Cockroaches

Cockroaches. I can see them as the enemy... or I can see them as my roommates. Now, if I were the type of person that always needed people around, that might actually work, but I really doubt it.
However, raid works really great. Have you ever grabbed your raid and watched a cockroach shrivel up? It's quite amazing, really.
This is one of those times though when I do wish I had someone to share this adventure with. Killing cockroaches is a sport that should always be shared. Don't you think?

PS - I almost posted a photo of a shriveled up cockroach. Aren't you glad I didn't?

Look Up and Look Out

"God is not moved by what we need, but by our faith". I heard Ellen Parsley say that one-liner today... it's good, don't you think? It's such a challenging statement. I mean, the Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please Him. He's moved by our confidence in what He said, what He promised He would do.
So in those times when things don't look or feel 100%, or in times when your vision is clouded by circumstance, or when reality vs. perception feels like it could overwhelm you... in those times remember, God is not moved by what you NEED but by your FAITH. I think that can really catch us from getting caught up in a pity-party, in a depression or whatever. Why do I say that? Because it causes us to look UP instead of inward. UP instead of to other people to meet our needs.
I think the most freeing thing in the world is being able to fully trust the Creator of the universe. There will always be times where our faith will be tested - the Bible states that clearly. But when we can get to a place where we can let go and trust no matter what, that's when God can really move.
It's so important to share "faith stories". If God does something awesome in your life (and it's not overly personal, of course) then share it with other Christians! Share it with the WORLD! Because that stirs up faith in others, and it becomes a never ending game of dominos. You never know how many people one encouraging word or kind act will end up impacting. People observe, people pay it forward, people talk about those meaningful moments. And before you know it, you've encouraged, uplifted, and recharged another believer. And usually we are blessed then too... because pouring out is one of the biggest blessings.
Encouragement for today - don't look to your own circumstance - look to God for His providence, and look to others for how YOU can be a blessing. And your socks will be knocked off by how blessed you'll be!

No Limits

For years we've been talking about a "new normal". But how often do we actually stop and think about what that means?
For the past few months God has been really speaking to me about thinking outside the box, taking the limits off and being open to new ways of doing things.
It all started with a shopping trip for a pair of jeans. Sounds odd? Ya, I thought so too.
You see, I'm a really picky jean shopper. I want a good, comfortable pair of jeans that are semi dressy... and on a budget. And I had already been to about five stores. Patience was running thin.
So, I decided to ask God where I should go. I was desperate for a pair of jeans, I had just thrown a pair out a few days before, for good reasons. Sorry, I guess I'm making a long story even longer. Anyway, God told me to go to Smart Set. But I never buy jeans at Smart Set, they never fit, I've never had a good jean experience with Smart Set. But God said to me, "Think outside the box, Amy". I thought to myself, "huh, that's kind of strange". But I went to Smart Set, first pair I tried on I loved, and bought, and wear all the time.
Ever since that day things will happen, I'll make my mind up about something and then I will hear God say... "Think outside the box". Preconceived ideas can be a very limiting thing.
It's so exciting living outside the box, it makes every day full of new "normalcies".
All that to say that last night we had a band practice with some of the locals here, and a guy walked in with his friend and listened in. Then before he left, he asked the Pastor to go pray with a woman. I went too, and ended up being the one to pray... in front of a whole AA group. I had no idea I would be interrupting a meeting! But you know what's the craziest part? It felt normal. Why? Because God is calling us to live outside the box, to obey Him no matter what, and treat those situations like they are normal. When divine appointments happen, walk into it like it's a normal thing and expect miracles to happen.
After all, the atmosphere of expectancy is the breeding ground of miracles.

PS - half the AA meeting was amen-ing. Very cool.

I'm Gonna Let it Shine

How do I sum up today in one post? Hmm. Well, it started out with a very tired team having devotions on the beach (no complaints there), then coffee to go (followed by a balancing act while driving like mad to the church).
We had so many awesome divine appointments today on the streets. I know I don't just speak for myself, I believe the whole team (our team, and the local church too) was not only impacted but also used by God to sow seeds in the community. God was giving words to people for the hurting, we saw tears, excitement, hopelessness turned to hopefulness and 3 people said yes to Jesus.
As we walked back to the church, I really got thinking. At the risk of sounding cliche, we have what they need. Without it, they are without something that they NEED. Not want... NEED. And the truth is, that they want to talk to us, they just don't know yet. And if we can talk to them with all the love and compassion Jesus feels for them, then connecting with them shouldn't be a burden at all. I don't know about you, but when someone genuinely shows compassion or love for me I know it. And when it isn't genuine, then I know it. I felt like my perspective really took a shift today. Gone are the days of awkward evangelism if we can just realize that they want what we have - they are looking for the answer. So we get shot down once in a while... one day, they will know that the answer was presented to them. Our job is to simply obey, present the Gospel in a loving and courageous way. A key there, however, is living it when you walk away. I'm talking about a lifestyle, a lighthouse that never goes out. Not a light switch that can be turned on and off.
But that's a post for another day.
Thanks for reading, be inspired to be a philanthropist for Jesus wherever you go. There's no greater gift you can give someone than the truth and life of the Gospel. Remember, without it, they are without something that they need. Don't horde it, be real, be genuine, be a life-giver. Loose your own life, so you can find it.

ps - missing team member was taking the photo ;) Thanks Jenn!

Bonus Points for the Syracuse Airport

Well, we are on our way! The Syracuse airport might not have much, but one thing it does has is Wi-Fi! So even though I can't indulge in an iced, tall, non-fat, half-sweet caramel mocchiato I can check my emails, say hey to a sister or two (or three!) and... update my blog of course.
The journey started on a high note this morning with a sing along including nothing but best... DC TALK! There's no better song to start a mission's trip with than "Lean On Me". Well, that's not really true, but it seems to be a re-occurring one.
Our trip has begun without a hitch, the team is pumped, ready to go, getting in gear and anticipating what God has in store for Miami.
More to come in the days ahead, maybe I'll even figure out how to post a video on here. You'll have to check back to find out!

PS - thanks for your prayers!

A True and Inspirational Story

I was reading "The Gate Church" by Frank Damazio and this story caught my attention:

There's a lesson we can learn from the story told of a poor Scottish farmer named Fleming. One day, while eking out a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to help. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.
The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy that Farmer Fleming had saved. "I want to repay you. You saved my son's life," said the nobleman.
"No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waiving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel.
"Is that your son?" asked the nobleman.
"Yes," the farmer proudly replied.
"I'll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good education. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll grow to a man you can be proud of."
And the nobleman did. In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from St. Mary's Medical School in London and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin.
Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son? Sir Winston Churchill.
Taking a poor Scottish farmer's son into his home did not further the nobleman's ambitions in any way and, in a class-conscious society, could have been a hindrance. But the nobleman did not allow these things to prevent him from forming a relationship that seemed to be of no great benefit to him, yet in time proved to be the very thing that saved his own son.

Pure Focus, Pure Obedience, Pure Success

The most successful people in history didn't become successful by always playing it safe or playing the status quo. They didn't become successful by sitting around watching tv and playing video games. But, who defines true success? What makes a person successful? I believe true success is not as difficult to obtain than everyone makes it out to be.

Success is not in a name, a title, or in a bank account balance. True success is simply this: obedience to God and His call. So why do so many people have a difficult time with this?

Because this kind of success calls for more sacrifice than the kind of success than the world wants you to obtain. It calls for sacrifice of your time, your desires, and... dun dun dun... your finances. This kind of success calls for humility so that He can be glorified.

At the end of the day the most powerful businesses, marriages, families, musicians, individuals and ministries are those who set their standard of success by God's. It calls for obedience at all costs - obedience, period. Obedience is really an outward sign of our faith in Him. And we know without faith it is impossible to please Him. When I obey God - especially in the times when I don't understand and it doesn't seem to make any sense to me - that's when He is the most pleased with me. Why? Because what I'm really saying is, "God I don't understand, but Your ways are higher than my own, I will trust You and follow You." Because He sees the end of the tunnel when we see only three feet in front of us.

Encouragement: decide to be focused on Kingdom things, choose to obey no matter what, and you will find what it means to be really successful is simply about furthering the Kingdom. As we pray "God break my heart for what breaks Yours" and we really seek to see His will established in our lives, He will knock our socks off. It calls for greater intimacy with Him, and greater sacrifice. I think if we only knew what the garden was like before the fall, maybe we wouldn't be so hesitant to pay the price for His presence and anointing increased in our lives. Something to think about.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33, 34

A Blog About Nothing

So, listen readers. I have nothing, and yet I am itching to blog. How frustrating. And yet anything that comes to mind is so deeply personal and I just can't go baring my soul to the world. You can lol. But the thing is, that right now, I want so bad to be funny. But there just is no funny in me right now. You know that moment when you are like, "oh I so want to make everyone laugh right now" but you just can't think of anything clever or witty to say? Please picture me saying this with a latina accent. Just kidding. I'm so non-latina tonight. Wait, I'm not done, that might have sounded like closure but it wasn't. This is beginning to feel like a Seinfeld episode... the show about nothing. I love that. It's wonderful that someone thought to make up a show about nothing. And I reserve the right to blog about nothing every once in a while. If you are still reading... doubtful... then you are a die hard fan. And I love you for it.

Austa
the Philanthropist (it's very bad when you have to sound out your blog name... working it out.)

I Will Not Be Moved

I ran into a song I hadn't heard in a while. "I will not be moved", by Natalie Grant. The lyrics talk of brokenness... but in spite of everything falling all around her, she chooses to not be moved, declaring that she is standing on Christ. Moral of the story? No matter the trials that come, if you stumble and fall - choose to stay secure in the foundation of God. But to do that, you need to have a secure foundation in Him. And, as a philanthropist, help others find their foundation in Him. But no matter what, be unwaivering in your faith and in the truth you have found Him. If it's Bible, then it's divine truth. Period. Don't be moved.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEMJBhCtU8