HopeJourney

In India in 2012

2012-01-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

2012...India....new year...new beginning..what happened?

I boarded a plane a little more than a month ago to go to India--a call God had placed on my heart. I knew the reason in going on the missions trip was the lepers. Did God create me with three smaller fingers, because He knew that I would be doing this 20 years later? I am not sure, but He did indeed use His daughter.

me sitting with just a few of the thousand kids that attended VBS

The trip was a stretching one for me in my comfort zone--physically, emotionally, and spiritually. God stretched me emotionally in not receiving access to my phone so I could not talk to my parents (I was able to text them once using one of the other girls' phone!), and in return, relying on Him for comfort. He is a loving and merciful God and is always there!

God opened my eyes to see the people in India who need that same touch like we do here--love, affirmation, that hand holding theirs. All of us are the same--we are people, but only in a different part of the world with less than we have here. A little girl would come up to me and say, 'Mommy' 'Mommy'. The love those kids desperately want is apparent. When our team went to the different places (HIV/Aids camp, the school, VBS, the leper camp, Water Well dedication), we were honored and respected with garlands of flowers, and flower petals. They showed love. I do want to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but I realized your fleshly nature is the same as it is there. He showed me the importance of loving God and loving others.


the one on the left is the little girl that called me "Mommy"

I am curious to see what God has for me this year, 2012.

A Window into Me..

2011-11-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

I am participating in Rear Window's Blog Party--real blogs, real people, real friends--and I must say, then, I real world. Head over and participate or just check it out and have fun reading!

I am a young woman who is in the midst of growing in the wisdom and love of her Abba Father, and growing socially. God is stretching me this year as next month I will be going to India on a missions trip...quite a growing experience, and yet, something unique about me, I am excited about the growing that the trip will bring not really excited about just going somewhere. I just remind myself that God loves me and is with me and all that good and helpful Bible passages that are encouraging and family and friends! I was born with three shorter fingers on my left hand so that is what makes me unique from others. Oh, and I enjoy both waffles and pancakes and for pizza, I would say pepperoni and sausage (so, a meat LOVER!).

I like things clean, so I am a make-your-bed person, and the song that comes in my head is "Our God is Greater, Our God is Stronger, Our God is Higher than any other" by Chris Tomlin--so good I must say.

That is the authentic me..... and I am proud of it! Thank you, Abigail, for the lovely blog party!

How He Loves

2011-10-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

I was watching this video on youtube this evening, and thought it was worth sharing:

Spirit Fall

2011-10-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

In the book of Luke, chapter 24, it discusses the appearance of Jesus after He rose again from the dead:

"And He said to them, 'Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have'". (verses 38-39).

India Missions

2011-10-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I will be going to India this winter with Rock Harbor church. This evening, I found this video of the previous visit our church had in India (January of 2011). I am recording my journey through the process of the training on my blog "Ministering to the Nations" (the link is on the left sidebar). God's blessings to you!

a blog updo

2011-09-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Lucia has been doing such a wonderful job on my blog, and I would recommend her! Her blog design business "Once Upon a Time" is wonderfully done as well, and she works diligently on the projects of her customers. I have loved working with my dear sisters in Christ as well who have helped me with my blog previously, and for me, it takes time to really know what I want and something that is not quite expensive. Lucia's pricing is quite reasonable, and her work looks like it costs more than what it is priced normally. Overall, I want to give a shout out to Lucia for doing a superb job! :)

From the Blog, "Faith Imagined"

2011-09-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

There is a great blog post called "Wickedly Misunderstood" over at the blog "Faith Imagined" discussing the approval of others and going beyond the expectations. Thank you, Alisa, for posting it. :) It encouraged me greatly!

21?! Wow...

2011-09-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday, and how blessed I am--for how God created me for His purposes and plan, and those who love me so much. God is SO good to me!

Mom and I went out to lunch at Islands earlier today, and I had the Maverick burger (oh so yummy, yummy good) and sweet potato fries! We then shared an ice-cream sundae together...I treasured that time with my mom. Thank you, mom! This evening, our family is going to El Torito for dinner :)

Have a blessed day, everyone!

Cambria Ho!

2011-09-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Instead of 'Onward Ho' it is 'Cambria Ho' for my family and some of our relatives tomorrow morning! I have Biology class in the morning, so we will leave a bit later, but will get there when we get there :) We will be leaving on a bit of a respite vacation to Cambria, CA which is up the coast. We were able to rent a house so all of us could fit...to fit about ten people! Moreover, the house has its own private pathway to a part of the ocean. A big, lovely blessing!

God bless you all and have a wonderful week :)

Ministering to the Nations

2011-09-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let everyone know about this link to a blog I started last night. This blog will be used for my journey in regards to my missions trip to India. Here is the link :)

Days Gone By

2011-08-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

That sounds familiar, but I am not sure where that is from "days gone by"....

I began school today. I am only taking one class this fall--Biology 109! I now sit up front to make sure I take good notes and study well, praying everything goes well and I pass to move on to what I will enjoy doing. The other day, I was thinking of children's books, almost in a way of an entrepreneur. I am not sure yet, but I enjoy the artistic side and children. It may be a good combination! :)

Yesterday was my mom's birthday! I am so blessed to have her as my mom, who helps me to grow in the Lord and taking care of kids through my two sisters :) Love you, mom!

A few days ago, I had the meet and greet for the India missions trip, and about 38 people will be on the team for the December 2011-January 2012 trip. Quite a few! We separated in shepherd groups, and the girl I met at the first India gathering and have started to become friends with is in the same group as me! God provides so wonderfully! Our group leader is so sweet, and one God knew I would need (so-to-speak) for this trip.

How is your week going so far? God's blessings upon you!

New Songs we will Sing

2011-08-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been singing songs that I put together. I actually sometimes use songs I have heard from other places that have encouraged me, and I put it together as one song. This evening, I decided to sing a song and put it on my blog to encourage any readers or whomever in Jesus Christ. May God bless you as you listen!

Awakened Hearts

2011-08-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

Is your heart awakened to who you really are in God's eyes?
Is your heart awakened to what fear really is?
Is your heart awakened to who you can be with Jesus Christ living inside of you?
God the Father has such a great plan for your life (the famous passage, Jeremiah 29:11) and when we can believe in what God says in His Word (God-breathed and inspired: 2 Timothy 3:16-17) and understand that the enemy is under the feet of God's chosen people (those who have accepted Jesus Christ) and to STOP giving the enemy a foothold in our lives (whether that is through fear or lies about our identity in Him alone), because God is! God says, "You can do it!" (Philippians 4:13) and He says "I have not given you a spirit of fear (or timidity) but of power, of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is under your feet, daughter or son of the living God!! Do not take it out when you can turn to Jesus Christ who defeated fear and He is the Lion of Judah, powerful and mighty to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).

You may think 'Oh, I do not have what it takes like he does" or "I do not have that gift like she does". Well, it DOES NOT MATTER! If you are son or a daughter, you DEFINITELY have what it takes to complete the race, to complete the calling God has for you. Did you know you have a specific purpose, not like anyone else? Let us not compare ourselves to other daughters or sons. Let us complete all and STAND in whose we are and who we are. Do not diminish yourselves; do not put yourselves down, because of someone else. I know what you may be thinking, 'But doesn't the Bible say to think of others before yourself? Doesn't the Bible say to be humble?" Yes, and it is good, because God is the One in control and He is the One we worship and we should love others. However, how can we love others when we do not see ourselves the way our Creator sees us (His creation as well) and walk in the love He has for us including others :)

You were not created to be inferior. You as a daughter or son were not formed before the foundation of this earth to be afraid of man and what they think. Think and meditate on the promises of your heavenly Father and give Him the glory!! You can do it and you have all of heaven, including the God of all heaven and earth on your side! I will leave you with this Bible passage: "If God is for you, who can be against you?" (Romans 8:31) What are you waiting for?

India News Update

2011-08-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

This morning I received I call regarding the India missions trip, and I have been called to be on the team! I got excited, and I have mixed emotions about it as this will be a great growing experience for me ( my brother Josh will not be with me; I am used to having him with me, but God is always with me).

My family, friends, and myself included have seen this as a definite God-thing. There is something in store for me :) It is wonderful!

My prayers would be for God's provision to raise the needed funds for this trip and for His wisdom and help as I go through the training. Thank you!

Honest to Goodness

2011-07-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been a wild ride--I guess, in the sense of life-changing matters; growing up (everyone understand?) :) My brother and I had our India missions trip interviews this morning and it was a good step to take in my life in regards to doing something I have not done before (having an interview), and I cried during the interview. However, you know what? I am actually proud of myself now when thinking about it, because I was out of my comfort zone (did not have my parents with me and went on my own and made conversation! and went on the freeway for more practice, and did quite well).

God is good!

Hopejourney Anniversary

2011-07-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

About a few years ago, I started this blog. I was not sure where it was going to end up or what to write about on here, but God has been SO Good to me and I have been blessed by reading my own posts as well that I wrote in the past (and even recently). I have met some wonderful sisters and brothers in Christ in Blogger, and kept up to date with those I know that have encouraging blogs as well :) I pray for each of you that read my blog or follow or whatever that God will do something amazing in your life through using me for His glory! The following song I would like to post--by Sanctus Real. I heard it for the first time on the way home with my brother Josh after filling up on water we get that is healthy to drink and use. ;) Have a blessed Fourth of July weekend!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

When thinking about my dad, I think of the word 'hardworking' and 'perseverance'. Dad is definitely a father who works hard to provide for his family and he does a great job! He is loving and caring, and deep down has a gentle heart towards other people. :) I am blessed to have the father I have and thank You, Jesus, for my dad. Bless the work of his hands and thank You for all the ways He has blessed my life. :)

Dad and Abbey

Healing

2011-06-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let everyone know that my cough is much better! Thank you so much for your prayers!
I am learning in this stage of life to realize how much I am loved by God and by other people around me; to understand that everything is not about me (what people do, say, etc.), maybe I am so self-conscious. I do not want to condemn myself either, and I am learning that as well to meditate on the promises of God and how He sees me.
The enemy would say, "You are not liked by anybody" But God would say:

You are:
LOVED
ACCEPTED
REDEEMED
WORTHY
ADORED
BELONG
SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST
RECEIVED ADOPTION AS SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD, NOT FEAR
AND OVERALL, SO BLESSED!!
FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE

Your identity is not in what other people do, act, say, etc., but it is through your heavenly Father who created you, not people (created in God's image), and whose hand holds the world in His hands. He is so powerful and mighty and in control over all creation (including other people!). I guess, though, the greatest is love--loving people and accepting them as well. However, how can you love people without realizing how much you are TRULY LOVED by your DADDY in heaven? That is what is going on in my mind :)

News on the Homefront

2011-06-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

And sometimes, I can not think of a great title..it is okay, though :)

I wanted to let everyone know that I now just have that cough that sometimes sneaks in once in awhile and does not seem to go away! I am, however, much much better than I was when I last posted so 'thank you' for praying.

Also, on Sunday, we had a speaker (Pastor Suresh Kumar) come talk about India and how our church is involved over there. As I was listening and watching the video they showed on Sunday, something touched my heart and made a connection about getting involved. Yesterday, my brother Josh and I attended a meeting that discussed more about the trip coming up this December/January 2012. While watching that video shown last night, I was more touched....elderly people are cast away and most have leprosy meaning no hands or stumps on instead of fingers. Personally, I was born with all five fingers on my left hand and only three of the five fingers are stumps. Realizing some do not even have fingers let alone hands made me stumped and yet blessed in disguise with what I have been given and created by God. I asked myself on the way home, 'Did God create my hand this way, because He knew this trip would come up in my life?' I do not know, but I am amazed how He can use me. I do want to pray about this to make sure it is the right time for me to take this step out of my comfort zone..

The Hidden Blessing of Summer

2011-05-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

One of the blessings of summer (from finishing school last week) is when you get a cold, you don't miss any classes. ;) I just got a cold today, BUT I know it will not be long....
The following song is so wonderful...I found it on the blog "A Place Near Your Altar":

Count your Mom as a Blessing

2011-05-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today is Mother's Day, and I first of all, thank You Father, for my mom. Thank You for her life filled with Your Holy Spirit--in the way she encourages me to stand firm in my faith each day and showing me how to be a mom. Thank You Father for the love she has shown me through not only providing such blessings whether in taking me out to lunch or sitting down and talking. Lord, I am in tears of blessing right now and thankfulness for the mom You have given me. What a treasure and what sacrifice she makes each day to be a blessing to me and to so many. Bless her Lord, do bless her tremendously!

mom and sister abbey :)

On another note, we went to Islands for lunch today, and we asked if our server needed prayer for anything and towards the end he mentioned how blessed both Josh and I are to have a mom (and dad!). His parents aren't close to one another now so having a mom to talk to and spend time with and celebrate Mother's Day is a blessing! I don't want to be hard on myself either, but it opened my eyes to truly see how blessed I am with the parents I have and more, the family I am in.

If there are some of you who are reading this and struggle with this day, just like this morning at church, we lifted those dear people up in prayer. So Father, I pray for those dear people who are reading this post right now who do not have close relationships with their parents or don't have parents that You will lift them up today in Your amazing, abounding love..You say that You are close to the broken hearted and crushed in spirit...You have adopted us into Your family and called each one Your sons and daughters. Thank You, Jesus.

Stepping Out

2011-04-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my brother and I and a newly met friend went to the District (shopping mall area) to hand out Easter flyers from our church to people walking by. It was an interesting experience for me in the way that I could see how people react to something like that. Most people received the flyers we gave them and a lady asked if we were doing this, because of Good Friday and gave L (the newly met friend) a five dollar bill (she said she gave it as a friend). Well, fast forward to dinner at Panera Bread (yum stuff!). A lady walks in (one that you would seem is definitely struggling with the enemy) and comes up to our table to ask for money. I blurt out something along the lines of "We can pray for you". She definitely was quite adamant about not wanting prayer. So, I guess just pray that she will accept Jesus into her heart this weekend!
And then, last night and today, I get a cold--not a lot of energy, runny nose, etc. I would appreciate the prayers to feel better soon :)
Finally, the following song is one I have recently enjoyed listening to and been encouraged by:

If Our God is For Us

2011-04-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Last night, my family and I and dear friends of ours traveled to the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles to worship and praise our God with Chris Tomlin. What a blessed time it was--Elizabeth's first time to a concert (saying she enjoys listening to Chris Tomlin is an understatement!!)
We got there in great timing (grabbed a bite to eat and got in line to enter the concert arena). It was such a blessed time and one I will always remember :)
Christy Nockels sings with Chris Tomlin and the following song I am greatly encouraged by:

He Loves You

2011-04-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

Jesus loves you so, so much.......HE loves YOU reading this....His steadfast love endures forever..He continues to love you :)

I have started another blog named "Beni Avec Foi" meaning 'blessed with faith" in french. I will be using Hopejourney off and on still, but will be writing out Bible verses that I am meditating on the other. Also, the following is a blog that can encourage you on your Christian walk as well!

Jessica is a Christian who desires to glorify God in what she writes and encourage others. Take a visit and let your heart be uplifted through your Abba Father.

Remember Jesus

2011-03-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

I pray that this weekend, I and those reading, we will remember Jesus and His death for us.