when I realized I didn't have enough money to purchase a T-shirt (or anything else I thought was worth buying). 
   
   I am very independent, and I DO NOT like to ask for help; especially when it comes to financial anything! However, I REALLY wanted a T-Shirt from this concert. After tossing the idea around of asking for a lend out, I finally decided that I would ask my brother for a little extra cash. I knew that I had the money at home to pay him back, so I didn't feel quite as needy in asking him, and being the wonderful big brother he always has been, he (acted like he) was fine helping me out. 
   
   There I was! I had enough money in my hand to go buy the T-shirt I so desperately wanted, and I was completely at ease with blowing that money away on a single article of clothing. Until... the offering call.
   
   Often times when christian musicians perform, they set aside time for offering towards ministries or other non-profit Christian organizations. At this concert, that is exactly what went down. They slowed the music, explained what the offering money was going to go towards, and the profound impact our obedience in giving would have on the lives of so many others around the world. 
   
   I do not remember the name of the bands playing that night, nor do I remember who the offering was to go toward, but I can promise you this: I had never before felt the Holy Spirit stir in my heart to give all I had like He did in the civic center that evening. 
   
   I had a tug on my heart that I still cannot explain! People were starving and dying from preventable causes all around the world, and the money in my hand that I had to BORROW was about to be wasted on a cotton piece of cloth! How selfish? How foolish? 
   
   I handed my brother his money back so that all I had left in my hand was mine to give. (God doesn't desire for you to give away things that do not belong to you, and that are not yours to give away). When the volunteers began passing buckets around, I knew that every dollar in my hand belonged to God, and if stepped out on faith, I was not going home with a T-shirt.
   
   When I dropped all the money I had in that offering plate, knowing full well it was going to save lives and that I was not going home with a cool souvenir, a weight of 1,000,000 pounds was lifted of of my shoulders! 
   
   I never got the "money back" from that offering. God instead opened the floodgates in an indescribable,eternal way! God changed my heart in a way money will NEVER equate to! Far beyond any satisfaction money could bring about.
   
   From that moment on, I never question whether God will use my tithes and offering for His glory. 
   
   After all,
   

   Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

   2. The Guitar that found its home in Africa and never came back

    Last March, I had the opportunity to go with Celebration Baptist Church to Ethiopia! We flew into Addis Ababa for a medical mission trip. We drove about 4 hours into a truck stop town called Gedo, where we stayed in a hotel whose price was the equivalent of <$4.00 American dollars per night. This town has NO running water, and the people there live in poverty that I cannot even attempt to explain.  (Read about this trip in my blog post here). 
   
   
   After reading the blog I mentioned above, you will have a better understanding of why "Testing God" in giving is so near and dear to me!
   
   
    Before a trip to the other side of the world, packing is an extremely important part of 
   

    preparing. On one of the days leading up to our departure, my mom, dad, and I were all in my room making certain that our check list was checked off and ready to go. (My mom and I went to Africa, but my dad stayed home). As I was putting my guitar in the case for the trip, my dad stopped me in my tracks.

   
   

   Dad: "Morgan, why don't you take one of the other guitars? That is your nice, expensive one and you know if you take it with you it is not coming back!"

   Me: "DAD, it IS COMING back! I am NOT leaving my guitar in Africa! I worked hard for the money to buy it, it was expensive, and it IS coming back with me!". 

   Dad: "Morgan, you know you are gonna meet someone special and leave it. If you take it, this house will never see it again."

   Me: (Beyond frustrated) "DAD, IT IS COMING BACK! I AM NOT LEAVING IT FOR ANYONE! END OF STORY!"

   
   

   We drove to Atlanta as a mission team, and flew out from there. We stopped in North (or South?) Carolina, then flew from there to DC. From DC, we boarded Ethiopian Airlines and headed across the ocean to Africa! 

   
   

   As a team, we had A LOT of luggage. My guitar was a checked bag, and it was supposed to be under the plane all the way until we reached Addis. However, a nice man at the airport allowed me to take it as a carry on, not counting towards the bag I already had on my shoulder. This was perfect!

   
   

   We had a lot of trouble every time we tried to board the plane. The workers did not like the fact that I had two carry on's, and often times tried to force me to leave my guitar. (Where in the world did they expect me to put it?!) Luckily, my dear friend Courtney was able to clam it as her one and only carry on, and the guitar made the trip with us in eye sight :)

   
   

   Well, here is the God part! Our first 30 minutes in the Addis airport, we were informed that our luggage was lost. ALL of it. So here we are in a foreign country with none of our personal stuff, and none of our supplies for the mission trip. BUT... guess what!?!?!

   
   

   I had my GUITAR!!!! God saved the day on that one! 

   
   

   
   

   As we got on the bus to head towards Gedo (4 hour ride), I sat with my guitar case in the middle isle. At this point, we were only riding the bus with our interpreters, we did not yet know their names or who they were. A man from the front walked over to me, pointed towards my guitar, and asked if he could play it. (In all honesty, I told him to go ahead because I did not think he was capable of playing anything at all. "Why would I assume that a man from Africa could play a guitar?" was my mindset.).

   
   

   He proved me wrong! He grabbed my guitar, turned to face his two friends, and played the most beautiful song I have ever hear... in his own language!

   
   

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

    Sabekelf worshiping OUR Father on the way to Gedo.What a wonderful sound it

    is to hear God praised in a language and country other than my own!

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   At this point, I was not completely convinced that leaving my guitar was what God wanted me to do. (My mom would say that at that very moment, she knew my guitar was not coming home). I did however know for certain that I was going to leave money for him to buy one.

   
   

   As the week went on, I found myself placing the guitar in his hands more often than my own. I saw the way he worshiped, and I couldn't help but stand in awe every time his fingers touched the fret board, and every time his lips sang with praise. 

   
   

   Toward the end of the week, he actually asked if he could buy it from me. 

   
   

   In Ethiopia, they don't have access to much. In this case, Sabe had no access to an electric acoustic guitar.  He had a guitar that he used to lead worship at the church, but he didn't have an electric acoustic that he could plug in. So, for him to lay his hands on one is pretty unheard of. 

   
   

   I had decided just the night before that I was going to leave it with him. I was not going to tell him, in hopes of making it a surprise when I left it at the end of the week. However, he asked, and I made sure he knew in that moment it was his. I told him that I didn't want anything in return... except that he ALWAYS use it to honor God, and that he give Hana (another interpreter) lessons when I leave. He promised both!

   
   

   
   

   

   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Hana picked it up well with my instruction too!!!

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

    All this to say, I left my guitar in Ethiopia. I never second guessed it, and I gave it away without even thinking about what that meant for myself.

   
   

   1. I went home with no guitar and no case

   2. I had no guitar to lead worship with at my own church, and no guitar to record in the studio with

   3. No guitar to write songs on, and no guitar to take with me to Camp Electric

   
   

   It was not until a months later, when my dear friend asked about my guitar, did I even realize that I was "guitar-less". Anytime I thought of my strings, I prayed for Sabe and his family and the work he was doing in Africa. When she approached me at church saying "I heard you left your guitar in Ethiopia", I immediately got to tell her about my trip. When she asked "What are you going to take with you to Camp Electric?", I did not know how to respond. The thought of not having an instrument at such an important camp had not once crossed my mind. I am sure I probably said something along the lines of "I don't know. But God's will will be done in that".  

   
   

   Little did I know she was prying for information. Laugh out loud! She is such an encouragement and loves to place others before herself. She sent out a secret email to some of the ladies she knew, and then without telling me about it, invited me to lunch. After a wonderful chat at Moe's, she handed me a few envelopes and sent me home anxious to open them!

   
   

   When I got home, I was literally speechless as I broke the seals. I opened them to find letters from many different people who had pitched in to "Help Morgan get a new guitar". They wrote me notes of encouragement, and enclosed more than enough money to buy a new guitar. I was so overwhelmed that I could not even breathe! The tears began to roll and all I could do was thank the Lord for holding me in His arms... always!

   
   

   There was not enough room to store the overwhelming joy I felt that day! God is never slow in keeping His promises.

   
   

   "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10

    3. Take off your turfs, for this is holy ground

    "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Exodus 3:5
   

   
   

    Do you have something that you just LOVE to look at? Love to own? Love to collect?

   I LOVE watches and tennis shoes! I do not have a lot of money, so I also LOVE to buy clearance, but there is just something about a new pair of kicks or a nice fitting watch that makes my heart skip a beat! (I also have a thing for race/tri bikes, but they are way out of reach as far as my wallet is concerned!)

   
   

   Well, for YEARS I wanted a pair of Nike turfs. All my ball coaches wore them, all my ball friends owned them, and it seemed that I was the only ball player around that didn't sport a pair on my feet!

   
   

   For fun, this is what they look like!

   

   
   

   Before it was time to start preparing for Africa, my friend bought me a pair! I was so excited! I am pretty sure that I even wore them to bed the first night! I am also pretty sure that I wore them with every out fit I put on as well; at least until they got dirty and I could no longer cuddle with them!

   
   

   I decided to wear them to Africa because I was down with a knee injury at the time and needed good "walking" shoes. 

   
   

   Now, we went overseas with the anticipation that almost everything we took over we were going to leave behind. My guitar and my shoes were the exception with my luggage! I was going to wear my turfs home on the plane , guitar in hand, and I was going to leave everything else behind. (Laughing now because I should have known all along... “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

   neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9)

   
   

   My plan for the shoes was working perfectly.. wear them all the time and that way they don't have a chance to be given away. Until...

   
   

   On the mission trip we were doing medical clinics. One day, a young teenage boy came to us for help. (He looked to be about 10, as most people there are malnourished and do not grow to the standards we do in country's with simple food and water). We knew immediately that he was very sick even before he told us what was wrong. 

   
   

   He had diabetes. He had been going from home to home, church to church... begging and pleading for money to get treatments. But no one had access to or was willing to lend this young man anything. He came to us looking like death warmed over. I cannot put into words the way his face touched my heart. 

   
   

   (Can you imagine your own child dying from a disease that only costs $60.00!!!!!!!!!!!! American dollars per YEAR to fix?!?! Heartbreaking to say the least.)

   
   

   It is very hard to give money to poor family over there because the simplest hand out can change their social class instantly. As a mission team, we offered to leave money with the church to help him for many years... but knowing that the boy might not last through the current year, they would not accept.

   
   

   So, we put him on our bus and took him with us back to Gedo. 

   
   

   On the way, my mom cuddled him in her seat. Kids don't get a loving touch over there, so I am certain he felt for the first time what it truly means to be "safe in a mothers arms". As his feet hung over the seat, I noticed he had on the same shoes I had seen all over town. Rubber elf looking shoes that he out grew probably ten years ago, and soles that exposed almost his entire foot! My first thought was to take the shoes off my own feet, but I knew I needed to ask our team leader if that was appropriate. 

   
   

   I did, and was given a "yes". I figured if I was going to leave my shoes, it may as well be to a young man whose face was already forever engraved in my head. I took his shoes off, and I could tell he was not comfortable with that. (I wouldn't be either if that was the only pair I owned). I began to unlace mine, and he looked up at me with eyes that I will never forget...

   
   

   I placed them on his feet, let him tie them, and watched as he admired his newest priced possession. We got off the bus, and my bare feet caught the eye of everyone around. 

   
   

   "The American girl is bare foot! Where are her shoes? The white girl is walking in the mud, why does she not buy a pair of shoes to put on her feet? When that girl left, she was covered... why is she shoeless now? Look at that little boy! He has a new pair of shoes! He doesn't deserve that!". I can only imagine these were some of the thoughts going through all these onlookers heads. 

   
   

   As I walked into the hotel shoeless, I watched that boy walk away, never to see him again. A friend from the team came up to me and put a whole new perspective on what I had just done...

   
   

   She reminded me of the horrible affects diabetes has on circulation, legs, and feet. She reminded me that not only did I give away a simple pair of shoes, but I made an incredible difference in the health of this young man. Tears began to flow again, and I was left overwhelmed by God's goodness and perfect timing. 

   
   

   My ways were not His ways, and I am so thankful that God reminded me of that in my giving. What I intended to use in vain, God used to humble me like never before. 

   
   

   When I got back to the states, not once did I miss my guitar or my beloved turfs. God put a joy in me from those two moments that nothing will ever quench. (Sitting here now typing this brings tears to my eyes, even a year later). 

   
   

   Just as a friend blessed me without permission in getting a new guitar, I also had a friend (may as well be my sister) bless me in giving me shoes. This friend has no idea that I ever left shoes in Africa, and the shoes that she gave me upon returning home came completely out of her own desire to bless me. I cannot pretend like that was anything other than God using her to show me that His timing is perfect and He never forsakes. 

   
   

   Since coming home from Africa, my friend has given me 4 pairs of shoes (she did not know then and does not know now that I left my own pair in Ethiopia). I love to run, as does she. When she put a fair amount of miles on her shoes, she gave them to me to use as brand new! I cannot afford these, and to have nice "running shoes" is something I am very thankful for. So Sister, thank you!

   
   

   

   

   
   

   
   

    The Lord loves to bless His people!

   "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10

   
   

   I am in NO way saying that God will always give us back what we give away in obedience. Again, His ways are not our ways! I AM saying that He has never failed me, and He will not fail you. He says to test Him in giving, and He promises to bless us in HIS perfect and all- knowing way! Whether He gives us back what we gave away, multiples what we gave and again chooses to give it back, or simply decides to give us only a still peace within our hearts, He will always come through. Even if we never see the return of our work until we meet Jesus face to face, every step taken in faith will be worth it! He welcomes our praise and our obedience!

   
   

   
   

   How does this apply to you?

   I don't know! Ask God what it is in your life that you are not allowing Him to have His hand in. (I have to do this daily). Do you really believe that He gave you everything you have, or do you just like to say that because it makes you "feel" more thankful? Do you trust Him with your money and fiances? Is He the FIRST one your stroke the check to every month, or the last one you give to in the event you have left overs? 

    Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; Proverbs 3:9

   What about your time? Do you make time to serve others, or do you kick and scream at the thought of laboring over people that cannot pay you back? If you DO serve, are you serving for an earthly reward or an eternal reward?

   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Matthew 6:21

    Are you aiming to please men or the One that created all men? Are you angry because you have given to "The Kingdom" and feel God has not returned what you thought He would return? Or are you humbly and perfectly content with knowing we are not to store up treasures here, but in Heaven?

   
   

   
   

   The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.Deuteronomy 28:12
   

   For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10

   Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;  not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2-3

   If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Deuteronomy 15:7

   
   

   Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

    
   

   "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.  "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.Matthew 6:1-4

   "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24

   
   

   Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.Luke 12:33

   
   

   
   

   Take a look at this video called "Do Something" by Matthew West

    Are you ready to answer a call?!

   
   

   
   

Thanks for reading my blog. I hope that it has encouraged or motivated you in someway today. 

Love to all,

Morgan

Life: Leaving The Friends & Families I Love

I do not blog often as I do not have the time or patience to sit down and put my thoughts into words. For the most part, if I do have a time gap to do that, I spend it on writing songs and singing to the Lord. 

Today, my words won't transform into melody and honestly, my heart is just very heavy. 2013 was like a black eye, over and over again. Every time my life started to heal from an unexpected storm, I was hit with yet another blow. Not every year is like that, and there are people who never experience that a day in their life. However, to put it simply, this past year was not easy. 

I do not want to go into detail about this past year as I would never finish this post. So I will just simply vent a single topic that is weighing on my heart: the fact that life is short, and it sucks when you really begin to let that sink in.

I am a senior in high school. It seems like just yesterday I was sporting my new lunch box to my kindergarten classroom, accompanied by my own personal body guard (my big brother). It seems like just yesterday my mom and dad were rocking and singing me to sleep when I was captivated by worry or fear. It seems like just yesterday I was running wild and free on my grandparents farm, building forts and swimming with the snakes and alligators alongside all my cousins. It seems like just yesterday I was performing elementary school plays and practicing for my fifth grade graduation. It seems like just yesterday my dad took me out to practice before school on the day of sixth grade softball tryouts. It seems like just yesterday my middle school friend and I thought we were the coolest kids on the block, while we sang to all the Walmart shoppers who passed us laying atop my moms car in the parking lot. It seems like just yesterday I walked the halls of my high school campus and stood in shock of how long I had awaited that day. It seems like just yesterday I was saying goodbye to my best friends who would leave for college while I was still in high school (all the while knowing our relationship would drastically change when they were gone). It seems like just yesterday I became a part of our FCA leadership team, all excited for what God was going to do on our campus in just two years. It seems like just yesterday I walked across the deck at our high school meet pool, and was recognized as a "Senior, Class of 2014" for our swim team. It seems like just yesterday we celebrated Christmas and returned to class with less than five months left of high school.... EVER. It was literally just yesterday when seniors went to the auditorium to turn in their senior cap and gown fees, knowing that graduation is within our grasp. 

To be honest, I still can't wrap my mind around this. I never expected to make it this far in my education, and I never expected it to come so soon. Now that the time has come to graduate, it literally makes me sick to think about the different paths I and all my classmates will find ourselves on.

• I am very independent

             Anyone who knows me knows that I don't really care for anything related to foolishness or immaturity. I like to respect people, and in return, I tend to be well respected. I like to put first things first, and I do not like to take part in activities that could easily become a stumbling block to myself or others. I like to speak encouragement into the lives of everyone I come in contact with, and I daily pray that everything I do and say will be in love.

            Being said, I will graduate this year and move on to college. Some of my peers are worried because they don't know how to face the real world by themselves, but I do not throw myself under that category. Like I said, I am very independent and I like to carry my own. Sure, moving on to this next chapter will be tough financially, emotionally, and at times physically, but I really do not think that I will be handed anything that I have not already wrestled with (in some way or another). 

            So, I have admitted that I will not be too distraught in moving away from "home" and moving onto the next chapter of my life. However, I will humbly and openly admit that I am having a very hard time (already) with moving away from my family friends that I love so dear.

• I really am leaving

               Family will always love you no matter what. For me, the thought of leaving my family is tough, but I know they will be there each time I come home and every time I dial their number. I am not worried about stepping out now, as I know I will step right back in when I come back home. 

               Over the years, I've made my own life outside of my childhood atmosphere. When I was a kid, my siblings and I spent time with the people our parents allowed in our lives. There was never a reason to search for others as we were still being guarded and guided by our parents. They knew the people who were and were not appropriate to allow around their children, and so our family friends were literally "all" of our family friends. 

       Now, I am 18 years old.

               There are friends and families from my childhood that "I" choose to keep in contact with, and there are some relationships where time and distance have taken a tole. Either way, the older I get, the more "choice" I have in the relationships I continue to build on or set aside.

               When I was in sixth grade, I was very adamant about having a way to make my own money. At that age, jobs aren't really a possibility, and you are still very dependent on your parents for transportation. My parents suggested that I make a sign for whatever I chose to do to make money and put in on our neighborhood billboards. Eventually, I was able to post in hopes of getting business for "Pet sitting and babysitting". 

               To sum up seven years into a single sitting, I got interest and calls. One customer led to another, and another, and another. People knew people, talked my name up, and boom: more customers. When I re posted signs again, bam: more customers! People go on vacation and they ask their trusted friends who watches their home, animals, or kids, and kapow: my name gets tossed on the table. You get the picture... My job over the years has led to meeting a lot of new people that were never present in my life as a child. These have always been relationships that I myself chose to nurture, OR that I chose to keep professional in every way.

•   I do not want to leave

                Like I said before, I choose to speak life to all those I come in contact with (at least that is what I TRY to do no matter what life brings about). At times it is a struggle with some people, and I have to sincerely pray in order to love them in any way. With some people, I love them genuinely, and yet it is really never mutual. Still with others, I find that the level I love and cherish them is indescribable.... and these loved ones are the reason I do NOT want to leave.   

              My job has allowed me the opportunity to really and truly get to know the families I work for. When I say that I really love people, that is in no way an understatement. (I have probably scared customers off because they don't know what to do with that, lol). So, here I am seven years later, and I am having to not only leave the job I enjoy, but I am having to step out of the lives of all these people I have come to know in my teenage years. That is really hard for me...

             These families were never just clients, calender fillers, or money signs. Every single one of the lives within each family were opportunity's for me to (hopefully) be the hands and feet of Jesus. I love them all in unique, wonderful, and special ways. My heart literally breaks when I think about having to leave this chapter of my life, and all the people I love within it. 

• I am in need of (and begging for) some serious prayer

           My worst and most captivating fear right now is knowing that when I leave, someone else will take my place. When it comes to pet sitting and house sitting, for the most part it does not worry me. 

          When it comes to the kids I watch and the friends I have made, it is a whole different story. The closer I get to August, 2014, the more I begin to "freak out" regarding the relationships I have made with certain families. I am scared that when I leave, the new "babysitter" will be great and that "Ms. Morgan" will be forgotten about. I am scared that when I leave, the kids I love so dearly will forget the memories made with me and grow to love and adore the new woman in their lives. I am scared that when I come back (having time to spend with them again), I will no longer be needed or wanted, as my "replacement" will be just as special, if not better than I ever was.  

         I am scared that as time and distance strain the friendships I have made with some incredible women, the new girl will pick up the pieces and weave them into her own life. I am worried that the friends I have now will no longer care about the little details of my every day life, but will certainly welcome the catch ups and heart-to-heart's of the new girl. I am terrified that some of the relationships I have made over the years are going to not only change, but be forgotten about. 

         Now, I know this is foolish, but this is indeed what weighs on my heart everyday. The families I have come to know, love, and adore are just that: family. I am not their ken, I am not their blood, and I am not of any legal relation. However, I love them as my own family and I have never been able to help that. Many days I wish I could stop loving them so much, so that the pain that comes with separation and leaving is not so great. Many days I wish I could turn the switch in my brain that makes me think of them to "off", because I literally think of them all the time. It is crazy how much I love some people, and more often than not, they have no idea just how much I care.

        So, now that you know just how crazy my thoughts are, I am asking for prayer. Serious, serious, serious prayer from those of you who have put your faith and trust in Christ.

        I cannot possibly love the way I am called to when I am jealous. I KNOW that my life does not revolve around things of this world or emotions tied to it. I know that I cannot base my life on other people, and that they will never base their life off of me. I do not understand why my heart still tries so hard to think that way though... it is crazy and very burdensome. When I let those feelings triumph over the Truth, I am more lonely and more discouraged than I can deal with. I need prayer to rid my heart of jealousy.

       I cannot possibly love when I am not patient. I know that my life must go on, and that God has far greater things in store for me than what my life consists of now. I know that no matter where I end up, or how long I am there for, God will use it all for His glory if I allow Him too. However, many times I believe my deceitful heart and buy into the lie that the people who love me and invest in me now will choose not to be there later. ( I know that time and distance truly do change things, and I know that some relationships still weather the storm and continue through the years, but I weakly let my heart tell me that ALL of my loved ones will walk away, and that is not healthy, nor is it true). I allow worry to captivate my heart and mind, and I truly miss out on the blessings that God is trying to pour on me now. I need prayer to be patient, knowing that there is a time and place for everything, and that Gods timing is always perfect. 

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

(Habakkuk 2:3) For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

(Isaiah 40:31) But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

(Psalm 27:14) Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

(Ecclesiastes 8:6) For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him.

           I cannot possibly love when there is even a fraction or a thought of "self-seeking". When I love, I am called to love with the love of Christ. In everything I do, it should be to point others towards Him... not with the hopes of getting them to love me in the process. Though I never intentionally love with the hope of being loved back, I often times live just like that. I rejoice when people see Christ, but I also let my heart get heavy when people don't see how much "I" love them. Please do not get me wrong: I am called to love them and I do my very best to love them in EVERY way... but if my actions are not solely motivated by wanting to see others come to know Him, and if there is anything in me that wants to have a part in that love more than their love for Christ, then my heart is in the wrong place. I need prayer to love in such a way that my ONLY aim is to point others to the Father.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails... 

( 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

           

       High school is not over yet. I have less than five months left to leave a legacy in not only my school, but as a "High School Student". We do not get time back, and it most certainly does not wait on anyone. 

      I am desperately asking for prayer so that my walk will be salty and full of light. (Lol!)

I truly want to make everything about the Lord, and I am struggling to do that as I allow my heart to house jealousy (with no reason) and impatience (which is burdensome). When you think of me, please lift my mind up for clarity and reasoning, and please life my heart up to love in EVERY Godly way... not just some, and not a love that is missing any of those qualities stated above! ^^^^

      I am seeking the Lord for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. I know that without all these, I am not very effective in loving others.

       Please lift me up so that I may have wisdom and discernment in the coming months, and that I will allow the Lord to fill me with Hope and Joy that drowns out all my doubt and all my fears (Reasonable fears or not). 

       As you lift me up, I will lift you up every time your name is brought to my (as you have read: crazy, sometimes ridiculous, but love seeking) mind. I appreciate the encouragement from and accountability of all my brothers and sisters in Christ who daily invest in my life. Thank you.

      I love you all :)

Morgan Mims

            

"More Than Twice a Year"

Please help in supporting Braden

Dear friends and loved ones,

I hope this letter finds you doing well.

Everything I do in life has one purpose: to glorify Jesus Christ. There are so many aspects that make up who I am as “Morgan Lynn Mims”, but they are all driven by the same motivation, “Make His Kingdom known”.

I am a big softball player, and I have had the chance to form many life long friendships over the years. A young woman by the name of Kathleen Johnson happens to be one of the dear friends God has blessed me with, in more ways than I could ever describe. We played ball in middle school for both Swift Creek and our city league team, and had the chance to play in High School as Lincoln Trojans. So many memories made together that I will never forget! (As you think of a friend you can say the same thing about, please take a second and pray for them.)

                       

On May 25, 2011, Kathleen and her family’s lives were changed forever. Her sister Nicole and niece Hannah were in a car accident that took both of their lives. This was a tragic time for the family. As you can imagine the pain, heartache, grief, and confusion that comes with the loss of a loved one, this was doubled with the loss of two. Nicole left behind her husband Billy and son Braden. Hannah left behind her Daddy and Bubba.

Fast forward to just a few months ago…  May 16, 2013. The family was informed that Billy was in a car accident, and that he didn’t make it. Billy left behind his son Braden, who is now 10 years old.

Braden has buried his Mother, Father, and sister. I cannot imagine the pain he carries daily, having suffered such loss at such a young age. He is left in the care of his extended family. Seeing as these tragedies happened so early in this family’s life, no plans were set for Braden’s future: Medical, educational, or otherwise.

I just recently recovered from a knee injury that put me down for 4 ½ months. I was unable to walk or run at first, much less play ball. Through steady physical therapy and encouragement from so many loved ones, I am swimming, running, and back on the field!

A strong motivation for getting through rehab and recovery was the Tough Mudder Race in Tampa on November 3, 2013. I set my eyes on the race, marked it in the calendar, and worked hard through recovery to get to where I am now. After praying about a way to make the race count for more than a worldly headband and bragging rights, the Lord laid Kathleen and her family on my heart. I am now racing to raise money for Braden, hoping that one more burden will be lifted off his shoulders as he continues to grow into a young man.

I appreciate your support in blessing Braden and his family. No amount given is too small. Whether it is $0.05, $5.00, or $50.00, it will not be in vain. Please pray about it. IF you feel led to give, you can donate online at gofundme.com (in which you can type “Braden Powell Fund”, and you will be directed to his page), write a check out to Morgan Mims, or give me cash directly. Cash and check will both be transferred to Braden’s account. If you do not feel led to give, that is totally ok. Prayers stored up in Heaven do more than earthly money any way.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and your thoughtfulness towards Braden and His family. Please share this with your friends and family. I know there are many people who want to bless others in need, but have no way of knowing how. I assure you, this is a wonderful way that will bring hope and peace back into a family’s life on so many different levels.

In His name with love,

Morgan Mims

Morganmims4@gmail.com     

2208 Monaco Dr. 32308 Tallahassee Florida

850-590-7448

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” – Psalm 82:3

‘Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

Below a clip by Bonnie Kistler (Braden’s grandmother) from Braden’s website…

. 

”In advance, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and sincerest appreciation for any help and contributions that may be given. No words I offer can express what it means.”

Kathleen and Hannah.

 Nicole, Braden, Hannah, and Billy

 Kathleen and I. She is truly a blessing!

Ethiopia 2013

ETHIOPIA!




Wow! There are no words to express what this trip meant to our team. The 14 of us set out March 14th, after work and school. Our families sent us off with prayer in the parking lot of Celebration Baptist Church. We piled into three vehicles (you can imagined we were packed) and set off! We really go to know each other through Walkie-Talkies as we headed to Atlanta. If you know, or get the chance to meet, Ed Forster or Phillip Treadwell, you will be able to see how this was comic relief! The start of memories that will last forever!

Our choice of dinner that night (last US meal), was Chick-fil-a! We tore it up :) You can never go wrong with a Jesus sandwhich and milkshake! After, we made our way to the hotel. Wake up call was 3 o clock the next morning. So after savoring our last shower, we dozed off for a little nap, and headed out!

We flew to Charlotte, then Washington DC. These flights were nice and easy. Then we boarded with Ethiopian Airlines, and were off for our 10 hour flight!

We landed safely in Addis Ababa. However, we sat around for a little longer than intended when we got news that our luggage was lost.

 

Thankfully, the airport guy offered to let me carry my guitar! It was the only piece of luggage that made it for the start of our missions!

 

 

 On the way put of town, we noticed out interpreter was reading a David Platt book. Courtney and I instantly used that as an opportunity to interect. This is the start of a beautiful friendship with our sister in Christ, Hana.  



 

 



On the bus, Sabe asked if he could play my guitar. Thinking in my head "how would he even know how to play?", I handed it over. At this moment, I knew my guitar wasn't coming back home. What a gift God has given this man!



 

 

 

We stayed in the nicest hotel Gedo had to offer. The price per night is equivalent to about $3.00 American dollars, if this gives you an idea. This was our view from the side balcony. The colorful compund across the street is an Orthodox church. They are in much need of prayer for salavation. These people are so wrapped up in religion they miss out on Jesus.   

 



This was right after our 4 hour church service. We grew to big to stay insdie, so in the middle of worship, we literally packed up and went outdoors. My hat kept me from getting sun burned, but everyone else was scorched!This girl to my right (yellow jacket), sweetest girl ever!

This picture was taken in the church yard right after we played the "Rain Game" (Keep this game in mind for a few pictures later). Duc-Duc- Goose with white people in Ethiopia is an activity sure to draw a croud!

 

This was my first home visit. It was such a blessing to serve with my dear friend Courtney. Hana and Ficorae were wonderful translators. This couple rents a one room house made of sticks and mud (the size of your bathroom or closet). He works as a guard at the bank, and she stays at home. His 13 year old little brother lives on a mattress, going to school as a Compassion Child. Both coming from families who disowned them because of their faith, they are living contently with what God has given them.

 

While we were on our way to the home visit, it began to rain. Think back to where I mentioned the "Rain Game". These people had been praying since SEPTEMBER for a drop of rain. All of a sudden, we play the Rain Game and it pours!?! Don't tell me my God is not able!

 

This was our second home visit. (The two to the far left were just friends). This woman is the mother of three children. Her oldest son goes to school at Compassion. Her other children have no opportunity for health or education. Her husband finds work throughout the village.

Courtney and I met this awesome young man named Robera. He learned English from another foreign vistior a couple years ago. He loves the Lord! His plan is to come to America, go to Harvard, and return to run for the president of Ethiopia.

 

Hana wanted to learn, so I taught her. She is so gifted and talented!

 

 

Finally, our luggage is here! Courtney and I wrote "Jesus loves you" on our equipment!

 

Courtney Forster turned 18 in Ethiopia! What a day. We scrummaged to find some paper and a pen, and wished her a happy day! (I threw in some M&M's from my stash as well!)

 

Everyone wanted to take a picture with the "Missionaries"

School visit!

                                               They follow us everywhere!! :)

 

 

 

 

Tefsa, we love you!

Thank you for your beautiful smile and encouragement! (closest with stripped shirt on)

 

I loved working with Sly! God used his skillset to do so many things!

I just can't get enough of those smiles!!

 

Pit stop: Side of the mountain view of this beautiful place with my Mommy!

Big culture difference in Africa. The elders are the priority, and the young ones are pushed aside. To invest time with the young kids is to completely change the view point of these adults. Such a blessing!

Oh no! Courtney got sick. Our doctors made her drink iv fluid while she rested! Luckily, my mom packed flavor packs!

 

The next day, I got sick! Nothing worse than being sick in a foreign country! No running water on top of that... heart check! Perspective change!

They treated us like royalty. This was a life saver for sure! (Notice the brown underneath however... that's not mud! :)

Love this man to death! What a Godly example! Not a person was treated under his care that was not aware that we were "brothers and sisters in Christ".

 

My third home visit, but first with Lindsey. They had 5 boys (two not present). This man was an abusive drunk before he met Chirst. He turned from that lifestyle, thank you LORD!... When I went to say goodbye, this woman grabbed me in the tightest hug and would not let go! For 10 minutes (NO LIE) we embraced. After singing a worship song and saying a prayer, we were on our way. Hana told me later that that this woman lost a baby last year, and that us being in her home lifted her spirits!

 Fourth home visit. This woman is an Orthodox Christian. She is religious to the core, but does not know Jesus. After conversation with our interpreters, she decided that maybe our Jesus was real. (I told her I didn't come to Africa because of religion. I came because I lover her and Jesus loves her). Her neighbor told her "Dont put that decison off for tomorrow when you know it needs to be done today". She made it clear that she couldnt do anything without her husbands permission, but that she would be at church sunday. Pray that God will move in her heart.

 

Journaling together! God is SOOOOOOOOO good!

Robera came to say goodbye! He is enjoying his first ever girl scout cookie: THIN MINTS! (Thank you Maddie and Nikky). What an awesome young man!

Talk about a heavy load!!! The men in this culture don't labor. The babies heard cattle, the children make the money, the women labor. It's a big deal for a man to help a child or woman. So, for a man to know Christ and help a woman or child, it's a huge witnessing opportunity!

Seeing healthy kids was a blessing. In the midst of so much death and illness, this lil guy was uplifting for sure :)

 

"Words cannot express Morgan, words cannot express!"
Make joyful noise unto the Lord my brother! (And to your wife and baby girl) :)

Love you Mully!!!!

 

                        I love you my sister!