The More I Seek You...

{But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with your whole heart and with all your soul} ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

{You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart} ~ Jeremiah 29:13 

{The more I seek You, The More I find You, The More I find You, The more I love You} ~Kari Jobe

{Brittany Ann, my noble daughter, I'm here just waiting. I'm waiting for you to seek me, I can't wait for you to find me, and the depth of my love for you.} ~ Abba Father

     This week brings the first semester to a close. So much has happened the past four months, God has taught me so much, and my life will never be the same again. I'm beyond thankful for the opportunity to be here at IGo, and I know it was ordained by my heavenly Father. 

     Jesus has taught me so much about seeking Him. When I truly spend time in His presence every day, He is so faithful in allowing me to find Him. The more I find God, and the more I know about Him, the more I want of Him. I become dependent on His filling everyday. My understanding of the "Living Water" becomes deeper as I realize I can't make it through a day with out my special "Jesus Time". My heart cry has become "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is NOTHING on earth that I desire besides You" ~Psalm 73:25

     Isaiah has always been one of my favorite books of the Bible, and in coming to Thailand I decided I was going to read a chapter everyday. This lead me to reading through Deuteronomy, and these two have changed my view of God drastically. I'm starting to more fully understand what God's grace really means, I'm starting to see how Holy God really is! As I realize His holiness I understand how unworthy  I really am of Him. And yet His whispers to me, "Brittany, my daughter of royalty, I love you, I formed you, and I care about you and your heart. I will keep fighting for you. You Brittany will be a crown of beauty in my hand, and no one will be able to pluck you out. I delight in you,  and I will declare to the nations "My delight is in her"! I greatly rejoice over you, and my banner over you is love. I am your Ishi and you are my bride. Come away with me and be my Child". ~Isa 62:1-5, ~Song of Solomon 2:4 ~Jon 10:28.

     

Purpose

One thing that has been stressed over and over is that each student would know WHY they are at IGo. When we write down why, it helps keep us from distractions.  Dear friend, please pray God’s protection over distractions in my life. I’m here because of Him, and for Him. This week has already been crazy!! God is already doing an amazing work in my heart and in my life. Praise Him!!!

Purpose For Being At IGo

  

1.     Because God called me

2.     To grow in Jesus

3.     To be stretched

4.     To seek the face of the Father

5.     To build lasting friendships

6.     To learn more about the heart of God

7.     To remove self and give it all to Him…a change of heart

8.     To serve each person I’m around

9.     To love all people

10. To care about hearts

11. COMPLETE SURRENDER

  

Dear Father, protect me from distractions that will hold me back from these purposes. I’m here for You and because of  You. Praise you for being so faithful in providing this far! You are worthy of all my praise! Thank you Jesus for caring about my heart. I am your vessel, your slave. Use me in whatever way you want. I am YOURS. Allow me to grow and change in you. Reveal Your heart to me and teach me how to seek You in everything. I completely surrender to You…every area of my life…heart, mind, body, soul…Jesus, they are yours. 

Day One

     Praise God I made it home. Life is a bit different then in Ohio. This is truly going to be the biggest adventure I have ever taken. I'm in one bit room with many other girls. I'm all unpacked and getting settled. Living with this many other people in the same room will be an interesting experience.  
     White noise of many fans, sweat dripping, unpacking, loud Thai voices being blasted on a speaker outside on the street, and many many many girls...and...only half have arrived...My brain starts working and I start to think "God, I'm not sure I can do this. I need time alone, how will I live with so many people and not go crazy?" After getting unpacked, having a phone call with Courtney, Getting dressed and ready for the day, I  get to just sit and be with Jesus.
     The first thing I read today talked about God wanting me to be needy of Him. When I am weak and faint of Heart, God can really move in my life. Jesus wants me to come to Him with a longing to know more about Him. He wants me to be completely and totally dependent upon Him. He knows what I need and He will take care of me. What encouragement after feeling so overwhelmed!! The Father knows what He is doing in my life and I can just lean on Him and trust Him to take care of me. He has me in His hands even in Thailand.
     So, I am needy of Him, and that puts me right were He wants me. On my own there is no way that I can live with this many girlys. However, with Him...Nothing is impossible: Luke 1:37. On my wall next to my bed I have a hanging I got in Michigan that has Phil 4:13...my life verse. God is here and taking care of me.
     Its still only 11AM and God has already comforted me and taught me to rely more on Him and less on me! Praise be to His name. Also, its warm and the sun is shining and I LOVE not being cold!!!!!!!

Streaming Tears

     We interupt the story of Michigan to bring you a heart update. Right now it is 4:11PM and I have been crying off and on for about an hour. I want to make it clear I'm SOOOOO excited for IGo, and its only 14 days away!!!!!!!!! However, I'm starting to feel very sad. Here is why.....
     Thursday night is my last night working at Miami Valley Women's Center. I have been working there off and on for about three years. I have watched the kiddos grow up, and have fallen in love with most of them. Two of my dearest friends were made by working Thursdays nights, (I love you Jess and Susie). They will be greatly missed. Friday night will most likely be the last night I babysit for Tanner, (Maybe Vienna too but I have not got to babysit her yet so I'm not sure she is going to be there).  Not that I really watch him a lot, but its still a saddening last.
     I have been staying with Great Grandma while Grandpa Lavy's are in CA. Its not a big deal to stay up there, but I am realizing I'm missing the last two weeks of my own bedroom (Its my haven away from crazy life, and I miss it). Grandma is a gem, one of the dearest old ladies ever!
     Almost every day is filled with meeting up with people, running errands, working as much as possible and so on. I know that I'm not going to get to be with nearly all the people I want to before the 24th. To leave without telling all my peeps goodbye is hard. I know things will be so different when I come home.
     Also, my days have been filled with pain in my ankle and back. I know that the devil is trying his best to get me down. I'm getting so tired of not feeling well. My nights are restless and so short. I lay in bed for hours before falling asleep and wake up way before my alarm goes off. In these moments I remember the verse in Philippians 4 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Somehow that is a much harder verse to follow then one would think. Please keep me in your prayers.
       On a very exciting note....I got my prayer cards. Please let me know if you want one.

Tonia Schauer took them, and I am very impressed. 

Thanks for prayers.

Sponsorship

     This weekend at the Haiti Benefit Auction, a lot was said about sponsoring children, and different projects. Some of the sponsorship organizations talked about are Compassion International, Save The Children, World Vision and this weekend schools, IFM, Heart of Compassion, and International Fellowship Haven. Every photo of these kiddos makes my heart long to hug them and let them know they are loved. How much more must our Father feel that way when He looks down at each of us needing the love and salvation of His son Jesus. I look at those kiddos and think about their human needs, but the Father, He looks at all of us and sees our ultimate need, a personal relationship with Jesus.

     I’ve never though I would be in a position to need sponsorship. After all, I come from a middle class American family. Why would I ever have that kind of need? Well, when faced with the opportunity to attend IGo I quickly realized I had no way of paying for it, and no time to raise the required money. Nevertheless, I was certain that was where God was calling me.

     One night I decided He and I needed to have a little chat. God wants to hear what we have to say, and He wants to have to chance to answer back. So, while I was driving I started to talk. I laid it all out there, asking “Why are you calling me here and not providing for me? Why am I so excited about this and have no way to go? Why God, Why?” That night I received no answer and I went to bed feeling discouraged and confused.

     God’s mercies are new every morning! I woke up the next day, and I was ready to put hard work into this calling. When God speaks, it’s time to follow no matter what the odds look like. My day was going to be spent researching fundraisers. I have never been okay with flat out asking people for money, and knew that was absolutely not an option for me. Mom and I talked about doing a spaghetti dinner, cleaning, babysitting, bake sale, etc. That all sounded like a grand place to start.

     However, God, He had other, more wonderful, something I never would have considered, ideas. He, the most amazing person in my life, provided beyond my wildest expectations. There was a family, who felt God calling them to help me on this journey. (Every time I tell this story tears fall, God is just so faithful!) This family is living out Romans 10:15 by sending me on this journey. In the end it ended up I did need sponsored. My Father in Heaven provided in a way that I never had to ask, I only had to pray.

     There are still daily needs, and things that I have to get before I go. God is showing Himself faithful and I know He is going to continue to provide. Please pray for me and my family as everything comes together.

     My departure date is April 24^th. I will be gone 7 months, and 24 days. This equals, 34 weeks or 238 days, or 5712 hours, or 342,720 minutes, or 20,563,200 seconds, give or take a few. My arrival date is Dec 17^th.

     8ish months is the longest I have ever been away from home. God has been preparing me and my family for this day for the last few years. Every trip I have taken has gotten progressively longer. First I was gone a month, then six weeks, then two point five months, then just under three months, and now 8ish. Just as every other journey He will be present in this one too.

     Nursing school is being put on hold right now. Many people keep asking me what I'm going to do after this...I don't know. God has not unfolded that part of His plan yet. I am comfortable waiting on Him to guide me. All my life I have wanted to be a nurse, but if God has something else in mind, well, I choose to follow Him. How exciting to be able to completely trust Him for whatever is next. I'm in for the journey of a life time!!! "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD". ~Isaiah 55:8

     Currently I'm finishing up one class at Sinclair. I will be done with it March 22, and what a happy day it will be!!! :) This has not been the most interesting class. Around our house people daily hear me say "I'm going to fail this class from pure, simple BOREDOM".  Never fear, I really do have an A. The days I don't have class are spent working for Dad in the shop. Not the most enjoyable job, and I have to work to have a happy attitude about it, but its helping pay for things! I'm so thankful Dad is providing me a place to work before I go. Its hard to find a job when you are gone so much! 

More IGo posts 

1^st http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2011/11/institute-for-global-opportunities.html

2^{nd http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2012/01/decisionmade.html}

3^rd http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2012/01/prayer-partners.html

Serving an ever faithful Father, 

Bree 

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!!!!! 

Last Post in the USA

     Well...tomorrow is the big day. We are heading to Seattle around 6AM. The house is still busy with van packing, floor sweeping, and child chasing. Its going to be a grand blessing from God if any of us sleep tonight. However, God will supply the strength we need to get through our travels. Please pray for protection as we embark on this amazing journey.
     I thought I would list a few things I am thankful for before we leave. (NOT in any particular order, just the order the thought happened to come in!). This is kinda a prayer of thanksgiving in my heart.

*That Jesus lives today*

*Freedom to live for Jesus*

*The call on my life*

*The Word of God* 

*Dad, Mom, Trent, Malinda, Cody, Natalie, Carson, Morgan, Tanner, Bebe*

*Shane, Cindy, Hank, Nikita, Brandy, Aspen, Lacy, Hunter*

*Gale, Shirley*

*The ability to read*

*Freedom to travel*

*Support from friends and family*

*My dear brothers and sisters in Christ*

*Prayers of the saints*

*Funds that make this trip possible*

*Health*

*Healing of my ankle* 

*Clean water*

*Warm beds*

*Hot showers*

*INTERNET*

*Cell phones*

***The list goes on and on***

     Please pray for us each day as you think of us. We all know that God has called us for such a time as this and we are willing vessels of Him. Thank you all for the prayers you have already said and the prayers you will continue to pray. We feel them and know that they make a huge difference in our lives! 

     I will do my best to keep the blog up. It totally depends on the internet connection and the amount of time I will have. Perhaps this is something else to pray for?!?!?! :)

A servant for the King, 

Bree

The Return

      I found this post I had written a few months back. It seemed very fitting considering we are leaving for Thailand in a few days! :)

     One day soon things are going to change. Are you going to be ready: am I? Matthew 24:44 says, Therefor you must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.* We are already seeing the changes. Mark 13:8 says, For nation shall rise against Nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.* Look at the world around us. Earthquakes = Haiti, New Zealand, and Japan. Nations against Nations = the Middle East. Famines = everywhere except the wealthy in Canada, USA, and Europe...but when you really look at the city's...its here too.  The Son of Man is coming soon!

      As I look at the Bible and I compare it to the things I see happening, I know that the end is coming soon. So I start to ponder: How would I spend my life if I knew that Jesus was coming back in a week? That is 7 days, 168 hours, 10,080 minutes, and 604,800 seconds. Would I spend my time complaining about pain in my ankle, taking photos, blogging, reading anything other than the Word of God. When I look at life in this manner I think I would spend my time in the Word of God, and telling the people I am around about Jesus! He wants to have a personal relationship with each one of us. My friends, please realize your need for Jesus!!!

When Bad Ankles Make Fashion Leave

     Most of my life I have dealt with bad ankles. Sometimes I look back at my years from 12 to 17 and feel like I spent most of it on crutches and in casts. Last time mom and I figured it up I have had around 15 casts. Now that I am older I really felt like that period of my life was over. However, God had different ideas. I am fairly certan that He is wanting to show me His glory and His power through this. 

     About a week and a half ago I was walking outside and took a tumble. We were getting to go to a camp fire for the evening when it happened. I felt really horrid but I go up and walked to the van...um...I guess I kinda jumped...limped...hopped...tried not to cry to the van...When I got in everyone wanted to know if I was ok because they had seen what happened...I said I was fine...but...I think... maybe... I told a bit of a lie...I was in lots of pain. When we got home from our evening Cindy, Shane, Gale, and Shirley laid hands on my foot and ankle and prayed for Gods healing touch! Praise the Lord...I am almost pain free... I did not have to do a cast or crutches...but...I had to buy these NASTY shoes...Here are the photos of my fashion train wreck :).

I ordered two pairs so I could get the ones that looked the best and fit the best. 

They are green and gray so that helps me like them better

The side

The Heal

They come way up my ankle so I can't twist out of them. 

Maybe God is trying to show me that I don't always have to be up on the latest fashion. However, to God be the glory!!! I know that He is healing me and He is going to direct my foot steps. Today in Proverbs we happened to read 3:23,"Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble." God is going to take care of me!!! Praise be to His name forever and ever!

My Place Has Already Been Taken

     I feel a drop, and look up. The sun is shinning so brightly behind You: I can't make out Your face. There You hang, the Savior of the world. My hand goes to my head where the drop landed, I look down and see the crimson red. Mixed emotions overwhelm me. Do I cry for the pain and suffering, or do I rejoice in my salvation?

     As the blood flows over me I feel such pain and sadness. My sin caused this suffering. I should be the one hanging to die. Instead, You have taken my place. God, Your love, I simply can't understand. Why do You keep choosing to forgive me, and why did You take my place? Hell and eternal suffering is all that I deserve, yet You offer me a FREE gift. All I need to do is ask and You forgive. Thank you Jesus for giving up your life for me!

     Its not over, Your life is going to reign on the land again. Three days after being placed in a tomb, You come back to life. God, You are alive and living today!! Thank you Father. However, its still not over. One  day You are going to come here again. I am ready Lord. I can't wait to see your face and forever be by Your side! You have promised; no more suffering and pain, no more sin and sorrow, no more sickness and poverty, no more death and loss. Thank you God! Praise be to Your name most high! 

Emmi Mea

     ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ This summer I have had the amazing opportunity to hangout with Emmi Mae Fisher. We had lots of fun doing photo-shoots, going shopping, watching movies and reading through a book called "Not a Fan". I am so thankful for this time of growing in Christ and becoming better friends.

     Emmi, you are an amazing young lady and I know God is going to use you for His kingdom. Keep growing in Him and trusting Him with your life! "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future".  ~ Jeremiah 29:11. Emmi I am so thankful you are in my life! Love you lots!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥