The same grace...

I know that Jesus died on the cross for everyone.

I know that passage in the bible that says it is the sick who need a doctor not the healthy. Yet somehow I manage to continue to categorize sins subconsciously.

I don't think I'm alone in this. You know, that line we all draw for ourselves where we decide, "That. That sin is the one that pushes a person out of the reach of God's grace." For some its divorce, for others murder. For some infidelity, for others abuse. For some it's sexual impurity, for others it's addiction. We have all drawn that invisible line at some point or another. But the line is a lie. The truth is that we can never out-sin God's grace.

This whole thought process got shoved in my face during worship tonight. For the past week I have held anger and bitterness towards Ana's parents for allowing the situation to get to the point it is at. I have thought to myself, "who does that? Who allows their children to go through things like that? Who neglects their kids like that?" etc. Tonight it hit me...

We were singing something, I cant even remember what it was, and all the sudden it was as if Jesus himself were speaking saying "I died for them too!" It's such a basic concept of our faith and yet it hit me like a ton of bricks. Jesus died for Chede and Ana's parents too. It doesn't matter how many horrible things they have done, He CAN redeem them and draw them into His love and a life of freedom. Then something else got me...

My job as a Christian is not to fix them, or teach them better parenting skills. My job is to show them Jesus. The best thing I could ever do for my sweet baby girls is to show them and their parents who Jesus is and the life of love and freedom they could have in Him.

Am I doing that? Or am I judging them in anger? I want to display Christ's love for them. I want to tell them about Jesus so that they can first be set free in Him and learn to grow in Him and live and love like him. The grace God has for me is the same grace he has for them. There is nothing out of the reach of His grace. My sins are just as disgusting and filthy as theirs. I'm deceiving myself if I think any different. Praise God for his grace! The same grace...

When Oceans Rise

"Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed, and You won't start now

I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours, and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"

(Oceans by Hillsong United)

"When oceans rise"... 

I was sitting at a stop light today listening to this song and thought to myself, "what is my ocean rising?" I think if someone asked me this 6 months - a year ago I would have said that my ocean rising was fear of the unknown and this huge leap of faith I was about to take by going to Uganda. 

My ocean has changed. 

In this very moment my ocean rising is a skin infection of my sweet baby girl that I can do nothing about. It's a fear that I left her when she was the most vulnerable and now when she "needs me" I can't be there. It's a realization that I actually have to be able to stand on what I believe in order to survive this. It's a fear that I won't make it...

I guess my ocean really hasn't changed that much. It's still fear. 

Praise God that His grace abounds in deepest water. Praise him for holding me in His embrace when oceans are rising. Praise Him.

"This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the Lord ? And who is a rock, except our God?— the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless."

(Psalm 18:30-32 ESV)

This Saturday!

This Saturday I Choose You will be hosting our annual benefit. This is our biggest event of the year. It's where we tell you exactly what we do, why we do it, and how you can help. If you have ever wondered about I Choose You or felt the need to get involved, this is the best place to get started. 

Now I won't lie, this is a benefit. Some might call it a "fundraiser." I am aware that times aren't the greatest and money is always a touchy subject, but the event is free! The only cost you would incur aside from a donation IF you so choose to do so, is $5 per plate for a Ugandan meal. But the meal is optional! So in theory you could come and not spend a penny. 

Let's get down to what I'm asking for. I'm asking for your time. I'm asking for you to come with open ears and an open heart. I'm asking for you to pray about whether or not God wants you to be involved with I Choose You and if so, what that involvement is. I'm asking you to tell your friends and bring them with you! 

I'm not asking for you to donate half of your paycheck. I'm just asking for you to come and be open to what you hear and to giving if you are able and feel called to do so. 

I would absolutely LOVE to see all of you there Saturday. It would mean the world to me and really show me that you care about me. 

The benefit is from 5-7pm at Cypress Creek Church in Wimberley, Texas. 

The address is:

211 Stillwater 

Wimberley, TX 78676

If you have prior engagements but would like to learn more about us, sponsor a child, or give a one time donation you can visit our website:

www.ichooseyou.org