Being Aggressive

I need to get aggressive in my fundraising. If I'm going to go on this mission trip, then I need to put in some elbow grease and leg work. If God ordains it, I will raise the money; if not, I won't. I am still learning that we ought not sit around and wait on God all of the time. Sometimes we have to get out there and do things, and if it is God's will, then our efforts will pay off. In all situations, God doesn't want us to sit around and wait on Him. SOMETIMES He does want us to do just that, but not always. In the case of applying to Time For God, God wasn't going to fill the application out for me, and He wasn't going to pull together the references and all of that; I had to fill it out, I had to gather my references and my photos, and I had to pay to send the application in...THEN I had to wait on God and have faith that His will be done. I believe it is God's will that I be offered a volunteer position at Yeldall Manor. Whether or not I actually go, that is still up to God. I will do my part and I will do fundraising aggressively (but not obnoxiously or be pushy).

That's thought number one. Thought number two comes as a result of a book that I just read. I believe that going on this trip will be a good opportunity for SOOOOO SOO many things. I believe that my faith will be tested, and as a result, will continue to grow. I believe I might find some more direction in life (be it something that I realize I do want to do, or something that I realize I do not want to do). Another opportunity for growth and change is that I will be with men about my age and older. Perhaps...God willing and God being gracious...I might find a sort of brotherhood and...sonhood or sonship or something...with these men. Perhaps I will find brothers and fathers that I have never had before. Some of you know my experiences, and you will understand how important this is to me.

A lot...A LOT...of good would come out of an experience life this one. I believe that my faith in Triune God will become more of what it needs to be. I will pick up new habits after dropping off old ones. Relationships will be made, and perhaps those relationships that are made will continue after returning to the US. I would like to this that would happen. I believe that it will if it is God's will, and if I respond accordingly.

That's another thing; when we pray for patience, God doesn't bestow upon us patience. When we pray for patience, God puts us into situations where we have to excercise what patience we currently have. It's like...God doesn't give us the ability to lift a zillion pounds, but rather gives us opportunities to practice and excercise until we're able to life a zillion pounds. If I pray for faith, God tests faith. If I pray for patience, God tests patience. If I pray for self confidence, God tests that, too. If I pray for positive relationships, God will test me on that. That scares me...A LOT.

That's all. I really need to get to bed. Old Navy in the morning, printing out more letters and support cards, and more "name storming" and fundraising opps after that. OH, and I need to plant some new seeds. I've started a nice little herb garden on the front porch, and I've also planted some flowers. It will be nice to see them grow this summer...hopefully just like my fund raising....

"Jesus, take the wheel"...to quote Carrie Underwood.