As I sit here sweating in my apt on this day of thanksgiving, I cannot complain about being miles away from my family. I cannot complain that I am sweating, covered in bug bites, and breathing in smoke from my neighbor. I cannot complain that I haven't been able to go to Palenque for the past month. I cannot complain that my dog continues to be sick and my knee pain robs me of sleep as I wait for His timing.

All I can do is praise Him for the blessings that He has surrounded me with each day. I praise Him that He chose me and sent me to a land far away from my family for His Glory. I praise Him for bringing me here to show me more of Him and draw me close to Him. I praise Him that I can spend hours at His Feet worshipping, crying, reading His Words, or resting in silence. I praise Him for a mom and dad who love me, pry for me, and support me in every way that the world says that they should not. I praise Him for a sister and a brother-in-law who have radically obeyed Him and are starting a movement amongst young people in Bogota. I praise Him that I have electricity right now to feel the breeze of a fan and hopefully upload this to the website. I praise Him that I can feel the sweat running down my back, feel the sting of the mosquito bites, and can smell the bitter smoke creeping into my balcony. I praise Him for the people in Palenque who have accepted me and love me because of Him. I praise Him for a faithful companion who does not complain, does not leave my side, and always lets me love on him. I praise Him for my body, that I can walk, pick up my little nephew, hug the people around me, and can type this update to you.

So on this thanksgiving day, I sit in awe of a Dad Who chose me, Who saved me, Who justified me, Who loved me, Who is sanctifying me, and Who is worthy of all honor and praise. This is the song that I keep singing to Him today...join with me in praising the One Who Created Everything!!

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love, 
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands, 
My name is written on His heart; 
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair, 
And tells me of the guilt within, 
Upward I look, and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.

Because the sinless Savior died, 
My sinful soul is counted free; 
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One, 
Risen Son of God! 

Behold Him there, the Risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness, 
The great unchangeable I Am, 
The King of glory and of grace! 

One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high, 
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God


Happy Thanksgiving! I love you guys and miss you more than you will ever know!!

I recently listened to another challenging sermon by Paul Washer and he recommended that we read an article that his wife wrote called, Becoming Esther. It was such an incredible read that I wanted each of you to have the opportunity to read it and allow Him to change you through it.