Meet Manuel

Age: 5

Region: South Asia

Country: Bangladesh

Program: Beldanga Child Sponsorship Program

Personal and Family Information: Manuel lives with his grandfather and his grandmother. His duties at home include caring for animals.

There are 2 children in the family. His grandfather is sometimes employed as a laborer and his grandmother maintains the home.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Manuel participates in Bible class. He is also in pre-school where his performance is average. Soccer and playing with cars are his favorite activities.

He lives in an area with higher risk of exploitation and abuse.

He will be getting the wonderful news today that he has a sponsor, after a long awaited 280 days!

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I have wanted to sponsor children for a long time, but have never had the finances to do it. That's a lie - because I've always had the finances to do it, I was just too selfish. We have been regularly tithing since January 1st, but haven't been giving the full 10%. I will be sponsoring one child for this paycheck, and another on my next paycheck. Those children + our church tithe = 10%+ back to God. Will it stop here? I don't think so. It always feels good to give back. We live in such a selfish society - I can't believe it took me almost 22 years to start giving back. Better late than never, I guess?

I chose Manuel because he was waiting for the longest time out of all the children and he was in a high risk area. I love the fact that he likes playing soccer! I can't wait to start receiving letters and updates from him. Giving back to the church is rewarding in itself, but actually seeing young lives being changed for the better? That's extremely rewarding to me - that I can make a difference in someone's life.

Do you want more information on how to sponsor a child? Visit Compassion International to learn more.

Community Involvement [2013 Edition]

How do you want to get involved in your community this year?

The first thing on my list is to get involved with the church. A few weeks ago, my husband and I attended an information session on spiritual gifts & how to use them. My spiritual gifts are: administration, faith, and mercy. I don't tithe on a regular basis (which is something I also need to change in 2013), so I figured it's time to start serving the church. I feel God has been pushing me to get involved at Genesis ever since I started going there back in September. While on the Facebook page, I noticed they were looking for someone to help in the office. I was uncertain I would be able to help because I work an 8-5 job. She assured me that it will be no issue and I can easily do the work at home or after 5pm! I will be meeting with her in January to discuss what all they need help with.

I also want to volunteer elsewhere, I'm just not sure where God is leading my heart this time. I thought about going to serve at the rescue mission, but it seems like God doesn't want me to go there. I've always wanted to go on a mission trip somewhere, but budget-wise, it isn't possible right now. Trying to be patient is always hard, but I'm learning it's what I need to do. Just be patient. Let go and let God.

My Hero

God's always there when I need Him most - and today, I really felt his presence with me.

Today, on the way to work, I heard this song come on the radio:

Before the first verse was over, I was already crying.

I truly felt God was speaking to me. I've had such a rough time loving myself lately. I feel like I'm failing as a student, mom, and wife. I haven't felt pretty at all lately either because I've been struggling with my weight since this summer.

I got myself together and went into the gas station to grab a fountain drink. I needed a little pick me up before heading into work. When I came back out to the car, this song was on the radio:

Really God? Two songs in a row? There's no way that's a coincidence. I can't even explain what it feels like to feel him speaking to you through songs. Usually I just listen to music for background noise. Today, I felt I was literally forced to listen to every single word. He was like "Alright, daughter, you obviously don't get my other signs, so listen to theses songs!!!!"

Even though I'm still struggling mentally, I was reminded today that God is walking with me every step of the way. I don't have to face the devil alone.

Don't give up.

Finding A Church

I grew up in a Lutheran church. I learned (very quickly) that I was supposed to go to church every Sunday at 8am. It didn't matter how tired I was, how sick I was feeling . . I had to go.

Once I went to college, I stopped going to church. I moved away from home. I didn't know anyone at school and honestly, I had no desire to go back to church. Church was never enjoyable for me. It was always something I had to do every Sunday, no matter what.

Sophomore year, I decided it was time for a change. I started going to Westlake Church of God. I drove by this church numerous times while traveling to the Avon Walmart to get groceries. I almost chickened out the first Sunday I went. I was so anxious. What if it was a crazy church that did a bunch of hooting and hollering? What if it was a bunch of old people? What if they called me out during the service? I was so nervous, but I went anyway. I sat towards the back. No one talked to me until after the service. A nice gentleman came up and introduced himself to me. He was so nice and said he was happy I was there.

I started coming week after week. The second week I went back, the guy who talked to me from the first Sunday remembered me and said he was glad I was there.

I loved Westlake. It was a contemporary service with some traditional twists. I was no longer afraid to worship as loud as I wanted. We sang current day songs (as well as some oldies) that everyone loved. The band was fantastic, and so was the pastor!

During my last semester in downtown Indianapolis, I realized I had to say goodbye to Westlake soon. I didn't want to. It was a breakup I wasn't ready for. I ended up commuting an hour to church every Sunday just so I could go to Westlake. In August, I knew I would be getting married soon and it would be even harder to go so far away for church (and would use a lot of gas).

A pastor at Westlake introduced me to Genesis Church. Jon (my husband) and I decided to give it a try. Holy cow, we were blown away. We both loved that place a lot. The pastor from Westlake recommended we go to a church three weeks in a row before we make a decision. We went there three weeks and were sold.

We tried out a few other churches the last few Sundays, and they weren't exactly our thing. I was ready to walk out of the church we went to this past Sunday. I would describe it as a "white chocolate" church. There was a huge choir singing and dancing around on stage. We also took communion, which you were forced to take it then and there and give your cup back right away (so weird to us). The pastor was full of energy (almost too much energy). When we left, I looked at Jon and said "can we go back to Genesis next week?" He agreed.

What is the reason for this post? It's important to keep looking around. Churches are so different. Keep trying until you find one you like. You never know whats out there.

I used to feel forced to go to church. I can't believe it took me until my adult life to figure out I didn't like traditional services; I like more contemporary. Now, I love going to church. I look forward to every Sunday morning.

At War With Satan

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
- James 4:7 (NIV)

This week has been awful. On Monday, I realized I completely forgot about a class' homework that was due Sunday night. I had the day off of work, so I finally took my car to the mechanic to get checked out. Turns out they couldn't duplicate the problem and sent me home (figures). Tuesday was alright. Wednesday I woke up and could not stop crying. It was my worst attack in a while. I worked myself up so much I almost passed out. I missed work and class that day.

Tilt table test.

Yesterday, I went to the neurologist to try to get some answers about my random passing out. He prescribed a tilt table test. Fun . . right? They couldn't get me in for another month, so here's to another month with no answers.

While yesterday was pretty good mood-wise, I woke up this morning feeling as crappy as I did on Wednesday. Seriously? Satan, leave me alone.

I've been taking my antidepressants like I should. I was just married to my best friend, and I'm super happy . . but somehow Satan keeps bringing me down. I feel like he has noticed me getting closer to God and isn't a fan. He's pulling me away. I'm getting really depressed all of the time now.

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. 

- Ephesians 6: 10-20

All I'm asking is for some prayers. I feel like Satan's been trying to pull me away from God and it's taking a toll on me. I've been reading snippets of the Bible every day and listening to Air1 all day at work (like I usually do). Trying to fill my life with as much God as possible to keep Satan out.