Please bear with me as today’s post includes four topics: 1) a surrendering to God’s calling, 2) Day 5 of 2020, 3) a prayer for our country, and 4) an invitation.
A Surrendering to God’s Calling:
Today my friend stepped on a plane, left her family and home, and stepped into her new role as a principal for a school in Haiti.  She said “yes” to God, but it came after much struggle and arguments with God. She actually flat out told God, “NO!”, but He waited on her head and heart to catch up to what He had planned for her.
Vicki has been an educator for over twenty years.  She found herself struggling with her next step in life, and God gave her an answer.  Vicki was confused and struggled with the answer God had whispered into her heart. She would find excuses, only for those excuses to be found non-hindering. Once she surrendered to the Lord and confirmed her “yes” to follow His path, doors began to fly open and peace began to reside in her heart.
She recently posted on Facebook:

Many of you know I love going to The Chatlos Chapel at The Cove.  This picture is of the prayer room upstairs in the chapel. November of 2018, a woman whom I don’t know, prayed with me in this room about my career. In November of 2019, my friend Jimmye and I prayed in the same room at the same prayer bench, over my calling to Haiti with Samaritan’s Purse.  I am going to change my saying, “What a difference a year can make,” to “What a difference God can make!” Surrendering isn’t easy but oh so worth it!! I’ve still got more to do….Thank you for your prayers!

I had the precious opportunity to sit and laugh, chat and cry with Vicki a couple of days ago about her struggle, decision, our families, and our lives. What was supposed to be a quick meeting, turned into about three hours.  Time flies when kindred-spirits are in conversation. Her mind was still racing with to-do lists, but her heart has become more settled and at peace in her next steps.
There is still much unknown as to what is to come, and still unrest in Haiti, but Vicki is confident that God is in this whole process. Her hope and trust rest in Him.  God has gone before her already, she is just stepping into His story.
Vicki shared private information with me, so I’m not at liberty to go into much detail, and plus we chatted about so much that I don’t want to say anything I’m not supposed to repeat, so I will briefly share what I jotted down to be communicated.
Vicki’s prayer request:
*Husband, Clint
*Her children
*Transition for new staff (93 employees) 
*Not to get malaria
Vicki’s needs:
Only prayer.  There are no care packages allowed at the academy.
She said, “Prayer becomes so valuable because that’s all you can get.”  So send your prayers!
*Vicki will be in North Carolina for two weeks preparing for her trip.  Plus, there is unrest in Haiti right now, so Samaritan’s Purse are keeping their people safe.
*Vicki will be the principal for a k-13 school.  There are 271 students currently attending this Christian Academy. They learn the basics, plus Spanish and French are required, and a bible class. 

I am confident that God has Vicki right where He wants her to be.  She surrendered and said yes. Her road hasn’t been, and won’t be, easy, but it is right in God’s sight.
This morning’s bible verse was spot on for Vicki.  I sent it to her before she boarded her plane. It comes from 1 Peter 1:13, “So prepare your minds for service.  With complete self-control put all your hope in the grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ comes.” Service…she is heading out to be a servant to The Most High.
Vicki’s life verse is, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Yes, God can do more than we could ever imagine, beyond our wildest dreams. I bet Vicki never dreamed she would be the principal at a school in Haiti, but God. God knew. God is able. And God’s power is within Vicki, and you. 
In the next couple of days, Vicki will have a Facebook page up and running so that we can follow her and her journey for the next two years.  Once it is ready, will you please follow Mrs. K’s Haiti Home? But don’t just follow, be in prayer for her and the request above.  I’ll keep you posted as to when she will have it ready.
I pray that through her struggles and surrendering that you will be encouraged to say “YES” to God. Listen for His calling on your life.  Your calling may not be to another country, but in your own home, neighborhood, workplace, or school. How will you serve god. Are you ready?
Oh, and this chic was worried about her hair highlights.  She is ready, with hair products packed. But, even if she runs out, I’m sure she will be the highlight of those students’ day.
 
Day 6 of 2020 Journaling as I read through the Bible in a year:
Genesis 13:5-15:21
*Abram was a man who lived by faith.  He desired peace amongst his family. 
*As we observe our nation at unease with parts of the Middle East, I am reminded, via these verses (chapter 14 specifically), that there has always been upheaval on the world.  Abram obeyed God, he attacked armies, recovered items that were taken, and brought back his nephew, Lot, along with his possessions and all the women and other captives. God was on his side.
*I pray that our nation, military and government leaders, and the men and women defending our country will turn to God for guidance, wisdom, and true leadership.  
*Have faith, even when you think it is too late for whatever to happen in your circumstance, God’s timing is not our own.
Matthew 5:27-48
*Lust. Beware. Just your actions doesn’t pertain to sin, but the thought process as well.  I pray that my man and I only have eyes for one another, will remain faithful to one another, and to desire only each other in a sexual way. Be faithful to your spouse. (Verses 27-30)
*May your yes be yes, and your no be no.  Be a person of your word. I often giggle within when someone is in conversation with me and says, “can I be honest with you?” because I’d hope they are honest with me all the time. Be truthful.
*Be merciful.  Pray for those who hurt you. God’s got this.
*Love ALL, yes, even your enemies and those who are hard to love. 
*Verse 47 poses a question for us, “If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.”  We are to be kind to everyone. Let others see Christ in you. 
Psalm 6:1-10
*David was always open and honest with God. We need to do the same.
Proverbs 1:29-33
*I’s so sad when I read verse 29, “For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.”  I pray that I will always thirst for knowledge and to be in awe and in love with the Lord.
 
Prayer for our country:
Dear Lord, 
I pray for our nation. May we turn to You and seek Your will.  I pray that our nation, military and government leaders, and the men and women defending our country will turn to God for guidance, wisdom, discernment, and true leadership.  Lead us during this time of unrest in the world, to rest in You. May our leaders be wise in their decisions, and for them to do the right thing for our nation and the world. May they feel Your presence surrounding them, and truly seeking Your path for us. I pray that we will be a light for You in the darkest times. May our country desire to be unified in doing what is right in Your sight. Dwell over us, Lord. Strengthen us and help us to rise up, be faithful to You, and stand firm in Your love and word.  Give peace, comfort, and confidence to the families of those soldiers who are defending our country. Put a hedge of protection around our military. Help us all to support one another in love. Lord, I am on a need to know basis as to the dealings and planning of how our country will defend us. I truly do not want to know the details as to what is to come. Use people like me (non-military and non-government leadership) to rise up in wearing the armor of God and lifting up those powers with be in prayer. Forgive us, Lord. May Your will be done. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
An Invitation:
Above you read how my friend, Vicki, is leaving her Florida home to go serve God in Haiti for Samaritan’s Purse. Well, as she leaves Florida, Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of SP, is coming to Florida.
From January 11-16, the Decision America tour will be in Florida. Our hometown, Plant City, will actually be hosting the event on Sunday, January 12th.  I remember years ago seeing and hearing Rev. Billy Graham in Tampa. I can’t wait to hear his son speak and for a concert by Christian artist Jeremy Camp!! 
The tour will be in six different cities across Florida. Please visit https://fl.billygraham.org/ to find the nearest location fo you.  
I hope to see you there!
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie