Sunday, January 20, 2008

"I have learned all over again that it is so easy to be complacent with efficiencies, comforts, luxuries even clean food and meaningful relationships, and have a relationship with God as a great addition.
When it is the opposite of that that will
sustain us, knowing the Lord and interacting with His Holy Spirit is all that is necessary...everything else is a great addition."

Just after I wrote this in my journal, the Holy Spirit yet again opened my eyes to yet another appropriate verse, this time on the flight from Atlanta to RDU.

I cracked my Bible open to this verse...

Ezekiel 37:14

"'I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall
live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and preformed it,' says the LORD."

The pictures that are being downloaded from the camera's memory stick are bitter-sweet reminders of the past two week's activities and faces. When I gave the kids each a Bible I gave them an assignment that they were to come back to me on Friday with a favorite verse picked out to share with me. They looked grateful for the gift, almost to where they were anticipating me to collect them back. So, when they
opened it up and saw their name written in it, they were so excited. It was theirs...a book of promises for them.


For example, Emma chose 2 Peter 2:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To His be the
glory, both now and to the day of eternity!" She is the one in the middle of the picture of three.


After 24 hours and 15 minutes traveling, I am home. Thanks to M&D and Ben, I felt a warm homecoming at the airport. There is a bit of culture shock coming back home, (even though it does put a smile on my face to hear of State's victory in overtime.) I
am so excited to share stories and pictures with you. You are going to love the jewelry that comes out in May.

It will take awhile to see just how God's plan will fall into place with these 17 ordained days, one thing I do know... He is at work, and it is so fulfilling to step into that! Thank YOU for praying for me, for the path to be clear, with no fear, for health, and for these children.
Thank you for taking this journey with me! It was empowering to know there is a network of believers standing with me.

There is much to do, I feel that this is a beginning not an ending. Please tell me if you would like to know as doors open, of opportunities.

Let the Lord be magnified!
Julie Anna


1 comment:

Julie Anna said...

Hello! I was trying to find my own blog again this morning, doing a search of 'julie anna blogspot' and yours came up. I just have to say what you are doing is awesome! I love hearing how Africa touched your life. Any new conclusions now that you've been back stateside for a while?
Missions is my passion: I'm staff on this school in New Zealand http://www.ywamoxford.org/around-the-world-in-80-days/
May God bless your every step!