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.

     

Freedom

     Life. In one word so many things come to mind. Life is breathing, eating, sleeping, working, and for most of us FREEDOM. Yet, so much more is associated with these letters. What about service, care, love, faith, hope, joy, they are also part of life. Beyond that there is stress, studying, school, family, friends, shopping, sorting, checking off lists, paying bills, packing, exercising, and again FREEDOM.

     Last weekend, for the first time, I was truly made aware of what life looks like without freedom. It was heart wrenching, tear jerking, and life changing. We all hear about slavery in school, in the news, and in great literary works. Nevertheless, seeing it displayed in a museum, dedicated to sharing the plight of those once in and still in slavery, gives a whole different look at the tragic, money making industry of human trafficking.  

     A few weeks back I was told that Mom, Dad, and Carson wanted to take me away for the weekend. They wanted me to come up with a fun way to spend our time. I have always wanted to spend time in Cincinnati down by the river so, to the city we went. After some research I found the Freedom Center. This museum is the most saddening museum I have ever been to. It started with slavery back before the Civil War, and ended with slavery that continues still today. 

"There is a spark inside all of us to stop slavery, fan the flame"

FREEDOM CENTER 

The eternal flame

The museum is built right across the river where many freedom seekers crossed 

This was an amazing quilt like thingy. A lady, who is still alive, made it to represent her families lives in slavery. 

She put the Emancipation Proclamation on it, as well as September 11, 2001. It is an amazing work of art.

"DON'T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN"

This is the only slave pen still around. Most of them were demolished after the war. They were called a pen because no one wanted to admit the slaves were human. The slaves were considered animals that were to be exchanged for money. Going inside that building brought tears to my eyes. It was really used to store men, women, and children. 

I'm not an art person, but there were some AMAZING works portraying the lives of slaves. This one starts in Africa, and ends in the grave.  

The slaves who were granted freedom had to wear these tags saying they were free.

     What broke my heart more than anything was the modern day slavery exhibition. Yes, slavery was ghastly before it was Abolished in 1833 (England), and 1865 (USA). However, nothing breaks my heart more then the men, women, children who are still living in bondage. There was a sign that said "the United States is one of the worlds busiest destinations for sex traffickers. 

We don't see it, and its all around us 

     As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am called to tell others about the FREEDOM He offers. Here are just a few verses in the word of God about FREEDOM. 

"So if the Son sets you FREE, you will be FREE indeed."

~ John 8:36

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is FREEDOM"

~ 1 Corinthians 3:17

"For you are called to FREEDOM, brothers & sisters. Don't use your FREEDOM as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

~ Galatians 5:13

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim LIBERTY to the CAPTIVES and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at LIBERTY those who are OPPRESSED, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor".

~ Isaiah 6:1-2 & Luke 4:18-19

    The way the above verse is lived out is found in Matthew 28:19-20 & Mark 16:14-18 

"Go therefore and make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

     How are the captives going to be set free, the blind given sight, the lost saved, the poor taken the good news, the oppressed given FREEDOM if someone does not GO? How is someone going to go unless they are sent? We all have a part in seeing those in captivity brought to the wonderful thing called FREEDOM. Not just physical freedom, but also the real FREEDOM in JESUS CHRIST!!!!! 

"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of who they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?”

~Romans 10:14-15a

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!!!!! 

Institute for Global Opportunities

     This post is informational as well as a request for prayer. When we were getting ready to leave for Thailand I found out about a school called IGo. It is located here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Before I give too much information about it I should probably back up…

     Around eight years old I knew when I grew up I wanted to serve God. At this point I had not really realized my need for Jesus nor asked Him to dwell in my life. In fact, that did not happen until I was 11.5. What started me on this journey, I don’t know. Nevertheless, I do know is God has placed a call on my life. All of us have a calling. Our callings are all different, but we all have one. Maybe its to stay home and be a mom and wife, or maybe its campus ministry, or it may be providing for your family by working hard everyday, going to school, telling others about Jesus, or being an obedient son or daughter...really could be anything. First Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain”. ESV From this is can be concluded that what every you are doing as long as its for the Lord, and they are in the Lord, it is not in vain.

     I feel like my calling is to serve God by telling others about their need for God’s son Jesus. God has filled me with a passion for people who are hurting and down. This passion tends to lead me to the poorest of the poor; whether its monetarily, emotionally or spiritually. The prayer of my life has been Isaiah 6:8. “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ ‘Then I said Here am I! Send me’. When I read Isaiah 61:1-3 it seems like its talking directly to me. (The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion-to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they many be called oaks righteousness, the planting of the Lord that he may be glorified.) These verses are also found in the New Testament Luke 4:18. Also verse fifteen in Mark 16, And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Similarly, verse nineteen in Matthew 28 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

      As Christ Followers we are called to BOLDLY PROCLAIM His word!! All through Acts it talks about having boldness for Christ. Not backing down about the truth even to the point of prison, persecution, and ultimately death. Philippians 1:20-21 “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that will full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” As a Christ Follower this is made personal to me and my walk with Jesus. I want to be willing to give up everything for Him!

     It seems like this passion has led me to the medical field. I so enjoy learning and especially anything medical. Because of this I have felt that nursing school would be a great opportunity to serve God. My thought has been that when I get done with school I would go and serve in a poor country somewhere. Every one needs medical care at some point in their life. It seems like an amazing opening onto the mission field. January of this year I started the journey through nursing school. In fact, I am almost done with all my classes except for the nursing program itself. 

     Now comes that part about IGo, and the request for prayer. IGo stands for Institute for Global Opportunities. It is a school that’s purpose is to provide young people with a environment outside of their comfort zone, to do mission work in parts of the world where the Gospel has not yet be preached, a place learn more about what the Bible says, and to have personal discipleship. Typically the students attend classes for three weeks and then go on a ministry trip for 10-14 days. This is the schedule for each four month term. In one semester the student is able to go on three ministry trips. The school is set up for students to attend 8 months out of the year. However, some students choose only to attend for one 4 month term. If a student would want to go back for a second year they attend classes for part of the year, and then they are set up in an internship program.

     It sounds like a wonderful place to learn more about Christ, grow deeper in my relationship with Jesus, and live out the calling on my life. This is where my prayer request comes in. It would be so easy for me to fill out the application and attend this coming April. Everything I love is included in this school except for the medical part. If I attend I would be putting nursing school on the back burning indefinitely. Not only would nursing school be on hold but I would miss out on a huge portion of my families lives. My niece, and nephew, and bebe would not know their Aunt Bree. Thinking about them not knowing me is enough to break my heart. I want to have a relationship with the kiddos in my life! Nevertheless, I am feeling like God is calling me in this direction. Please pray that God will make His will extremely clear to me and my family. That we would know clearly what He wants in my life. Nursing school has always been a desire, but to follow the will of Christ is WAY more important to me! For more information please check out the video and information on http://www.igo-asia.com/. If you feel like God is giving you a word to speak into my life please let me know. I really do want to live for Jesus and I want to do His will not mine. 

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!!!

My Touch of Heaven ~ October 22, 2011 AM

This morning I woke up before everyone else. It was nice to have a little bit of time in the morning alone. Just as I was sitting down to start my devo’s Hunter started crying. (He is sleeping in the same room as I). I went in a got him and took him outside…these photos are what greeted us.

    

As I sat all snuggled with my little man I kept thinking about the return of Jesus! Everyday we are a little bit closer to that time. When I hear of families sending loved ones on to Jesus, it makes me long for the day more. Yet, this is totally selfish. There are people who still need to hear of Jesus! We are called to be the ones sharing Him with them! J Keep sharing to love of Jesus everyday. He is coming soon…morning or night or noon…and many, yes many…are going to meet their doom, its our job to let them know about our savior! 

These birds were so amazing!! They were also loud!

Something scared them away! 

We decided it was time to play

And Laugh

While ridding the bike! 

    

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!