What does it really mean?

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

I read this verse tonight and thought how great our God is to lead me to it during this time of what feels like the "unknown" So what does having real faith mean? We know the definition is believing in what we cannot see, but really...what does it mean to believe that the Lord will determine our steps? It's not unknown at all, how awesome is He!

I apologize for the long delay between posts, however not too much new to share. Our Assoc. Pastor and Deacon returned safetly from their trip to Tanzania. They shared many stories and pictures with our Church a few weeks ago and can see what a humbling experience it has been for them. Oh and how many lives they touched with the hands and feet of Jesus, I wish I could share their stories with you, but know it just wouldn't be the same as hearing from them personally. I can only share a few tips I learned 1) dereva polepole- swahili for driver slow...much needed for the bus ride :) 2) don't plan on petting the tigers no matter how close they get 3) need to invent an inflatable bucket (with a hole at the top)..TMI 4) don't ask for a taco to eat.

My excitement was already very high at the beginning of this journey, however now I can see clearly what plans God has for my family. If you don't know there is a different in what I want and what God wants for me as well as my family. My excitement doesn't mean anything if God doesn't already have it in His plans. This has been my prayer since the beginning.

Our Sunday School lesson today reminded us of His commandment not to worry (Matt. 6:25 34). I always tell our youth that I'm not throwing stones because I fail everday. Thankful, by His grace He is always there to pick me up.

Please join me as I pray to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

As 2012 approaches, below are my prayer requests:
Seeking His wisdom and guidance
Providing a path and keeping doors open
Praying for open hearts
Peace for the financial care

If you haven't received one of Alley's letters, please let me know and we will get one to you. She is just as excited about sharing this journey. I think so many of our youth need to be reminded how truely blessed they are and how they too can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Thanks again for all of your continued support.

Prayers for 2011 Mission trip

Well it's that time! Our Assoc. Pastor Jimmie Neel and Deacon Rick Urbanovsky start their Tanzania mission journey tomorrow. They will be going with a team of 20 from SWMBA (Southwest Metroplex Baptist Assoc) representing six Churches.


What will they be doing there? They will be conducting a leadership conference for church leaders, a women's conference, weekend revivals as well as visiting local schools and villiages.


Oh and I heard something about Rick leading music? Nice...You go Rick!

Jimmie will be sharing "Mimi nataka kukuambia juu ya Yesu wangu. Yesu ni Bwana!" (Swahili)
Translates "I want to tell you about my Jesus. Jesus is Lord!"

Please join me, if you haven't already as our family prays for this team in the coming 17 days.

Prayer request from SWMBA:
*Pray that God's people will be encouraged, the lost will be saved, and safety for the team.

I can't wait to hear how God uses each team member!

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me Your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; You stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18: 32-35

We love you guys!! Be safe and continue being the hands and feet of Jesus!!!

Faithfulness..God is good!

It's been awhile since the last post so I wanted to be sure and share with you the progress of our journey. When I thought about what I should post today, the first thing that came to my mind was faithfulness. It's been two months since we kicked off this journey with 2 sets of letters mailed so far, but wow the faithfulness of those supporting us today! It's just amazing! I thank God for people like you! Faithful in prayer and giving, we are truely humbled.


When you hear the word "faithfulness" who comes to your mind? Of course first on my list is God and through Scripture we see His Word is True, Hebrews 6:18. Every Convenant He made is kept. Today the word faithful is tossed around so much I wonder is anyone really understands what it means anymore? On TV, Newspapers, etc...we see the unfaithful get attention. You'd think it was just the norm....so sad. Ok so the very sad part is that we watch and read the stories on these unfaithful examples, so wow...which is worse? Talk about self reflection...I needed this.

How about some Biblical examples of faithfulness? We can list many from the Old Testament Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, David, Daniel and others. However the New Testament brings to us our supreme example The Lord Jesus Christ. Just taking the time to remind myself of those makes me even more humble to you who are faithful to today and tomorrow!!!

"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the Church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God." 3 John 1:5-6

Well it's about time to send out the 3rd round of letters. I've been praying about who will be in this group and pray God opens hearts. These are times I tend to let my pride get in the way of God's plans. It's really something I have to stay focused and not let negative thoughts come into my mind.

Please continue to pray for our Associate Pastor Jimmie as his trip is getting really close. Pray for peace for him and his family and for a safe trip. Side note...I hope he brings some Tanzania air back for Alley :)

...til next time!!!

Praises and updates!

I want to start by thanking you for you prayers on my request for our Assoc. Pastors' trip this year. Our Church NRRBC has fully sponsored his trip for this June. This is a wonderful blessing and praise! He will be going from June 15th to July 1st so please continue to pray for him as he prepares.

We've learned a little more about what to expect for our trip. The exciting part...ok so not really, all ladies will be wearing long skirts only (well of course not only, but for the lower half option..lol). So we will be starting our shopping soon...Goodwill here we come :)

An update from our side: Alley and I completed our first mission requirement. We volunteered at Open Doors Food bank on Saturday. It's such a tremendous blessing!! We helped with some preparation bagging Chex Mix for about an hour and a half, then worked the line loading bags of Cheese Puffs for 2 and half hours. How fun it is to see the kids eyes light up as we head their way with those bags...lol It's the little things!!! I would encourage each of you to volunteer some time. They always welcome anyone who comes whether to be a blessing or receive a blessing.

Also, we did finally get the 2nd set of letters mailed out...yay!

As always, many thanks to all who are joining us on this journey. "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" Gal 6:9

It's about that time

Yes, about time to get started on another round of letters. This will be our project for the week. Please continue to pray for those letters sent out in the first round. Also, be in prayer for the 2nd list as it comes together. This are times we have to humble ourselves and let down our pride. I think of all those God brings up along side of us for love and encouragement. How about those He brings up along side for assistance? Sometimes we are too prideful to take the "help" due to denial or just plain selfishness.

My favorite story in the Bible is Moses going to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Out of all of the signs and promises of God, Moses still questions himself and God. Wow, how we continually do this today. I wonder if I would trust God if He every chose to speak to me through a burning bush....surely I would, but oh the pressure. Would I be in jumping up and down saying "pick me!" "pick me!" or hiding in the back, looking down making sure I don't make eye contact. Wait...a burning bush? I don't think I'd be jumping at all. Moses already showed how brave he was in his test with God alone, but how awesome is our God to know we need help. He already had Aaron on the way up the hill before He even asked Moses. So I think about all of you who are already on your way up the hill to help us on this journey, oooh how awesome our God is!!!

I also want to share a mission project update from over the weekend. Saturday Terry and Ryan, along with several other NRRBC youth and members worked on a project with Cleburne's Christmas in Action Team. Those who helped with this project knocked out one of their mission requirements for the Tanzania trip as well as being a great blessing to the home owners. They worked on a house in Cleburne with few outside home improvements. Terry said he had a great time and was impressed with all the hard work each youth put out.

Alley and I missed this last mission opportunity, however I assist with a local food bank a few times a month and plan to use this as a substitute towards our requirement. With this I would love to give a shout out to Open Door Ministries, they bless Johnson County by providing food for families who are just down on their luck!

Alright, time to get busy on those letters....

First Response!

Hey, it's Alley!

I just wanted to share with you that I got my first response on the letters that I sent out a couple weeks ago today! I'm so appreciative of the person and the donation that they gave. It is such a blessing! I can't wait to see what God has in store for the future.

I am working on memorizing those Bible verses and learning about Tanzania so I can earn my way to going to Africa in the summer of 2012!

Stay tuned for the rest of the journey!:)

First set of letters

Well, they are printed and in the envelopes. Next step is stamping the return envelopes, stuffing it into the main envelope, then addressing, stamping and sealing them.

Now, the tricky part...Alley has her part to do. I'm about to give her the list of names and address for this set, and the instructions. I started think "ah this is simple" then reality hit me. How do I actually explain this and not hear "huh?" By no means am I belittling her, it's the normal teenage "huh?" moment...priceless.

Okay so I will give it a shot and let you know how it goes.

The response so far has been a true blessing. It's not only great to share this journey with everyone, but to honest feel like everyone cares and truly wants to support us is just awesome.

I posted a few pics I found of Tanzania, I hope I'm close to what it will be like. Wait who am I kidding, we are no way even close to that concept. I mean really, just the appreciation of a bath, a true bath is beyond what a picture can show. My friend Sherry said we will be prepared with dry soap...yes dry soap. I don't think I will every feel clean. Why is it that I can't wait to be humbled in this way?

Also, our Assoc. Pastor Jimmie mentioned an Internet Cafe as our possible life line. I'm not sure if there is only one or not. It would be cool if the picture I found is the one we will use.

Ok...I will get to this instruction delivery and plans to pray for them as they get mailed out tomorrow.

Lala salama (goodnight in Swahili)

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Col. 3:17