Around The World

Well the count down is almost over...Only 3 more days until I will be flying around the world to teach English to children in Asia. I am a bit nervous about the flight, but I am so excited about the journey that lies ahead. I am confident that the Lord will use this experience to grow my faith and to give me a better appreciation for the blessings He has poured into my life.

Although this will not be my first time on a plane, this will be my first time flying to another country. Please keep our team in your prayers as we go to serve. I ask that you specifically pray for travling mercies, safety, good health, and opportunities to share Christ's love with the people we will be teaching.

Two Paths

On July 10, 2008, my closest guy friend asked me to enter into a relationship with him and I happily agreed. On April 16, 2009, Brandon got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! At that moment, I realized how unworthy I was to receive the abundance of grace and blessings the Lord has poured into my life. With tears in my eyes, I excitedly said "Yes!" After almost 30 years of waiting, God had lead two paths together and I was finally standing face to face with my husband-to-be! It was a perfect proposal at the perfect time, and the best part of all, it was God's timing.

Today, Brandon and I celebrate one year together as we count down the days until our wedding day. On November 7, 2009, we will become one in Christ to the glory of God our Father.

Photograph by Kristian Ogden

A Poem

I wrote this poem a while ago but thought I would share.

When I look to Jesus

When I look to me
I see a face without a name
A heart full of guilt, a past full of shame

When I look to me
I feel hopelessness and regret
I hear hurtful words I will never forget

When I look to me
I see selfishness and pride
No where to turn, no where to hide

When I look to me
Everything is wrong!
“Who am I kidding? I’ll never belong!”

When I look to me
I feel doubt, fear, and strife
Jealousy turns to envy, “If only that were my life.”

When I look to me
I hear “you’ll never be good enough!”
“It would be so much easier just to give up!”

But when I look to Jesus
My purpose becomes clear
In Him I find hope, there’s nothing left to fear.

When I look to Jesus
I can make it through the day
When trials and worries come, I close my eyes and pray.

When I look to Jesus
I find patience and self -control.
I don’t have to be good enough, His love makes me whole.

When I look to Jesus
I feel joy, love and peace.
His grace is overwhelming, it brings me to my knees.

When I look to Jesus
I no longer live in vain,
I live to bring Him glory, and praise His holy name.

When I look to Jesus
It doesn’t matter what I’ve done
In Him alone there is forgiveness, a new life has begun.

By Christy Smith