I've really been reflecting on just how ludicrous I sound when I tell people what it is that I'm doing. Most people can get excited when I tell them that I'm volunteering. They even get behind the idea of doing missions. And for those who have heard of Mercy Ships then it's another step in the right direction for them...that is until you explain that Mercy Ships is a purely volunteer mission. No matter how long you stay, each and every volunteer employee pays his/her way. Can you imagine?! It even sounds foreign to my own ears when I repeat it out loud. Who does this?!
Then I remember that I do. There are so many parts of my journey that have been challenging. Relationships have come and gone. I'm still waiting on Mr. Right to sweep me off my feet. Still no kids and my ovaries are withering. I'm still waiting on my financial ship to come in. But I have to admit that in the midst of it all, I'm extremely content in the place that I am. It doesn't mean I don't want more. The more I want means I am still leaving room for God to fulfill hopes and dreams and heart's desires. However, I'm not pining after those things and I've really been trying to cherish every single moment that comes my way.
And so I realized something after I got over the shock of how crazy I sound. I realized that I also sound satisfied. They say you're really doing something you love when you would do it for free, so I suppose that if you pay to do something then you are over the moon. And for today, I'll take that...
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Set It Off...
So it made my walk the other day all-the-more special. I love how God works with me even in all my non-marvelosity (yes...I just made up a word). I was walking around the other morning and saw a daisy-like flower in the midst of the rose bush. And I thought to myself, "what would it be like to be that daisy amidst the roses?" It could go one of two ways: 1) I could decide that I am nothing compared to these fancy flowers that everyone covets or 2) I could decide that I am so FABULOUS that it only takes one of you to set it off.
Yeah...I'm I'm leaning towards the second option, and I'm hoping that today is one of those FABULOUS days for you too. #ThatIsAll!
Monday, June 16, 2014
Right F.O.C.U.S.
I've always struggled with the idea of writing for the sake of writing. I don't do it. If there's nothing pressing on my mind, you better believe that I probably won't keep to the "schedule" of email delivery that I thought would work best. But that's only part of it. Because the truth is there are times when God really is working something in my heart, mind and spirit and I'm being a bit of the proverbial ostrich with my head in the sand and not facing it. Because yeah...we all know the truth is that...once it's "out there" (When Harry Met Sally reference for those who do that kind of thing) then it's just plain "out there" and we all know that EVERYthing on the Internet is true...(riiiight...).
So, real talk...I've been in a particularly vulnerable place the last couple of years and I haven't necessarily felt like living that fully in front of everyone. I think that finally the Lord has convicted me enough to know that I can't continue to do this and I must FOCUS. So here I am...reviving the blog. And what's the first thing that God puts on my mind? A tape I've been playing in my mind for about 15 years now--I'm a "Jack (or Jill in this case) of all trades and a master of none".
You see, I had a friend tell me this as I was about to make a big move in my life. It was an interesting time and my friends had sat me down to basically "tell me about myself" and in the midst she said this thing: "Andrea, you're a Jack of all trades and a master of none" and then proceeded to tell me how I needed to decide what I wanted to master and focus. From that point forward, I became a bit self-conscious. Every time that I felt the Lord tugging in a different direction, I'd have her words in the back of my mind--focus. Every time I felt free to express myself in this creative way or the other--focus. Every time my life hasn't aligned with what "normal" people would do--focus. Every time my faith has challenged me--focus. Focus, focus, focus...until I finally got the revelation that GOD was the one who gifted me in many ways. And, though those gifts don't always make sense to someone from the outside looking in, but they do make sense to Him. He is the giver of every good gift. The fact that I can sing or write or take a picture or preach or teach or...well whatever...Should I just become a singer because that would lend to someone's definition of focus? Should I only write because that would mean I'm "focused".
I've decided to take her advice finally and FOCUS for real...I'm focusing on God and focusing on faith and focusing on using EVERYthing He gave me to meet the end goal--glorifying Him. And I continue to struggle with that tape playing. But at least at this point the tape is so warped that these days it doesn't have the same power it used to...And I'm praying that for you. I'm praying that your tapes begin to warp and eventually just plain stop working. I'm praying that as you walk in faith you maintain the right focus--Faith Obscuring Communication Unearthed by Satan.
Blessings,
MinD
So, real talk...I've been in a particularly vulnerable place the last couple of years and I haven't necessarily felt like living that fully in front of everyone. I think that finally the Lord has convicted me enough to know that I can't continue to do this and I must FOCUS. So here I am...reviving the blog. And what's the first thing that God puts on my mind? A tape I've been playing in my mind for about 15 years now--I'm a "Jack (or Jill in this case) of all trades and a master of none".
You see, I had a friend tell me this as I was about to make a big move in my life. It was an interesting time and my friends had sat me down to basically "tell me about myself" and in the midst she said this thing: "Andrea, you're a Jack of all trades and a master of none" and then proceeded to tell me how I needed to decide what I wanted to master and focus. From that point forward, I became a bit self-conscious. Every time that I felt the Lord tugging in a different direction, I'd have her words in the back of my mind--focus. Every time I felt free to express myself in this creative way or the other--focus. Every time my life hasn't aligned with what "normal" people would do--focus. Every time my faith has challenged me--focus. Focus, focus, focus...until I finally got the revelation that GOD was the one who gifted me in many ways. And, though those gifts don't always make sense to someone from the outside looking in, but they do make sense to Him. He is the giver of every good gift. The fact that I can sing or write or take a picture or preach or teach or...well whatever...Should I just become a singer because that would lend to someone's definition of focus? Should I only write because that would mean I'm "focused".I've decided to take her advice finally and FOCUS for real...I'm focusing on God and focusing on faith and focusing on using EVERYthing He gave me to meet the end goal--glorifying Him. And I continue to struggle with that tape playing. But at least at this point the tape is so warped that these days it doesn't have the same power it used to...And I'm praying that for you. I'm praying that your tapes begin to warp and eventually just plain stop working. I'm praying that as you walk in faith you maintain the right focus--Faith Obscuring Communication Unearthed by Satan.
Blessings,
MinD
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
H-U-M-I-L-I-T-Y
The last couple of weeks have been a journey in self-definition and humility. Often, it feels like humility is a curse...even saying the word has a bit of sting that can be spelled out like a 4-letter word. There's no other way to say it than to admit that I have pride issues. Oh...YOU TOO?! Good...For a minute there, I thought I was alone. I figured that there were so many times when I would think that I've got it. I'd have a conversation with the Lord and "let him know" (as if He's taking advice from me), that we didn't have to go through these humbling lessons anymore. "I've got it already!" Ha! I suppose that if you have to say anything about it, then you probably don't really have it. So as I've learned, like Paul, to be "abased and abound" (Philippians 4:12) God continues to mold me like clay and purify me like gold. And, while it's not comfortable, I've truly come to a place where I can appreciate parts of this journey. In the role I have right now of housekeeping on a medical mission, I have come to a place where all I hear each day in my head that Jesus came to serve and not be served.
Wow...what a privilege it has become for me to walk out this road of service. I'm not perfect as Christ was. I don't always want to be the one doing the serving, but I have come to such a genuine place of peace in the midst of it all...
I pray today that you too are able to take the sting out of service. As you walk this Christian journey, it is my prayer that you constantly remember that humility is a journey and begin to appreciate the ride.
Blessings,
MinD
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
Wow...what a privilege it has become for me to walk out this road of service. I'm not perfect as Christ was. I don't always want to be the one doing the serving, but I have come to such a genuine place of peace in the midst of it all...
I pray today that you too are able to take the sting out of service. As you walk this Christian journey, it is my prayer that you constantly remember that humility is a journey and begin to appreciate the ride.
Blessings,
MinD
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Out Of The Boat & Then Back On...Go figure!
This weekend, my life shifted ever the more. Months ago I made a decision to take some time and apply to serve on Mercy Ships. After some time in the application process, I was approved and began the process of raising money and getting my life ready for this drastic shift. Though I'm still raising money, I have gone forward with full force. And so in this journey to be "water walking" out here on the water with Jesus
, I've found myself conveniently back on the boat...literally!
It's all been very exciting. I arrived here in Pointe Noire, Congo a couple of days ago. I was worn out after 24+ hours of travel, but my heart was overflowing! We arrived under the cloak of darkness so it felt like Christmas morning the next day to get up and hurry to a window so I could see out. I've spent these few days getting acquainted and settling in and being somewhat overwhelmed by the potential of what can be done here.
When I made the decision to make this trip, it was at the prodding of the Holy Spirit yet again to make a move. I find myself in familiar yet unfamiliar territory. I'm sure you're wondering how that's possible. I'd say that I've almost become familiar with the idea that I'm out here on this faith walk and don't know much about what the end result will be. But the unfamiliarity comes in redefining myself. Over the last couple of months, I've had the pleasure to wander around and spend quality time with family and friends before making this trip. Inevitably the question that has continually come my way is "Where are you from?" and "What are you doing?"
How is it possible that such simple questions could render me completely at a loss. People ask these questions because they help them to categorize you or find points of commonality. However, what happens when you can't articulate simple answers to such simple questions? I've come to that place in my life where I no longer identify with "where I'm from". I've come to say that 'I'm from here and there' or a child of the world. I sound like a hippie but it's how I feel. Perhaps if we were still in the 60's that's exactly what I'd be--a flower child. But in this day and age, it's unacceptable to not be able to say what you do and clearly help people know who you are.
And so here I sit, on a boat on the dock in the Congo with the feeling that my life is changing with every little type of the keyboard. The shifts keep coming and I'm hanging in there. Perhaps I'll have a better answer soon to those self-defining questions...then again maybe I won't. But there's one thing I can say about this business of being out of this boat above all else: I'm surrounded with that immeasurable peace that surpasses understanding and I wouldn't trade that for the world.
That's all for now!
Blessings,
MinD/PastorA
P.S. If you are interested in learning more about Mercy Ships or supporting my service (every dollar helps), you can visit my page at http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/AndreaDiallo.
It's all been very exciting. I arrived here in Pointe Noire, Congo a couple of days ago. I was worn out after 24+ hours of travel, but my heart was overflowing! We arrived under the cloak of darkness so it felt like Christmas morning the next day to get up and hurry to a window so I could see out. I've spent these few days getting acquainted and settling in and being somewhat overwhelmed by the potential of what can be done here.
When I made the decision to make this trip, it was at the prodding of the Holy Spirit yet again to make a move. I find myself in familiar yet unfamiliar territory. I'm sure you're wondering how that's possible. I'd say that I've almost become familiar with the idea that I'm out here on this faith walk and don't know much about what the end result will be. But the unfamiliarity comes in redefining myself. Over the last couple of months, I've had the pleasure to wander around and spend quality time with family and friends before making this trip. Inevitably the question that has continually come my way is "Where are you from?" and "What are you doing?"
How is it possible that such simple questions could render me completely at a loss. People ask these questions because they help them to categorize you or find points of commonality. However, what happens when you can't articulate simple answers to such simple questions? I've come to that place in my life where I no longer identify with "where I'm from". I've come to say that 'I'm from here and there' or a child of the world. I sound like a hippie but it's how I feel. Perhaps if we were still in the 60's that's exactly what I'd be--a flower child. But in this day and age, it's unacceptable to not be able to say what you do and clearly help people know who you are.
And so here I sit, on a boat on the dock in the Congo with the feeling that my life is changing with every little type of the keyboard. The shifts keep coming and I'm hanging in there. Perhaps I'll have a better answer soon to those self-defining questions...then again maybe I won't. But there's one thing I can say about this business of being out of this boat above all else: I'm surrounded with that immeasurable peace that surpasses understanding and I wouldn't trade that for the world.
That's all for now!
Blessings,
MinD/PastorA
P.S. If you are interested in learning more about Mercy Ships or supporting my service (every dollar helps), you can visit my page at http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/AndreaDiallo.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Leaving The Rest Area
It's been a while...
Despite my silence, my adventure hasn't ended. After much prayer and pulling from the Lord, I made a decision to take another step closer to Him off this boat on the water. It has meant leaving friends (who have become family) behind and really stretching my faith in ways that I didn't realize needed to be stretched. And, the truth is...it's lonely out here...
Maybe one day I'll spend some time really exploring THAT, but I just needed to check in and share some good news. As a whole, God has been dealing with me about being even more vulnerable and fully exposed for Him--not allowing fear to have any foothold in my faith walk. With this tugging on my spirit, I had to face the facts: I'd been hiding. The only way I can explain it is that it's like I stepped out on faith, left my home (like Abraham), and then pulled the car over in a rest area. But I've decided that I refuse to get stuck here. My key is in the ignition and I'm pulling out back on the road of my faith. As a step in this direction, I spent some time doing some things that truly make me feel "exposed".
First, I loaded a few sermon clips on YouTube (YIKES!) and then, today, I did something exciting and finally finished converting my book (yes...I wrote a book for those who don't know) to digital availability on Kindle. Yep...I'm feeling extra exposed and started thinking of all the negatives that could come out of this. So I had to get online and take a stand against those thoughts. I'm stopping the chatter in my head and replacing it with the positive. Say it with me:
Any questions?
Blessings from the water,
A
Despite my silence, my adventure hasn't ended. After much prayer and pulling from the Lord, I made a decision to take another step closer to Him off this boat on the water. It has meant leaving friends (who have become family) behind and really stretching my faith in ways that I didn't realize needed to be stretched. And, the truth is...it's lonely out here...
Maybe one day I'll spend some time really exploring THAT, but I just needed to check in and share some good news. As a whole, God has been dealing with me about being even more vulnerable and fully exposed for Him--not allowing fear to have any foothold in my faith walk. With this tugging on my spirit, I had to face the facts: I'd been hiding. The only way I can explain it is that it's like I stepped out on faith, left my home (like Abraham), and then pulled the car over in a rest area. But I've decided that I refuse to get stuck here. My key is in the ignition and I'm pulling out back on the road of my faith. As a step in this direction, I spent some time doing some things that truly make me feel "exposed".
First, I loaded a few sermon clips on YouTube (YIKES!) and then, today, I did something exciting and finally finished converting my book (yes...I wrote a book for those who don't know) to digital availability on Kindle. Yep...I'm feeling extra exposed and started thinking of all the negatives that could come out of this. So I had to get online and take a stand against those thoughts. I'm stopping the chatter in my head and replacing it with the positive. Say it with me:
I'M MOVING IN FAITH!
I'M NOT AFRAID OF FAILURE!
I'M NOT AFRAID OF SUCCESS!
I'M FULLY SURRENDERED TO GOD'S WILL!
IT'S OKAY TO BE SCARED AS LONG AS I KEEP WALKING...
GOD'S GOT MY BACK.
I AM TRIUMPHANT FOR AND THROUGH HIM!
Any questions?
Blessings from the water,
A
Monday, March 4, 2013
New Perspective...
I was thinking of the decision to leave my job the last few days.
Well...it's something I think of often and piece my decision apart to
ensure that I heard God and made the right move. Though it's difficult for me to understand in the midst of my circumstances, I usually end my
thoughts reassured. So when I encounter someone along my path who I tell
if this journey, I'm not completely clueless as to why they have a difficult time understanding my choice. And
then recently, I got a new perspective on the decision.
If our nation were at war, and I had made a decision to drop everything and fight in that war. Even if there were little to no pay involved, people would not struggle to understand. If that very war was a threat to my life--putting me in harm's way and risking death--people would consider me valiant. Even if my family despised the decision, the support of my nation and comrades would carry me through and reinforce the decision on a daily basis.
And so it is in ministry. I believe that
there is a war between what's righteous and evil going on in this world. The Bible tells us we
war against "powers and principalities". I believe that people's lives
are at stake if we don't do the work to fight for them; and I took
drastic measures to join the fight full time. I expect that some friends
and family may begrudge the choice I've made, but I'm girded up on
every side by comrades in the Kingdom who know the struggle and
understand the necessity. I have people I can call when I'm thrown of by
a tactical move made by the enemy or when I'm awed by the protection of
my God.
I say all of this to say that if you don't have those type of comrades, you are fighting in the wrong unit. If you are floundering out there trying to justify your decision, I encourage you to start simply telling people you are a captain or general in battle for a secret operatives team. That will quiet them. In the end, you must follow after what GOD said and not what man fears.
Be encouraged and stay focused!
MinD
If our nation were at war, and I had made a decision to drop everything and fight in that war. Even if there were little to no pay involved, people would not struggle to understand. If that very war was a threat to my life--putting me in harm's way and risking death--people would consider me valiant. Even if my family despised the decision, the support of my nation and comrades would carry me through and reinforce the decision on a daily basis.
I say all of this to say that if you don't have those type of comrades, you are fighting in the wrong unit. If you are floundering out there trying to justify your decision, I encourage you to start simply telling people you are a captain or general in battle for a secret operatives team. That will quiet them. In the end, you must follow after what GOD said and not what man fears.
MinD
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