There have been moments in my life when God has whispered to me, "just take one step at a time, Amy". In order to share one of these moments with you, I'll have to take you on a trip down memory lane, back 6 months ago...
I was getting ready for a short term missions trip to Guatemala... I had just received the "green light" to go the night before, and now I was out on my morning run. But I was distracted, I knew I only had 3 weeks to pull all the details of the trip together... yikes! I got to the point in my run where I needed to decide if I wanted to keep going or cut it short and head for home. Lord knows, I had so much to do, plan, and pull together in such a short amount of time! p.s. Not to mention that I had never even traveled outside of the country before (when you live in Maine, Canada does NOT count!) But then something in me changed, God suddenly overwhelmed me with His presence. It was as if he smiled and whispered into my ear... " don't worry, take one step at a time". I think it was then that I felt a burst of energy, and peace come over me, and my run turned into a sprint! And guess what, I didn't have one second of stress planning that trip after that moment! Over the course of the following weeks, it appeared almost effortless how God provided more than enough money for our trip... one donation, one prayer, one step at a time (not to mention a few hundred pair of shoes, underwear, socks and even a few soccer balls donated by so many generous people). I got to leave and go with 3 girl friends to Casa Bernabe' Orphanage in Guatemala, on July 27, 2011! I was excited! We spent 8 days there. It was 8 days packed full of hard work, babysitting, gardening, devotionals, and well... trying to learn a little Spanish! Also, I got to experience a little shopping in the beautiful and historical city of Antigua. Casa Bernabe' Orphanage is packed full of God's love and 160 orphans! I can't even describe to you what it's like to go into a different culture, but I'll try... it's eye opening, it's beautiful, it's inspiring... it gave me a new perspective on how overly protected I am here in America, and how little I really "depend" on God! If you want to know more, start by visiting the orphanage at their website at foce.orgWHAT A PLACE! Thanks to my husband for the excellent video, and to my daughter Haley for singing the sweetest song for me... watch and enjoy a piece of my journey!
"We can make our plans,but the LORD determines our steps" Proverbs 16:9 NLT
I was getting ready for a short term missions trip to Guatemala... I had just received the "green light" to go the night before, and now I was out on my morning run. But I was distracted, I knew I only had 3 weeks to pull all the details of the trip together... yikes! I got to the point in my run where I needed to decide if I wanted to keep going or cut it short and head for home. Lord knows, I had so much to do, plan, and pull together in such a short amount of time! p.s. Not to mention that I had never even traveled outside of the country before (when you live in Maine, Canada does NOT count!) But then something in me changed, God suddenly overwhelmed me with His presence. It was as if he smiled and whispered into my ear... " don't worry, take one step at a time". I think it was then that I felt a burst of energy, and peace come over me, and my run turned into a sprint! And guess what, I didn't have one second of stress planning that trip after that moment! Over the course of the following weeks, it appeared almost effortless how God provided more than enough money for our trip... one donation, one prayer, one step at a time (not to mention a few hundred pair of shoes, underwear, socks and even a few soccer balls donated by so many generous people). I got to leave and go with 3 girl friends to Casa Bernabe' Orphanage in Guatemala, on July 27, 2011! I was excited! We spent 8 days there. It was 8 days packed full of hard work, babysitting, gardening, devotionals, and well... trying to learn a little Spanish! Also, I got to experience a little shopping in the beautiful and historical city of Antigua. Casa Bernabe' Orphanage is packed full of God's love and 160 orphans! I can't even describe to you what it's like to go into a different culture, but I'll try... it's eye opening, it's beautiful, it's inspiring... it gave me a new perspective on how overly protected I am here in America, and how little I really "depend" on God! If you want to know more, start by visiting the orphanage at their website at foce.orgWHAT A PLACE! Thanks to my husband for the excellent video, and to my daughter Haley for singing the sweetest song for me... watch and enjoy a piece of my journey!
"We can make our plans,but the LORD determines our steps" Proverbs 16:9 NLT
One step, towards Faith... One step towards Trust... One step towards thankfulness...One step at a time!
Have you experienced a situation in your life when God has guided you one step at a time?
Wow Amy and each of you precious women......"Who knew.....who knew!!" God did even BEFORE that FIRST STEP of you each being knit in your mommas' wombs!!! And some 20 to 29 years later, this is where you found yourselves led to work 8 life changing days in a foreign land with God's precious orphans in our wonderful Master's vineyard!! And back again in your homeland vineyard!!! Nothing can stop God's call on your lives! Support and encouragement from your loved ones and friends!! A very good thing!! God working through others' gifts, ie. Josh and Haley!! Renewed blessings (near, close to the heart of God) are being prayed for in advance as you do your days!
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanne! I need this encouragement and confirmation of God's hand in my life... I am deeply thankful for your words!
DeleteHi Amy,
ReplyDeleteGod is so tender and good, knowing right when we need to be encouraged or spurred on, huh?
Regarding your comment on my site, "Overwhelmed with God's joy, peace, and gratitude..." He is good isn't he?!
Glad you joined us there, Amy.
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
Amen sister, His goodness and His gifts are overwhelming me! Thank you Jennifer!
DeleteThank you for sharing this testimony Amy, It's awesome. The Lord is leading me to serve in Haiti soon and I'm striving to take one step of faith at at time.
ReplyDeleteBless you, Hester :)
Hi Hester! That is so exciting! I would love to learn more about your upcoming leading and trip to Haiti! As you speak that truth of one step at a time to our loving God I have faith that He will provide for you! Thank you for sharing!
DeleteTwo things, Amy - Unfortunately, the Lord has never been able to LEAD me anywhere . . . with my personality, He has always had to push, shove and/or pull me. What a patient and loving God we have! Secondly, I LOVED your video. It makes me SO wish that I could post pics/videos of my work in Romania, but I am prohibiited from doing so by the government. Bottom line, I am blessed to be able to do what I do, though. I am so glad that God ever had us re-connect. I LOVE your heart! :) - Dawn
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Dawn, you bless my heart! I continually pray for your ministry in Romania! I love you sweet woman of God!
DeleteI NEVER thought I would be taking this trip with you, my friend. What a life changing time we shared. The realness that they have over there is contagious! They lean wholly on God and that is an every day lesson for us. I will never be the same because of this trip and I'm thankful for that!
ReplyDeleteI have always felt like I left a part of my heart there, it was such a blessing! Thanks for coming with me "Pixels"!
ReplyDelete