This is Love

O Lord, Reawaken within us
A burning passion for you
A love so deep we can’t keep it in
A purpose
A calling
To reach the world for You
To tell them of Your great love
Heal the hurting and the sick
Break the suppression of the poor
Free the captives and the slaves
Release your children from their bonds
This is love
That we might know you and be saved
By grace and Your Son Jesus
The blessed cross, that He gave His life as our ransom
Conquered the grave so we can live with him forever
That in return, we would go
And tell the world of Him
This is love
So great
So beautiful
So perfect
What a love
I am crying out, Lord, that we would hear the cry
Of the poor and needy
That we would reach out a helping hand
Those words of love
That healing touch
The bread of life
To quench the hunger
Heal the broken
This is love
It’s not us, it’s ALL YOU, O Lord
My beautiful God!
Your mercy knows no bounds,
That you would save us and call us
Commission us
We are here to do your will
Call us, Lord, and we will go
Wherever You lead, we will go
For this is love

Update in the life of Jess

There’s been a lot going on lately! Summertime means crazy busy-ness mixed with tons of fun times with friends and family. It’s been crazy, it’s been fun, and right now it’s starting to wind down a little (whew!) and I’m enjoying not having something to do every night. I just relax on the couch and watch the Twins, and that is enough for me :). Bliss :).

I’m also really excited because there have been a lot of cool things God is stirring up in our family (especially my parents) and our church! Can’t reveal much right now…more to come, that’s for sure, as things progress :) But God has also been at work in my heart, stirring me up and leading me, gently yet firmly toward the goal He has for me. I don’t know what that looks like (will I ever?) but that’s not a big deal because there’s a lot on the horizon and it’s getting really exciting. I’ve been praying daily about an opportunity I came across at the beginning of this month, and since then it’s latched onto my heart and I can’t stop thinking about it, wondering about it, praying about it, learning more about it, etc. Again, sorry to leave you hanging, but I don’t want to jump the gun and say too much about it and it not happen. If you do get the chance, look up theworldrace.org and that might give you a glimpse into what I’m thinking/praying about, haha ;). It would require a lot of change and would be a HUGE step for me…so the timing is crucial and I’m praying and seeking God in this. It IS pretty exciting, though! My brain starts going a mile a minute and I not only can’t stop thinking of all the possibilities of places I could go and all I could do and see and the people I’d meet…but also for the missionaries I know and how they could possibly take advantage of hosting a World Race team, which I think would be hugely awesome!

So anyway! That’s a very inconclusive update…but it is what’s going on right now in my life. Otherwise, what have I been up to? Celebrated my 24th birthday in June (my friends surprised me, my first surprise birthday party EVER—totally MADE my day!).

 

Saw Hillsong United live in concert in Milwaukee in June. Can I say AWESOME?! Took a pontoon ride down the river and out into Lake Michigan, that was incredible and with my friends, absolutely hilarious!

Went backpacking the last week of June with my dad, brothers, uncle and cousin...SO much fun, lots of hard-core hiking, muddy legs, gorgeous rivers, breathtaking views, and fun family times (I just absolutely LOVE being on the North Shore & Lake Superior, it's one of my FAVORITE places on earth!)

 

Otherwise just working full-time (busy brochure season at MLT keeps me on my toes!). Playing volleyball once a week, enjoying the Missionary Call lifegroup (my dear missionary friend Dr. J is coming this Friday…I am OH-SO-EXCITED to see her!) Planning my next Twins game (can you believe I’ve only been to 1 game this year, and that was in May when it snowed???)

Going to lots of weddings and grad parties!

 

And definitely getting excited for what’s to come. God is GOOD!

Yosemite

In case any of you are contemplating a vacation, I have a suggestion for you! Forget the passport, grab an RV or a tent, and head to Yosemite National Park! Wow! My boss Lori just wrote a blog about her recent vacation out there...and man does it sound AMAZING! Check out her post here. Stay tuned for my newest Delta Vacations blog, as well, it's due to be up soon. I know you're eagerly awaiting it ;-).

New blog

Check out my new blog! I have to figure out the balance between having 2 blogs...I liked this one too much to revamp it, so just started a new one. Something that God has laid on my heart (to just write and see where He takes me). I would love it if you'd check it out!

No Speeding

I just came across something I wrote down a year ago. It threw me for a loop because it's so right on and relevant for me today, and I just have to share it!

One thing at a time. One step in the next direction. Life goes slower than we think it will. God knows we’re waiting. He’s taking it slow for a reason. If we got what we wanted as fast as we want it, would it really be a good thing? Would we learn anything about Him along the way? Nah…we’d just keep on speeding and tell God to catch up with us. And that’s not gonna work.

Wow! Sometimes it's a great thing to go through things you've written down in the past, since at least for me, I tend to forget a lot of what I learned, no matter how much I might have thought I would always remember it! I feel like I am doing a lot of re-learning about this lately. Hold up...wait a second...maybe because God's ways are higher than our ways, and His timing better than ours, that this waiting is for a reason. Even though we don't like it...maybe we'll look back and understand someday why we waited for whatever we're waiting for now. And then...just maybe...we'll see He was right all along and we wouldn't want it any other way.

A bday wish :)

Well, today is my birthday! The big 2-4! I have to say, there are many days throughout the year that I feel blessed, but one of the biggest is definitely my birthday, with this year being no exception. It’s a day where I feel overwhelmingly, abundantly blessed by all the genuine friendships and people in my life. It only takes one “Happy Birthday” to make me realize I am not forgotten, I am not alone, I am loved and cherished, and I have been sooo blessed by one amazing God to have the family and friends He has given me. My cup runneth over.

This brings me to desire this sweet blessing for every person in this world, that they may know how deeply they are loved by their Creator. This includes all the lost and hurting…all the orphans and widows…and especially those caught in sex slavery, who may never hear an “I love you” in their lifetime…who may never understand what true love and joy and happiness and friendship feels like. Those who are used and abandoned and hopeless and broken. They deserve the love I have been given, so much more than I do!

In honor of my birthday, would you, instead of giving me that coffee giftcard (because you know how much I love coffee!), would you instead give a gift to Compassion, or Mission of Mercy, or Feed My Starving Children, or Children’s Cup, or Venture Expeditions, or Blood:Water Mission, or Road of Resistance, or World Vision, or Children to Love International, or Convoy of Hope, or Love 146, or TheA21Campaign? Wherever you feel led? This would make me so very happy!

Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes!!! You, my awesome friends and family, have each blessed me more than you could ever know! I love you all!!!

Moving Forward

I'm excited about what one of my favorite organizations, Venture Expeditions, is doing, and thought I'd give them a little shout out and post their latest video update here. It's pretty cool...they're launching something called Venture Local which will help people raise money for issues they're passionate about, all while staying in the Twin Cities or wherever you live. So if you don't have time to commit to a huge Venture trip, yet still want to be involved, you can now do that. And I think that's so awesome. So check out what Aaron and Ryan have to say, and give them some props, a shout out, comment, whatever, and let them know how excited you are about it, too :)

The Next Chapter from Venture Expeditions on Vimeo.

Hiking for Hope

So a couple months ago I was asked to write an article on human trafficking for the NCU magazine, and since I hadn't done anything of the sort for quite some time, I was all for it. I really enjoyed writing it, since I am passionate about the issue, and I was able to feature an awesome organization, Venture Expeditions, as well as an incredible girl named Renae Post, alumni of North Central and uber-passionate about the issue of human trafficking, as well. It was just a great mix and I'm happy to say I'm super excited about how it turned out :-). The NCU marketing guys sure made this look good! Props to Jeff Hathaway and Ryan Decker and team...you guys rock!

Venture has also been kind enough to post the article on their blog, so here's a link to it if you'd like to check it out there.

I'm also including a link to NCU's online magazine...just page through until you find the "Hiking for Hope" spread :-)

AND, as if you weren't tired enough already of the article...I'm including a picture of it...because...well...not about to float my own boat but totally want to give a shout out to NCU's graphic design guys...I think it looks sweet and Renae and Venture definitely deserve the feature.

So all in all, I'm just a wee bit excited about it :-) Hope you enjoy, it's hot off the press!

Blog from Talkin' Travel

If you're like me and longing to go someplace warm right now...I'd suggest the Riviera Maya, Mexico :-) Just a little something I wrote for the Delta Vacations blog :) Enjoy!

http://blog.deltavacations.com/2011/04/riviera-maya/

Road of Resistance

This video has rocked my world. My heart has been here for the past year, since one of my dear missionary friends works closely with the Karen people. I knew I needed to watch this the minute I found out about it. But I didn’t realize the full impact it would have on me. I am forever changed. I knew God has placed something on my heart, and I still don’t know the extent of it, but I do know He is calling me to help. I know that God places people and things in our lives for a reason.



THE ROAD from Road of Resistance on Vimeo.


If this moves you, please do something about this. Tell someone about it. Show this to your friends and family. Find out how you can get involved and help. Road of Resistance and Venture Expeditions are 2 organizations working to combat this horrible genocide. Get involved today. Don’t wait a second longer. The time is now.

Listen

I've felt like I need to post from my journal lately, so here is another one for you. I wrote it last month. Just something God impressed upon my heart.

Don't give up on yourself, and don't give up on God. He's HERE. RIGHT NOW. He never left your side. And He never will leave you. Give yourself a chance to sit still. Soak Him in. Sit in His presence. LISTEN. Wait. No talking allowed. You've asked. Now listen & wait, because He'll answer. He promised that when you seek Him, you'll find Him. When you ask, you'll receive. When you knock, the door will be opened. So then. It's really only a matter of time. You're ready, right? You're open and willing to receive whatever He chooses to give you? You're willing to act when He calls you? To go wherever and whenever He leads? Sometimes it seems so bleak. Distant. But don't let it get you down. Fight to keep close to God. He's never left your side. He believes in you, and loves you way to much for words to begin to describe. So don't give up on yourself. He's right by your side. Ask, and then listen. Be still, and wait for Him. He's HERE. Now. Let Him speak to your heart & draw you closer to Him.

He's waiting for you to listen.

Moldova

I'm going to be posting a few different times about my trip to Moldova to give you a visual of what it was like. First things first. The culture.

Let me give you a background...my good friend Kalyna, her husband Patrick, and their 3 small boys moved to Moldova this past summer to be missionaries and work with victims of sex trafficking at a safe home there. Really awesome and it was so neat to be able to go visit them and see what life is like for them. The culture is very different, very Russian, and because Moldova is a former Soviet country, when you go out in public, no one smiles and it seems like almost everyone is wearing black. This is because when they were under Soviet rule, they were only allowed to wear 3 colors -- black, white, and grey -- so even today, the culture seems void of color, save for the few younger people we'd see every once in a while, bucking the trend and wearing a splash of bright color. When out in public in the Soviet era, if anyone had any expression on their face, they could be targeted for whatever reason. So everyone went outside with a deadpan, almost bored expression, which has become an ingrained part of their culture today. It took me a while to figure it out until the 2nd day in, when after traveling around on public transportation for long enough, I just wanted someone to smile at me (Picture me trying to fit in while out in public, not smiling. You're right. It didn't work very well!). :) But...Moldovans are extremely friendly and hospitable people. It was a very interesting piece of their culture to notice, though.

A real battle

There is a real spiritual battle going on all around us. Praise God that it's invisible, or I've come to realize that all of us would be so shaken to the core we wouldn't be able to function. It's too much for our human minds to grasp. But it is VERY REAL and should be take VERY SERIOUSLY. It should not be ignored. In the book I'm reading, Spiritual Warfare and Missions, they make some very interesting statements. On page 33, they say:

Could it be possible that someone would really be at work to send people to hell? Satan would prefer us to be ashamed at his existence and put him in the category of mythology. We underestimate our enemy and accuser when God's Word is sadly embraced as a book of anecdotal, sweet stories with solid advice on how to make good decisions. Although on a macro level the Bible assures us we win, we skip the details of the gruesome confrontations along the way to victory.

 AND

They (the disciples) learned that one size did not fit all in their confrontations with darkness. Faith in God gives a disciple authority to confront because he knows he does not fight Satan in his own strength. Our inappropriate fear of the devil can be traced to our lack of confidence in God's ability, not ours.

WOW. The spiritual world is very real and battles are fought every day. And I think for those of us who are missions minded, it's an even bigger deal because when we go on the mission field, we are absolutely SURE to encounter it. Because Satan does not want us to go and spread God's Word and tell the world of His love for them. Satan wants everyone to stay deceived by the lies he's conceived. Religions so close to the truth yet just off, so they seem right and so gain followers, convinced they are on the right road, when in fact these poor people couldn't be farther from it. So close, yet so far. It's so sad. And it builds up this righteous anger within me. I have friends dealing with some pretty heavy spiritual attacks. And the reason I know they're spiritual is because they manifest themselves in an almost physical way, and consume my dear friends so much that they can hardly stand against it. That's when I have come to realize God's great plan for my friends. Satan doesn't want them to move forward, so he comes against them in the strongest way he knows how - fear. AND HE HAS NO PLACE NEAR US. HE IS NOT ALLOWED. IN JESUS' NAME! It's righteous anger that builds inside of me. As sons and daughters of the Most High God, Satan cannot touch us. But He will try to get as close as He can. It's a very real battle. One that is most definitely NOT of flesh and blood. One that is fought with prayer and seeking God and letting Him fight for us, knowing He is protecting us and that we are His. The battle is won. But it is not over yet. So the devil will keep fighting. And we must keep fighting and realize the reality of it. We cannot lose sight of it. It is SO important.

And in the midst of this, it is good to realize how essential it is to be intentional about our relationship with God. It really struck me, on page 36, where they say:

Satan does not have to tempt us to embrace sinful living that would destroy our witness. All he has to do is divert our focus.

Wow. And it hit me. He is very good at diverting our focus. Think about how much time we spend on Facebook versus spending time reading His Word. Just an observation in my life - that's something I struggle with. It is amazing when you think about it, isn't it? The battle is real. When we all realize that, God's kingdom will advance even farther.

On page 44 of the book, it says:

We are told, "Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith" (1 Pet. 5:8-9). Our enemy is not a house pet who likes to nip at our heels. He is not even satisfied with trying to trip us up with temptation and occasional trivial sins. He seeks our total destruction...He will do whatever he can to thwart God's people from fulfilling God's mission.

But God is BIGGER. He is more powerful. And through Him we have authority over Satan and the powers of darkness. We, not through ourselves, but through God, who enables and empowers us. God's mission and plan will prevail. But it is a real battle, and we need to be aware of it. To Him be the Glory and Power and Honor, FOREVER, Amen!

Obedience

We are called to it. We really struggle with it. Or maybe I'm the only one who does? :-P But obedience is one of those things that are absolutely necessary to our walk with Christ. The road we walk on is going to be filled with plenty of ups and downs. More than we'd like, I think. But Jesus tells us to follow him. To walk with Him. He's told me more than once to take his hand, walk with him because he knows the way, and to not look back no matter what we're leaving behind, because while earthly things call our name and might look nice, or maybe earthly struggles try to maintain their grip on us, what Jesus has for us is far better than anything we can imagine. He knows every step. He knows every pebble on the road, all the dust we'll encounter, all the hills and valleys and twists and turns, and in fact, He knows it so well that He could walk the road blindfolded. So I choose to trust Him and be obedient in following Him, because He obviously knows best and knows what's ahead so much better than I ever could.

Questioning

Do you ever have days where you question everything about your life? Everything you've done, motives, everything you want to do, why you want to do that or shouldn't do that, etc? Do you ever have to constantly remind yourself who it is who's really in control...and that it's God and NOT you?

Do you ever have days where you yearn for something that you might be working towards but don't have a way of doing yet? Do you ever question your faith, or at least the heart and motive behind it?

Just wondering. Because I do.

And God has told me quite clearly. Stop questioning. When you know you're supposed to act, do it. Don't question it. Why NOT do it if you know it's from me? Why not take advantage of the opportunities before you to be My light to those around you? Why not? Why wouldn't you? Don't let the world get in the way. Don't worry about what the world thinks. Why should you care? It's Me you're doing this for. And I'm very proud of you. More proud than you can realize. I am with You. Do NOT be afraid. My rod and my staff will comfort you. I will provide. Rest under the shadow of my wings, trust in my mighty arm to hold you up. Speak my name. Show my love. Shine my light. I am with you always. Be not afraid, for I love you, darling child. You are mine and I am yours. Unmistakable is our love. So stop questioning. Haven't I shown you already in many different ways that I am with you?

Off on an adventure...

Tomorrow I fly across the ocean to Moldova to visit my sweet missionary friends and do life with them for about 10 days. They work at a Freedom Home for girls and women who have been trafficked into sex slavery and have escaped with nowhere to go. Oftentimes they are disowned or sold by their own families or someone close to them from their village, so they cannot go home. How tragic. I try to imagine myself in that situation and find it almost impossible to even think about. But these girls have gone through and deal with the unimaginable daily. And that's why my friends are in Moldova, ministering to these precious girls. Because the only real healing and restoration can come from Christ and Christ ALONE. Because without the beautiful Hope that comes from God, I don't know how anyone could make it after dreams and lives have been ripped to shreds, all for the sake of money and because man must have his pleasure. That might sound harsh, but it's the sad, brutal truth. I believe God will bring justice for what has happened to these girls and what is happening to so many -- MILLIONS -- across the globe. It breaks my heart and is so hard to comprehend that humans really still do this to each other.  You'd think we'd have learned by now. But someone always takes advantage, don't they? When I think of these things, I am so grateful for the promise of Heaven, for a new body and no pain. How happy that day will be!

My friends are bringing hope and healing in the name of Jesus to the people of Moldova, and also educating them on the dangers of sex trafficking and how to combat/prevent it. Raising awareness. Moldova is such a poor country that most of the people need to look outside of it for work, so in a trafficker's mind, the people are ripe for the plucking. One life saved at a time. It's a slow process. But by raising awareness and bringing healing, there is hope. God is bigger.

I am just excited spend time with my friends and see what their life is like in Moldova. How they are getting used to a new culture and language. And I'm also really looking forward to some HUGE hugs when we meet at the airport. That moment will be awesome. It puts a huge grin on my face just thinking about it :).

I will try to blog/tweet/facebook about my travels as much as I am able, and will be taking plenty of pictures, which I'll share when I'm back home. Love you all, thanks for reading!

A little jealous

A dear, sweet family, the Princes, just moved to Swaziland, Africa, a couple days ago. I miss them already. I love their precious kiddies. I just oh-so-love this family in general, they are so genuine and embody Christ’s love to everyone around them. Swaziland will be forever changed because of them and what God’s going to do through them. And I have to admit, I’m a little jealous! Not in a bad sort of way, but in a “Wow, they are where they’re supposed to be” kind of way. They are in Africa! The place where God has called them. It’s just SO COOL! My little missionary heart yearns for that…that “new place” excitement…exploring the new scenery, culture, people…the trusting God every step of the way, every moment of the day part, because it’s the way life is over there…
And I long for that. To be in the place God has called me to be. With that assurance that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. The excitement of exploring that new place, culture, people, and realizing you already have a deep, unexplained love for them that could only come from God.

I don’t know…maybe it’s the travel bug, or a fascination with the idea of missions, or maybe, just maybe, it’s really God who is tugging on my heart. In what direction, I don’t know specifically yet, but I’m starting to figure out a couple distinct passions that He has given me. How I will direct those passions into ministry and my life in general, I don’t yet know. That’s okay. I just want to follow Him and love others the way that He loves me. I want to make a difference. So it starts with saying yes, every day, to His calling. To remembering daily the price He paid for me, because He loved me so much, so how can I help but praise Him and show others this great love?

A little jealous of the sweet Prince family today as they explore and enjoy the mysteries of their new home. And, I’m looking forward to what God has in store, not just for me, but for everyone I know and for my church, because God is up to something big. He always has been, and always will be, but in this moment, I know without a doubt that He has a plan and wants us to be a part of it. What is your part in God’s plan? Pray about it. Seek Him. He’ll tell you. Our God is such a trustworthy, AWESOME, HUGE God. He knows you. He loves you. He’s calling you. Can you hear Him? It all starts with being willing and saying yes to Him. The best is yet to come!

Whispers in the Wind

This is a poem I wrote when I was in high school. I used to write a lot of poems then. I still like to do it, but don't get to often. It's one of those things that with a spark of inspiration, the whole thing just flies from my brain all the way to my fingertips, and I can't help but race to find a pen or a computer so I can jot it down before it's gone. It's almost always in praise to God, too, which is the best :). I love writing to please and praise Him! So anyways, hope you enjoy...for some reason this has always been a favorite. A little ethereal, too. I love picturing angels surrounding me, protecting me. God is always near.

Whispers in the Wind

Hark, a silent breath,

whispers in the wind.

Gently flowing here, there,

never ceasing.

The brush of angels’ wings

cascading down the stair,

to help me know

I’m not alone;

He’s with me everywhere.

My God, my God,

I’m in your tender care,

help me to know,

I’m not alone,

that you’re with me everywhere.

Hark, the brush of angels’, wings.

Listen,

and you shall hear,

the gentle whispers,

faint,

but there.

Then you’ll know you’re not alone,

He’s with you everywhere.

Lessons from Vietnam

I wanted to share something I wrote 2 years ago after my trip to Thailand and Vietnam. I was going through some older files today and discovered it, and as I read it, it felt like I was re-learning all over again. This is exactly why journaling while on a trip like this is so important, because we capture things and learn so many little things that we quickly forget once we're home.

When I think of my trip to Vietnam with River Valley Church, there’s so much I could say. I am amazed at how God’s purpose, plan, and protection were so evident in everything we did. I’m amazed at how much I learned…at how I realized that it’s never about what I do on my own, but what God does through me, that really matters.

A good chunk of our trip was focused on ministering to children whose families lived in the poorest of slums in Vietnam. We took them to a waterpark, where they rarely get to go. As I played, splashed, giggled, hugged, and held these precious children, I learned that love truly does speak louder than words. These children didn’t need words to know they were loved! Love breaks down any barrier, including language. Though they chattered on and on to me in their language, and no matter how hard I tried to understand them, I couldn’t talk to these children. But through smiles and laughter and open arms, I realized that I could still communicate one thing to them, and that was how much God loves them.

I guess that’s what struck me about this trip. I can’t do anything on my own. No amount of strength or will or determination was ever going to help me help and love others unless I let God work through me first. He showed me how good He is, how He works incredible miracles in situations that we can’t even imagine or comprehend as citizens of a free United States of America. Stories of deliverance and stories of perseverance all lead back to love and trust only in God. He is the source of true strength. And His promises never fail. When you lean on Him and love as He loves, and trust God as a child trusts, you’ll break through any barrier.

Love this!!!

I had to share this, courtesy of Lindsay Willis. She is amazing and this is amazing. I want this to be my prayer every day!

Heavenly Father, Sovereign LORD, give me Your words of wisdom,  so that I know how to comfort the weary.  Morning by morning please waken me and open my understanding to Your will.  Heavenly Father, Sovereign LORD, speak to me, and I will listen.  I will obey; I will not rebel or turn away.