Darkness fills many people’s lives and hearts and homes.
Sin and selfishness, shame and guilt chase us and cause us to hide. The
darkness in us is there. The darkness in others is there. People we love can
let us down and disappoint, and we can walk around deeply wounded. We can
disappoint ourselves. Making the same mistakes and knowing better but not
turning. We might try to show others a happy face and life- but the reality is…
life has hard seasons, darkness is constantly lurking, and it threatens to
overwhelm us.
We have to make sure to stay in the light- which is
Jesus. It’s not a religion you commit to, it’s a relationship. It’s a choice
daily to stay with Him. Jesus is the light we need- a hope that doesn’t fade, a
peace that isn’t circumstantial, and a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
He is our Savior, He runs to us when everyone else runs out. Through every
season of life … this King, our Shepherd, our Merciful High Priest, the Lamb
that was Slain, the Lion of Judah… walks with us and lights our way with His
Word and His Presence. There is light in
the dark that we can hold to!
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| The Lion of Judah is our Friend - King |
This time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in the decorations, flavors, lights, and shopping of the season.
May we pause to bow a knee and dip our heads and hearts
in reverence to the greatest gift given to us from God- His Only Son… to do
what none of us could do…to offer payment for our sin so we can be part of God’s family forever. A light that gives life to us
was born. Jesus came to light up the darkness and to never leave us!
Is there light in your life? In your home? In your
marriage? In your church? Or is darkness invading? Push it back and stay in the
light. Stay with God. Stay connected to Him
and watch what He can do in you and through you!
Matthew 4:16
Those living in
darkness have seen a great light…
John 1:5
The light shines in
darkness and the darkness does not overcome it…
John 8:12
Jesus says.. “I am
the light of the world, those who follow me will never walk in darkness…”
It’s also a time to pause and think of the past year and
plan for the new year.
What happened in 2019? What did God teach me? Did His
light in me shine? What did I learn?
When I look back at 2019, it’s shocking how many hills
and valleys were passed through.
Personally, professionally, there were ups and downs, valleys and
mountaintops. There were great cries and great laughs, there were great tears
and great smiles. Such is life. May we live it well and love God well and
represent Him well… lighting up all places for Him!
As a new year starts soon…. May we check the light in us and if darkness is
lurking to run from it in the name of Jesus!
May our lives tell the story and show the story … that light
wins…. Jesus wins! Satan and darkness loses. God is our portion!
Know Jesus. Unwrap Him in your heart and life. Follow
Him, allow Him to reconstruct your wiring so you’re connected to
Him, and shining for Him!
Thank you for those who have faithfully given to me and
prayed for me! You’ve helped keep me in Ethiopia and I’m so grateful. I’m truly humbled to get to live for God in
such a beautiful country with beautiful people. What an honor it is to be
stretched there, broken there, lit up there for our great God!
This past fall season, God moved my life from impact over
hundreds to thousands. And positioned me to be used by Him in a greater way. May
God light my heart and life today, tomorrow and into 2020 and may all honor
Him! May God light up the dark ..using
my life as He wills…in the new year!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year… filled
with the light and love of Jesus!
Here are some pictures /highlights from this past year…
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| January 2019- Peniel and Hilina Wedding |
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| My sister Noel and Mike's Wedding, June 2019 |
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| My Dad- three surgeries in 2019, both hips replaced |
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| One full year of language learning |
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| House renovated and clean, summer 2019 |
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| January Intensive Class 2019...Intro to Youth Ministry |
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| Health and Sport Class, ETC, Spring 2019 |
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| Intro to Youth Ministry, Fall 2019 |
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| Communication Class, Fall 2019 |
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| Health and Sport Class, Spring 2019 |
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| Health and Sport Class, Intensive July 2019 |
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| Integral Mission, Fall 2019 |
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| Kenna Family, all holidays celebrated with them |
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| Hope Cup Football Tournament, Success, Spring 2019, HUC |
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| HUC Graduation, July 2019 |
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| ETC Graduation, May 2019 |
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| Workout and gym time continued, 2019, All Year |
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| Student Parliament ...New School Year October 2019 |
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| Student Parliament... Building Student Leaders |
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| The Great Ethiopian Run with HUC Students |
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| Hidi to Nigeria, she made it to the finals! |
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| Shali moves to Poland for a two year Master's Program |
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| HUC... Student Dean Position...October 2019 to now |
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| Culture Day December 2019 |
Prayer Requests…
-I still need to raise money for my airline ticket
back to Ethiopia in early Jan 2020. I also need to continue to raise money for supplies. Please pray these needs can be met and if you want to still give ...send to my home address. Thanks so much to those of you who have given so far.
-Ethiopia- May/June 2020...there will be a big election in Ethiopia for the Prime Minister. Please pray for peace! God needs to help!
-Please pray for this holiday time, though it's short, I can get needed rest and visit with my Dad, Mom, Noel and Mike and many of you.
-Please pray for my return back to Ethiopia in early January… Please pray as I adjust my schedule, that God will position me at both schools as He wills
- Please pray for the Student Dean Position I've been doing at HUC, that God will use my life to bless the 2000 students and staff at the school
Please write or call me and let me know how I can pray for you this holiday season and new year.. I would love to hear from you.
Blessings to You Always, I'm grateful for you!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas 2019 and Happy/Blessed New Year 2020!
