.Sharper than any two-edged sword.

I've been staring at this computer screen for much longer than my words show for.  I want to write something beautiful, something inspiring, something that will adequately convey what God is doing at YMI.

But today, on this Friday, the words are not coming.

I'll be honest, this week has been trying for me.  Last weekend was absolutely wonderful and filled with great moments of seeing God break through to students' hearts and prepare them for the mission field.  We got to come together as a staff and pray fervently for God to break chains in hearts and lives. We got to come together in a concentrated time, for one purpose, one goal.

It's so easy to lift God's name high when all is going well and he seems to be moving swiftly right before my eyes.  But let me tell you, it is much harder to lift his name high in the day-to-day living.  I am learning that this week.

This week I have spent more than one moment needing to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).  I have found myself questioning Is God really going to provide? and then needing to preach the truth to myself and remember that God provides for his children (Luke 11:13).  I have questioned Can God really use a broken person like me to do his work? and then reminding myself that God's work says that in him we can do all things for his glory (Philippians 4:13).  

Ultimately, I have found that for every question I have, God's Word has the perfect answer to help turn my focus back to him.  

The truth is, not every week is going to be all smiles!  Some weeks are going to be harder than others.  And some weeks I am going to question God's purpose in guiding me to full-time missions.  But at the end of the day, I know that God's Word is true and that it stands firm through the toughest days.  

I am so thankful for the comfort of the Word of God!

Praises

1. Training last weekend went so well. The students really got a lot out of it and are well on their way to being prepared for their trips!
2. I am looking forward to helping my lovely husband-to-be this next week with a mission trip that he is leading.  Although I will be in the office, I will head over in the evenings to watch Corban students run sports camps.
3. Gene and Brian are doing another training this weekend down in San Diego!

Prayers

1. Please pray for health in our office.  It looks like there is another nasty bug going around this week.
2. Pray for our PROCLAIM campaign that is going on right now--that we reach our financial goal for supporting the ministry.
3. Pray that all the details get worked out with our teams so that all airfare can be purchased soon!

A crazy week in a crazy review

Highlights of this last week:
1. The YMI banquet was GREAT!  We had a stunning view of the Seattle skyline and there was great company.
2. Last week, we announced our official partnership with Awana International!!!
3. I got to do three volunteer trainings with three different people this last week!  They are all helping with the cooking at YMI team trainings.
4. I am currently attending my first YMI team training as a "Trainer in Training".  I am learning to present each of the powerpoint presentations that are used to train the students before they leave for their trips this summer!
5.  Nathan is coming tonight to join us for training!

{Nathan and me at the YMI banquet}

{Doing volunteer training with my momma while she multi-tasks and sews table runners for my wedding!}

{We have 15 kids at the training this weekend}

Praises:
1. My first training is going really well!
2. We were able to get airfare bought for a couple teams this week!  This means that their fundraising is going well!
3. Our partnership with Awana is already producing results!

Prayers:
1. Pray that our participants are continuing to fundraise for their trips.  We need to get all airfare bought sooner rather than later.
2. Pray for our team leaders who need to be spending time pouring into their team in preparation for their upcoming trip.
3. Pray that our April 13th volunteer training fills up. We are praying for 20+ people to come to that training.

Burres-to Be Update #1

Burres Update 1 by

.simple.

{Everything that I want to say in much better words that I can come up with on my own.}

Praises:
1. Everyone in the office seems to be coming back to health (I jumped the gun in last week's praises).
2. We have had some kids join our YMI Teams last minute, so we are getting to mobilize more than we thought!
3. We have added a wonderful new person to our staff!!

Prayers:
1. This Sunday I have my "Missions Moment" in church.  Please pray that I clearly articulate the purpose of YMI to my home church and that out of that I will gain more financial supporters!
2. Pray for John and Rose, who are both doing a training in Pennsylvania this weekend.
3. Pray for health as we get ready to launch into our REALLY busy season of ministry--these next 6 months are crazy  :)