FRAPPUCCINOS: First of all, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who celebrated my birthday with me last week! It was Full of all my Favorite people and things with lots of surprises along the way including the cutest headband that I received from my sweet Momma that has mini Frappuccinos on it... so Fun, right? I was completely overwhelmed and humbled by all of the love that I received from so many. Each of you mean so much to me, and I am beyond grateful to share this journey with you. Asante sana! (THANK YOU very much in Swahili)
FALL: With the cooler temps, Fall is definitely on its way, and I can hardly wait! Fall is my absolute Favorite time of year. So to stick with my tradition of decorating the Cooper Cottage for fall the week after my birthday, the Fall-scented candles, pumpkins, and hues of brown, red, and burnt orange are Filling our Peace Place.
FED EX: This week has been an exciting week as my hubby was able to Fed Ex adoption paperwork! Little by little, day by day, we are checking things off of the list and are a day closer to bringing our little one home. Next on the list, applying for grants and submitting our dossier to the Haitian government. Stay tune, Friends and keep praying! We still have about $15,000 to raise, lots of paperwork to fill out, and lots of waiting. BUT... Our God is so Faithful and so Full of grace. We know that He is working all things for our good and His glory! (https://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund)
FRIENDS & FAMILY: Be Free Revolution is a huge part of mine and Jared's journey; and we are humbled to be a part of the BFR Family. This week, The Rev launched their brand new website! (Check it out: http://therevmemphis.com) The Rev is an extension of BFR, and a place where you can "shop and gather for good". I am so proud of Britney and Lacey. Their heart for others and for our God is evident as they respond to His call in obedience seeking after God and His will with their whole heart. They live the lifestyle of Go. Serve. Lead. Love. with such humility and grace; and I would never be able to thank them enough for inviting me to be a part of this mission and investing their lives into mine. They are my mission-buddies, Friends that have become like Family, and 2 mommas that I want to be like "when I grow up". Hey, you 2, keep on keeping on knowing that you are called and loved by God. Remember that when action meets compassion, lives change! Friends are Family that you choose, and I am beyond grateful for Friends like you, Britney and Lacey. Nakupenda, friends.
FLAWLESS (shoutout to Michelle Pashby and the girls of Faith Walk #68): I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 6, and as a kid, I loved when missionaries came to speak at our church. I quickly Fell in love with travel and the beauty of different cultures, and in the 8th grade, I attended a leadership conference where the mission Focus was a country in Africa. It was that weekend, at the age of 14, I prayed the “Wherever. Whatever. Whenever.” prayer and surrendered my life to Full-time ministry. I left that weekend with a poster that I hung on the wall of my room and still have today that said, “Jesus’ missions trip cost Him His life. How much are you willing to sacrifice to reach a lost world?” I also wrote on a sheet of paper “You are now entering the mission field” and placed it above my bedroom door. Yes, right above my Justin Timberlake poster hanging on the back of my door. Realizing that at 14, I would not be hopping on a plane to head across the big pond anytime soon, my parents encouraged me to Focus on my mission Field right where I was. I remember it just like it was yesterday. Six years old and sitting on my daddy’s lap right after I asked Jesus to make me a part of His Family and Forgive me of my sins. My daddy asked me, “How do you feel?”. I remember saying, “I feel so clean inside.” From that day on, I just have desired to stay as clean as possible, which has resulted in an exhausting pursuit of perfection. I have learned and am still learning that I am held to a standard of GRACE not perfection. It is because of that grace, that as a child of God, I AM... YOU ARE... WE ARE... FLAWLESS, friends! Quick question: Is He FIRST in your life? Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God..." As children of God, we are without any blemishes or imperfections. Perfect. Forgiven. and Free! Let's seek Him FIRST!
Worship in Waiting:
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