This week has been life changing. Nothing big happened in my day to day activities per say, but my lifestyle and my priorities sure have. As you know, I've been trying to raise money for my trip and it has been less than fruitful so far, but this week I realized why....
For a couple months I have had "Obedience leads to righteousness" running through my head, almost on a daily basis. Sometimes I've wondered why I don't feel so close to God. I love Him, I serve Him but at times have felt unconnected. I can think back to my teen years where I felt the Holy Spirit all the time. Any time I called on the Holy Spirit He filled me immediatly. I know there will be times that you feel closer and times you feel less closer to God, ebbs and flows and all....but I longed for it. And couldn't figure out why it wasn't happening. Sometime last week it was like a lightbuld was turned on. Obedience leads to righteousness and I have not been obedient. And God hears the prayers of the righteous, but I wasn't exactly doing my part. So I decided it was time to set myself apart from the rest of the world. As a Christian I know that we are in this world, but not of this world. But my actions and the way I've been living my life....it might be hard for someone to know that I am different. I am a Christian. I want my life to reflect my beliefs. I want to be the same person in church as I am with my friends. And honesty time - I haven't always been. But I'm ready.
I've already starting making some changes and I feel different. Guess what? I can feel the Holy Spirit again and I can hear God better too.
One thing God has put on my heart is REALLY trusting in him.....starting with my finances. I tithe, but not always regularly. I tithe through Watoto, K-love and the occasional offereing, if I remember to bring cash or have a check with me. But giving until it hurts was not something I've been doing, that's for sure. If I want to trust God that all of this is going to come together in the end, I had better do my part in giving back to Him. I set up automatic weekly tithing with both of my churches. This way I don't have to remember cash or checks. Giving to God WILL happen weekly this way. I also wanted to give to God first. SO often we do our bills and see what we have left...out of what I have left, what can I give to God? Well this way, He gets it first. And that's the way it should be. That's what we are called to do.
Some people might think I'm crazy that while I am saving money and not spending like I used too, I am giving away way more than I ever have, and that's okay. I feel really good about it.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
Trust, believe and know
While driving into work yesterday, I was talking to my mom on the phone. Catching up, finding out when she'll be down for a visit and talking about my fund raising. She asked how this week was going and I told her I hadn't heard or received anything, but for people who donate online, I don't have visibility to it until Friday. She old me not to get discouraged and I reminded her that I only have 1.5 months left to raise it. Same story, different day.
I've told you before that YES I trust in God and YES I believe He wants me on this trip and YES I know that this is part of the journey but boy...it can be a hard one.
So, I head into work and put the conversation behind me and get started on my day. One of my assistants and I laugh all day long! All the time. We have the same weird sense of humor and just laugh....tough job, I know! So I'm not thinking about my conversation or different ways to raise money.
But then this couple comes in. They sat in one of the foot massagers and then moved to the massage chairs. I helped them in both and she told me that she loved this foot massager she tried in Taiwan. I asked her what brought her there and she said she had done two missions trips there. I told her I had family in China now and she asked me if I've ever thought about doing missions work in China. I tell her not really, Africa is in my heart and tell them I'm going to Uganda this summer. Then she asks me if I'm raising the money or paying for it? So I told them my story. I'm trying to raise it, I have to, I don't have $3000 but feel led and called to serve God this way. I told them that raising the money has been really hard and at times really discouraging. Well, it turns out they were both pretty well versed in raising money for missions and he has to raise money for his yearly salary as a Campus ministry leader in DC. He has taken classes on it and offered some tips. Then he recalls his scripture reading from that morning and he says to his girlfriend, "remember I was just telling you about it this afternoon." You could just see Jesus all over them as individuals and as a couple. (I hope someday, someone uses that description as a way of describing me!)
His scripture reading was 3 John 1:5-8
3 John 1:5-8
New International Version (NIV)
5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a] even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
He tells me that we need to not look at it as begging, but as a way to allow people to partner with God on behalf of all that are called to share God's love with the world! Did I mention this couple is like 20-22 years old! What wisdom!!
Wow! To top it off...she looked at him and said, I can write a check right now! She pulls out her checkbook, reads my name tag and writes a check for $50 to Maureen. I try not to cry (in front of them) give them each a hug and say thank you, I really needed that today. They old me not to get discouraged and trust in God. and just like that, they leave.
I know that this couple was a gift from God. He knew what I needed. Not just the money but the encouragement. And the reminder that I am right where I'm supposed to be. Thank you, Jesus.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lead not on your own understanding.
I've told you before that YES I trust in God and YES I believe He wants me on this trip and YES I know that this is part of the journey but boy...it can be a hard one.
So, I head into work and put the conversation behind me and get started on my day. One of my assistants and I laugh all day long! All the time. We have the same weird sense of humor and just laugh....tough job, I know! So I'm not thinking about my conversation or different ways to raise money.
But then this couple comes in. They sat in one of the foot massagers and then moved to the massage chairs. I helped them in both and she told me that she loved this foot massager she tried in Taiwan. I asked her what brought her there and she said she had done two missions trips there. I told her I had family in China now and she asked me if I've ever thought about doing missions work in China. I tell her not really, Africa is in my heart and tell them I'm going to Uganda this summer. Then she asks me if I'm raising the money or paying for it? So I told them my story. I'm trying to raise it, I have to, I don't have $3000 but feel led and called to serve God this way. I told them that raising the money has been really hard and at times really discouraging. Well, it turns out they were both pretty well versed in raising money for missions and he has to raise money for his yearly salary as a Campus ministry leader in DC. He has taken classes on it and offered some tips. Then he recalls his scripture reading from that morning and he says to his girlfriend, "remember I was just telling you about it this afternoon." You could just see Jesus all over them as individuals and as a couple. (I hope someday, someone uses that description as a way of describing me!)
His scripture reading was 3 John 1:5-8
3 John 1:5-8
New International Version (NIV)
5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a] even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
He tells me that we need to not look at it as begging, but as a way to allow people to partner with God on behalf of all that are called to share God's love with the world! Did I mention this couple is like 20-22 years old! What wisdom!!
Wow! To top it off...she looked at him and said, I can write a check right now! She pulls out her checkbook, reads my name tag and writes a check for $50 to Maureen. I try not to cry (in front of them) give them each a hug and say thank you, I really needed that today. They old me not to get discouraged and trust in God. and just like that, they leave.
I know that this couple was a gift from God. He knew what I needed. Not just the money but the encouragement. And the reminder that I am right where I'm supposed to be. Thank you, Jesus.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lead not on your own understanding.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
For my fitness friends!!!
Last weeks prize was for my wine loving friends and this week I'm showing some love to my fitness friends!!
Did you know that to stay healthy you need to take 10,000 steps a DAY? Do you do it? Now you can know for sure!
The prize for this weeks raffle is a Fitbit Zip. I like to think of it as a pedometer on steroids! Not only does it count your steps, it tracks your distance in miles and tells you how many calories you've burned. But that's not all! It also tracks everything for you on your computer so you can watch your fitness and health progress.
PLUS, with Fitbit's free iPhone and Android apps and website, you can set goals and track how active you are throughout the day. The more you know, the more motivated you'll be to reach your goals.
To win, just log in to the site below and make a donation in my name in the in honor of/memory of space. (Maureen Wight/July Uganda Trip). No donation is to small...or too big!! ;o)
Good Luck!! The winner will announced one week from today!
http://www.gethope.net/global-hope/give
Did you know that to stay healthy you need to take 10,000 steps a DAY? Do you do it? Now you can know for sure!
The prize for this weeks raffle is a Fitbit Zip. I like to think of it as a pedometer on steroids! Not only does it count your steps, it tracks your distance in miles and tells you how many calories you've burned. But that's not all! It also tracks everything for you on your computer so you can watch your fitness and health progress.
PLUS, with Fitbit's free iPhone and Android apps and website, you can set goals and track how active you are throughout the day. The more you know, the more motivated you'll be to reach your goals.
To win, just log in to the site below and make a donation in my name in the in honor of/memory of space. (Maureen Wight/July Uganda Trip). No donation is to small...or too big!! ;o)
Good Luck!! The winner will announced one week from today!
http://www.gethope.net/global-hope/give
Let your Light Shine!
"You are the light of the world. A city on the hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and paise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
I needed to hear that this week! This week brought back some old feelings of unworthiness and loneliness. See, this journey has me stepping out of my comfort zone way more than I had realized it would. I thought this was about my journey in Africa, but the journey to even get there has already been eye opening for me. And at times, it's been down right painful. And it hasn't even been a month into it! Oy, vey!!
I had a friend tell me this week that they did not support me or this trip. That if I really wanted to make an impact on Uganda, I, we, could just send the money it takes to go and let them build the house and let them have the job. They said they thought Church was a joke and that it was more about "look at me! And look at what I'm doing!" And it hurt. And it made me realize that a lot of the people I sent letters to or told about this trip probably feel the same way. To top it off, I raised zero money this week. So that really reinforced those thoughts and feelings. I put myself out there to share this with everyone I knew thinking maybe they cared or maybe this is what someone else needed to hear...that Christians are not just judgement people who think everyone is going to burn in hell. That some of us want to make a difference in this world and show God's love through us. But with the lack of response, it really made me feel alone. I had thoughts of closing my FB and not continuing this blog and just selling what I needed to just to have enough money to go. I mean, I guess this experience isn't interesting to anyone else, so why am I even bothering?
Then I heard Big Daddy Weave's song 'Redeemed' and it reminded me that I am not that old person who has to struggle with thoughts of not being worthy...because I AM redeemed! He has set me free! Just because I had a rough week, doesn't change this trip and what it means to ME!! Here's an excerpt from the song -
Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son
Stop fighting a fight it's already been won"
I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed, I'm redeemed
All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head"
I remember, oh God, You're not done with me yet
I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be
Then last nights church service hit home too. (The Lord really does know what you need to hear and when you need to hear it!!) It was about being that light and being that light for God and SHINING for Him and for the world to see! As a human (and as an American!) I think sometimes we are just looking for that instant gratification, that instant acknowledgement that what I'm doing means something to someone else. But that's not always how God works. My job is to let that light shine, to show people how God is working on me. How He's changing me and how I can be redeemed through HIM! Who knows...maybe my trip will impact someone else. But meanwhile, I will strive to be that light. One that is bright and worthy of being set on a table to give light to the whole house. And I also know for sure....that HE is not done with me yet!!
Love you all!!
I needed to hear that this week! This week brought back some old feelings of unworthiness and loneliness. See, this journey has me stepping out of my comfort zone way more than I had realized it would. I thought this was about my journey in Africa, but the journey to even get there has already been eye opening for me. And at times, it's been down right painful. And it hasn't even been a month into it! Oy, vey!!
I had a friend tell me this week that they did not support me or this trip. That if I really wanted to make an impact on Uganda, I, we, could just send the money it takes to go and let them build the house and let them have the job. They said they thought Church was a joke and that it was more about "look at me! And look at what I'm doing!" And it hurt. And it made me realize that a lot of the people I sent letters to or told about this trip probably feel the same way. To top it off, I raised zero money this week. So that really reinforced those thoughts and feelings. I put myself out there to share this with everyone I knew thinking maybe they cared or maybe this is what someone else needed to hear...that Christians are not just judgement people who think everyone is going to burn in hell. That some of us want to make a difference in this world and show God's love through us. But with the lack of response, it really made me feel alone. I had thoughts of closing my FB and not continuing this blog and just selling what I needed to just to have enough money to go. I mean, I guess this experience isn't interesting to anyone else, so why am I even bothering?
Then I heard Big Daddy Weave's song 'Redeemed' and it reminded me that I am not that old person who has to struggle with thoughts of not being worthy...because I AM redeemed! He has set me free! Just because I had a rough week, doesn't change this trip and what it means to ME!! Here's an excerpt from the song -
Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son
Stop fighting a fight it's already been won"
I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed, I'm redeemed
All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head"
I remember, oh God, You're not done with me yet
I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be
Then last nights church service hit home too. (The Lord really does know what you need to hear and when you need to hear it!!) It was about being that light and being that light for God and SHINING for Him and for the world to see! As a human (and as an American!) I think sometimes we are just looking for that instant gratification, that instant acknowledgement that what I'm doing means something to someone else. But that's not always how God works. My job is to let that light shine, to show people how God is working on me. How He's changing me and how I can be redeemed through HIM! Who knows...maybe my trip will impact someone else. But meanwhile, I will strive to be that light. One that is bright and worthy of being set on a table to give light to the whole house. And I also know for sure....that HE is not done with me yet!!
Love you all!!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Dear Diary...
At the beginning of this week I posted on a friends wall some words of encouragement. She is going to church now and growing closer to the Lord and we couldn't be happier for her. But it seems like people are trying to pull her down. I reminder her that as we increase in our faith, the devil increases his pull on us. I also shared one of my favorite bible verses with her that has helped me through some tough times.
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
And by Saturday, I needed those words spoken to me.
It's been a bit of a rough week. Day after day something not great happened, and by the end of the week it seemed almost overwhelming.
1. I had some dental work started in July of last year and I put off finishing it until now and the cost, which I thought was paid for, was $1500. But it'll all be done in three weeks! Yay! But this extra expensive was not planned and obviously didn't come at a good time being that I'm saving and raising money for Africa.
2. My mother is being laid off in April. They've been giving her the run around for two years now, but it's official. She's worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield for almost 30 years. So it's going to be a tough time going forward. Emotionally, financially...
3. My Grandmother is in the hospital again for the third time in about a month and a half. Doctor's say she is congestive heart failure. Which can be something small or something really big. But the fact is she is almost 85 and she isn't going to actually ever be "better." I love that woman.
4. Work has been tough.
5. I only raised $185 in the first two weeks and now I feel like I'm begging and it feels almost impossible.
6. I spread myself to thin and I'm tired.
But I know that all things are possible with God. So, I will trust in Him and this day too shall pass.
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)
And by Saturday, I needed those words spoken to me.
It's been a bit of a rough week. Day after day something not great happened, and by the end of the week it seemed almost overwhelming.
1. I had some dental work started in July of last year and I put off finishing it until now and the cost, which I thought was paid for, was $1500. But it'll all be done in three weeks! Yay! But this extra expensive was not planned and obviously didn't come at a good time being that I'm saving and raising money for Africa.
2. My mother is being laid off in April. They've been giving her the run around for two years now, but it's official. She's worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield for almost 30 years. So it's going to be a tough time going forward. Emotionally, financially...
3. My Grandmother is in the hospital again for the third time in about a month and a half. Doctor's say she is congestive heart failure. Which can be something small or something really big. But the fact is she is almost 85 and she isn't going to actually ever be "better." I love that woman.
4. Work has been tough.
5. I only raised $185 in the first two weeks and now I feel like I'm begging and it feels almost impossible.
6. I spread myself to thin and I'm tired.
But I know that all things are possible with God. So, I will trust in Him and this day too shall pass.
Win a Brookstone Wine Aerator!!!
I need to raise $1700 by the 17th of March to stay on track for my ultimate goal of $3000 by May 1st. To date I have received $185...so we're off!!! Thank you to those who have given.
Seems kinda lofty but with God, all things are possible!
Let me break this down so you can see where you might fit in....
$1700 is $850 a week.....
We need - 3 people to donate $100
6 people to donate $50
5 people to donate $40 and
6 people to donate $25
If we can do this I will put every ones name in a hat and raffle off the Areo Wine Aerator from Brookstone. A $50 gift from me to you! I don't know who donates until Friday of each week, so a winner will announced EVERY Sunday. There will be a prize every week, so the more you donate, the more you can win!
Here's the link again to donate http://www.gethope.net/global-hope/give and make sure to put my name in the in honor of/memory of space...Maureen Wight (Uganda, July Trip)
Thank you again for all your love and support and especially prayers!!
Maureen
Seems kinda lofty but with God, all things are possible!
Let me break this down so you can see where you might fit in....
$1700 is $850 a week.....
We need - 3 people to donate $100
6 people to donate $50
5 people to donate $40 and
6 people to donate $25
If we can do this I will put every ones name in a hat and raffle off the Areo Wine Aerator from Brookstone. A $50 gift from me to you! I don't know who donates until Friday of each week, so a winner will announced EVERY Sunday. There will be a prize every week, so the more you donate, the more you can win!
Here's the link again to donate http://www.gethope.net/global-hope/give and make sure to put my name in the in honor of/memory of space...Maureen Wight (Uganda, July Trip)
Thank you again for all your love and support and especially prayers!!
Maureen
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