In one week I will be on foreign soil. Foreign to me, but not to the one in six people people in the world that live there. Can you guess where I will be?
If you said India, you are correct! I am really excited and also anticipating to be challenged beyond my limits. I know that when we are pushed beyond our limits, it reveals what is really living in us. I just pray that Christ is revealed and nothing else.
Please pray for this trip and the opportunities me and my team will have to share the Truth.
Thanks!

Last night I read the first five chapters of John's Gospel again. The Bible, no matter how many times you have read it never gets old. It is always fresh. I am always surprised by the miracle of the Word every time I am reading it. It truly is a 'living Word'.

So, John 4 has always been a favorite of mine. It's the story of a gal that has been obliterated by a host of bad relationships, is confused about God, and pretty much the town outcast. On her daily run to the water well, she happens to run into a man there. Knowing her place in society, she does not dare look at him or even think of the engaging in conversation with him. Suddenly, to her great surprise, He asks her, 'do you have a drink of water for me?' She says yes and offers him a drink. He continues to engage in conversation with her. She has no idea who she is talking to until he starts offering her Living water, telling her her own life history and suddenly, she says, 'hey, are you aware that there is a person called Christ who is coming?' At that point Jesus simply says, 'hey, you're talking to him.'

Of course this is a great paraphrase on my part, but that is basically the gist. This very unassuming woman is going about her daily business and is confronted with the Savior of the World. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever been just 'doing your thing' and suddenly you are overwhelmed and somehow confronted with the Truth? And if so, what did you do?

Well the woman at the well didn't sit there after she was confronted with the Truth. She responded. Truth demands a response. We either respond with belief and action, or we leave the water well and go back to our lives, suppressing what just happened to us.

The woman at the well has always been an inspiration to me. She responded in belief and action. She went back to her hometown, told everyone about her conversation with Jesus, invited Him into town, and then he preached there for two more days. As a result the entire town responded, 'surely this really is the Savior of the World.'

When you are confronted by Jesus in your own life, be a person of belief and action. He has a good plan that you can trust. Step out on faith. Who knows, maybe your hometown needs to hear the message too.

I have been very encouraged lately by a book called "The Cross Centered Life" by CJ Mahaney. Thanks to my friend Andy Beams, I am now a Mahaney fan. Mahaney beautifully and succinctly captures the essence of our faith as Christians and the foundation of our joy - Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. By meditating on the cross, my life has been renewed, filled with joy, and my outlook is full of hope. When i gaze at anything less than Christ crucified and exalted I rob myself of true happiness. There is only one Hope in this life - and it's Jesus.

Internet access in Deutschland is not that great! Sorry I haven't posted.
This week has been incredible! Right now I am watching the snow fall in a flurries. . I love it! This Texas gal loves the opportunity to see snow and eat some too!
The conference has been so exciting. The work of Wycliff is so powerful. They have their eyes on a new vision called "Finish 2025." Their goal is to have Scriptures, or Scripture portions translated into every language group by 2025, or have a person working among the language group by 2025! Could it be that in this century every people group will get the Scriptures in their language? Wow, this is really exciting.
I am always humbled to lead worship for God's front liners. They energize me. Today we were blessing the name of the Lord in multiple languages! I asked for this multilingual crowd to praise the Lord aloud, and as they proclaimed the name of Jesus multilingually, I cried. I can't imagine heaven! I can't wait!
We are in a beautiful place, praising a beautiful Savior. I know I will remember these trips for the rest of my life.

Germany Bound!
I leave for Germany this week to lead worship for an incredible group of believers. Have you heard of Wycliff Bible Translators? There work is incredible. They translate the Bible into languages so that every tribe and tongue can hear the good news of Jesus Christ! I am so excited and honored to serve them. I will lead worship daily for about 10 days. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Pray for those attending the conference that this will be a refreshing and encouraging time. Their work is difficult and they only get to do a conference like this every 3 years! I get to attend conferences all the time and that really convicts me of how much i take for granted. Anyway, please pray! Thanks gang!
And sorry for the lack of blogging. :)
Amy

New Beginnings!

Did you know that the number 8 means 'new beginnings.' My grandmother Mart told me this little known fact on my birthday this year (FYI its January 13 for anyone wanting to give me presents! ) That has definitely turned out to be true for me and many of my friends this year. Here are the new beginnings I know of.
1. I have a new job! I started this week at 121 Community Church as the Local Missions Minister. I love it!
2. My friends Mark and Leslie adopted 4 children at once! They are the cutest clan of sisters and brother that I have ever seen.
3. My house has had a whole makeover from new pipes to bathroom makeover (much of it not of my choosing, but because of everything breaking!) and God provided the funds to do it!
4. My friend Callie has a new job in Oklahoma and a new home too!
5. My friend Nicole has a new baby, welcome little Alex!
6. My friend Rebecca has a new home and finished her thesis! Woohoo!
7. My friend Kim is having her first baby this fall. So exciting!
8. My friend Traci is having twins! Doubly blessed!
9. My friend Kelli has a new home! After years of traveling the world, its good for them to be home!
10. My friend Tammy has totally remodeled her home this year! It looks great Tam!
11. My friend Molly started a new ministry this year. I love Spark Ministry Molly!

Anyway, the list could go on and on, but all this to say, this has truly been a year of new beginnings for many of us and I am celebrating it!

The book of James says "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Heaven" and I just wanted to publicly thank our Good Father and His Son Jesus for every good thing we have.

Sunset

Last night I watched the sunset while I was flying home. Have you ever seen the sunset while flying through the clouds? The sun was brilliant orange and all the clouds glowed in it's brilliance as it made its exit for the day. It reminded me of that song, 'when I leave I want to go out like Elijah. In a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire.' Rich Mullins sure got it right. When I leave I want to go out like the brilliant sunset I saw today.