Thoughts from an Easter Sunday...

Last night I had a dream. I had a dream that there was so much snow all over the place...so much that you would be digging for hours to actually get to the bottom (or the ground). There was a group of men near the forest that were up to no good. Even with the snow-covered hills and plants they were trying to add/take away from the forest in their own special way. Many were upset with them, confused why it was so important to complete this task. They worked in a valley that was easy, due to the snow, to slide into, but very difficult to climb out of. While they attended to their task something started to change. Moods changed from stubbornness to panic. Right in the midst of us there was an avalanche beginning to erupt.

Our Belarus missions trip team

As people scattered trying to climb out of the piles and piles of snow, many began to face the fact that they would not make it out. As I began to climb and tear away at the snow, I started to face that same reality. Then, out of nowhere, came two men. Two men with hands willing to help me up these valley walls filled of snow. Before I knew it I was on top of this massive hill looking down at all of those that were in mass panic due to their situation. As I turned around, I saw my house. Very random, I thought. Why would my house be here? It was at that moment that a man with two small children appeared in front of me. As the man quickly handed his two children to me it was evident what he was to do next. As he said farewell to his children, I knew they were not going to see him ever again -- not in this life. The two small children clung to me as their father faded away, going to help those in need. The children and I walked towards my house, tears streaming down my face. As we entered the door of my house there were my parents, feeding the masses with the food they had to spare. Overwhelmed by what this father had just done for his children that I was now entrusted with, the tears started to pour out of me as I cried uncontrollably. How could one man love his children SO much as to leave them, going to save other people...those people that were so undeserving.

We were given the opportunity to visit a Gypsy family, recent Christians

As I woke up from my sleep I could feel the warm heat from the tears rolling down my cheeks in reality. Wanting to know what time it was, I headed out to the living room. To my surprise and much delight, God had presented me with a gift...a kiss that was meant just for me...SNOW! Can we just take a moment and think about our Creator and how He has wonderfully created each and every one of us individually.

In Belarus we had the chance to perform at church Sunday morning

What a pleasant gift that God gave me that Easter day, letting me personally know how much He truly does love me -- how He gave His ONLY son to save MY life.....MY measly little life. God was reaching out to me. What an overwhelming feeling of joy to know that we ARE those small little children that Jesus died for - the children that He handed over to God, going off to protect us, our lives, and our future. God is constantly talking to us, reaching out to us. But, are we choosing to listen to Him?

Having recently gotten back from a missions trip to Belarus I tend to think now, more than ever, about God's role in my life. How He loves me, how He wishes me to spread His love and word to His other children, and how He will - no matter what - ALWAYS be there for me. Who else can say that?? Who! We have tons of friends that consider us "top priority," but who of them can say that they will be with us...always. ALWAYS! None. None of them. Sorry, but it's the truth. I have good news though! God will ALWAYS be with us, as long as we can just do one simple thing:  trust in Him.

Community outreach event; we performed a skit of how Jesus died for our sins

Small group bible study at my host family's house

Believe me whole-heartedly when I say that I myself am consistently and constantly working on this myself. Like I said, I just got back from Belarus (for those of you who do not know -- that is close to Russia). While there I was able to be poured into by the Holy Spirit. Learning more and more about my God, my Jesus, and my brothers and sisters in Christ. While there I was able to meet siblings in Christ of mine that are honestly and truly on FIRE for God and the 66 love letters that He has left us with in what we like to call "The Bible." A week ago today I had just traveled about 20 hours to get home back to Germany from my blessed time getting to know God's people in Belarus, but while there I was able to reflect a little bit:

Connecting with USee, a community outreach team at a church in Belarus

April 4th, 2012.


Wow. Wow. Wow. 
What a day.
Can I package these people up and take them with me everywhere? Their fire and passion is so evidently for Jesus, for God, for other people. They burn brighter than ever and find such joy in how they get to live in Brest, Belarus and spread the love of Jesus to the people here. My one prayer is that I am able to not lose the fire that I've gained while being here. In my head I have such big plans for trying to get involved in the community and trying to do more outreach, but how -- where -- when? I need to honestly start praying about where God will use me from here...especially as new opportunities present themselves in these next couple of years for me. 


As I sat in the kitchen with my host mother tonight the conversation evolved. Very quickly I found myself asking about their house that they are renovating, wondering when it would be done. Through google translation I found out that it is less expensive if they pay out of pocket to build the second floor of their house (right now they have only 2 bedrooms for them and their two children). I learned that if they were in the United States it would be a lot less expensive. After learning yesterday that you get about $100 when you work for one month there in Belarus - a 2 bedroom, 1 floored house for $170,000 is not exactly chump change. 


The conversation evolved so that I was able to learn that some people from Belarus leave to go live elsewhere for a better living, a better life...but my host mother was confused by this:  "Why would you leave? For a more materialistic life? We get the honor of being here and telling people about God, sharing His love."


WOW. Really? I could not have been hit MORE by our conversation. How would I ever be the same? I pray that I never will be the same after such a deep connection with someone I just met a couple days prior -- but we are one body, we have but one God. 


After getting quite emotional and crying, I had the unique opportunity of thanking our host mother for being such a great example of what it means to be a Christian. "More people should be like you," I said. At that moment our puzzle pieces fit together -- we were able to form an even tighter bond then we had before. I could tell just by looking at her face that we understood each other and that, due to God's guidance, our hearts are breaking for the same reason. 


Glory be to God who stirs emotions inside of us at the very moment that we need them.

Getting a tour of Belarus' Fortress

My question to you is this:  What is stirring your heart? And, is that stirring drawing you closer to Him? What are YOU going to do about it?

God, lead the way. Let YOUR will be done.

I had some questions, of course. :-)

"As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.'"

~ Matthew 20:17 ~

The women of our Belarus missions trip

Girl time:  visiting a Catholic orthodox church in Brest, Belarus

Overall it was a GREAT experience that I will NEVER be the same from!

Overwhelmed...

Now judging on the title of this blog my "theme" could go two different ways. There could be the "I'm so overwhelmed with happiness that I'm bursting at the seems," or there could be the "I'm so overwhelmed with stress that my head is about to pop." Needless to say, this type of "overwhelmed" is about BOTH types.

These past couple of weeks have been, well, overwhelming. With various events that have taken place such as:

Subbing at the middle school dorm for 4 days

Skyping/talking with friends

Celebrating Pi Day (3.14) with my math students

Middle school spring parties (with an olympics theme)

Talking with individual students

Meetings/communication with parents

Festival in town

Having a friend over for dinner

Small group every Wednesday

Celebrating teacher birthdays

Financial stressors

Staff Devotions

Preparing for our missions trip to Belarus

Etc...

My life has been nothing short of packed. Packed full of great and exciting events, yes, but pushing them all together in the same month can be somewhat of a stressor. I can honestly say I have never battled so much with my faith as I did this past month. When things tend to get busy (either good or bad) it is easy to lose sight of what is important -- my relationship with God.

Subbing at the middle school dorm

I am happy to say that I have been able to see God truly shine through the little things in life these past couple of days such as the beautiful sunshine, the students in my life He has blessed me with, and the little kisses that He sends specifically to me in my times of need. No matter what is happening, good or bad, God is looking out for me.

Algebra class making 3.1415 (Pi)

On March 12th this is just part of the prayer that I prayed that night, and I pray that as time goes on that I am able to pray the same thing over and over, knowing that God is in control at all times:

"Lord, if it be your will – take me. Take me instead. There are so many different teachers here that deserve to be here more than me. They are more creative, more intuitive when it comes to the students, and more prepared each day for what that day holds for them and their students. I realize, Lord, that I have talents and abilities – but who am I to say that I should stay here. Who am I to say that I shall be the one to teach the classes that I do. I realize that confidence is part of who we are in you and how this makes us your children, but at the same time I believe in myself enough to know that wherever you put me I will make the most of the situation. You know my heart, you know my desires, and I am willing to listen to the will that you have for my life in order to glorify You in the best way that you see fit."





Basically, I do not know what is going to happen. Whether God has me here for 5 more days or 5 more years -- I am at His will. I will not limit Him to my minuscule thoughts of what He may or may not be able to do. I will not put God in a box so that I am limiting my view of Him, but most of all, I will not direct the path that He has set out for me in one way or another. He has special plans for me -- and I am not about to deny Him or myself that great, great privilege of living them out, for Him and Him alone.

Spring Party:  Olympics

Thank you for your support as I continue to battle the devil in various parts of my life. Please continue to pray as I am in Brest, Belarus right now on a missions trip as a part of BFA with 7 students and another leader. May our time here be eye-opening and glorifying to our God as we serve Him in various ways. (More on this later, but if you want you can check out our blog:  http://www.belarusbound2012.blogspot.com/). Thank you, thank you, thank you again!!

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you." 

~ Isaiah 43:2

Thankful for these Moments

Relationship Panel that I was asked to talk on

These past couple of days have been a great reminder to me of how thankful I am to be in such a great place where not only God cares for my needs, but so do those around me.

After our third quarter (out of four) coming to an end in school it is quite easy for life to get stressful with grading, tests, projects, etc. However, God is here with me and continues to give me strength through various love languages of mine.

Panel in front of about six bible small groups (all girls)

A couple days ago a couple of my seventh grade girls asked me to run with them this past Friday, and it is my pleasure to say that I did. :-) These students are such a joy in my life that I can hardly think of life without them. Running with them through the countryside while the sun was shining down on us, being able to relationally connect with them was nothing short of amazing. It took me back to my counselor days in the summer and reminded me how much I truly and honestly enjoy connecting with others, hearing their stories, and being able to just purely spend time with God's children.

White chocolate Fudge

Dark chocolate fudge

After having a work-out session with my girls I was able to help out with a bake sale that the seventh graders put on this past Friday night to raise money for Africa. Thursday night I joyfully spent three and a half hours in the kitchen (and I am not being sarcastic when I say that) in order to bake cupcakes and make some fudge. I feel bad because my roommates had to endure all of this, but they got the benefit of being my official taste-testers. :-) Needless to say, it was GREAT being able to help out by using my love for baking in order to help the seventh graders in their mission to raise money for a fabulous cause. In the end they ended up making a little over 500 dollars! Way to go seventh grade! :-)

Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes

People selecting their bakery items :-)

As always, it is an honor to be serving our Lord in this specific way, and He continues to show me His love and grace by constantly being by my side through the thickness and thin of life. Lord how I love you with all my heart each and every day.

Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.

~ Micah 6 ~

Passion

7th grade math students working outside

The English language is so interesting, eccentric, and complicated. One word could be interpreted so many ways. Take "passion" for example; some may define it as that feeling that we have towards another person when we are in love with them, some may use it to describe various activities or things in life that give them passion, and others use it very often to describe spiritual things, such as their love for our Lord.

Students trying to find various shapes outside

 This weekend while at the high school retreat for BFA in Lenk, Switzerland we were proposed with a very intriguing question. It is a question that I have been asked before, but after serving at BFA for about 7 months I see a noticeable change in my answer. Being described at that which glorifies God, our passion is something that stirs excitement and joy inside of us that God has so graciously and selflessly blessed us with so that we could use for His glory.

Middle schoolers bowling on Activity Day

For those of you that know me personally probably know of my love for baking, and have probably, at one point or another, been able to taste one of my various creations. Now, I cannot promise that you did not try a burnt cookie or something of that sort - but nonetheless you've tried something created by me. Anyways, thinking about this whole idea of "passion" and what my passion is that I use to serve Him, my mind wandered to baking -- go figure!! However, it is more than just baking. My joy and excitement does not come from spending all that time in the kitchen creating all those yummy, detectible treats (although it is a great stress reliever), instead it contributes towards the bigger picture. Those truffles, pieces of fudge, cookie dough bites, and chocolate chip brownies are just examples of what helps aid my true passion - giving.

Middle school chapel at the HS -- they were excited!!

Whether it is a postcard, keychain, chocolate, a dessert or just simply a note -- God has given me the passion of gift giving. And let us be honest, I would not have it any other way. Seeing the happiness on people's face when they eat that piece of fudge or slice that piece of cake makes it all worth it -- multiplied by ten. Just think, that's the same joy and excitement that God experiences when He sees us actually use our talents to glorify Him -- times infinity!! The question is are we actually using the passions He has given us to glorify Him? Well, are you?

High School Retreat in Lenk, Switzerland

I know it is easier said than done, but think about it. Are you using the passions that God has given you to glorify Him? This is a question that I have to ask myself as well. Is the gift giving that I so thoroughly enjoy being done to glorify my God or to glorify myself? Most times I would like to say that it is selfless, but let us be honest with ourselves, we are merely humans who will sometimes seek glory for things that we should not. Does that make it right, of course not. Knowing that we serve and belong to a God that loves us no matter what as long as we profess with our mouths that He is our Lord as well as confess with our hearts, is very comforting.

Freshman small group girls and Co-leader (Katrina) at the HS Retreat

So, what's your passion? I would love to hear about it!!! I absolutely love hearing how others are glorifying God. Whether it is your profession, a hobby, or a lifelong goal we all have different passions in life -- what a great God we serve to give us such a thing!!!

Roomies and me at the HS Retreat (they have small groups too!)

Things to look forward to this month:

Small group sleepover,

Subbing at the middle school dorm for 4-5 days,

Meetings for my missions trip to Belarus,

Parent/teacher meetings,

Leading staff devotions

Praises:  

Healthy birth of my friend's baby,

Successful completion of both my Health and Games class,

Progress with my friends move to Haiti this upcoming summer,

My mom's boss' tumor shrunk, allowing her more time with us,

Some high schoolers playing outside in the snow :-)

Prayers:

Funding and spiritual growth for our Belarus team,

Knowledge on how to creatively present the material in my classes,

More alone time with my Lord and Savior,

My friends and family as the Devil continues to attack

Thank you, thank you, thank you SO MUCH for your love and support through messages, emails, "snail" mail, and pacakges. It is a joy and a privilege to know each and every one of you!!!

The Alp that I had the chance to SLED down with some small groupers!!

"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

~ James 4:6-8 ~

Playing volleyball in the gym during free time

One of the buildings where we stayed while on the Retreat

Missions to Mars

Even though I am not ACTUALLY going to Mars, one might think. In about a month I will be headed, along with 8 other people from the BFA community, to Brest, Belarus for a missions trip.

I find myself excited and nervous all at the same time. Knowing that I am headed there with no knowledge of the language and not much familiarity with the culture, I find myself often leaning on God for strength. There is no telling what is going to happen while our team is there, but we can definitely pray for the best.

I pray that God is able to give us strength and help us through what we are going to experience and witness there. I pray that God is able to use this experience to reach out to the students on our team, drawing them closer to Him. Above all, I pray that God is able to use our hands and our feet for His purpose so that we may spread His word, joy, and love to others.

If you are interested in learning more about the Belarus Missions Trip that I am co-leading you can find information at the following website:  BFA in Belarus. You are also MORE than welcome to check out the Blog that I have created for our team by using the following link:  Belarus Bound 2012. We will be using the Blog in order to keep in contact with whomever is interested as we travel to and fro Belarus this upcoming April. Until then we have been posting various items...stay tuned for more if interested!

Again, thank you SO MUCH for your prayer and support as I am over here in Germany getting involved in various areas. PLEASE feel free at any point in time to contact me with questions, comments, etc. It is often hard to post everything that is happening over here (since there tends to be SO MUCH) so please feel free to ask if you are curious or want more information on a given topic! Thanks again!

We serve a Great God.

Games Elective that my roommate and I co-teach together
(this particular day they were "cup stacking" -- behind them they built a tower)

God's Kisses

This has been a topic very heavily discussed between my freshman small group girls that I co-lead and specific chapels here at BFA. Today, specifically, I was able to experience the "kisses of God" that were meant for only me. I take joy in sharing these moments with you.

Today while at work I received an email that made my day. I'm talking smiling from ear to ear in excitement for what God is doing within our middle school. Recently I was given the task of teaching 6th grade Health. After a very small hesitation I decided to go for it. Well, it turns out that this would be the BEST decision that I've made in a while. Not only do I get to spend some time with the 6th graders, but I get to reach out to them in ways that I did not even realize.

Games elective that my roommate and I teach together

Just yesterday we started a unit in Health that requires the boys and girls to be split up into two groups. The boys are with a male teacher and the girls are with me. You can only imagine the things that we talk about as it regards to the changes that our bodies go through as we grow into adults. Well, yesterday I was able to sit down with the girls and have a special "tea time" where we sipped hot tea (that they were able to pick out themselves) and little pieces of chocolate. The girls were SO EXCITED and it was a nice time that we could be open and honest about our lives. Well, to my joy there was an email for me this morning from a parent of one of the girls in my Health class. It read:

So, a bit of follow-up that might make you smile.  

My daughter told me in the car on the way home that they had "a talk"... without the boys....

She said it was nice cause they got tea and goodies (nice touch!)  

On the way home we stopped by the store to get bread.  She went in too and bought her own stuff.  I thought she was buying candy, but no!  She was buying deodorant!  Too cute. And she told me in the car that she was going to buy a comb, because you told her that it was not good to brush your wet hair with a brush! You should always use a comb!  She decided to not buy the comb though, since it was too expensive and we had an old one at home! :)

Okay, that's just for you.  Don't tell her I told you or she'd kill me.  But it absolutely made me smile and I thought you'd get a kick out of it too!  You see!!!! They were listening!

My heart still smiles from reading that message. God continues to bless me with stories and experiences that I am able to have with the amazing people that He has created in the community around me. Sometimes it's easy to feel down and upset because I am away from home and often miss my friends and family, but God is constantly sending me "kisses" to remind me of His steadfast love for me -- oh, how I LOVE HIM so much.

Then, as if life could not get any better today, when I got home from school I received an email from a 7-year-old girl that must have read about me through my missions organization. The email reads as follows:

Dear   miss   taylor.    my    name   is    XXX    i    am   7   years    old!     what    is    it    like    in    Germany? it    is    snowing    just   a   litle   bit   hear! we   have   been    praying for   you! can   you   write    back    to    me?   oh   right    i have    1   sister   and   my two    brothers   are in   heaven! 

in   christ     XXX!

HOW INCREDIBLY TOO CUTE!!! God just continues to "kiss" me and send me love in the form of encouraging notes and amazing words. Through others He continues to show me how much He truly loves all of us and uses His specific, special ways to do so. I hear you God, I am listening, and I know now -- more than ever -- that you love me. Help me to stay in Your will and glorify You through the things that I do, the words that I speak, and the relationships that I have with Your children. I love you.

Hillsong church in London, England (we went for the Sunday service)

London, England:  Parliament and Big Ben

This past weekend I was also able to have the pleasure in taking a short trip to London, England with some girls that work at BFA with me. It was SO NICE to be able to spend time with others that I do not see that often (because they work at the high school and elementary school). The much needed break was a great get-a-way from hectic life and an AWESOME way to reconnect with God. In those small and big moments it was evident to me of His love not only for me, but for His people. ALL of us.

My prayer for you, my friends, is that you are able to see how God specifically kisses YOU, not your neighbor, not your friend, not your spouse, but YOU. He loves YOU and desires a personal and deep relationship with YOU. If you'll allow Him, He'll send you kisses too. :-)

The famous red telephone booths in England

While on "The Eye" (a huge enclosed farris wheel in England)

Lexi and I in front of the Place (Yes, where the Prince got married)

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. ~ John 15:13

Remembrance of Love

Today is special because not only does the world signify it as "Valentine's Day," but it is one more GREAT reminder of God's love for us!! As we spread love around today let's please remember of the One who loves us most, God! :-)

A WONDERFUL spread from our lovely parents here at the Middle School,
letting us know how much they appreciate all that we do! How sweet, LITERALLY!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

~ John 3:16 ~

On our hearts:  (Me) John 3:16 and (Brittany) Romans 5:8

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

~ Romans 5:8 ~

My Algebra class with our "homemade hearts."
**You may notice that the above right girl "lost" her heart to the above right boy (because she talked to him).  **

Little fact about BFA on Valentine's Day:  the girls decorate hearts that they pin to their shirts or wear around their neck, THEN if they talk to a boy during the school day (when it's not in a "safe zone," such as class) then the girl has to give the boy their heart. I know, gives a WHOLE NEW meaning to this verse:

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

~ Proverbs 4:23 ~

Dark chocolate fudge I made for our staff

Chocolate peanut butter fudge that I, also, made