Philippines Update!

Here is an update from Reach Global about the work and need in the Philippines! Enjoy, and most of all, PRAY! Also, give. :) 

Reach Global Philippines Update 

And a little Amy Carmichael to help 'fix your eyes upon Jesus'. :)
 

O thou belovéd child of My desire,
Whether I lead thee through green valleys,
By still waters,
Or through fire;
Or lay thee down in silence under snow;
Through any weather, and whatever
Cloud may gather,
Wind may blow –
Wilt love Me? trust Me? praise Me?

No gallant bird, O dearest Lord, am I,
That anywhere, in any weather,
Rising singeth.
Low I lie,
And yet I cannot fear, for I shall soar.
Thy love shall wing me, blesséd Savior;
So I answer,
I adore,
I love Thee, trust Thee, praise Thee.

– Amy Carmichael –

Thanksgiving!

 ~Thanksgiving~

I just love this season. Thanksgiving is my favourite holiday, for many reasons. It reminds me to turn to Jesus and thank Him over and over for the manifold blessings He has given me. November is a beautiful and uncertain time of year in Idaho; we could have sunny warmish days, freezing days, snow days, or a gentle descent into winter with the colourful leaves of October slowly dropping from the trees. We never really know what each day will hold. :) 
 
 

It is a time of year that urges us to celebrate family, all that we have been given, and the beauty of gratitude. These are a few of the reasons I love this time of year. 

I have been convicted this year of the discipline and sacrifice of thanksgiving in my life; or lack thereof. I recently reread Colossians, and in that book alone I have found six different admonitions to give thanks. 

"We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you... Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light... Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving... And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful... And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him... Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving."

 Colossians 1:3,12; 2:7; 3:15,17; 4:2 

I get caught up every year in giving thanks during this season, but do I give thanks, show gratitude, and worship in thanksgiving every day of the year? Unfortunately, no. I believe this needs to change. I want to live each day in an attitude of worship and thankfulness to my gracious Saviour. He deserves our every thanks, every recognition, every praise. Notice also that Paul couples giving thanks to prayer. Prayer is our vehicle in which we give thanks to God. So let us give thanks... for His patience and grace to grow us up in His Spirit. Oh, what a joy it is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ! 

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

 P.S. This is not a complete look at giving thanks, just my thoughts after reading Colossians, and praying over this matter. I greatly encourage you to study this concept in depth and cultivate and attitude of thanksgiving in your own life. May He have all glory! 

P.P.S. Also! An update from Reach Global in the Philippines! Click Here.

 Happy Thanksgiving!!!!! :)

Typhoon in the Philippines

   By now I'm sure most, if not all, of you have heard of Typhoon Haiyan and the devastating effects it had on the islands of the Philippines. Even still, there are places that are unreachable because of the damage. 
   If you would like to read more about what I happening there and how you can help, I have a couple of options for you! :) 

    The EFCA (Evangelical Free Church Association) Reach Global ministry is already mobilizing to help people in the Philippines. To read their updates and to give to their ministry, visit their blog:

Reach Global Blog

  Compassion International is working to assist their projects and sponsored children in the Philippines. Visit the below page for updates on their work there and to give to their Disaster Relief Fund. You can also click on the icon to the right to GIVE to the Disaster Relief Fund. Please consider doing this! The need in this country is HUGE and mobilizing the church is one of the greatest ways we can spread the hope of Christ by practically helping these desperate people. 

Compassion Philippine Update and Relief Fund Page

   And of course, PRAY! This is one of the greatest things you can do. Please pray for the people, that they will turn to God in all this. Pray for those who are going in to help, that God would guide them to those who need the most help. Pray for God's glory to be seen, and His people protected and comforted. 
   Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!!! :) 

~Victoria

 

A Beautiful Reminder

   My friends, may this reminder of our reason for marriage or any other relationship encourage us to lay aside our wants and desires to serve those around us with the love of Jesus Christ.

http://sethadamsmith.com/2013/11/02/marriage-isnt-for-you/

Blessings in the Name of the Most High God!
~Victoria