quick update (:

I have been sitting here staring at this computer wondering where to even begin; part of me simply does not want to say anything, but I must. This week has been indescribable as I have had my heart put in check by the Lord, have been provided for abundantly, & have gone deeper in learning what it is to be a woman of God who is head over heels in love with Jesus.

I can't turn it sideways, haha, but my cousin Jon had
to dress up for work tonight! Loved his costume! (:
What a blessing my cousin is!

I, myself, cannot even begin to fathom the abounding grace & unfailing faithfulness God has & is, so it is incredibly difficult even thinking of how to explain His grace & faithfulness He has had toward me this week to you! If you desire to go into more detail, contact me! I'd love to share, but for some reason, I am utterly speechless (which is a rare thing, haha).

I do want to share with all of you how God is providing! A month ago, someone gave me a choice that they would either help me purchase a camera or they would help me with my Japan plane ticket. I prayed & I really felt like the Lord wanted me to simply sacrifice the camera situation over to Him. . .completely. & that meant not even thinking of purchasing a new camera or even saving for one. It was difficult, but eventually I began answering others (when they would ask me about my broken camera & how I was going to buy a new one) saying, "I have faith He will provide." Why wouldn't I believe that? From the day I found out I no longer had a camera I believed, "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called," (thank you Brent Keizer for that bit of wisdom). Well yesterday He provided. . .a friend of mine's mom (in the midst of me explaining how I was surrendering over my having a camera for Japan) suddenly responds, "Take mine to Japan with you!" I refused at first, but something God is teaching me is to accept blessings. I still cannot believe she handed over her extremely nice camera to me! I cannot express my immense gratefulness to her or the Lord. . .I really wish I could! It's just amazing how God blesses us so unexpectedly in ways we never could have imagined! 

Another blessing in relation to financial blessing for Japan. . .God has provided & is continuing to provide monthly support! This past weekend I attended a birthday party where I saw a pastor from a church I went to when I was younger; we sat down & visited. . .he ended up inviting me to speak about Japan & play the piano at his church & get this, it's missions day! Perfect timing! I am so grateful to him for being so willing to give me this opportunity & I give all the glory to the Lord for it. God has really guarded my heart, soul, mind, & body from stress these past couple months (praise Jesus!). I am so grateful to Him that He has not allowed stress to effect me, especially with all of this support raising! I also want to thank you all for your support & prayers!! They are felt & deeply appreciated. I praise God for you all every single day! If you would like to know more information about supporting me monthly. . .CLICK ME! It will lead you directly to directions ;) THANK YOU!

I leave in a month & I cannot wait to be a part of the work God is doing in Japan. I don't know why He chose me, of all undeserving people, but I am not complaining. . .I am honored & incredibly humbled. Well I gotta run. . .meeting an old friend, mister Jake (shout out!) for coffee & tomorrow I'm headed off to Texas to see my best friend from grade school get married! Time flies! :) I am so thrilled to be a part of her big day too! Praise the Lord for marriage. . .what a beautiful representation of Jesus & His church right? Love you all. 

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, & renew a steadfast spirit within me." 

-Psalm 51:10

My heart's motto & prayer every morning.