Changing Times

     I walked into Boston Stoker in Englewood just now. Glanced over at two girls talking, and much to my shock was one of my besties from High school. We have had no contact for years. Seeing her got me to thinking about how things change.

     Last time I saw this dear girl I was a confused teenager. Now I'm an adult seeking after the heart of Christ. When we were together I was still trying to understand the call I was feeling. Today, it may be hard but I know what I'm supposed to do with my life. 

     There is nothing I can do to slow time down, and really I would not want to. My time here on earth is so short. Its a tiny dot on a huge line. During this flash of time I get the choose what I do. Who will I choose today? Joshua 24:15 says, "Choose this day whom you will serve". I choose to serve the Lord God Almighty!!!!! 

Tanner Brandt Is Two

      A few weeks back I had the awesome privilege to take Tanners two year photos. It was cold and windy out but we make it work. I don't think I have ever had so much fun taking photos. He did a great job and we got some fun ones. 

He did not want to put the stick down

The self portrait of the day

Prayer Partners

Dear Friend,

     God has been taking me on an amazing journey the last few months. I am so excited to see what He is going to do in 2012!

     Most of my life I have felt a call to serve God on the foreign mission field. I was in nursing school for a year, because I saw it as an open door to the mission field. However, God seems to be calling me in a different direction.

     Starting in April, I am going to be attending IGO. This stands for Institute for Global Opportunities. This will be eight months of rigorous study, coupled with travel to nations in Asia and Europe. IGO is located in Chaing Mia Thailand, so I will be moving half way around the world.

     I can’t go through this program without the prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ. One of the things the staff at IGO encourages students to do is find prayer partners. This means people who will take a day of the week to intercede before the Father for me.

     I’m writing this letter to see if you will consider being one of those people for me. This is a big commitment and I will in no way be hurt if you feel you simply do not have the time. Please email me if this is something you are interested in. My email is breelavy92@gmail.com

In Christ,

Bree

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. ~Luke 10:2

Decision...Made

     I have made the decision, decided to take the leap. What a journey it has been getting to this point of surrender to the will of my Father in heaven. This is not to say that there are not still parts of my life that are unsurrendered...because there are, nor does it mean I have it all together, and figured out. In fact...I really have nothing figured out at all. Except that I am ready and willing to follow after my Abba Father.
     Some people may call me crazy, and others say its an easy road out. However, this has been the hardest and most difficult time of my life. When God calls us to do things that are out of the norm, its hard. When I'm in the middle of my nursing education and its being put on hold, its hard. When God is blessing me with another niece or nephew and I know I'm leaving that behind, its hard. Friends who will move on with life and make wonderful memories with out me is hard. Though this is all difficult, God is providing and showing me His wonderful faithfulness each day.
     God does not call us to be simple American Christians who have it all figured out. He wants us to be needy of Him every day, in every way. Living a radical life for Christ is shown all through out the bible. Why do I think its going to be an easy, asphalt paved way. He tells us in His word that people are going to hate us, kill us, persecute us, if we follow Him. So many times we forget those verses and focus on how God will bless us. He does blesses us for our faithfulness. I'm so thankful that God has abundantly showered His blessings upon my life. However, I also know I can't used Jesus as a vending machine to just give me blessings. Being a Christ follower is about so much more.
     What I am choosing to do is not for everyone. I believe that the great commission "And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."is a command and for all of us. While I say that, I feel like God calls us all to different places to live that out. Some of us go to foreign lands, but some need to stay and live it out here on America soil. This chapter in Mark goes on to say that whoever does not believe will be condemned. Its my job to tell others the truth so they can have the free gift of Salvation God has given me.
     A few months ago I posted about a school in Thailand, called IGo. I was asking for your prayers as I prayerfully, considered attending. God has completely shown me that His will is for me to leave in April and be gone until December. This means that I will be attending classes at IGo for 8 months. Exactly what these eight months are going to look like is unknown. What I do know is that I will be taking classes on Theology, Cultural Anthropology, World Religions, Growth in Christ, History of Missions, Christian Family, Principles of Teaching, Local Church Evangelism, TESOL, and Bible classes.
     I am excited beyond what I am capable of putting into words. It looks big and challenging, but I am so ready! Please pray for me in the coming months as I prepare, and as I go that God will continue to show me His unending faithfulness, and grace. Also, pray for my family as I leave. I'm not sure if its going to be harder on them or on me! :) If you are interested in being a weekly prayer partner please send me an email at breelavy92@gmail.com. 
~Deciding to follow Jesus,
Bree

B*E*A*U*T*Y

My last few days in Washington were simply beautiful! We serve quite the artistic God!!! :) 

Last Moments with Lasting Memories

     Wow I can’t get over the fact that I’m home again. Sometimes I wonder if my whole trip was just a dream. Its been great to spend time with my friends and family again!

     When I first got to Washington, I told Shane that one thing I wanted to do before I left was shoot his guns. He has tons of different ones and they are all very fascinating to me. Being the forgetful person I am, I forgot about this little idea. Plus, I was thinking there was no way it would ever work out.

     Anyhow, one evening before I left for Ohio, Shane reminded me of my wish. I felt so special to get to spend and evening with the kiddos shooting amazing guns. We got a bunch of expired syrup and shot at them. I’m fairly certain that I have the worst aim in the whole world…I did hit one box though. Cindy came out for a little bit and hit exactly what she was aiming for! I was super impressed!

What we shot at

The A*M*A*Z*I*N*G Cindy Turner

Aspen's turn

My dear sister friends

Yup, I loved it

It was so cold out!

     I will never for get all the memories I make on this trip. The Turner family is my family. I love you all and miss you lots! 

My Other Family

     Each of the turner kiddos blessed me in so many wonderful ways. I will miss them more than I could even begain to put into worlds. They will always hold a very dear, special part of my heart. Never do I want them to forget how much the blessed me so I decided to write them all a short message

     Hank Weston, you are such a neat young man. You truly brightened my days with your jokes and humor. Never in all my days will I forget about the ear biting joke, and I can’t wait to tell it at your wedding!!! Don’t ever lose the love to work. I was so impressed with your desire to help the sweeper men, and help out in anyway at Martin’s. My life has been blessed because you are in it, and I will miss you lots.

Yes this would be a typical pose

     Nikita Jade, girl, you will always be a friend of mine. I can’t wait until the day I have my own home and you can come spend time with me. You are such an amazing help around the house and with your siblings. You have a gift of service! Don’t grow up too fast. You have lots of time to be an old person like me tee hee. I love you and I see you like a younger sister. I will miss you muchly.

     Brandy Rose, I am not sure, but I think you are the smartest eight year old I have ever met. The questions you think to ask are ones I was wanting to ask. I love that you learn by asking why, how, what for! There is NEVER a stupid question! Your mind is a thing of wonder. Use it for Jesus! You are beautiful on the inside and out. Keep seeking the truth about Jesus! I will miss you tons!

     Aspen Dove, you are contagious.  Your passionate spirit it so cool to see. No matter what mood you are in your passion comes through. If you are happy everyone is happy, if your upset everyone gets upset. However, most of the time you are a gentle person and you make me want to be kind and gentle all the time. God has blessed you with a gift of loving, and caring for children. I can’t wait to see where He is going to take you when you grow up. I will miss you gobs.

     Lacy Iris, I love the way you speak. You have a way of making a person feel loved to the depths of their heart. From the moment you wake up until the moment you fall asleep you have a song on your heart. Keep letting it come through! Its such a bright place in your home. Your love and sweetness to Hunter and Hank is darling. Brothers are one of the best gifts in the world. You will be missed so much.

     Hunter Lee, I really think I care for you like a son. Of course I don’t have any kiddos to compare with, but Hunter you really make my heart melt. Your smile and laugh is demanding of attention for anyone who is around! I love that you can say mango and Aunt Bree. All boy…that’s what you are…dominate and wanting to charge through life. God has a special purpose for you! I will miss you immensely!

Love that smile!!!! 

     Hunter did not want me hold him, but he quickly learned to say Aunt Bree…I think it was because I would do a happy jig. One Sunday in prayer I could hear him saying my name lol. It was interesting because I feel bonded to him because of holding him so much when he was a bebe. After a few times of me snuggling with him he started to warm up some what. Last night he sat on my lap snuggling for a long time. I think he knew I was leaving and this would be our last snuggles for a long time.