wake-up call(s)

Earlier this week something terrible happened. Something so scary and sad. Scary that it happened to someone I know and sad that there are such terrible people in this world that enjoy preying on girls.
A friend of mine and pi phi sister that lives in Little Rock was attcked, beaten and almost kidnapped last Sunday. I don't want to say any names for their sake of protection, but it was horrible.
When I heard of this news last Monday, I could not believe it. It consumed my mind and thoughts all day long. I was relieved that she was not taken and that the Lord spared her life. I know she will use this awful experience to glorify God through it someday. I'm so proud of her for being strong.

This whole situation has been a true eye opener. It has made me aware of severeal things, such as being thankful to have life everyday and to not take things for granted.  Also that I need to be more aware of my surroundings and never be trusting. I feel like living in NWA it is safe, and I think it is for the most part, but seriosuly you just never know. I'm kind of a skeptic of people that I don't know anyways, so I will keep doing that even if that means that I come across snobby.

The good news is that they did catch the monster that did this to her. He is in fact behind bars which is such a praise. The LRPD acted fast and did a great job.

You can read the 2 news stories HERE and HERE if you would like.

My friend is doing well and recovering. Please pray for her and her sweet family. Pray for an overwhelming peace and protection to surround them and praise our Maker that he saved her life!

Now go take a self-defense class. Seriously!

Amazima

I sit here in utter amazement, with tears welling up in my eyes, and a huge lump in my throat. I truly have never heard a story like it.

Let me give a quick preface.
 At community group we are doing a study called "Stuck." It has been wonderful so far. Jennie Allen wrote the study. It is not yet published but should be soon. She conducted this study at http://austinbible.org/home and each week at our group we listen to her podcasts. This last one was on Discontentment. That word sometimes makes me feel a little nauseous. As she was speaking, she brought up this girl named Katie and her blog.




Katie is a girl who up and moved to Uganda because the Lord called her to do this. She is 21 years old and has adopted 14 children. She lived a normal life and intended only to stay there for 1 year. She is now going to live there forever. Her story just simply blows my socks off. It is so powerful. She has SACRIFICED everything of what a "normal" life looks life. She believes nothing is sacrifice in light of eternity with Christ.

And for me to sit here today, knowing everyday I think about ridiculous things, such as coveting other peoples clothes, blogs, or what size they are. How unfortunate that I am that selfish. Knowing that I sacrifice nothing everyday to spend eternity with Christ, but yet He still loves me.
I want to hear Him to say one day, "Well done my good and faithful servant, I am so proud of you."
This story has truly opened my eyes. It will make me think twice about when I need to go shopping or if I'm feeling jealous of something or someone.
I also think, how do I get to that point of being willing to sacrifice and being willing to go anywhere. There is a song we sing at church, "Where you lead me Lord I will follow, where you lead me Lord I will go." I most of the time don't sing that part becasue I know I would not just up and go if I was called too and I know that I'm not willing yet, but I sure need to get there. I think the hardest thing is praying for the Lord to break you of something, not knowing what it is or could be. But knowing that He will and knowing that is what makes us stronger in our faith, and that is when sacrifice comes into play.

Although I know some of you already know of her, I just wanted to share her story because of how powerful it truly is. Go to her blog and read some of her posts if you haven't ever. They are life-changing and will make you weep. http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/.


Michelle