Just wanted to share a recent message that Josh gave at Source (our student ministry at Church @ the Springs). Even though it was intended for students, I felt like I needed this reminder as well! Hope you enjoy. :)

*The video blacks out after the bumper (from :44-1:23) so feel free to skip ahead or grab something to eat. :)

Doin Work Series - "Faith Works" from Source Student Ministries on Vimeo.

Main Point: Show your faith by helping someone in need.

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions?” James 2:14. The big question for the night was, “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Sometimes we know just the right “Christian” thing to say, don’t we? Our prayers sound fancy, but they lack a humble heart. We wear the Christian T-shirts that says, “Jesus is my homeboy” or “God answers Knee-mail!” Maybe even a Jesus fish on your bumper. What are we doing to show our faith to people in need? We learned that we cannot earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10). We are not saved by good works but saved FOR good works! If you are a follower of Christ, it should be completely obvious! Students were encouraged to find practical ways to serve others this week!

Tomorrow I will be 30 weeks pregnant. I almost can't believe it. Only 10 more weeks until Micah is expected to arrive. We moved to Ocala 10 weeks ago and it seems like just yesterday... man, how times flies! I have really enjoyed my pregnancy and feel very blessed to have had an easy one so far. I think I'm going to be a little bit sad when it comes time for this little boy to leave the womb. It's an experience that I want to cherish and remember forever! I want to feel every kick, punch and roll and don't mind being kept up at night to enjoy it. You know, it may be because of the journey we were on to get pregnant in the first place - but I can't imagine any mother not enjoying this.

I do feel a bit unsettled in my spirit though. I am learning to "unpack," so to speak, and make this familiar place my home (again). Moving is always an adventure. We have done it three times in our last four years of marriage. That's three homes, three towns and three churches. But everywhere we go, we encounter the same people... with different faces. "There is nothing new under the sun" as Ecclesiastes says. The same problems exist and the same answer is Jesus.

I have been praying lately that God would not allow me to become hardened to hurting people. It can be easy to do when you are in ministry. You see the needs and know that without Christ, there is no cure. We can't make the cancer go away, or the husband to come back home or the parents to stop abusing alcohol... but we can pray with the expectancy that God can do those things! If only we would turn to Him and let him take the pain.

I'm ready to return to the mission field. I want to go be a part of what God is doing around the world! I know there are people who believe that we have "enough problems in our own backyard" and don't understand why going to another country to help spread the love and message of Christ is needed (I used to be one of them), but I can bet you anything that most of those people have never set foot outside of their doors. And if they have, it was on vacation and not to experience the true needs of the people there. To them, I just want to say...

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 28:19

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, AND to the ends of the earth. - Acts 1:8

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! - Isaiah 52:7

I know I have said this a million times now, but I'm ready to be a mom. Not "ready" in the sense that I know exactly what I'm doing or that I will be the very best at it... but I'm ready to learn. I'm ready to raise a child who will know and experience the love of Jesus. This is my mission field. At the moment, at least. My hope is that Micah will one day be a messenger of the gospel himself!

Someone told me the other day, after living in Mexico with his dad for awhile, he learned that there is a big cultural difference in the way we value living... Americans live to work and Mexicans work to live.

Visit a foreign country, see the way they value life and you will be amazed at how we waste it. 10 more weeks, I have 10 more weeks until I begin my new ministry/job/mission - Lord, help me not to waste it.

Today I woke up with no schedule. No plans. For the first time in three weeks!  Since moving to Ocala, I have been overcome with emotions. Happiness, excitement, worry, joy, anticipation, nervousness, relief... I am sure there are a few I'm leaving out. But above all else, if there's one thing I can testify to... it is thankfulness. It may only be Monday, but I am going to begin this new week by listing a few things I have been thankful for since this transition.  

I am thankful for...

My brave and faithful husband.

I have been amazed by Josh's obedience to God, even when it may mean taking the difficult path. Uprooting our lives and moving to a new city, leading a new ministry, and making new friends... is not an easy task. It takes a man of character, leadership and strength to make this transition comfortable - not only for himself, but for his family as well. I am thankful today for my husband and his ability to do that.      

A welcoming church family.

We have been blown away by the support of our new church family @ The Springs. There were about 20 people in and out of our house the day we arrived. Helping us unload, unpack and stocking our pantry with groceries. It was a sight to see! In fact, as I look around my house right now... it looks like we have lived here for at least three months, not three WEEKS! They have gone above and beyond to bless us and make us feel welcome here. Thank you, Church @ The Springs.    

Our baby boy, Micah.

Now that we are settled into our home, we can begin the exciting journey of planning for the arrival of our little boy, Micah! Every morning I am greeted with a little "thump, thump" from this little one. Being pregnant was an answer to prayer for us, and one that I will never take advantage of. There are only 16 weeks left to enjoy, before Micah is expected to make his appearance. This pregnancy has flown by! I am thankful for our precious blessing.    

My mom's remission from cancer.

I received the great news that my mom's cancer was in remission... on my BIRTHDAY! It was a wonderful gift. The best I could ask for. I know that this does not mean the end of the battle for her just yet, but it does give us hope that the chemo is working and the cancer can be defeated! As with any trial, it brings us to our knees. Our dependence is on the Lord to get through it. I can say this has been so true for my family. I am so thankful for God's mercy and healing on my mother.    

New opportunities.

Not everything about transitioning is difficult, of course. There are lots of exciting opportunities for us ahead as we make new friends, discover new ways to use our gifts and talents, and explore our new city! We have already enjoyed eating out at several local places, found the closest airport where we can take a short (55 minute!!) flight to Greenville to visit Josh's family, we joined the local YMCA, I led worship with The Springs team this weekend and Josh has baptized two students already!! We are thankful for this new platform and all the opportunities that come with it. May God be honored in all we do!