For anyone who wants to know...

For everyone who wants to know:

Since I can’t talk to everyone about my trip to Nicaragua I will try in this note to explain….After awhile, all though I know people mean well...Asking you how your trip was, when you yourself are trying to process it, after awhile you can only tell the same things so many times..lol. This was NOT my first Mission Trip, but it was my first time out of the country, and so therefore it was my first mission trip out of the country….It was an amazing trip, and I can’t wait to go back! I miss everyone in Nicaragua already. It was a week, that unless you see and experience it yourself, I can’t explain it. My pictures I hope tell the story somewhat, of what it was like…or at least looked like, and what we did.

Where did we stay? We stayed on a compound in Managua, Nicaragua. It was in the mountains and the weather was beautiful everyday, the views were breath taking, and the sky at night was so clear, I have never seen so many stars. We stayed in a house, everyone had a bed, and the mattress’ were some of the most comfortable I have ever slept on, in Hannah’s words the pillows are “still gravel”...haha, but the mattress' are heaven!!! We were spoiled and had an awesome breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. Never went hungry; we had the most amazing cooks!!!!! Donna and Larry are the missionaries as well as Emily and Jodie live on the compound. Two of the most amazing couples you'll ever meet.

What did we do?: First full day we awoke to the news that Matt proposed to Hannah that morning at Sunrise…hahaha ;) Then we went to Tent City to give out gifts and fellowship. That afternoon we had the Christmas party for the kids that go to school on the compound and gave oout gifts. Second day, we went to give out shoes and gifts and got ready for our big give day Saturday, Saturday we had around 10,000 kids come and receive gifts…we thought we were going to be there until 5 o’ clock, but we did it in 3 hrs..we were done a little after lunch…GLORY TO GOD! Sunday we went to church, Matt and Kim gave their testimonies, and Bob brought a Word ;) GREAT JOB, gave out gifts and had lunch with them. Monday we went to The Dump (UNREAL) is the best way I can think to describe it, you have to see it with your own eyes, smell it and fell it yourself. The one we went to, was the 7th worst in the world. We saw the feeding program and gave out gifts, (tried not to start a riot) and we had the party for the goverment officials (police, major…etc) and gave them gifts for their families and served them lunch. Tuesday we went to the market, and to the women’s prison. Kim and I gave our testimonies, and Nidia brought a Word..lol. GREAT JOB. We where able to pray over the women, and give them gifts as well. We also Monday and Tuesday went and visited Nidia and Wally’s sponsored kids, as well as bob’s and gave them gifts, and anyone else who sent a gift for their sponsored child we took the gifts to theie families. Wed we woke up EARLY, EARLY and got on the plane and came home.

I wish I had the time to sit with every person who as asked me about the trip, but I can’t and I also am still processing and adjusting to being home. I love you all, and hopefully between this and the pictures you can have some idea of how the trip was. The Lord prepared me for this trip and it was amazing in more ways than I can describe. Sometimes you can’t describe an experience. Unless you see and experience it for yourself, when people ask, How was the trip? Did you like it?... etc it just makes me feel like they are asking me about a vacation. It was an amazing trip, I went because we are called to GO as followers of Christ. Not everyone has to get on a plane and go to another country but we are called to do something!! I went because I want to live out James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourself, do what it says.” We have to be doers not merely hearers of the Word!! I love Jesus with all my heart and this trip just showed me how selfish we are as Americans. We went to the Women’s prison, and the worship was amazing. I can speak a little Spanish, but not enough to understand everything they were singing, but you don’t need to speak the same language to experience God’s presence. These women have nothing and yet they are praising God and declaring Him worthy to be praised, and I come home to a Christmas Service packed and not one person (that I could see) worshiped God with all they had. They were doing their “duty” on Christmas Eve and went to Church. The message was amazing, the song choices were great, but I’m talking about the worshipers…we have so much and yet we can’t worship the God who has blessed us FAR BEYOND what we deserve. Praise God for His grace and mercy!!!! I would be nothing without Jesus Christ,but do I show it??? The trip did change me, it changed me in a way that I think I’m more passionate about the things of God!! I want to be more in love with Jesus than I am. I want to have a relationship one day that points people to Jesus, not one that distracts them. I cannot describe all that I saw, but all I know is I can’t wait to go back, and continue to go and do whatever God says. I want to be the women God created me to be, and I can’t wait to be with the man God has for me one day, and to join with him on this journey with the Lord. I pray God is molding me into the women that he will need. If I can suggest anything, get over yourself, and sit back and watch what God will do! Sorry if this was a litte blunt its just how I'm feeling...lol.

I love all of you and hope maybe this will give you a glimpse into my heart after the trip. Even if you asked me face to face this is pretty much what i would tell you..lol. Love yal...

Brittney

You are Faithful

This morning i was reading "The Owners Manual for Christians." By: Charles Swindoll. and listening to the song "your are faithful" By Kim Walker, And this is just what i felt God was telling me throught the book, and encourging my heart and soul about the trip and many other things. Many it will encourage you as it did me. The last part you might not be able to relate to the it being your first trip, but i hope that something else about what he said, that God will speak to your heart. Love you guys! Have a blessed day!!

Brittney ;)



With Wisdom comes Christlikeness:

We need wisdom, not just knowledge. God is willing to give wisdom, but not on our terms. As we go deeper, He begins to entrust us with more and more of His mind. In the process we become more and more like Christ. When tragedy strikes, we don’t need more intelligence. We don’t need a greater number of skills. We need depth, the kind of depth Job had. When the bottom dropped out of his life, Job had the wisdom to say: “But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23: 10-12)
We need the depth of Paul, who prayed three times for the horrible stake in his flesh to leave ( the word often translated “thorn” means a pointed instrument, like a sword), and three times the Lord said no. In response, Paul said, Most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of example of wisdom as work. Rather than throw a pity party for himself, Paul privilege of experiencing even more of Christ’s power over me.”
What depth of character. What intimacy with the Almighty these men had. I want that too. I want what they had, so that my walk is such that I walk in step whether I feel good or not. Whether I get a yes or no to my prayers, I walk consistently, even when I don’t get my own way.

Wisdom is Cultivated on God’s Terms, Not Ours:

“[My determined purpose is] that I may know Him- that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding [the wonders of His Person] more strongly and more clearly, and that I may in that same way come to know then power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers]; and that I may so share His suffering as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death.” (Phili 3:10 AMP)

That’s it!...halfway around the world, away from all my crutches, separated from all of those things that made me comfortable, I was given a chance to see God at work cross-culturally like never before…For the first time I would spend time in a missionary home. For the first time I would be surrounded my another culture and baffled by another language. For the first time in my life I would be the forgeiner. And I found myself again and again and again having to look at heaven and learn a whole new way of walking. And best of all, my first love really began to bloom. “my determined purpose” [perhaps Paul means “my focus”] is that I may know Him.

I have found...

----I have found---- Kim Walker

Verse 1:
I have found a peace that ploughs on through the storm.
I have found a joy that jumps over sadness.
I have found a love that lights up every room.
I have found, I've found You!

I have found a peace that ploughs on through the storm.
I have found a joy that jumps over sadness.
I have found a love that lights up every room.
I have found, I've found You!

Chorus:
Jesus, You are all I want, You are all I need,
Everything my heart could hope for.
We are longing for, the Glory of the Lord,
Cause we know there's so much more!

Verse 2:
I have found a trust that teaches how to rest.
I have found a grace that guides me by the hand.
I have found a strength that stands like a mountain.
And I have found, I've found You!

Chorus:
Jesus, You are all I want, You are all I need,
Everything my heart could hope for.
We are longing for, the Glory of the Lord,
Cause we know there's so much more! x2

Bridge:
Only You, fill my soul x4

---Holding Nothing Back: Watch this and listen to the words!----
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJsc2louPes

Don't get married until.... Series

http://www.newspring.cc/series/dontgetmarried

- if you not married...you need to watch this series!! This is a sermon series they did at NewSpring Church, and Perry, Clayton and Perry's wife Lacrisha, hit the nail on the head! It really good.....so go check it out!!!

--Its just challenges you to really think and pray before you get married. Not just jump into it, but really seek the Lord. Marriage is GREAT, but God takes it serious!

Delight in Me, Dear Bride to Be

This is a poem the Lord laid on my heart... Nov 5,2009. I was having a rough night and just praying seeking the Lord...and i started reading a poem Beth Moore wrote around the time she got married...but from that, the Lord wrote this poem though me, He just spoke to me through these words. Everytime i read it, its just a reminder to just keep waiting on the Lord, He is faithful!!!

*** Delight in Me, Dear Bride to Be ****
Delight in me with all your heart
And trust me when I say
I am more than enough my dear
Don’t ever look away
I put desires in your heart
And as you wait for me
I will be faithful and do what I say as you
Delight in me
No matter how great, how tall, how fine
I am the King of Kings
You’re my daughter in whom I delight
Not just anyone can have this heart of your
So trust me in the waiting, I know that it is hard
You have been faithful, and waited on the Lord
I know that you aren’t perfect, that there has been times of doubt
But I don’t count your sins against you my child, my love, my bride
I wish you could see just how much I love you.
I am your Father, you are my Child
Not just anyone gets your heart my love
He has to search it out
He has to be so lost in me
So that He may find you
Just as your heart needs to be lost in me
So that you may see him too
I have a plan my dear
Trust me when I say
The waiting will be worth
On that special day
That I can already see dear one
When your eyes will lock
And see each other for the first time
As the one from Me
I know that you have waiting
I know that its been hard
I have seen every tear you’ve cried
And held you in my loving arms
The day I coming soon my love
But be still now
Delight in Me your Lord and Savior
Rest in who I AM
That time is coming Dear, I promise
Have yourself ready, but don’t keep looking here and there
Enjoy where I have you, and seek me above all else
The day you say I DO will be a celebration in deed
But enjoy right now my dear, REST IN ME!

Every Womens Battle

Hay Girls, (and guys)I want to come to you as a sister in this note. I am the oldest of 4 girls, 1 of 17 grandchildren, and 12 of the 17 are girls. I always joke that when God called my into ministry He called me to girl world. I have such a place in my heart specifically for girls, to see us get our heads around this idea that we are loved and adored by our Heavenly Father. NO LOVE will ever compare to His. So as you read this ,read it as if I am coming to you as a big sister, just sharing my heart with you. One of my favorite things to do is sit with my sisters and cousins and just have girl talk. We are close in age so its just one big slumber party when we get together. And my awesome guys I'm also sharing this with you as a sister…letting you in a little into what the deepest issue is girls struggle with. If your thinking its we want to know we are beautiful it runs a lot deeper than that, I love you guys!! Girls everything I am about to say I say with love and as one with you not above you. This is an area I still have to wrestle with everyday with God. I love you and I more than anything am just wanting to bluntly sister you…if that’s ok! I’m so glad you are reading this. I’ve said this before if I had a choice I would not read my own stuff or listen to me, but I have to cause I have to live in hear and its tough living in hear I need you know that. I don’t have to convince you that God uses the foolish I hope. 2 Cor 10:12-13 “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you”Girls the biggest battle you have to admit that we battle DAILY is insecurity? As girls we are eatin alive with measurements (Physically, emotionally, literally, and spiritually.) Nothing has gotten us in more trouble or caused us more pain then our insecurities. There will never be a guy in the room checking out the girls in the room like the girls in the room. We will know more about what the person sitting next to has on then what we have on. We are constantly checking each other out seeing were we fit. Do I measure up? (Lets be dead honest!!) But I am praying for healing with this in my life and in yours. What if we really let God deal with us in this area? Cause its BONDAGE, BONDAGE! I want you to think about these three things: Who are we trying to measure up to? Who are we trying to measure up for? Who are we trying to measure God by? 1)Who are we trying to measure up to? 2 Cor 10:12-13 nothing is any less wise then comparing ourselves girls to ourselves (each other). Comparing means judging. The definition of judging – Comparing to one another the similarities and differences. Nothing is more foolish then comparing ourselves to each other. Hear is something that helped me and hopefully will help you. Give the person(s) a face – who. We have to face the [who] or we will never be set free from generalities of bondage. We want to see the truth and to be set free because nothing is making us more miserable than our insecurities…NOTHING! Ok…now this is why this is so tricky… [you may adore this person or you may despise them] [You could just as easily adore the person as despise the person] If you despise the person most likely it’s because of jealousy and it you adore the person it’s more likely you idolize the person. To women jealousy is a big thing to us (I know every single one of you girls struggle with it…don’t lie…you might not say it but we have all been at some point or are jealous of someone(s)). But it is a product of- acting out of insecurity.Who is it that threatens you? Who and why are you threatened. What is it that threatens you, and what is it you feel like they are threatening? You have to identify the root of the problem. (See guys it goes a WHOLE LOT deeper then we want to feel pretty) When someone is threatened they will act out of jealousy a lot of times in criticism. ( ex. She is just so sweet, she just seems really cool, and you say well...she wasn’t that nice. WHAT IS THAT??...lol) I have a friend who I grew up with and am still friends with today. She is one of those girls that just is so pretty its almost unfair… you want to hate her but you can’t cause she’s so sweet. But as long as I’ve know her ,every time I see her she is put together. Her hair is wonderful, her face, clothes, smile, everything wonderful.It’s just exhausting feeling like you have to measure up physically all the time. If it is not Jesus Christ who sets you apart, who when you lay your head on your pillow at night, if it is not Jesus who make you special and gives you your worth and value we are in for a life time of misery.When it is not Jesus, you are going to pick the wrong guy, your going to pick the wrong future... Beth Moore told a story of a woman who told her “tell these girls to deal with their stuff before God before they get married.” Girls, you don’t want to pick your mate out of the unhealthy side of yourself. Can God perform a miracle should you do that YES! But that is plan B and not plan A. You don’t want to be choosing your guys out of your own insecurity. If you find yourself having to look absolutely perfect for him or act absolutely “perfect” for him when he walks through the door…THERES NO WAY TO SUSTAIN THAT!! We just need to be set free, we are who we are… We need to be free to just love people.“Whoever you are most jealous of you start praying for God to bless and it will heal your heart towards them.” Christy NocklesGIVE IT UP TO GOD!!! Ask God to give you a love for a person you may absolutely despise. Tell on them, that’s fair, tell HIM! Deal with it before God…but let Him set your sweet heart free cause its miserable!!2) Who am I trying to measure up for? Gal 1:10 “Am I not trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ.-Side Note- How awesome would it be if we really let God heal this in us. Can you think of nothing more the enemy would love then to distract you, when God wants to do a profound work in your life. If the enemy can distract you with something absolutely ridiculous he will. We are not going to let him, we are going to deal with this before God, because Satan is driven by jealousy. In Ez 28:14 it says he was the “anointed cherub”…but he wasn’t God.-Gal 1:10 – anyone who we seek the approval of (as a lifestyle) we are a slave to. The only way we are set free is to be a bond slave to Christ. …But whoever’s approval your trying to get, you’re a slave to. God can set you free!!God can do what He says He can do. John 5-Its no ones fault that I am in this mess with this person. I am going to take responsibility for my end of it , let God deal with them on theirs’ and let God deal with me on mine. We can cease getting their approval without ceasing to love them. If you are going to live to please people that’s going to be a tough road, because some people freely give acceptance, and some others you are constantly fighting to get. Some of the hardest people to lay on the alter before God are some of the people God will give you the most freedom from! “It’s a whole a lot easier to get God’s approval than it is man’s.” Gregg Mattes. God will always be 10 times more merciful with you than people will ever be. God is security and fulfillment…that’s were you find it, not people!! 3)Who are we trying to measure God by? Isa 40:5/ Isa 46:5 “ To whom will you compare me or count me equal. To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?” -Who are we getting God mixed up with? And this happens all the time and especially with our earthly fathers, or a host of other people. “To whom will you compare me…” -We tend to get God mixed up with people. And we better behave ourselves. If you think if my pastor fell,youth pastor, mentor, Louie Giglio, Beth Moore, Francis Chan, Christ Tomlin, and anyone else you admire for their faith and walk with the Lord, if you think ,if they fell my faith would not survive it…then you have them mixed up with God and we better behave ourselves. God will never fall off that thrown…NOT EVER!! -People fall away from Church or God a lot of time because somewhere along the way they decided people are not worthy so church is not worthy, we need to be careful! We are all human!! GOD IS NOT A BIG US…HE IS GOD!!! “God is light and in him is no darkness at all” 1John 1:5 God has NO dark side! God has NO perverse side! God has NO impure motive towards you! NONE!God is NOT messed up! God is NOT a freak! God is COMPLETELY HEALTHY, and refuses to be co-dependant with you…AMEN!Completely full, needs nothing, self exist, He’s just GOD! So much of our misery is out of insecurity. You need not be threatened. You are completely loved by someone you can completely trust. God new what he was doing when he made you. He knew what he was doing when he set you on this earth at the time and place he did. (Act 17, Ps 139). Through our personalities sanctified God wants to do something sticking amazing!!! I love you girls and guys!!! Below is a link to a series called “Beautiful” By Perry Noble. It’s a 7 part series, but the first 2 messages are what I pray you go and listen too!!! I love you girls and guys!! http://www.newspring.cc/series/beautiful Philippians 1:6 (ESV) “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

No Not One

Hay yal- Just wanted to share something cool God just is teaching me. Right now I am in the middle of reading a book by Beth Moore called “Believing God.” What is so amazing to me is God always knows what you need to hear. If I have learned anything this year it has been that His Word is powerful! I always knew that reading the Bible was important but this year I have seen the power in God’s Word in my life!! Tonight though I was reading and the chapter is titled “Believing you can do all things through Christ.”Phil 4:13. In the chapter Beth talks about Joshua and the call that God gave Him and in that He told Joshua in Joshua 1:9 “Have I not command you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discourage, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” The whole idea in the book is faith. We say yes I believe IN God but do we Believe God? That passage just jumped off the page at me, that no matter what circumstances may be, to not be discouraged, God will give you every place you step your feet for the glory of His name if you let Him. My favorite part of the book was this part; Im just going to quote right out the book. “ Immediately after God told Joshua to not be terrified or discouraged, He gave him the important reason. The reason had nothing to do with the absence of terrifying or discouraging circumstances. On the contrary, Joshua had never faced anything so frightful or potentially disparaging. What reason did God give Joshua for turning from fear and discouragement in the face of huge opposition? “The LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” When Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid in the storm, the reason wasn’t the removal of their frightful circumstances but the presence of their Savior. “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid” Matt 14:27 Remember, faith is never the denial of reality. It is the belief in a greater reality. In other words, the truth may be that you are presently surrounded by terrifying or terribly discouraging circumstances. The reason you don’t have to buckle to fear and discouragement is the presence of God in the middle of your circumstances. Call upon Him to step His One and Only shoes onto your territory and take over like the commander of the LORD’s Army (Josh 5:15). Hear Him say to you the words He said to Joshua: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” That place, the circumstance, is holy because God stands on it with you. You don’t have to fill His shoes, Dear One. Take off your sandals and walk barefoot in His wake.” After reading that the song “No Not One” By Christy Nockels new album that I had gotten yesterday kept echoing in my mind, Almost like God was saying there is no one like me Brittney..NO NOT ONE!! Here are the lyrics!! If you can, go get the song or album on iTunes! But I wanted to share with you what God is teaching me!! Love you guys!!NO NOT ONE: Christy NockelsNo better word than from Your lipsNo perfect life than what You livedNo greater gift, no not oneNo brighter star has ever shinedNo better hope for all mankind No higher mind, no not oneNo one has ever knownThis kind of love You've shownThere has never been a greater love Than Your sonNo, Not oneAnd there will never be a name aboveNo, Not oneWith His life You have forgiven usHope has comeHope has comeAnd there will never be a greater loveNo, Not oneNo image true or sweeter frame No simple word can match Your nameNo greater fameNo not oneNo one has ever seenThe depth of Your majestyThere has never been a greater love Than Your sonNo, Not oneAnd there will never be a name aboveNo, Not oneWith His life You have forgiven usHope has comeHope has comeAnd there will never be a greater loveNo, Not oneNo greater call - You gave us all a reason to liveNo greater love - You gave us all a reason to giveNo greater life - You gave us all a reason to shineNo greater love - forever mine!-Love yal- Eph 3:20Brittney