Pastor Saeed

I urge you to share this story on any internet platform or really any platform you have. Pray, and ask others to pray!!

http://beheardproject.com/saeed

https://www.facebook.com/events/451324411638963/

• Please take the time to check this out and even if you don't want to share, please pray for this man and his family!!

Early New Years Resolution

I want to write this without sounding like an old geezer... but what has happened to communication? When I was growing up my best friend was just around the block and we played all day and sometimes into the night, we shared stories and just had fun using our crazy imaginations. And even then when I wanted to see my grandma I went to her home, we didn't have facebook, and although we had phones they didn't have facetime and they were generally connected to our home. We were personal. We took time to talk, and actually share our lives. Not the little things that really who needs to know, like "I ate toast today it was yummy." Really does that matter? Good for you.. you ate toast. I feel like you need a medal. I know that may have been a little too much sarcasm. But honestly, how many times do you actually see half your friends on facebook? Do you really know them? Or are these people you have met, and shared some common things and decided that why not add them to facebook? But are they your friends? Are you a friend to them? Have you shared memories that still matter? I wish we could go back sometimes to a time when people relied on seeing each other and connecting personally. I had the best childhood because I played outside, I had a best friend close by, and God blessed me with a very active imagination. I barely spent time inside, and our only computer was my dad's. Now people are obsessed with phones, internet, and really online lives. Should we be proud of our 500 some odd friends on facebook? Or should we try to engage and really in real life connect and make a few close friends?

Granted, I can see how technology has helped too. I mean there are people in my family and friends who live far away and it is good to have some connection with them. I know there are people who I may not see face to face very often so it is nice to see what's going on in their life. But I think we have become too dependent. I am guilty on spending too much time on facebook and especially pinterest, dreaming my life away. So I'm declaring a New Year Resolution now... I need to get back to the basics, and connect personally whether it be by snail mail or phone calls. I will be cutting down my hours on the computer, and trying to focus on living instead of wasting hours on my online life. Are you willing to join me? I would love to mail you letters... :)

Not Settling

I have settled a lot in my life. I have had friends I let walk all over me because I didn't even like me. I have let others shine and take the spotlight because I felt like I have had nothing to offer. I have been pushed around, and made to feel ashamed of myself. I went to college because I thought it was what everyone was supposed to do... But God's plans for me are bigger than I can even imagine. Some people have asked me why I believe that he has BIG plans for me... my answer anything that has to do with God and his will and his glory... well that will be BIG!
I'm tired of settling... I dropped out of my classes for this quarter not only because my financial aid didn't come through, but because I have figured out that I don't and I mean I really really don't want to be at LCC this quarter at all. I feel like there is something else God wants me to be doing. I don't know what yet.. I have been looking on the Christian Camping and Conference Center Associations website and keeping a mental note about the job offerings on the website. But who knows. This is a time of praying and seeking God's will for my life. Please pray for me!

I'm so excited to see how God moves during this season. And oddly I am at peace through all of this, it is a relief not to be stressing about it all. I know that this is peace that only comes from God. I know that God is working and it is pretty awesome!

Happiness

Sorry, I know I said I would post about Proverbs chapter two... but although I have been trying to keep up on my reading, I haven't had time to really write about the chapters.
On another note I bought my plane ticket to head back to Ohio.. in 50 days I'll be on my way back to the place I fell in love with... :) I am so happy that God has provided this opportunity for me! Please be praying for me as i finish up classes here at LCC and get stuff ready for my adventure!

Pushed

I am grateful for the way God pushes me to be a better person.. to be a stonger person. I love that he challenges me with tasks he sets before me. I would not be the person that I am today if he hadn't pushed and pulled me and essentially molded me into this not so perfect but oh so loved child of God. I am so grateful for the places he has led me.. to Cannon Beach where I learned to be on my own but to still hold my faith that was instilled in me by my parents. And then he led to me Marmon Valley Farm where I saw hurting children become whole and healed in Christ right before my eyes. He showed me the miracle of his love. And I am so blessed that I have been given the chance to go back to Marmon Valley Farm this summer, and to able lead and just mentor these youg believers. I am so excited to see what God has in store... I'm sure there will be more challenges ahead.. but he won't let me go..

So Amazed!

I have posted about this before.... but God always amazes me with how he provides for me through everything. I have been trying to find a job here in town for awhile, in fact since I came home in October. I have applied for several and only had one interview. But I had been a housekeeper for a family in town before I had left for Ohio and they gave me my housekeeping job back. A couple months ago my former choir teacher from high school offered me a housekeeping job and about a month ago my Step Aunts mother gave me housekeeping job too! And yesterday I got a job working as a substitute recess teacher for Three Rivers Christian School. So although I still don't make much money I'm not struggling. I am so blessed and amazed by what God has given me. I mean I have these od jobs here and when June comes I'm off to Ohio again and perhaps going to spend the rest of at least the year there and that to me is exciting stuff!! 

Opportunities...

The other night I got a message from one of the workers at Marmon Valley Farm... She asked me if I would prayerfully consider a job as a live in housekeeper/cook/someone to just be there for her parents. I would start after my job was finished in the Summer. One of the things that I have been feeling and just wanting was to move to Ohio for a longer period of time. I have even looked on craigslist for jobs in the area that would make it possible for me to get a place to live... well... then this falls into my lap. With a job and a place to live combined. I'm still praying about it... so keep me in your prayers too... :D

Prayers Answered

Lately I have really tried to make sure to pray everyday and many times a day. The other day while driving I asked God to shut my mouth when I have something mean to say, or just rude. Well today while talking to a friend she mentioned someone and I automatically said something rude, and snap judgment on that particular person. Later while just playing a game on facebook I felt a nagging on my heart. I honestly could hear someone saying that what I had done was wrong. Usually I just let it slip by without correcting it, but the nagging continued. So finally I sent her a message and asked her to forgive me for my rash judgment and as soon as I sent the apology I felt a weight lift. I know God is teaching me to shut my mouth. God does answer prayers. He does though want us to be willing to learn, and obey. I want to urge you to ask God to help you in way that won't just benefit yourself but others. Whether it be something like what I have asked for or even for you to be more outgoing, or more loving towards others. We need to remember that it isn't all about us. What we do and say actually does affect others. After I asked for forgiveness my friend actually sent a message telling me that what I wrote was exactly what she needed to hear. I mean just owning up to our own mistakes can show others that we truly do care. So what will you ask for?

OHIO

So since I've been home I've seen God work in so many ways. He opened the door for me to go back to school, and provided the funding. He has given me two housekeeping jobs, and He has opened the door once again for me to go serve at Marmon Valley Farm this summer!!! I sometimes get overwhelmed by the fact that I have been blessed sooooo much! Keep praying for me as I see how God provides the funding for the airfare and the little odds and ends that need to be covered in order for me to go to Ohio.

Learning...

I have a couple New Year Resolutions I would like to share with you... I would appreciate it if you all would try to keep me accountable. I know that many Resolutions are made and many are never completed.

#1) I need and want to make sure that everything I do and say are glorifying God. That my actions and my words reflect his love.

#2) That I really dig deep into the Bible. Study and memorize.

#3) That I make sure to keep God at the center of my life, and let him have complete control.

#4) Pray... That I will learn to pray all the time.

#5) Get healthy... lose the weight, and just get healthy... I'm ready to see who I can be..

#6) Focus on School... Finish my Associates in Arts.

I know these seem like the usual stuff people write down and forget about. But this year I feel needs to be a year of change or I just won't ever change. I give up easily and I just can't anymore. Please pray for me this year as I face school (Math and Science) and losing weight and just getting healthy. I hope you have a great year. What are your goals this year? How can I be praying for you?