My God is Stronger.

Apologies for the lack in posting, a few days after returning from the states my computer decided to have some major malfunctions... So here I am writing on my new computer.

So, the States... Definitely a great time, got to see most of my family and friends. I have to say being in the States was crazy challenging for me though, I wrote about some of my concerns in my previous post and I know that they were valid. I truly have changed since moving to Haiti last November; in more ways than I even know. God continues to work in me, in my relationships with others, my listening skills, my patience... especially my patience, for myself and for others. I found myself lacking patience in a place where everything is at my fingertips. I think I was more frustrated with myself and the events occurring around me to even know what to do. Day after day, I felt as if bad luck was following me. I know though it's just Satan, trying to whittle his way into my life, in every way he could think possible. I continually had to tell Satan to get out of my life. When dealing with spiritual warfare, that's the one thing I know to do best, tell Satan to get out and let him know he has no place in my life! He fights and fights, knowing exactly how to push my buttons and how to try to break me, even back here at GLA, he continues to battle against me and my relationship with the Lord. Just need to continually remind myself that my God is stronger and mightier than any attack Satan tries against me.

So yeah, for now, that's my thoughts and feelings. A quick blurb of the latest thoughts. More like vague rambling than thoughts, I suppose.

...to be continued...

-B

Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

-Isaiah 33:2

Twenty-Five.

Really? When did it become February?! The time continues to fly by as I approach three months here in Haiti at God’s Littlest Angels. So, what have I learned so far? Here are 25 random things that I’ve become more aware of, have learned or am learning, embraced, accepted, etc.

1. Haiti is absolutely beautiful.

2. I don’t miss television but I do miss my dog.

3. I can buy just about anything at the stores in town that I would want in the states… just at a cost.

4. Three adults, two babies, an oxygen tank, and an ambu can all fit into the front seat of a truck (The Transport).

5. Sometimes you have to look past the dirt/litter/fog to see beauty.

6. Altitude makes a difference

7. Children are hurt intentionally and unintentionally.

8. Many things are beyond my control.

9. I like riding in UTV’s/back of a truck better than inside a car/truck.

10. Prayer is the most valuable tool/medicine/weapon.

11. It is hard not to bring work home with you when your home is your work.

12. Adoption is a beautiful thing.

13. I have a great support system.

14. I love the children I care for more than words can describe (7 babies in 24hrs).

15. Each smile, embrace, miracle reminds me why I moved here.

16. I miss my family/friends tremendously… but February does contain the most family birthday’s so it stings a little more this month.

17. Medical supplies get used until they don’t work anymore.

18. I work with some pretty great people (Haitian, American, Canadian & Australian).

19. The Creole/Kréyol language is a part of everyday conversation.

20. I despise student loans.

21. The Haitian staff is very patient with me as I learn/ try to speak Creole.

22. I need to take more pictures.

23. iTunes is amazing/ I listen to a lot of music.

24. Although I listen to a lot of music, I don’t like being in charge of picking the music in the car.

25. God’s plans for me are bigger than my own.

So, there you have it… maybe not the blog post you were expecting, but a blog post none the less.

…to be continued…

-B

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago". Ephesians 2:1

One thing... Remains. (The Armor of God)

   Your love never fails, never gives up.

Never runs out on me.

  While in the process of preparing to move to Haiti, I was met with a lot of spiritual warfare. I wrote a blog called "Jesus take the wheel", which went into some of the struggles and spiritual warfare I was facing. While in North Carolina, the devil knew exactly where to hit me... and that was financially. I made the decision to move to North Carolina because I knew God wanted me there. I took a significant pay cut and dropped down to only one job (which was a first). I continued to finish my BSN and pay for that. After graduating, my college didn’t file a paper correctly for tax purposes and I got a bill from the IRS (this was eventually fixed) & not to mention the over $10,000 I paid out of pocket for dental work just in the two and a half years I was in North Carolina. Along with a few other bumps along the way, the devil knew finances were the one thing that may hinder me from moving to Haiti. I kept working through each bill, loan, etc… and kept telling Satin to “get out of my life”. After receiving the job offer at GLA, God provided in each circumstance in which “I was running low” and I am continual thankful he gave me the strength and courage to trust in Him and in His promises. I think Satan also realized that God can always beat him, even when it comes to finances! The few weeks before moving I felt calm and comfortable that God would provide because I was doing what he wanted me to do and moving to Haiti to serve Him and the people of Haiti.Fast forward to now. 

     Tomorrow marks three weeks of living in Haiti. I have been healthy and feeling good maybe 5 whole days. I had bronchitis the first week, followed by stomach problems and now I have had fever/chills & Strep Throat since Thursday night. New germs, food, travel, fatigue have most likely played a part in this but seriously in needs to stop. I want to be able to give 100% to the children, staff & volunteers at GLA. In my previous blog post I asked “What do you do to combat spiritual warfare? & Does anyone know of any good verses or passages to read?” I wanted to share what I found in case you were searching yourself and hadn’t found what you were looking for. Ephesians 6:10-20 says:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

     This set of verses is labeled “The Armor of God”; as you face the day doing God’s work, put on the full armor of God and let God do His work in your life. I will stand my ground against Satan and be cheerful, knowing that I am working for the Lord and he is my ultimate healer and provider. He will comfort me in my sickness and help me fight each battle Satan puts in front of me; whatever that may be. As I write this I can’t help but feel selfish. I live in this beautiful country full of beautiful people who are suffering. I know my financial and physical burdens will be healed. Others live without that possibility or even the hope of that possibility. I hope that as I live this life God has given me, I exude the Armor of God and am able to share the hope, strength, courage, & possibilities that come when you have faith in Jesus Christ. I leave you with this verse; “Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek his face always” Psalm 105:4.

…to be continued…

-B


An addendum... A day later.
As I finished up this post yesterday, I really wanted to find a song to lift my spirits along with Ephesians 6:10-20; so here it is: One Thing Remains by Jesus Culture.

In death, In life, I’m confident and

covered by the power of Your great love

My debt is paid, there’s nothing that can

separate my heart from Your great love...

 

Jesus take the wheel.

A long overdue blog...

So life has been running faster and faster so it seems. I have been able to spend more time with my whole family in the last month than in the last two years! It is amazing how God knows just what you need. Just a little update on getting to Haiti... I have some serious prospects and I am praying that the organization, myself and most importantly God are all in the same agreement. I feel like we all are on the same page but there is nothing official, yet. Except one thing makes it seem more real than anything... the spiritual warfare. 

I'm going to need some advice on this one. Satan seems to be roaming around hitting me right where it hurts, trying to break me down, give up my heart for Haiti, etc. Satan knows the little things that may make you not trust in God to provide. I literally just got home to find a very unpleasant "letter" in the the mail. Which I'm praying is just a error on Drexel's part and not mine!

Have you ever dealt with this? What do you do to combat spiritual warfare? Okay, so this is also a blog to ask for prayer. I need it big time. 

My heart keeps going back to my life verse Phil 4: 6&7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".

So again I ask what do you do to combat spiritual warfare? Does anyone know of any good verses or passages to read? 

God is telling me to Go and I will! Satan you better watch out!

...to be continued...

-B