Let Your Heart Be Broken

Let your heart be broken for a world in need:
Feed the mouths that hunger,
Soothe the wounds that bleed.
Give the cup of water, and the loaf of bread.
Be the hands of Jesus, serving in his stead.

Here on earth applying principles of love.
Visible expression, God still rules above.
Living illustration of the living word,
To the minds of all who've never seen or heard.

Blest to be a blessing, privileged to care,
Challenged be the need, apparent everywhere.
Where mankind is wanting, fill the vacant place.
Be the means through which
The Lord reveals His grace.

Add to your believing deeds that prove it true,
Knowing Christ as Savior, Make Him Master too.
Follow in His footsteps, go where he has trod;
In the worlds great trouble risk yourself for God.

Let your heart be tender and your vision clear;
See mankind as God sees, serve Him far and near.
Let your heart be broken by a brother's pain;
Share your rich resources, give and give again.
Words & music - Bryan Jeffery Leech

After having an emotionally difficult past few weeks, I was so blessed by the annual Bible conference at my church this past weekend! The focus was on missions, a topic which is very near to my heart. The speaker served in the country of Jordan for many years, and the stories he brought to the congregation were fascinating and thought-provoking. One of the points the pastor brought up in the morning service was that too many Christians in America have settled into living comfortable lives by fitting in with the rest of the world. How true this is! While Christians in countries such as Pakistan and Turkey are being killed for their faith, I am embarrassed to tell classmates at my college that I go to church. Yes, others might look at me like I am strange if I make a stand for Christ or act different, but it is all worth it in the end! I am so blessed to have the freedom to proclaim Christ as my Savior and Lord without having to worry about being arrested or even killed. I am praying that I will be more bold in my faith and "not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16).
Thankfully, after all the encouragement I received from the messages, my depression was lifted, and I now see things in a different light. God knew exactly what I needed, and He helped me to get my focus back where it needed to be-not on myself, but on Him. Everything becomes so much clearer once I turn my eyes upon Jesus, Who will carry me each step of the way.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
~Lemmel H. Helen

Thankful

There has been so much going in my life and the lives of others, but lately I've fallen into the trap of just seeing the negative in so many things. I've decided to make a list of everything that I am thanfkul for and that God has done, despite pain and sorrow. There's no particular order, just whatever comes to mind!

1. Even though a dear missionary family was slain in Pakistan, they are in Heaven now. The Lord is sustaining their relatives and working mightily in the lives of others, and my prayers are that many will become saved through their deaths.

2. About a month ago, my dear cousin, Cayla, was kept safe in a car accident which totaled her vehicle. With only a few bruises, she was out of the hospital in no time. Cayla just bought this car in early spring, and was having some difficulty finding a new one to commute to school. Praise the Lord, she found a 2005 Chevy, and is very happy!

3. At times I'm not grateful for the opportunity that I have to go to college and get an education. In many countries around the world this wouldn't be possible. Even when Anatomy and Physiology gets tough, I am praying that the Lord will help me to continually be thankful, and not grumble and complain about homework and tests.

4. My dear parents, who have given so much and done so much for me and my siblings. My mother homeschooled me from preschool to twelfth grade, and I will always admire her patience and self-sacrificing spirit that has brought me where I am today. My dad, who works long hours at the office to support my family. Although he gets busy, he is always there for my mom, my siblings, and I when we have questions or just need to talk to him. He keeps a level head and never forgets about us even when his job takes him to places such as Paris, London, and Brussels!

5. My church: I am so thankful to be in a church body where fellow believers really do care for each other despite some stormy trials that have happened in the past. I love being involved in teaching Sunday school whenver I'm needed, and I'm also thankful that my pastor has given me the opportunity to play the piano during congregational singings. I usually am very shy and don't like playing piano in front of people, but I think I have gained more confidence and have learned to love and appreciate the piano and hymns even more now that I am playing for my church.

6. I often take for granted the fact that I have more than enough clothes to wear and am continually provided with food every day. Many children in foreign countries and even the United States go to bed hungry without the proper sustenance in their bodies. I have so many choices as for as food and clothing go, and many times I don't realize just how blessed I am.

7. My dear, godly friends who have shown and given me so much over the past years. For the ones who read my blog: Mrs. R, Neesie, Beverly, Beka, Charissa, and Laura- I value your friendships very highly. Without your encouragement and love that you have shown to me my life would be very different! Thank you for always taking the time to see how I am doing and for praying for me. You are all very dear to me!

8. Last but not least, my salvation. Why God has chosen a sinner like me is beyond all comprehension. I only hope I can always honor Christ with my life by serving Him and others. I hope I will never be ashamed to tell others that I follow Him, but will always stand up for Jesus.

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3