Cassie Orr -my journey- - First Year Missionary

Homecoming

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to let everyone know that I'm home in Arkansas! To make it short and sweet I had been really exhausted the past month in Africa. My emotional and physical gas tank were empty and it wasn't healthy for me to keep going like that. After much prayer and discussion with my leaders we all, along with my Dad, decided it was best to have me at home right now. So, I'm home... for
good! Africa was such a blessed season of my life and I know that the Lord has more in store for me at home. Looking after my best interests, I'm home to gain some restoration. Thank you everyone for all of the support and love. I would really appreciate to not be asked a lot of questions b/c I don't have all the answers! Thanks again for all of the understanding!

-Cassie-

Resting With My Daddy

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." -Psalm 62: 1-2

This past week the Lord has been drawing into me as I have drawn into him. At a conference this past week I really felt called to sit back and just hangout with God. There was amazing worship two times a day at this conference. There were great singers, lots of instruments, smoke, colored lights, and hundreds of crazy Christian kids jumping around. While all of those things are nice, God really spoke to me and said, "Cassie, I don't need all of those things from you to show me you love me. Just sit with me and rest." So throughout the week that's exactly what I did. While there was organized chaos (so it seemed) around me, the Lord quieted my heart and spoke tenderly to me. I was reminded that so often we want God to speak to us through the thunder but more times often than not, he is in that faint whisper.

One of my favorite places to be in the world is hanging out with my earthly Dad, James. He is, hands down, the most amazing man I know. Even so, that one of the last things my Mom said to me before she passed away was, "Cassie Denise, do not settle for any man who is less than your father. You deserve the best and that's exactly what he is!" My Dad has been such a great example of a father to me throughout my life. I have been blessed by that and now understand God as our Father more intimately. Just as my Dad, James wants me to hangout and watch the game with him, My heavenly Daddy longs even more for me to spend time with him, Many times not even saying a word. Just resting with my Daddy and knowing that my soul will only find rest in Him.

*I had to put a shoutout picture up on this one for my Daddy! Writing this post reminded me of a shirt I wore when I was little that said "If you think i'm cute...you should see my Daddy!" *I love you, Daddy!!!*

-Be Blessed-

I've Fallen In Love With A Cupcake

Sun, 2 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This year in Jeffrey's Bay I have fallen in love. There is no doubt in my mind now that love at first sight exists. From the moment I saw Cupcake last year, my heart was hers. I guarantee if you were to spend a day with her, she would have your heart as well.

One day last semester, God just happened' to place a crche in our House Ministries path. That is where I met my "Cupcake." I coined that name for her the first day I met her because honestly, I cannot pronounce her Xhosa name. Also, Cupcake is a little chunk'. To me she just looks like a little cupcake. Cupcakes mother, Gladys, is in charge of the crche. Her mother is a heavy drinker and her father is married and has a complete other family. Cupcake lives with her grandmother because of her living situation at home but sees her mom daily at the crche. I am so thankful that another girl on my team, Jenny, has heard God clearly and ministers to Gladys and pours our Lord's goodness into her whenever possible. Jenny has bought most of the family Xhosa Bibles and she prays and reads scripture with them often. I truly believe that God is using us to show that family His love.

I will be honest and tell you that I am obsessed with this child. I would bring Cupcake home with me in a split second if I could. Don't worry, her mother already "okayed" it and has Cupcake calling me Mom! (My Dad wouldn't mind a bit either) It's hard to explain how much joy I get when I see this child. Each day when I walk down the road she comes running full speed at me with her chunky little legs, half of her stomach usually hanging out, and a huge smile on her face. It makes every second I spend here in Africa meaningful.

Cupcake and I are soul mates. I believe that if I was a 5 year old black child I would be Cupcake. We are alike in almost every way possible. She is unbelievably entertaining, makes the most randomly weird faces at me (FYI: She loves the "fish face"), loves attention, loves to dance, sings constantly, and is just down right crazy!

Daily God teaches me about his love for me through Cupcake. I had known that Cupcake had been saving the money she could find on the ground for quite some time. One day she had me walk with her to a convenient store to buy something. I was so excited to get to share the joy with her of saving her money. She purchased two pears with her 1 rand (about 15 cents) and insisted that I eat the other one.(Picture included!) Cupcake had so little and had worked so hard for 1 rand but she loved me enough to want me to share that gift with her. I saw Jesus that day in a five year old Xhosa speaking child.

I am so blessed and thankful for the exciting and new ways God is speaking to me and teaching me. Each day that I set out for ministry I know that I will be surprised in the ways that I see God.

I ask that you join with me in praying for Cupcake and her family. I can't even stand the thought of the heartache I will feel when I must leave her come mid-May. Although, I know that God has placed me in her life at this time to plant a seed that will one day sprout into everlasting joy. And trust me, when the Lord gets a hold on my Cupcake's lifethat girl is going to change the world for the Kingdom!

-Be Blessed-

A Vision From God

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."

-1 Chronicles 29: 10-14

As you may or may not know, there is a tavern here in Jeffrey's Bay that has been placed on the hearts of a few of the girls on my team; namely the house ministries team. There was a vision given to us last semester to bring the Tavern to Kingdom of God. This vision has given us fire and passion like nothing before. Over Christmas break Amber raised around $2,500 (U.S.) in order for use to be able to talk to the owners about purchasing the Tavern. As of now, money is not the concern we have. If we need financial support we know God will provide abundantly; there is no doubt in our minds about that. The above verse in Chronicles even reminds me that the tavern is already His. I just yearn to see His spirit reign down with fire upon that place and in the hearts of the people there. Right now I am asking you to partner with Me, Amber, Sarah, Jenny, and the rest of the J-Bay team in praying and fasting for a clear path. We are really seeking the Lord with our whole hearts right now. This week we are fasting and praying during our lunch hour in order for God to give us words and a purposeful day.

On Monday, our first day of fasting, the owners of the tavern actually invited us into their house and sat and talked to us about what we were doing there. Peela and Joel ( the tavern owners) at least seemed interested in what we had to say. We bolded laid before them our hearts and our passion for their building. Peela and Joel both go to the ZedCC church which practices ancestor worship. After talking with the owners a few times I know that the Lord wants them for his Kingdom. It's not even so much about the Tavern at this moment. As a group we feel the Lord pulling us to really focus on having a heart for these people like he does. I truly want my heart to break for these individuals like the Lord's does. I want to see them as precious children who can do immeasurably more for the Kingdom. Our leader Christian said something to me that plays constantly in my head when I think about the tavern. She said, "Bring them Jesus and they are going to jump on board with His vision." Ah, what a sweet truth.

Today, Aaryn and Chelsea both joined us in prayer and spoke so much truth into the four of us. I really feel like the Lord is showing up in massive ways during our fast and prayers. Aaryn really felt the Lord telling her that we are going to have to be very persistent in our efforts at the tavern. She said God may be calling us to go and petition often and several times before we see any change, much like Moses and Aaron in Exodus. Chelsea felt the Lord wanting to protect our hearts. As a ministry team we are totally in this with our full hearts. But at the same time we really need to seek the Lord's heart and make that become our desire. I am so blessed to have people on my team that are willing to fight alongside me. It makes working for the kingdom such a sweet life.

I ask of you to be in prayer and/or fasting with us about vision for the tavern, Joel, and Peela. If you hear a word from God or just feel the need to encourage us then we would love to hear from you. I praise God daily for the opportunity to really pour my heart and soul into these three months I have left in Jeffrey's. Thank you for all of your support. We appreciate everything!

African Hospitals During Lunch Hour

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I thought everyone would like to know of a recent event that I now find very comical and "African." If you have a weak stomach and don't enjoy lots of detail then I wouldn't read this JThis past Sunday I was cooking lunch for the team. I was just about finished when I opened some cans of corn and green beans. As I proceeded to throw the cans away I sliced my finger open on the lid of one of those cans. Immediately blood came exploding out of my finger like Mount Saint Helens had just erupted; I'm talking like, plasma and all. There was a good size puddle of blood in my hand and now on our kitchen floor. As Tiffany screamed and didn't know what to do my first thought was to yell Aaryn's name. Why? Because Aaryn always knows what to do, of course! Aaryn took me to the sink to bleed over that and grabbed me a dish towel to put pressure on the wound. Although, I did feel bad because at Family Meeting Holly expressed that she was annoyed that our dish towels keep getting ruined. Despite, I used one to grasp my wound. If you have ever cut your finger badly before you know that it bleeds quiet a bit. Seeing as I am anemic, I knew losing the amount of blood I had wasn't a good thing.

Of course it was Sunday afternoon and all of the leaders were gone with all of the cars. Ten minuets passed and Chris came to my rescue. Chris and Katie were my rock stars of the day. Funny how the two people with the weakest stomachs on the team took care of me! They drove me (well Chris pretty much flew there) to Humansdorp to the nearest hospital; 20 minuets away. On the way there I passed out once in the van. Walking into the hospital I passed out again and Katie had to lift me! When we finally made it to the right place Chris tried to find someone to help us. The only part of the conversation I heard from Chris was, "I'll freaking buy her lunch, I have a girl in the waiting room that is bleeding a lot, anemic, and passing out." Supposedly, the receptionist was out to lunch and wouldn't check anyone in until she got done eating. I proceeded to pass out in Katie's lap for the third time. I wake up to this nurse pushing me asking my name. I then was forced to walk all the way down the hall to show some random lady my finger. This lady says to me "Oh, it's only a minor cut Go sit down!!" I suppose she didn't care that I was passing out every five minuets. Now, I know that my cut really wasn't too bad BUT passing out was not a good thing. I went through all of this to hear the nurse tell me that my doctor would be waiting in his surgical ward in J-Bay for me. Are you serious? We drove BACK 20 min. to J-bay and let Dr. Meyers put two stitches in my finger. I am fine now and have all my energy back. Nothing but a mere flesh wound!

My only thought in Humansdorp was "I will never come to this hospital again!" Little did I know I would return to that hospital that very night. That is a different story for a different time.

-Taste and See-

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" Psalm 34:8

This week in Jeffrey's was my first "official" week of ministry. I could have not been more blessed by it. Each house visit I did I felt so uplifted in seeing the fruit God had placed in my path. I felt as if this was the most amazing piece of "fruit" ever tasted. Figuratively speaking, as I bit into it the sweet juices and freshness of the Lord started flowing upon me and my ministry partners. God was telling me "Oh, taste and see that I am good." Praise Him!

A visit to a good friend of mine, Noma, really showed me how God wants to do immeasurably more through me this semester. Noma has AIDS and has been on the verge of death multiple times over the past semester. She was only 40k (88lbs) and almost 6ft tall. Needless to say, Noma had no strength or appetite. On top of that Noma's feet were always so swollen that it was almost impossible for her to walk. There have been countless prayers for Noma and her health. Relying on my own flesh, I was scared to come back to J-Bay this January because I didn't figure Noma would be around any longer. But in tasting and seeing how great that our God is, I came back to a Noma who had gained 8k (18lbs), had no swollen feet, could walk perfectly to come sit with us, and up fixing food. What a massive answer to prayer! Noma said that she was getting tests done this week to see if she was now healthy enough to start taking the ARVs to help her start living a more normal life. Last semester we didn't ever see this day coming!

I had a great conversation with Noma that day. I came to visit Noma and bless her. Little did I know what a huge blessing she was going to be? She filled me with an overflowing joy and encouragement. Noma spoke of the hope that she had in our Lord. She knew that He was going to give her strength and she trusted Him wholeheartedly in that. Noma said she has even been speaking to her friends who are positive (HIV) and speaking life into them. Telling them that they cannot give up and they must press on with whatever the Lord has provided in their life. WOW! All the while I'm thinking of what an amazing disciple maker God is making of Noma and she has no clue! Noma told us how easy it would be to go to the government and start getting grants because of her sickness but since she was able to be up around and working that she didn't need handouts. The Lord gave her strength and she was going to use it to the fullest. Her positive attitude and willingness has totally put her in a place where God can grow the most wonderful fruit through and around her.

Noma has been teaching me to take the good and the bad in my life and hand it over to our Lord. Once I give up the control of it, He will turn it into the sweetest fruit imaginable. If I take refuge in the Lord and allow the blessing to overflow in me I cannot imagine the goodness and joy that will come! I can't wait to see what else God's going to rock this year!!

No Restrictions

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." -Romans 14:17

For some time now God has been laying this verse on my heart. He has really been teaching me about how caught up I can get in the whole "routine" of Christianity and religion. Often times I see myself as a part of the Body who is more concerned with regulations and denominational values than with living a life of goodness in the Holy Spirit. Now, don't get me wrong; I'm not saying there is anything wrong with denominations or the values they hold to. I love my home church and was pretty much born into the Methodist church. What I am saying is often times I see the Body of Christ, myself included, being wrapped up in things that don't necessarily matter in the Kingdom.

I think that being a part of a nondenominational missionary group has really helped me see things the way God sees them. I mean, I'm when God introduces Himself he doesn't attach Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, to the end of his introduction. Ha!

I suppose that the Lord is taking me through a season that I would like to call, No Restrictions. No restrictions in the way I learn about Him, pray to Him, worship Him, serve Him, love Him, and seek Him. Nothing holding me back to living a life overflowing with the goodness, peace, and joy that comes from truly living in the Spirit. Through this I am learning to completely surrender myself to the Lords timing. There are things in this world that I want so badly to have right nowBut the Lord says "wait." I know that in surrendering things to Him, He will give them back to me in a more abundant way.

My prayer for this semester in Jeffrey's is that my team, leaders, and I live and serve with absolutely no restrictions. I pray that we each, in our own ways, are pushed to the limits. "Going big, or going home." I pray that none of us are concerned with anything but living life fully in the Spirit and expecting God to do immeasurably more through us. Wow! The fruit God will show us if we honestly live this way!! THIS is the day of small beginnings!!

_Cassie_

Good News!

Thu, 6 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

" But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus- the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love."

Acts 20:24

For a few years now God has given me this verse over and over again. He reiterates in me, each time I read this verse, that it is the calling He has placed on my life. In fact, it is the calling that He has placed on all of our lives. I wonder often why we, as a body of believers, insist on a college education, a nice house, 2.5 children, and a Honda. Where in the scripture is it laid out that our lives are supposed to look like that? God is beginning to reveal in me that the way I think life is suppose to work and look is totally opposite of His and what he has for me.

Most would agree that Jesus is the one model that we are called to shape our life like. I think most Christians embrace and understand this concept. But then again, if we were truly to "embrace" this concept, in its fullness, I believe our lives would look very different. Doesn't the life of Jesus display, in all facets, a life of undignified, selfless living? Am I living like that? Sure, I'd love to say yes but in reality I can't.

God is taking me to some really cool places in my relationship with Him. The nice little box that God has been in most of my life has been demolished. Each day it seems God reveals Himself to me in a brand new way. How incredibly refreshing our Savior is!

Today I had time to sit down and get quiet with God and ask him a question. The question was, "Where/When/How will I choose/begin to remain in the Lord?" Knowing that God wants to show how powerful and mighty he is through someone who has a heart of full commitment led me to ask that question of myself. Through this time the Lord revealed to me so much. Each time I had a revelation with the Lord today He brought the Acts 20:24 verse to my heart and aligned it all together in accordance to the work of telling others the Good News about God. There are three specific things which God has spoken to me today that I feel called to share.

1. Be willing to sacrifice going back to school if He says "Go elsewhere"

2. Call people out to partner with me in what God is doing. (There were two people I felt God leading me to)

3. Take the courage God has given me to moveand move.

In all honesty I would love to go back to college and be with all of my friends. Though lately I ask myself if that would be living in what all God has for me. I truly feel that He does have so much more for me than what most would consider a "normal life." At this moment I can't imagine being trapped in a classroom taking notes and listening to lectures. I can't imagine myself doing this because I've seen the need of this world first hand. The need that I have seen consumes me. At this moment I am not sure of what God has for my future. Although I do feel like this is the first moment I've been okay with not knowing. If I am to go back to school Awesome. But if God calls me to another country or something elseAwesome! What makes me most excited about my future is the people I feel God telling me to call out and partner with me in whatever he is already doing. I can't wait to share God's vision and really seek His will with these individuals. God has filled me with so much courage this past week as a leader. He is calling me to keep moving and moving is what I'll be doing!

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Alive In Christ

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

On Saturday, November 10, I was baptized at sunset in the healing waters of Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa. I must say that it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. For all of you who wanted to be there I will give you a little play-by-play of the event!

Around sunset our family headed out to a beach near by SuperTubes. All 20 of us plus Jaup attended the baptism of Ms. Jenny Nelson and me. After hundreds of pictures we went to sit on the beach for what we like to call a little "P and Dub" (Praise and Worship). We sang Hungary, God of Wonders, and Amazing Grace. Sitting on the beach in worship, as the waves crash around you, and the blazing sun sets upon the water is one of the most amazing experiences ever. After this, Tag talked a little about what baptism means. He talked about how like the sand covers us, so is our life covered with sin. Then, after our baptism, we are washed free from the sand (sin) that once took hold of our being. Tag then gave Jenny and me a few moments to talk to the group and tell them why we were being baptized.

I am so thankful that I had never been baptized before that moment. I was dedicated when I was 6 months old but I had never made the decision by myself to be baptized. I know now that God was holding my decision off to the most perfect moment ever. I feel like in J-Bay, part of my worldly self has died. I am no longer a friend of this world. Now I walk fully alive in Christ: Dead to sin and alive in Him. That is what my baptism symbolized to me.

Tag then took us down to the water to be baptized. The waves were super huge and we got swept away a few times but it made for a pretty funny experience. I thought it was really amazing that Tag had me ask a few of the girls come in the water with me to be a part of it. I asked Aaryn, Chelsea, Tiff, and Amber to come pray over me before I was immersed. They are all like big sisters to me and such great Christian examples for me to follow. It was such a joy to have them right there at such an important moment in my life.

Also, having Tag baptize me was very symbolic to me. First off Tag Thompson is one of the most amazing persons on this planet. What was really cool to me is that Tag reminds me so much of my mentor and hero, Stephen Moad. If I was back in the states there is no doubt in my mind that I would want Moad to be the one to baptize me. So in retrospect, having Tag baptized me was like having Moad here being a part of it all. I am so thankful and honored that Tag was excited and willing to "conduct" my baptism. All in all it was one of the greatest moments in my life. I wish that everyone who is important in my life could have been there but hopefully through this blog you can feel like you got to participate aswell!!

Healing Waters

Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This morning around 10am I called the doctor to get the results of my CT scan that I had the previous day. The doctor said that my results came back fine and everything looked great. There was nothing wrong with me! Okay great news right? Well, yes I'm so very glad there wasn't anything wrong; but I knew there was something wrong with me. It's so frustrating to me.

The frustration brought me to tears. Holly and Christian (my leaders) took me aside to talk to me and we all decided just to have everyone pray over me. It was time to fight for it! Praise God for my J-Bay family. I love them so much I can't even explain it to you.

I lay down in the middle and everyone started praying and speaking truth over me. At this point God started to give me a vision. It's really hard to explain but I'll do my best.

I felt there was a battle going on in my mind. All I could see was darkness fighting light. It went on for several minutes and I could see that it was an intense battle. The vision diminished when I started to speak truth out loud about how God was my healer and my ultimate provider. I continued to cast out fear and my sickness. After this Matt (a J-Bay family member), who is ultra talented, felt like they should sing some praise songs over me. He got his guitar and they begin to sing praises to the Lord. I really couldn't tell you what songs were sung. As the voices were lifted up to God, He began to complete my vision that He had given me earlier.

The battle was over. I saw myself amongst huge waves of water. I'm not just talking about some cool surfing waves either. I'm talking about huge-hairy-nasty-crazy waves. This made me very scared but at once I felt someone grab my hand. A huge flood of peace and safety came over me. I walked out to the waters and it was like I was being baptized in the waters. As I was being put under water I felt so much breaking off. Like bondage being broken from me. Lies and every false thing that had I had believed was being taken from me. When I came back up from the water and took my first breath I felt so alive. I'm talking about crazy-alive. Alive like never before. It was like God had taken me from death to life. It was a death that I had succumbed to from this world to a true life in Him.

I opened my eyes and shared my vision with my group. Although, I probably didn't explain it as well as I just was able to write it out. The really cool thing to me is the peace I feel right now writing this. I have an overflowing since of God wanting to heal me, my spirit, and every part of my brokenness.

Jenny (a J-Bay family member), whom I adore, said that God had given her a vision too as we prayed. She said that she saw me down in the waters of J-Bay and that everyone else was sitting up on the beach watching. Wow! Our God is so stinkin' amazing! It's so awesome how there is no way to doubt the vision God has given me. God gave me that through Jenny. Right now I really feel God telling me to be baptized in the waters of J-Bay.

The Healing Waters His Healing Waters.... The Waters of Life

Amen!

Fight For It!

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I've been feeling more frustrated these past two weeks than I ever have before. I've been questioning a lot of things that are going on in my life. To give you a little update:

I have been having really bad pains in my stomach. The pains were so bad that today I couldn't even get out of bed. There is a constant ache in my stomach and at times there are sharp pains that are really intense. My doctor here has given me some pain medicine and yesterday I slept for almost 20hours straight. Obviously, something is wrong with me and my health. The thing is No doctor can find anything wrong with me. I must be the healthiest unhealthy person to live.

All my blood work came back fine. Praise Him! But, it's frustrating that nothing can be found. Later this week I will get an ultrasound of my stomach and hopefully that will give us some answers.

The thing that is most frustrating is that these pains and sickness are holding me back from my ministry here in J-Bay. The running joke is that my internship is at Dr. Meyers clinic because I've been there more than I've been at my ministry site. I've had a few arguments with God over this. I just don't understand WHY this is going on. Am I not here in Jeffrey's to minister to the people? Why am I being held back? I want more than anything to be out in the townships with everyone else. It's just not fair!!!

The more I think about it the more I can feel that God wants to heal me. He doesn't want me to rely on anyone but Him for my health and strength. Right now I'm reading a book called The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. Something that really struck me was when Shane is talking about miracles and he says,

"We no longer live with such reckless faith that we need them. There is rarely room for the transcendent in our lives. If we get sick, we go to a doctor. If we need food, we go to a store and buy it. We have eliminated the need for miracles."

Wow, there is so much truth in that statement and it's totally rocking my world. God wants my utter dependence and HE wants to heal me. Then he can use that as a witness to his great power and love.

My J-Bay family is so amazing. This morning everyone took time to pray for me. A bunch of the girls and our leader Christiana came up to lay hands on me. One of the girls, Amber, started singing praise songs over me and something in my spirit moved. Christina told her to keep singing. As she did I started to get some really intense pains in my stomach. It felt like someone was stabbing me over and over again. I started to pray and rebuke and God told me "fight for it, fight for it." I feel as though this isn't a battle of my sickness and the medicine of this world. Perhaps it's my spirit fighting for God and the world trying to hold me back from it.

Christina said she felt God was telling her that I must keep my spirit strong. I couldn't agree more. These past few weeks I could feel my spirit shrinking. The light and joy God has placed in me has been growing dim. What am I doing to stop it?

God has great things in store for me in Jeffrey's Bay and the Devil can't steal, kill, or destroy any part of it. I'm not going to let him. I will stand firm in the Lord and not let the enemy have my spirit! I'm going to start fighting for it!!!

Psalm 54

"Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. O God, listen to my prayer. Pay attention to my plea. For strangers are attacking me; violent men are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God. But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive! May my enemies' plans for evil be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them. I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord for it is good. For you will rescue me from my troubles and help me to triumph over my enemies".

My Journey Begins

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This is the first of many updates that will come quickly. Instead of doing one H U G E update, I figured it would be a lot easier to divide it up and update my adventure in the parts accordingly. So much has happened this past month and I want to share every possible thing with all of you who are home praying for me! So a great place to start is at the very beginning.

Wow, it seems like such a long time ago On September 12^th I woke up really early, took my last long hot shower, called my favorite person (My Brother!), and Dad and I headed to the Ft.Smith Airport. Tessa Bell and Donna Rainwater met us there to send me off. I was so excited about what lied ahead there was no way to be sad!

Right as I got on the plane I immediately thought of my Mom. I really wished she was there to send me off too. But the great thing is that she was there . After explaining all the *safety* rules on the plane that we've all heard 5.6 billion times they announced who our Captain would be on our trip. Coincidently, they announced "Captain Smith will be your pilot today." Before my Mommy was an Orr' her last name was Smith. That was also one of her nicknames growing up. It made me laugh and smile Mom just had to be with me on my trip to protect me. I feel her presence constantly.

I arrived in Atlanta for training camp with no problems. Shortly after arriving I met my amazing team. Now, thanks to the wonderful world of Facebook our team was pretty acquainted already! But seeing them face-to-face and getting to hug them was a gift in itself! Our team consists of 13 girls 2 boys and 5 leaders: Aaryn, Tiff, Amber, Chelsea, Jenny, Rach, Katie, Raelynn, Hillary, Melissa, Sarah, Jamie, Ty, Matt, Chris, Christian, Tag, and Holly. *Whew* So when I refer to these names you will know they are my family. PSwe don't call ourselves a team, we are truly family!! They have a lot to do with me not missing home too much!

The 1^st week I lived in a tent, took showers from FREEZING water hoses, and went through some intense sessions and team builders. There was so much information given to me in one week that I'm still going back to study notes. God pretty much blew out of the little box I had put Him in that week. At this moment He continues to surprise me.

Training camp assured me that I was in the right place. God's Will really was for me to go to Africa and I became 100% sure in the steps He had laid before me. On September 19^th we headed out to Africa and my life would never be the same again.

Africa

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hi Again J

Albanza is the little safe place' our group stayed at while in the Petoria/ JoBurg area. It was a beautiful escape of the city life of JoBurg. At Albanza our Africa and JBay teams went through tons of training on Spiritual Warfare. Saying that it was intense and draining is an understatement. Don't get me wrong: it was nothing less than amazing but just something I had never really experienced much before.

The freedom of worship here is something that I love the most. Singing loudly whatever God puts on your heart and for hours at a time is something that really spoke to me. We did a lot of surrendering the 1^st week at Albanza. There was a game where we had to write down important things on paper and give them away to people and lay the rest at the cross. It was so surreal to have to lay down my Dad, Brother, and Keli ( my best ) and surrender them completely to God. It's something I for sure needed though.

B O L D N E S S is a resounding theme in my journey thus far. Boldness in every aspect one could think of. God just really keeps pushing that word onto my heart. Even in my sickness one night God kept telling me to face it boldly and know that He was the only one who could take it away from me.

After a week at Albanza we headed to Swaziland. *What a crazy cool week!* I was able to meet some amazing people from the other Africa teams. - Sweet Martha, Beautiful Denise, Katie Movic who is the greatest creation of God, and the Amazing Jenny! - God taught me a lot about identity while in Swazi. I learned that I was God's joy and joy was a gift He had given me. God continues to use my joy in places where He sees fit. It's such a great feeling to get to bring the joy God has given me into others lives.

I was given a Swazi name "Thandeka." It means to give love to someone! Ask me when I get home and I'll pronounce it for you. We also got to visit squatter camps and hospitals while in Swazi. Praying for tons of people and getting to know the people of Swazi was a blessing beyond measure.

A guy named Gary Black came to spoke to us while in Swazi and he pretty much rocked my world. He called me out on a lot of things and I really began to understand what I am doing on such a deeper level. In a nut shell, what I'm doing in Africa is normal Christianity. I'm not anything special or doing anything all that holy God has called all of us to do things like this: It's Normal!!!! J

After Swazi, we headed back to Albanza for a last week before our JBay team left. We had Spiritual Warfare 101 and it was the toughest week the JBay family has had. God really brought us through some super tough trials. Our family grew so much stronger in God and learned to soul'y rely on Him.

Needless to say, those three weeks I grew so much. I am more in love with my JBay family every single day. Our leaders Tag and Holly remind me so much of Moad and Ashley. Which I am so thankful for b/c I miss Ash and Moad oh so much!!! I am very thankful for all God taught me through that month but I couldn't wait for the next day to head to my new home :* Jeffrey's Bay*

Home Sweet Home

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Jeffery's Bay means healing waters. I truly feel God has placed everyone in my group here in order to be healed. The healing will be different for each of us... but we will be restored nonetheless.

After a 14 hour ride to J-Bay our family couldn't be closer. The honeymoon stage had been over for awhile but we love each other despite our pet peeves! J It was so great to pull up to our home and finally take it all in: I'm really in Africa and this really is my home!

Jeffrey's Bay is the most beautiful place I've ever been. The town is so cute and the beach is amazing. There is no way to look out on the ocean and deny God's creation. I'm so blessed to be called to such a wonderful piece of our Heavenly Papa's creation.

It's been so much fun exploring the town for the past two weeks. We have been able to visit many different aspects of ministry in order to decide upon our internships. After much prayer I knew God was calling me to House Visits. This is where I will pick about four different families or people to visit on a weekly basis. Many of these people have HIV/AIDS or other illnesses. It's so great to see God using my joy in places like this.. But I know God is going to teach me just as much as the people I'm visiting.

My J-Bay family is something I'm super blessed with. Our leaders Tag, Holly, Heather, Chris, and Christian are the most amazing people ever and I'm learning so much from them. I have so many people in my life right now who I know I'll always be close to. It's cool to be around so many older girls. I feel like I have so many sisters now! We have so much fun in the J-Bay house. Whether we are watching the Mighty Ducks, doing HipHop Abs, cooking, or playing Killer, our family is always doing something super fun! There is never a dull moment in our house!

To say I'm excited about the months that lie ahead is for sure an understatement. God has already taught me so much about discipline. I can't wait to share w/ everyone back home what God is doing in me. It's weird to know I'll be back in Van Buren in about 50 days.. I feel like I've just gotten started. But it will be good to be home to see everyone and get revived for the next stint of my life in J-Bay!

Thanks so much for all of the prayers and sorry this hasn't been updated in such a long time. I have it worked in my schedule where I'll be updating once a week so make sure you check up on it often.

*Cassie*

+The Clocks a' Tickin+

Mon, 3 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

PRAISE GOD! I've made my goal to go to Africa. My support all came in @ the right time. Our God is so good, all the time. My Fundraiser dinner went so well! Thanks to everyone who helped out! There was over $ 1000 donated! Whew, now that is such a relief. Ha

This post may be a little jumbled and scattered: but that just tells you exactly how I'm feeling. I'll try my hardest to keep you up to speed w/ me J

So I leave in 9 days. I'm so unbelievably excited. Words cannot even express how ready I am to be on this journey. I know God has been preparing me for it for so long; and even as these last few days go by I'm going through trails that I know are making me stronger. I am learning more each day how to rely on Him alone.

I read something so cool in my quiet time today. Ozwald Chambers says:

"If we are going to live as disciples of Jesus, we have to remember that all noble things are difficult. The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but the difficulty of it does not make us faint and cave in, it rouses us up to overcome. Do we so appreciate the marvelous salvation of Jesus Christ that we are out utmost for His highest?"

WoW! Don't you just l o v e when your Quiet Time is EXACTLY what you needed to hear?! The Devil is trying to work a number on me and get me down with some things going on in my life. But as we sang in church this past Sunday :: I'm going to the enemy's camp and taking back what he stole from me!!:: My Momma always said, the Devil can't have my joy because my joy is in Him. That's something the Devil will N O T take from me. I know this journey won't be easy but that just makes me want to rise to the occasion and jump over the hurdles that will face me. And i'm going to have an unmistakable joy through whatever!

A quote that changed my outlook on life and rocked my world

Let us not glide through this world and then slip quietly into heaven, without having blown the trumpet loud and long for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Let us see to it that the devil will hold a thanksgiving service in hell, when he gets the news of our departure from the field of battle. - CT Studd

Have you ever felt completely unworthy of something?! Well, I'm sure a lot of us have. What hurts the most is when you have people telling you and making you feel that you are unworthy of something you want so much. Especially when it's people who you love. But you can't let it get you down. I realize that I'm a sinner and I screw up EVERYDAY. I never asked to be put on some pedestal where I'm supposed to be perfect. I strive daily to walk the right path. And when I mess up I can assure you that I'm aware of it. One of my favorite people on this Earth (my Hero), Moad was talking to me one day about "Doubt Pushers." The Devil uses doubt pushers to hold us back from something that God is calling us to do. I've got quiet a few of these little doubt pushers in my life right now. Moad made me realize that I can't let these "doubt pushers" make me feel bad and unworthy. N O N E of us our worthy of anything, by our selves.

I had a conversation with my Brother, who IS my favorite person on this Earth, earlier this summer about how people were making me feel unworthy. He said something to me that I think about constantly. It went a little something like this:

"Cass, none of us are good enough to do anything for God. He gives us opportunities where he wants to see how faithful we are to prove how good we want to be for him. You, Me, none of us will ever be worthyand you may never feel that you are "prepared for this trip" but God wants you there to work through you. Not for you to work. He wants to use YOU. So stop thinking you are unworthy and let Him do His work there through you."

I love my brother more than anything in this world. Pretty much everyone who knows me, knows that already. But I love to reinstate it whenever I can. He's so smart and he makes me reliazed how blessed I am. He's my best friend. I can never thank God enough for him.

Well I suppose that is enough of my banter for one post! Thank you everyone who is praying for me. Keep em' coming! ;) I love each of you and I can't wait to send out updates of what God is doing through me and my * wonderful* ( And I say this b/c I'm already in love with each of them!!) group!!

Cassie

^ Keep On Keepin' On ^

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Keep on asking...you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking...you will find. Keep on knocking...the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8 NLT

I got a call last night about a guy I went to school w/ almost my entire life. He was shot and killed yesterday outside a WalMart. His was 19 and his name was Quy Nguyen. Anyone who was ever around Quy knows what a fun guy he was. There was never a dull moment and He always kept us laughing in class. Whether it was "fried rice and egg rolls" or "it's b/c I'm brown", Quy always put a smile on your face :) Please keep his family and friends in your prayers. Thanks

I suppose it's down to the wire now. As of today the countdown is 48 days until I leave. Words cannot even describe the excitement I have in me. I still have a little over $3000 to raise. The verse above is what I pray each day. I know God will provide and I have all the faith He will for each member in our J-Bay group :) It's a long stretch for many of us.. But nothing is too much for our God!!

August 11th 6pm

@ Heritage UMC on Pointer Trail

Fundraiser Dinner: Wanda Orr's Recipe Chicken Spaghetti

$4.00 a plate and Love Offering

This will not only be a dinner but also an information meeting for all of you who are wondering what exactly I'll be doing in South Africa. There will be e-mail sign ups (so I can keep in touch with all of you) and also a card to pick up the address where you can send me letters and such! It would be wonderful to see your face there :)

Cassie

+Detox Your Spiritual Life+

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hi Guys! So here's my quick update on what's going on w/ me--

Just got back from FL vacation... had a WONDERFUL, RELAXING time!
Getting my South Africa shots this Friday :)
Sent out 20 thank-you notes today!
Reached the $2000 mark in my actual account (not counting pledges)!
Getting clothes, shoes, etc. ready for Africa!
AND Detoxing my spiritual life! :)

I decided to take some time for myself when I got back from FL. Of course, being the dork that I am, I went to Books-A-Million and sat in chair and read awhile :) I was praying in the quiet section I was sitting and I was asking God to give me something to prepare me for Africa. Wanting to make the most out of this trip, I was feeling as though I needed more preparation. I went to put some books back up when I found Detox Your Spiritual Life in 40 Days. If you know me you know that I'm pretty much obsessed with being healthy and taking care of my body. As I sat down to read I knew this was right for me.

This book goes through a physical, emotional, and spiritual detox. Right now I'm at the physical level: eating well, getting a check up, enough sleep, breaking a bad habit.. etc.! I'm so excited about this book... Through it I will detox my body, standards, past, expectations, relationships, and spiritual life! Prayerfully after the 40 days I will be energized and feel fresh! I encourage anyone to do this with me! (author: Peter Graystone)

So I cannot believe I leave in less than 3 months!! CRAZYY. Keep praying for funds.. for everyone's funds that are going!! God WILL provide! Mucho love to all

-Cassie

.:. A New Year .:.

Fri, 1 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This has been a hard week. One of the hardest in a long time. Today is one year since my Beautiful Mommy went to meet Jesus! It's such a bitter sweet situation for me... Missing her is the hardest thing ever, but knowing she has been partyin' with Jesus for a whole year makes me smile. She promised me that she would tell the Apostle Paul all about me because he's one of my favorites :) That makes me smile... The pain in missing my Mom is so real today... It feels like for a year the world has stopped. An entire year has passed... WOW! I know the Lord never gives me anything I cannot handel w/ Him by my side :)

Reflecting on this year. I have grown so much. Not only spiritually but I have become my own person. Not having my sheltering, made sure I was always happy, Mommy around has made me realize a lot. I've, hopefully, started the process of becoming the woman my Mom raised me to be. I thank God daily for the most amazing 18 years with the most wonderful woman in the world.

I feel that this situation has specifically prepared me for Africa. My Mother was the one, who a few years ago, came across AIM and suggested I looked into it. She and I talked a lot and had many prayers concerning this program. Little did I know I'd be doing it after she was gone. In my heart I know how much she supports me in doing what God has called me to do. Sitting in the hospital one day with my Mom she said "Cassie, don't miss it! Do NOT miss the huge thing God has for you! You can do it baby and I'll be with you." So here goes nothin' Mommy... I'm doing it!!!

Also I wanted to say how blessed I am to have the friends and family that I do. My Daddy and Brother are the two most amazing men in the world and we have been rocks for each other this past year. I'd be lost without my two boys!! My God Mother *Momma V* has, for sure, been one of my saving graces this past year. We have grown so close. My Spritual Guidance, Alexis and my Mentor/Hero, Moad have been one of the main reasons I've gotten through the year I've had. God has blessed me so much. My girls Keli, Emily, Tessa, Charley and Haley have been my encouragement... They have kept me going when I haven't wanted to. Each and every friend I have I know God placed in my life to help me through such a tough situation and they have!! Thanks to all of you :) I love you guys

So hear it goes... A new year. Changes. Growth. From the Inside Out. Open to What God has in Store... Praise God for a new year.. It's time to start fresh.

*I Love You Mommy*

From the I N S I D E out

Sun, 20 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

- Hi Ya'll-

So I am officially on my summer break! Whoop Whoop! It's great to be back home with all of my friends but also bitter sweet in missing Fayetteville and college friends :) :(... This summer I have the best job ever---> I get to "babysit" my next door neighbor who is pretty much my little brother and the *Coolest* kid on the planet! It'll be so much fun and give me time to do everything I need to do to get ready for Africa! Oh by the way, if you didn't know already I am officially going to JBay , South Africa ! I am so excited and I already LOVE all of the people going with me that I've talked to! Anyways, that was a short update of what's going on with me but this post is really inspired by the song @ the end of this blog (READ IT :)! )

I know that God has been trying to speak to me lately; I've been ignoring. There are some things in my life I know that I need to work on and get straight.God has been trying to make me realize this but I chose not to...But this song has really changed my outlook on the summer. In order for Africa to be the best possible thing it can be for me I must change from the inside out, this summer. I want to be renewed with passion and have a total Holy Spirit take over. Each time I listen to this song it encourages me to keep it up! I struggle so much...:: A thousand times I've failed::... But His glorly always remains. Thank you God for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc. chances.

Summer 2007 = A summer for the Holy Spirit to take over and renew from within.

	This summer's theme is -From the Inside Out-

	
	A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out

Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
	 
	by: Hillsong

God Is Good... All The Time (Support Update)

Tue, 8 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

*Hi All*

I suppose it's about time to give my first Support Status Update! First of all, I would like to say how amazing it has been to see the love of God pour in at only the begining stages of this process. Seeing the Lord provide for all of us, in such great ways, makes this whole process so real. I cannot wait to finally be in South Africa!

Thank you to everyone who has given thus far and for all of you who will give in the future. This is such a great cause and I know God is going to move mountians through it! Can't wait to see what God has is store.....

So far I have 11 people who have given. That number includes 4 pledges. The amazing thing is this:

$1,195 = Amount in my account

$4,080 = Amount in pledges

$5,275 = Total amount thus far

I am amazed to see God provide so much in just a few number of people. I am almost 1/2 to my goal already and I still have support letters to send out! Pray that I get those sent out soon. Praise God for His loving kindness :) P.S. I am offically going to Jeffrey's Bay in the Fall!!!!!

- - don't think, do - -

Tue, 1 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

" Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But we he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Matthew 14: 29-30

This is one of my personal favorite passages in the New Testament. I was doing my quiet time last night and it was about this verse. I felt compelled to share the message with all of my avid readers! Ha :)

So at first Peter is the man. He's walking on the water ( I kind of picture Him strutting to Jesus all "cool" because I think Peter had lots of personality) not caring about the waves or the storm around him. I feel like this is how I am after a big youth retreat or spiritual high experience. Strutting to Jesus; nothing but focused.

What happens next I'm sure has happened to us all. Like Peter, we start to pay attention to what is going on around us; Losing our focus on Jesus. I picture it hitting Peter all of the sudden and him saying, " Hey, there is a storm ..::ponder a second:: WHAT am I doing out here??" And under he goes. I go under a lot. I hate to admit it but I guess I am often afraid of what others will think and I am afraid that I will miss out on something because I'm too busy being "Christian." This isn't the case at all. By taking our eyes off Jesus we create a whole world of problems for ourselves. But the crazy-cool thing about Jesus is that He's there. In spite of all the rain, waves, and wind that bring us down, Jesus is there ready to put us back in the boat and give us another shot! Praise God!

The message I got from my quite time last night was to forget logic and forget what the world thinks. I need to be focused in order to hear God speak. How selfish of me to ask God to speak to me and then more or less stick my fingers in my ears and run around humming all day; Ignoring His voice. Today I've decided to recklessly abandon all of my worries and such. If I am focused then God will lead me the right way.

Just a song that has been on my mind today! If you have a chance listen to it today!

"Oh Lord Your Love"

Caedmon's Call

Oh Lord I give You all I have
But it seems so little
When You have given me so much
I come to You with empty hands
And a heart that's fragile
You come to me with a wealth of love

Oh Lord Your love
Is new with every morning
Your faithfulness
It gets me through the night
You bid me come
You know that I am weary
Your yoke is easy
Your burden is light

And now I sing You songs of praise
But Your greatness is beyond me
I know I cannot comprehend
How You ancient of days
Stoop Yourself to call me
To be Your son, to be Your friend

Oh Lord I give You all I have
But it seems so little

Sufficient Grace

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, " My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness"For when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12: 8-10

I was doing a quiet time today when I came across these verses. I love the Bible that I study with because it used to be my Mother's, so I always find little things she wrote in it. By these verses she put, "In times of pain, remember that God's grace is sufficient!" Reading those words; in that very moment I knew Mom was still giving me advice and taking care of me. She was my spiritual companion and it's been so hard being without her this last year. Something in these words reminded me that she still is my spiritual companion and she always will be. I needed that today.

I am not throwing a pity party for myself but, losing my Mother and Grandfather in a span of two weeks last year, I experienced weakness and pain like I had never known it before. Now, I can see how much God has used my weakness for good. I was totally broken; where God needed me. I ran to him to put me back together. To mold me like clay. Through this time, God also showed me where He wanted me: South Africa. I know now that the end result will be so far beyond all the pain of the molding. Praise God for weakness and brokenness. And don't forget--

Mom's always give the greatest advice: In times of pain, remember that God's grace is sufficient !

You Go Girl/ Focus

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Esther is such a phenomenal woman. The more I read the book the more I want to shout, "You Go, Girl!" These words amaze me each and every time I read them....

"...And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I am willing to die." 4:16

I yearn to have a heart and selflessness like Esther. I pray that I can be as committed as Mordecai is. There is no doubt in my mind that Esther was directly chosen by God to save his Chosen People-- from these ancestors came Jesus Christ--. The thing I love most about this story is that you can dig deep into it and see how it all connects. *Read deeper than the surface. Search for God between the lines and I assure you He is there!*

Focus, Focus, Focus

Sitting at work one day, as a sophomore in high school, I thought of this song.

::The itsy bitsy sin crawled up into my life.

But Jesus died for me and took away my strife.

Out came His blood and it washed away my sin.

Now my sin can't get to me because I've been born again.::

Corny I know, yet so true! Hang with me now

Most people would describe me asa confidant person. I know who I am, what I stand for, and I am not afraid of it!! Often times though I am relying on my own strength. My focus gets off and my itsy bitsy sin crawls up. This is where I get myself in trouble.

Any and every time I start to take my eyes of Jesus, there is my itsy bitsy sin. It's like it is just sitting there waiting for me to screw up and it's always going to be there. Satan is waiting for each and every one of us to give in a little so he can take hold. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. When we (Christians) lose our focus that is just what Satan will do!!

Right now I am on a "Focus Kick." I remind myself several times a day "Focus Cassie!" I cannot stress enough how important it is to never, never, never take your eyes off the Lord and rely on your own strength. If you give the devil just a little he's going to take a lot more! I stress thisbecause through my own journey I find myself often looking down instead of setting my eyes on the realities of heaven.

I encourage you today to be in constant prayer that God will guide your every step. Being in continual contact with God will set your focus right from the get-go. Many times I have to remind myself to keep talking to God in order to stay on track. Focus is so vital in our daily walk with Christ. Focus will enable you to completely rely on God's strength; to face and withstand every temptation Satan throws your way.

When itsy bitsy sins crawl into your life remember that you are not a slave to sin! Jesus' blood will cleanse you. Your sins cannot have reign over you if you are focused on our amazing heavenly papa!!

Prayer: Amazing Creator/King I pray that I only see your face. My focus and strength rely on you. For when I don't focus, my itsy bitsy sins grow so much larger. I surrender now my confidence in my own strength and I will only look up! For when I am weak only You will make me strong!-- Amen

- My first support pledges have started to come in!! I'm so excited. Thank you to everyone-

In Christ Alone

Sun, 8 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I hope everyone had a * Hoppy Easter* haha -corny I know but it's something my Beautiful Mommy would have said! Anyway, today in worship service we sang this song and it was one of the most powerful worship moments ever for me. The lyrics are so moving that I couldn't help but make it a blog. Enjoy!* :)

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift if love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on the cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ in I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then, bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand

...Gotta Have Faith...

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see."

Hebrews 11:1

I'm sure you can agree with me when I say we'd all be millionaires if we got a dollar every time someone said, "Just have faith!" Am I right? Listen up guys, it is so true. All God wants from us is our confidence in Him. Knowing that always, no matter what, he's got your back!!

Faithfulness, Faithfulness, Faithfulness

I struggle daily with this. My mind is invaded each day with God saying to me "Faithfulness". So many times I want to take matters in my own hands because I don't think God will do it right. How stinkin' stupid I am!! Why can't I just realize that the creator of the universe ( credentials that obviously prove he knows what he's doing) wants me to give up, give it all to Him, not worry, and trusttrust him wholeheartedly.

Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab. Just to name a few, were all followers of Christ who had extreme faith. God was so pleased with his children. Pleasing God is something all Christians yearn to do.

Hebrews 11 goes on to say, in verse 6, "So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith" Wait a minute hereYou're saying that when I don't have faith, then I'm pretty much in the dog house' with God? Exactly what He's saying! The dog house' is not a place any of us want to be.

You see guys, God yearns for us to put our trust in him. I realize I cannot tangibly see God. But hey, that's what faith is! Believing in what we cannot see.

Today when you face a situation where you want to take the reigns, step back, have faith, and let God take control! Eagerly expect God to do what is best for you. If we all succeed at that then we are one step closer to becoming the person of God's dream.

Prayer: Amazing God, I believe in your will for me. Sometimes I don't know where you are leading me. Help me to see that your way will always be better than my own. When I am blinded by darkness I will search for your light, God. I will search because I know, that I know, that I know, it's there!! Faith Lordlet me walk in it! Amen

Cassie Orr -my journey- - First Year Missionary

Homecoming

Resting With My Daddy

I've Fallen In Love With A Cupcake

A Vision From God

African Hospitals During Lunch Hour

-Taste and See-

No Restrictions

Good News!

Alive In Christ

Healing Waters

Fight For It!

My Journey Begins

Africa

Home Sweet Home

+The Clocks a' Tickin+

^ Keep On Keepin' On ^

+Detox Your Spiritual Life+

.:. A New Year .:.

From the I N S I D E out

God Is Good... All The Time (Support Update)

- - don't think, do - -

Sufficient Grace

*You Go Girl*/ Focus

*In Christ Alone*

...Gotta Have Faith...

You Go Girl/ Focus

In Christ Alone