How, then, can they call on the name of the one they have not believed in?
And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Just me again.


Let me just take a moment to collect my thoughts.


So. I feel like I’ve been here for a long time. But in a really good way. I just love this place. 

I guess I never really gave you any kind of information about what I'm actually doing. So here's a little run-down. We have quiet time each morning, and teachings until the afternoon. But some days one of the teaching sessions will be exchanged for small groups or worship and intercession. We have work duties/community responsibilities that we do throughout the week. So that's kinda mostly some of the fun stuff that happens.
Last week our school leader taught on the Bible and we went through the whole story through the time of Jesus. It was so sweet to see everything laid out in time and put into a comprehensive storyline. God’s word reveals his character. It was amazing to just again be reminded of how God has been faithful and consistent throughout all time. 
Every day here my eyes are just opened up to more of God’s character.
This is the kind of super cool stuff that I get to learn every day. Yeah, I know. 
I have been forever ruined for the ordinary.
Also, it’s officially official that I’m going to Southern Africa. I am so so excited! During intercession, we get to pray into those situations and areas with our outreach group, and it's amazing to see God speaking to us and showing us his heart for his people. 
There's also a new post on my photo blog, I got to do a little photoshoot with the photo dts teacher and my small group leader. Super fun. So, check that out if you wish.
So yes. I am super blessed and continue to be. God is so good.

Much love,
Lara

Friday, September 28, 2012

The first 5.

Oh hey blog, nice to see you again? 
Sigh. The daunting task of keeping up a blog, but also a test of my narrative writing skills. Well, this is hey from Orlando. To be honest I am convinced I'm quite incapable of putting these 5 days into words that would effectively express how crazy it has been so far. Crazy good. 
The staff prayed over literally everything. And that has made all the difference, there's just a huge peace in being here. I have 5 roommates, and it's been such a blessing getting to know them. I feel like I've known them for so long. Cheesy but true. 
There's a beautiful lake on the property with a ton of lilypads and an amazing view on the horizon. Yesterday night 2 other girls and I were just laying on the dock, watching the sunset just completely at peace and in awe. It was a moment. 
The last 2 days John Bills was teaching us on hearing the voice of God. God was moving in our lives and breaking strongholds and walls, and it was so needed and so good to see everyone claiming freedom. Today we did a blank-page intercession in small groups and it was amazing to see God giving each of us a piece of the picture. God is speaking. 
If God can move so powerfully and bring us so close in 5 days, what will we as a group be doing 3 months from now? 
I am just so incredibly blessed to be here, to have this opportunity, to know these people, to be loved by such an amazing God. 
This is home. 

 



Friday, August 31, 2012

the call.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
    before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 

I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Trust.



You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you. 
Isaiah 26:3




Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Ok, so here's the plan.

So many people- acquaintances, relatives, friends, co-workers, have asked me - what I'll be doing in the fall. And I suppose the generally accepted answer would be- college. If you know me, you know how painfully indecisive I am. But God so graciously led me to this - it just seemed like the right thing.
So I've been accepted to the ywam photography discipleship training school in Orlando Florida! I'm so excited to start this part of my journey and see how God is going to move and work, stretch and use me, and use my passion for photography.
Some details:
I'll be spending 3 months in Orlando for the training. I'll have classes and be learning about evangelism and photojournalism, and doing weekly photo assignments, as well as other things.
For the outreach, I'll be spending 2 months in either Turkey, India, China/Thailand, Southern Africa or the Dominican Republic. The photography dts students will be praying about where we are called to go and choose that way.

I do still have a lot to do until September 24. Such as, but not limited to: book flights, conquer fear of being alone in airport, purchase lenses, fundraise/fun-raise :) But I know God will provide and prepare me.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9