Breaking Point...Finding Courage to Do What Needs Done...

The calendar year is 2011 here in Ethiopia.

In less than one month, a new year will begin.

A new school year will start for me this week...

Looking back at the last year (Sept to Sept), what did God do? What did I learn?

Time goes fast in life. Years can pass in a blink. If you're not careful to think about your life and move to change things as God leads, you can go down wrong roads, get lost, and/or live outside of God's perfect plan for your life.

I was thinking the past few weeks about "breaking points" in life. Times that come when you KNOW something has to give, some areas HAVE to change. You can't continue as things are. You're tired of that area. Do you have one or two of those areas in your life?

We don't often don't like times in life when change is needed or happens. Change can be scary and it moves us out of our comfort zone. We get used to things and we often don't take action to change what needs changed. We don't look at closets that should be cleaned or conversations that need to be had. We think ... another day is best to face that. And we just never go there.

The problem is those unhealthy things or areas can cause an implosion. They can distract us and discourage us.  They can hold us back from moving ahead. Many of us have heard quotes or sayings for years about how change is necessary and requires work. And we may acknowledge the wisdom in those, but don't apply those to our own lives. Maybe you've heard some of these ...

But if we're honest, we don't like to really look at our lives and make the changes that need to be made. We may have to add things or cut other things. And those changes can be painful.

I think we often reach times in life though when we KNOW and desire change. And the good news is, God can help us do what needs done! Thank goodness...in weakness, He is strong. And the joy of Him is our strength!

God gives us great stewardship and responsibility of our lives. He gives us the authority and ability to move forward and to manage our lives, families, finances, and work with success. But, often, we get stuck and don't do what needs done for God to help us move forward.

For me, there has been a few big areas I've been looking at and making changes in and there's more to go as a new school year and Ethiopia year approaches. I'm tired of not doing some things and not getting some things done, and I'm at a breaking point. If I don't do these things now... I probably never will.

One big change I have made this past year was strategically adding in Amharic learning. Learning a language is alot of work. For years I had hoped I would naturally learn the language here. But it never happened on a deep level. So, this year, I changed my program, adjusted my budget and schedule, and added that in.  Though an increase in work, the change was needed and has been so so so good. I'm thankful to have made this move.

Another big thing I've noticed is the small apartment I live in ... has needed alot of change for a LONG time. Piles needed cleaned, appliances needed maintenanced. But I put it off with many excuses. I didn't want to take the time or the money to do what needed done. And honestly- some of the piles and closets...I was convinced were homes of the monster spiders, lizards and other unknown species that I would see crawl across my floor. And I didn't want to disrupt the mommas or papas there. But whose house was it? It's God's and mine that He gave me. So, come on Holly... me talking to myself...fix it, clean it, kick out and clean out what shouldn't be there!

So, this past month, my home has sincerely been a disaster. With the help of many, I've cleaned and had help cleaning piles and stacks and walls of things. We cleaned behind and above things and under things. I've had appliances maintenanced and have gotten new furniture. It's been SHOCKING the change. Why did I not do this years ago?  Hopefully in the next few weeks, it will be done. Again, it was a great and needed move!

I did find a frog in a pile.  And I did find only the head of a rat (the body missing)... the head was stuck in a cobweb attached to one of my bags. Yep. After screaming and nearly fainting, it was done. Cleaned. Out with the old and dirty, in with the new and clean. This is how our lives should be. Constantly checking , evaluating,  and doing what needs done to keep healthy and to be good managers/stewards of our lives, homes, relationships, churches... for the glory and honor of God!

Are you at a breaking point in some area of your life?  Are you tired of not facing the conversation, the dirt, the unhealthiness? Are you tired of not checking something off  your to do list? That thing has been there for years. It's time to get it done and move forward!

The good news is God offers to help us. His Spirit can empower us and lead us. God knows us and loves us. He knows the areas we hide from everyone else. He knows the things that need cleaned, changed. He promises to help us if we ask. He is making us new and can bring great things out of messes. He can take broken pieces and create a masterpiece. But we have to give Him ALL and ask Him to help us, to heal us, to move us forward. He says He will!!!

I will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,  the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair... (Isaiah 61:3)

In all you do, do it all for the glory of God... (Colossians 3:17)

Teach us to number our days ... (Psalm 90:12)

Watch carefully how you live, don't be unwise but wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil... (Ephesians 5:15)

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:10)

For everything there is a season... a time to break down, a time to build...(Ecclesiastes 3)

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and I will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Will you let Him move in your heart and life? To break from you what needs broken off? To help you add in what needs added? Will you let Him give you strength, courage, to do what needs done so you can move forward?  He promises to go with you.  He's worthy of our trust and will help us turn a new page and will write a new chapter if we let Him.

He who began a good work in you will complete it... (Philippians 1:6)

I am making all things new... (Revelation 21:5)

O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.. 
(Isaiah 64:8 )

What do you need to do? Maybe live on a budget, get your mind/body healthy... get a checkup...join a small group/church... change jobs, start something, finish something... the time is now.

Sometimes you can't see the change that's needed or even make the needed change on your own. God's people and His Spirit can help you do what needs done. 

Please pray for me as I continue to look hard at my life and to make the changes with God's help that need to happen, so my life can be maximized for Him and by Him and with Him!   I will pray the same for you!

Happy new school year for those starting or sending those to school. And Happy New Year 2012 to Ethiopia in mid September. May God be with us and may we live our best days for His Glory as the journey continues for us all!

Praises/Prayer Requests
-My family gives praise for my Dad's second hip replacement surgery's success a few weeks ago. Please continue to pray for the amazing and charming Jim Garrett, we love him so much. May God fully heal him!

-Please keep my sister and her husband, Mike Martin, in prayer as they have now moved to Morrow, Ohio. Please pray wisdom, provision, and blessing for them as they pastor/lead a church there. We know God will use them in great ways!

-I'm very thankful for the busy few months back in Ethiopia since my sister and Mike's wedding...
I had the honor of helping with our Hope University College's graduation in mid July. Over 220 students crossed their college education finish line. It was a great celebration.

I taught a two week Intensive course at ETC- Health and Sport for the Church, this finished a few weeks ago. This was a great class and a time to challenge church leaders here to think of ways to use health and sport in and through the church as bridges to build relationships with people.

I had the honor of guest speaking for a youth group for two weeks. I did a series on Identity.  A highlight was the second week when several of my former students joined me in sharing their own lives and stories. So grateful to be part of the family of God!

And I was the guest speaker for a debut concert for one of my former students in Addis. I've continued in Bible study with three girls and I love these ladies so much. I'm grateful to live life with them and grow together in God

I'm continuing to take full time language classes.

I'm grateful for all God has done and continues to do here!

-Please pray for our new school year that starts at ETC this coming week. I will be teaching three courses: Intro to Youth Ministry; Integral Mission; and Communication. I'm humbled and honored to get to be part of life here... with some of the greatest people in the world.

-Please keep Ethiopia in prayer as she moves into a new year. The past few years have been unstable. Next year is a possible election. Pray for wisdom of the leadership.  God has this place and land!

How can I pray for you?
Please share and know I'm grateful for each of you.

Blessings from here and may God do a new thing in your hearts, lives, families, in the new fall season!

WORTH WAITING FOR ...

There are some things in life that are worth waiting for...

A nicely brewed cup of coffee.

Muscles that finally develop after months of discipline and sweat.

Finding the right person and your wedding day.

I had the privilege one week ago to see a "worth waiting for" moment happen for my family.

Many of you were there as well...

One of the Garrett girls, my sister, found her soulmate. And they had their wedding day.

Seeing my sister get married was worth the wait. WHAT A DAY!!!

Mr. and Mrs Mike Martin

Seeing my Dad walk my sister down the aisle;  Mike and Noel saying their vows and exchanging rings; my Dad and sister having a Father/Daughter dance ... all made me smile and I'm still smiling. I was deeply touched by God's provision and gift and it just felt right. Was that worth waiting for? Absolutely!!!!!!  Congratulations Mike and Noel!!!

What in life is worth waiting for? We don't like to wait. We want things typically to happen fast and in our own way and time. But life doesn't work that way and either does God. So what do you do when God asks you to wait? When no door of exit opens...  ?

Here are some things I've learned....

KEEP PERSPECTIVE... Waiting on God's timing is WORTH it. He nails the details in His time and in His way. Remember and hold to the promises of God. Stand on them, pray on them. Trust Him.

SEEK HIM. It's important to seek Him on the big steps and small steps as you wait. If He asks you to stay or hold, He has the extra strength you need. Often when we're stretched to the max is when God can do His greatest work in us and through us. In the hard places, in the waiting, ask God to help you. To use you. He will shock you at how He can do that. And He gets all the glory.  He will give you what you need as you need it. Without Him, it's impossible.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
My grace is sufficient for you, in your weakness, I am strong...

Isaiah 40:31
Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength... they will soar... and not grow weary or faint

Lamentations 3:25
The Lord is good to those who wait on Him...

WHILE YOU'RE WAITING...BE CHANGED....My sister always wanted to be married. But she stayed active in her waiting. She focused on God... and loved Him and people. Instead of seeking the right person, she focused on being the right person...becoming the right person. And God used her and blessed her in this time around the world.

God has a plan for each of us. He loves us. But He's not just about saving us through Jesus, but transforming us as well. Healing us, growing us, to our full potential. Teaching victory over sin and self. Teaching us to be salt and light. To love, to give mercy, to teach truth and live it. Become who He has made us to be.  God desires us to mature. 

I was talking to someone a few days ago about the church globally. That person asked me what I saw as the major problem areas and issues. I believe in the local church and love the church. But we have problems. When a church tells you God loves you and accepts you... and tells you nothing else.... it's not the full truth... that's not the gospel. God does love you and have a plan for you- but you have a decision to make...to live for you or to live for God. To live according to what the Bible clearly says or not. There's a sin problem and a self problem that can only be remedied through Jesus Christ. If a church stops talking about Jesus, who He is, why He came, about sin and the cross, about victory over sin, about surrender... it's not the full truth. When churches become more about the culture and making people comfortable... it's not true love. It's not what people need to hear. Seeing Jesus change lives ... that's worth waiting for and praying for. For God is at work, ... He who began a good work in you will carry it out to the day of completion in Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).  May God help our churches! As we're waiting on God in situations and circumstances...even for eternity with Him...may we change/transform while we wait... becoming more like Jesus...loving the least and the lost. Living what we preach... sharing the truth, living the truth.  What I appreciated about Mike and Noel's wedding day was it was a very clear picture of true love, a love worth waiting for. Can the same be said of our churches today? Are we giving people a clear picture of true love... a clear picture of Jesus Christ... of truth, of transformation... of health?  Again, we have to pray for churches!!!

More than anything I've found worth the wait for... is God's timing and plan.

Seek Him and you will Find Him. Wait on Him- but be active in the waiting. Not seeking the right job or right person to fulfill you... but focusing on becoming the right person as you wait. And to become the right person ... you have to BE WITH God. Spend time with Him. Listen to Him. Abide in Him and with Him. Nothing can separate you from Him. If you're with Him... darkness will be pushed back, victory will come, you will mature. God desires us to grow up in our faith and be more like Jesus. Don't just hear what He says, do what He says. Trust Him and watch the difference that makes!

John 15
Remain in me, abide. Apart from me, you can do nothing.

Psalm 40:31
Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

As I head back to Ethiopia tomorrow ... not to be stateside again until Christmas... my prayer is that I will seek God and find Him in a new way this summer season and fall.. That I will wait for Him and focus on becoming the right person... all He has made me to be.  That He will use me and teach me and help me.  May His will be done!

Amen!  May God help us all!!!

Prayer Requests
-Pray for my return to Ethiopia... as I head back- for God to give me safety in travel and a great rainy season time and for a fall schedule to come together where I can be maximized for God.

-For Hope College's Graduation on July 6- that all goes well. I love this graduating class over 200 of them I will be cheering for ... That God will bless their lives ahead...

Abebe...5th year Architecture Student...will graduate!!! yay!

-As our Student Parliament at Hope College finishes the semester on my return- that it will be a great finale!

-For my language learning, that God gives me extra focus to learn as I add hours to this plan

-For Ethiopia- the past few days saw a coup attempt foiled and internet is now blocked. Power is also on/off throughout the city- this not related to the past few days. That there will be peace and endurance and a new time of blessing for this country and people I love.  That in weakness, we are strong and that in darkness and in hard times, the church will be light and God's name will be great and Jesus will be proclaimed- the true gospel!

-For Bible studies - I hope to start and lead this summer and into the fall- that God will bless those.

-For the global church- that Jesus will be the focus and the true/full gospel will be preached and lived out

-For continued health for my family- my dad will have a second hip replacement surgery in the coming months... that God will help that go well

-For Mr. and Mrs Martin (my sister and her husband)- that God will help them transition from Ginghamsburg Church to their new church in the southern part of Ohio, that God will give them peace and provision as they continue their life and ministry together.  We're so excited to see what God does through them as two big lights for the Kingdom have merged into ONE

-That I will become all God made me to be, for Him and by Him!  And that these coming months are my best yet for God!

How can I pray for you?  Please write me and let me know.

Blessings this summer season and always..

With Love and Gratitude,
Holly

Breaking Point ... "Standing Man" ...and Eyeing the Prize

Some Random Thoughts ...

BREAKING POINT...

Sometimes in life, you may feel you have reached the end of your rope. Your strength is done, your energy out. Your motivation to continue empty.

If something doesn't open, close, or change... you feel like you can't go on or last one more moment.

Several former students I've met with recently for Bible study... have reached those points.

And in the past few years... I have walked with so many who felt they had reached their breaking point.... in relationships, in heartbreak, in work, and in sorrow.  And I too, have had those moments...

What do you do in these moments? What do we do?

Maybe you've prayed and you see no change? The storm continues to rage. The doors continue to stay shut. The healing or provision remains illusive. A disaster hits and there's no remedy. And the struggle continues with no relief in sight.

You need break through. Why doesn't it come? God can provide easily, but yet He tarries, why?

Life often is lived in these tension times.  And they're not easy.

I believe a big measure of God's love is demonstrated actually in His restraint in these moments. For God sees our struggle. He can quickly open things, close things, answer, heal, restore, calm storms, part seas, solve things.  But He withholds that power sometimes for His own reasons that are beyond what we can see or often even comprehend.  Yet His restraint doesn't prove He doesn't love us but that He does.  He knows that some of the greatest things we can learn is not over the pain or around the pain but THROUGH IT.  And some of His greatest work can be done in our lives and in the lives of others in the hardest places and hardest pressure points.  Sometimes He asks us to hold the hard position, to stretch and hold it, and with His power- keep there for a time.

He's not about our temporary comfort but our eternal place with Him. He wants to get us there and shape us for there and get as many there as possible too. His message needs proclaimed. His light shone in the dark. Testimonies need shared and darkness pushed back. God is about making Himself known and teaching us and helping become who He has made us to be. The hardest lessons often come from the darkest nights. The humility and dependency on Him that is needed is often learned in the biggest and longest storms. 

In these times though ... when you've reached your limit, what can you do, how can you endure?

1. Keep praying and have others praying for you...

Have people pray with you and encourage you, for burdens are heavy alone.

Watch out for isolation, Satan likes to kick us when we're down. Keep in connection with God, trust Him, know Him in the hard times. He's there. Learn to trust Him. Let Him give you indescribable and unexplainable peace. He can. He can carry you and never leaves you.

Keep these verses in mind...

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus

Hebrews 10:25
Don't give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing...

Matthew 18:20
Where two or three are gathered, He is there...

1 Peter 5:8
Keep alert, your adversary, Satan, is like a roaring lion... seeking someone to devour

Philippians 4:19
My God can supply all your needs...

Philippians 4:6
Don't be anxious for anything, but in every situation, with prayer and petition, and thanksgiving, present your requests to God...


2. Stand on the Promises of God. Remember them, call them out, trust them! 

God's promises stand. They're a foundation for our hope. Pray these for your life according to His will and timing and learn to trust Him...

2 Peter 3:9
God is not slow in keeping His promises, .. but He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish..

Jeremiah 29:11-12
I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Call on me...

Exodus 14:14
The Lord Himself  will fight for you

Romans 8:31-39
Nothing will separate you from the love of God; if God is for us, who can be against us?

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the river and fire, you will not be swept away or burned

Psalm 16
I have set the Lord before me always, I will not be shaken.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper


3. Continue to Praise God

He continues to be faithful and worthy of our trust. In the darkest prison, like Paul and Silas's time there, they sang and worshipped God- Their worship  blessed those listening. The jailer's family ended up coming to knowledge of Jesus through their worship and honor of God. And God shook the prison and set them free. 

We need to continue to praise God.

Job was a man with a right to be angry with God. When all was taken from him and his wife said .. just curse God and die... he said...

Job 2:10; 21
You speak as a foolish one would speak. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive the bad? Should we only take the good things?... The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised."

Psalm 34:1
I will bless the Lord at all times

When you're at your breaking point, allow your weakness to be fueled by God's strength. He can carry you over the finish line, to endure what needs endured. Look at Him,  not at the situation. Rest in the valley and even thank Him for allowing you to be there to praise and to learn from Him and to represent Him well. 

Your breaking points can become powerful testimonies to God's glory and power!

STANDING MAN...

I'm not sure if you've seen the movie with Tom Hanks called "Bridge of Spies"?  But it tells the true story of a Russian spy. You actually feel sympathy towards this spy as he recalls being inspired by a man from his past, that though this friend of the family was hit time and time again unjustly, that man would continue to stand.

You and I have a "standing man" as the Savior of our soul. He's the Lion of Judah, the Prince of Peace. He finished what He started. He endured persecution and death to give us victory. He is a standing man, our Redeemer. He continues to stand for us and in us ...saying we are His. He claims us and our place with His Father.

When I think of a standing man .. I also think of my Dad. Literally my Dad's back has not been good for him. With hip and back trouble over the past several years and alot of pain, many would have sat down and given up trying. But my Dad is a standing man. He mans his post at church. He serves. He loves. He's continues to be a great Father and husband. And He endures. How? Because of the standing Savior at his core. His life is a testimony to so many because of that. I'm so grateful for the example of my Dad. 

Are you standing? Are you manning your post- holding the position God has called you to? In your own strength, it's not possible to endure time and age and sin and self. But with Jesus in you, you have access to the strength to stand. To give worship and praise to God even when you're hit.

Be a standing man / a standing woman for God. One that can't be knocked down or out. One who remains.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
I am hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed...

Hebrews 10:39
You are not of one who shrinks back and are destroyed, but who believe and are saved

1 John 4:4
Greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world.

EYEING THE PRIZE...

Recently our school just finished a big soccer tournament called Hope Cup. Twenty games came down to two teams  vying for first place. I had the privilege to walk in the trophies and to set the prize before the masses of students. As cheers errupted, the teams eyed the prize. And one team walked away with 1st place, having won the tournament.  What a day!

As the wining team accepted their reward, it made me think about life.

Sometimes we forget our focus and our goal. What is the prize we live for here? Is it wealth? Position? Power? Comfort? Ease? Recognition?

Or do we live for the applause of God? To move His heart and be part of His work? To bless His name and make Him known? Our reward one day will be to be with Him forever and to hear Him say... WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. May we not lose our focus and that prize!

Philippians 3:13-14
...I do not consider that I have arrived...but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and straining towards what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run that you may obtain it.

James 1:12
Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

May God help us in our breaking points to keep standing and eyeing the prize... lifting our lives to God in trust!!!  The journey of life is not easy, but it is a gift to live and love and learn about God on this path. May He help us as we journey with Him!

Praises/ Prayer Requests
-It's been a very busy Spring 2019 in Ethiopia for me. Pray for my schedule... I'm working with our Student Parliament at Hope, finishing classes at ETC for the semester, and taking Amharic. Please keep all in prayer.
-A big praise we have is for my Dad- he had successful hip replacement surgery a few weeks ago.  Praise God...  We love him so much! He's a standing man!

-Pray for my sister and her fiance- Mike Martin- as they prepare for their June wedding. Pray that God will give Mike and Noel provision and a great beginning of their lives as One. We are thrilled to have Mike join the family.

-Please consider praying to help with my travel costs and fundraising for supplies I will need to purchase in June.  Thanks so much for your prayers and support.

Please let me know how I can pray for you as well.

Honored to be with you on the journey!

Even Yet ... RISING

Sometimes life seems to pull you down or you trip and fall yourself. And just to lay down and take some deep breaths feels necessary. But to get back up is also needed.

We have the ability thanks to Jesus to get up and to still rise, even yet to become all He's made us to be. Despite falls and trips and being tripped, we can still get up and persevere. Praise God for that ability!

Isn't that why we celebrate Easter? That because Jesus came, lived, and died in our place.. He RESURRECTED and we can too, we can rise. We don't have to be held down by sin or self or failures. There is hope for us and lift for us, if we take the hand of Jesus.

I've been thinking on all on all this in the past few months... while time has been running...

This Spring has been busy for me here in Ethiopia. I've shifted gears into a new program schedule. I'm continuing to teach at ETC, three classes, which have been great! And I've added Amharic at last, focused language time which I have loved. Three times a week with a private tutor, I'm doing my best to learn the heart language here. And I'm also working with our Student Dean at Hope College and the Student Parliament, giving hours to that this semester. This time of intentional focus on the key student leaders at our school has also been busy but good. Our Student Parliament has launched clubs... one of the most successful being a Sports Club, who started a soccer tournament called Hope Cup. To see students playing matches and cheering each other on has been a highlight.

Two of my best girls, Hilina and Hidi, and I have started Bible study. This time of studying God's Word together has also been a big highlight of this spring so far.  As we've continued to live life together, it's been a joy to share the journey.

Happy 25th bday Hilina 

And through it all, I've been trying to think about RISING, am I still rising to become all God has made me to me?

I did a talk for our Student Parliament and during our School's Reflection Hour that I think is relevant for us in life. It talked about "Obstacles We Face to Achieving our Potential." What are things that hold us back from becoming all God has made us to be? I listed four things I've seen in my own life and in the lives of others.

What causes us to not rise?

1. NO VISION /GOALS

Often times we don't have vision for our life or goals. This can cause us to just sleep days away or not move forward. We need to set goals. Make some, then work that direction, otherwise nothing will change. God has given us the charge to be good stewards, managers, and to do something with the life we've been given. God can give you direction and a picture for your life and His plans for you. What do you like to do? What are you good at? Those can be indicators of what He made you for. What areas of your life need change? Physically? Socially? Financially?  Spiritually? Where does God want you to go? What changes do you need to make or what things do you need to add/subtract to get to that place? Set some goals and work those goals. Don't let no vision or no goals to cause you to be stuck.

Philippians 3:13-14
Forgetting what is behind, and straining towards what is ahead, I press on 

1 Corinthians 9:24
Run in such a way to get the prize.

Matthew 6:33
Seek first His kingdom an His righteousness

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 33:11
The plans of the Lord stand firm forever.

Jeremiah 29:11
I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and  future.

Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

2. DISAPPOINTMENTS

Disappointments can also make us lay down and not get up. Disappointments come in life from all sides. The world is under the effect of sin and selfishness. Friends disappoint, churches disappoint, even you will disappoint you. Scripture says don't be surprised. What do you do when disappointments come? Do you stay down and roll around in that.. becoming bitter? You have to get up, forgive who needs forgiven, and move forward. Setbacks- can be set-ups, for incredible comebacks said Pastor Mike Bowie. If you failed at something, get up. Learn from it, and move forward. Don't allow disappointments to keep you down. They can in fact be some of the greatest teachers.

James 1:2, 12
consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds; blessed is the man who perseveres under trail 

Romans 7:19
I don't do what I want to do

Romans 3:23
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Psalm 147:3
He heals the broken-hearted

Colossians 3:13
Forgive as I have forgiven you

John 16:33
In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.

3. UNWISE CHOICES 

Unwise choices also can cause us to not rise. We choose unwise things to add into our lives or to spend time with. We focus on things we shouldn't. Satan is there at work too, trying to make us look at minor things and not major things. 

We make unwise choices with our time. We waste days, taking naps or doing too much. We focus on what we don't have versus working on what we do have. What is in your hand that you can work now? We often are unwise with who we allow to influence us. This can bring us down. Who do you allow to speak into your life and influence you? Do those people speak God's potential into your life? Or do they pull you down?  God wants us to be wise with our time, our focus, and our relationships. 

Psalms 90:12
Teach us to number our days

Hebrews 12:1
Throw off the sin that so easily entangles

Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on things above

Hebrews 12:2
Fix your eyes on Jesus

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm

James 5:16
Confess your sins one to another, and pray for each other, that you may be healed.

4. STRESS

Stress also can pull us down and make us stay down. We don't like stress. We try to ignore it or medicate it. How do you deal with stress?  It's important to manage stress and push through. Don't carry your burdens alone... Jesus is there. Find some trusted friends to pray with and help you. 

Psalm 61:2
When I am overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden,

Psalm 73:21-26
When my soul was embittered, I was like a brute beast before you. Nevertheless, I am continuously with you. You hold me by my right had. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength

God wants us to even yet... RISE... to become what He's made us to be. We can! A Risen Savior lives in us. We can get up and rise up to do great things for God! May He help us... to set good goals and move towards them! To push past disappointments and not stay there. To make wise choices, with our time, focus, and relationships. And to manage stress in a healthy way so we are not held back but move forward.

All is possible with God!

May we rise this Spring and New Year to be at our best for God! He is worthy of our best and our most!

Prayer Requests

-Please pray for this Spring Season for me here...  that in all the areas above, I live wise to even yet become all God has made me to be.

-Please pray for my family in USA this Spring- as weddings plans for my sister are underway. We are excited to have Pastor Mike Martin join the family in June!

-Please pray for my Dad who will have hip replacement surgery this month, that it will be successful. We love him so much!

-Pray for the fundraising I need to do to get to travel home to be with my family for key events.

Please let me know how I can pray for you as well!

Blessings from Ethiopia!