Christmas Traditions...

Ever since I was a little girl, I remember helping Mama in the kitchen on Christmas Eve. We would make about 20 Braided Candy Canes (sweet bread), and after hours of putting them together, watching them bake, and then decorating them we loaded up the van and delivered them to friends. It was a joyous time of family bonding, and the joy of giving!
This year Mom and Dad were on the Island for Christmas. This year I was in the Big City for Christmas. This year we weren't together to make the delicious bread. So, this year I made them myself! :)

I took one to work on my last day (as I am being laid off, because I was only hired as a the seasonal position).

To Know You...Is to want to know You more

I recently bought Casting Crowns latest album, Until the Whole World Hears, and after the challenging events of the past week, I was listening to this song and found great comfort in these lyrics. I highly recommend the album! It is amazing, and I will be posting more of the lyrics to their other songs in the next few days or so... It has definitely blessed my life!




To Know You
by Casting Crowns
"Until the Whole World Hears"

To know You is to never worry for my life
To know You is to never give into compromise and
To know You is to want to tell the world about You
‘Cause I can’t live without You

To know You is to hear Your voice when You are calling
To know You is to catch my brother when he is falling
To know You is to feel the pain of the brokenhearted
‘Cause they can’t live without You

More than my next breath
More than life or death
All I’m reaching for, I live my life to know You more
I leave it all behind, You’re all that satisfies To know You is to want to know You more To know You is to want to know You more

To know You is to ache for more than ordinary
To know You is to look beyond the temporary
To know You is believing that You’ll be enough
‘Cause there’s no life without You

All this life could offer me
Could not compare to You, compare to You
And I count it all as loss
Compared to knowing You, knowing You

All this life could offer me
Could not compare to You, compare to You And I count it all as loss
Compared to knowing You, knowing You And I count it all as loss
Compared to knowing You, knowing You

Blessings of the Beloved

The last few weeks have been filled with wonderful surprises! I am blessed beyond belief! There have been things that could have made upset with God, that could have made me pull away from Him, but there have also been incredible blessings! I have decided to give to God what is already His – because He bore it all on the cross for me. Who am I do carry burdens when they have already been graciously lifted from me? He has turned my mourning into dancing, and has restored to me the joy of His salvation, giving me a spirit that is willing to obey him (Ps. 51:11).
I have been first of all blessed with a wonderful job at Family Christian Stores, and am really enjoying working there. It is a great atmosphere where I can put to use the 20+ years of biblical/Christian influence, in addition to the experience and knowledge I have as one of 13 children. I am so blessed! I also found out a few days ago that I have officially been offered the seasonal “front end assistant” position at Costco, and I have orientation this week! I am thrilled to be working there as well. Not only do they pay very well, but my wonderful boyfriend, Tyler, also works there. ☺
Though this month has been a continuation of the refining that God has been doing in my life since the beginning of summer, it has been an incredible month – full of ups and downs, decision and choices, joy and tears. But there is One who remains through it all, and He is worthy of all that I am. His mercies are NEW every single morning, and His greatness is displayed in all of creation.
Yesterday I woke up with a very sore arm, and throughout the entire day there was pain surging from my shoulder blade down into my hand. I took ibuprofen, but it only masked the pain temporarily. Tyler has the gift of healing and I asked him to pray for me, so he did - actually several times throughout the day, but the pain persistent into the night. While we were talking on the phone before going to bed, he told me he had a really bad headache and asked me to pray for it. When I finished the prayer, it occurred to me that my arm wasn't hurting anymore, and I told Tyler this. He said, "I know." I asked him how he could possibly know that my arm wasn't hurting anymore, and he said that while I had been praying for his headache to go away, God reassured him of the gift of healing that he was given, and He told Tyler that my arm was healed! It was incredible! Not too long after that, Tyler's headache went away too.
Oh how I love my Jesus, and how His love for me is so evident in my life. I truly am my Beloved’s and He is mine!

another poem

Better Days
a poem by Lindsey Diacogiannis
21.October.2009

Push your worry and fears aside,
Hold your head up high,
Keep your chin up,
Don’t ever let your dreams die

Look to brighter days,
Past the dreary gray,
The future is closer than you think,
The past is far away

When the doubts start to arise,
Just remember those are lies,
God’s got better things for you,
Than anything the devil tries

If your dreams are getting dull,
Dig yourself out of this hole,
Leave your dread and pain behind,
Let God heal and make you whole

Seek the truth despite the shame,
Remember God can mend the lame,
He’ll set you free from any sin,
And loose you from the chains

There is peace in place of disaster,
When your world begins to shatter,
Trust the Lord in troubled times,
There is beauty, there is laughter

For everything there is a season...

Sometimes I have a tendency to overspiritualize things and life situations. In my desire to be confident in what I'm doing, I sometimes say that it's the will of God for my life (rightly or wrongly so). But, I'm growing and learning, and seeing that whether it's the Lord, or just the circumstances of life, we are presented with various situations, opportunities, etc in which we have to make a decision. Sometimes we say, "it's a window of opportunity", at other times we refer to it saying, "God opened this door for me".
Well, in these terms, another door has closed. The finances have not come in for me to go to Montana. I do not regret pursuing this opportunity, and have seen how God used it to stretch my faith, and work on other areas of my life. I have peace about staying here, and will continue to be apart of the worship team at my church, (although I'll be moving to another campus).

God has provided a great living situation with a family, who has graciously agreed to let me stay with them rent free, in exchange for about 10 hrs/week helping with their two young sons, as well as some light housework. It is such a blessing, and although they aren't Jesus-lovers, I am excited to see how Him in me will touch their lives. The home is close to the public transit lines as well, so it won't be too difficult for me to get around (in my lack of a driver's license!).
I am hoping for a full-time job soon, and have a couple hopeful opportunities (still praying!).

I heard recently something that brought a lot of encouragement to me; the pastor said that there are times when he tries to fit the right "piece of the puzzle" into his life, but it just doesn't quite line up. He explained how God sees the whole picture, and though we might see bits and pieces, and we might know our giftings and "calling", we don't always see the "box cover". I found this encouraging in that, even though I know that God has placed a passion for music in me, and a heart for the nations, I don't see the big picture. I don't see the completed puzzle. God does. And, He will reveal each "piece" in the right time. It's amazing to see this already in my life.
Was I disappointed to not go to Montana? Yes. Was I depressed? No. Because I know God has a plan. And, I figure if it's better than going to a school of worship, well then, it's got to be pretty great indeed! :)

For everything there is a season; a time for everything under Heaven.

Fall is my favorite season. It's a season of change; a season of new things. It's a time for a shaking off of the old, and letting the new take its place. And I'm finding the same is true in this season of my life. I'm excited to see the beauty that comes from this season, and the new life that "spring" will behold.

Hoping, Trusting, Dreaming...

Lindsey

Family Photo!

We finally had all of our family together over this past weekend! And so... had to have family photos taken with all of us! Our friend, Mark, did a fantastic job!!

song of the week

The other day, I was sitting down to play guitar, and I began strumming a 'G' chord, and then moving to 'C', and back and forth between these two chords. There are lots of songs that have these chords in them, but I didn't really have a song in mind when I began strumming.
Suddenly, the words of a song I didn't know I knew how to play came spilling from my lips, the meaning so direct in relation to my life in the last week. I sang,

You're calling me to lay aside,
The worries of my day,
To quiet down my busy mind,
And find a hiding place

Worthy
You are Worthy

Of a Childlike faith,
And of my honest praise,
And of my unashamed love,
Of a holy life,
And of my sacrifice,
And of my unashamed love

Worthy
You are Worthy

As I sang the words of this song, I began realizing the meaning. In the busyness of life, God was calling me lay it all aside, to find a quiet place for fellowship with Him. Why? Because He is worthy. He is worthy of my childlike faith. He is worthy of my honest praise. He is worthy of a holy life. He is worthy of my sacrifice. He is worthy of my unashamed love. He is worthy.

I sat, strumming these chords and singing the word of this song, allowing the Holy Spirit to come and meet with me in the quiet place, in the stillness of mind that I had chosen despite the activities in my life. It's a humbling experience to have the Holy Spirit put the words in your mouth to a song, and then bring understanding to mind. This has been the prayer of my week - that I would continually quiet my spirit and wait in the Lord's presence. Why?
Because HE IS WORTHY!

prayers please

Dear Friends,

First of all I want to sincerely thank all of you for being apart of my life, and for supporting me in the endeavors that God has called me to. I believe that it is because of your prayers, support, and love that I have been able to walk in the steps that God laid out for me.
I have been tested, tried, and so richly blessed in the last 5 months! And I know that each circumstance has helped better shape me into the fullness of who God created me to be. It has been in this season of life that God has called me to higher levels of faith, deeper levels of love, and to a more set apart lifestyle. I am thrilled to be walking this journey, hand-in-hand, with the Creator of the Universe, the Lord of all creation, the Lover of my soul. He has refined me in ways that surprise even me, and I so look forward to where He is taking me next.

It is only just over two weeks until I head to another state for the YWAM School of Worship that I believe God is leading me to. I am excited for what God has for me, and what I will be able to pour out back to Him in this next adventure. But, I ask that your prayers for me would not stop now. I still need over $3000 for the tuition of this school. I don't doubt that if this truly is where God wants me (and I believe it is) that He will provide. I have seen His faithfulness in numerous ways in my life, and have witnessed the miraculous ways of provision that He has poured out. I pray that in this waiting, perseverance will grow, and my faith will be further tested. It hasn't always been easy to hold to such unwavering faith, and there have been times of discouragement, but I know my God is faithful, and I know His timing is perfect! I appreciate all of you who have prayed over this for me and have donated to this as well. I ask that you would continue to do so; believe with me for this!

Thanks again, and I will let you know how God provides! I look forward to testifying of yet another one of His perfectly timed provisions!

Also, I ask that you would pray for guidance if the finances don't come. I will be needing to figure out where to live and work, etc. So pray that if God closes this door, another will be opened!

Blessings in Him,

Lindsey

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be strong and courageous.
Yes, Wait patiently for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14

The Lord revealed to me that thought this verse talks about waiting, the waiting it describes is not passive. Bravery and courage symbolize action(s). So if you are in a season of waiting, don't become apathetic or passive, but wait with readiness for what the Lord has next.

"...If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed."
Habakkuk 2:3

Oh, the goodness of the God I serve...

Oh the joy that overtakes me as I sit and write this! Wow... God is continuing to reveal more of Himself and His love for me every day! The last few weeks have been an incredible taste of the glory yet to come! I know made some poor choices when I first returned from DTS, but God has showed me how important this journey has been. And not to excuse the fact that I willing put myself in spiritually destructive situations, but even in my failures and adultery against God, He STILL longs to be in intimacy with me, and use me for greater purposes!
His Word has become even more alive to be in the last few weeks, and I am so blessed to be in communion with Him. It's also amazing how He has placed the right people in my life in this season to help sustain, encourage, and walk with me! It's been different people at different times, but each day is such a blessing, and I know He has me in mind!
As I read through some of the Psalms yesterday as a part of my devotions, I was so encourage by His promises. And by the encouragement He brought as I shared it with a friend, and how she had read the same Psalm, and was encouraged in much of the same way!
The Psalm starts with praise and thanksgiving, and then gives the account of Joseph and how he was sold into slavery, etc. Then in verse 19 it says this:

"Until the time came to fulfill his dreams,
the Lord tested Joseph's character." (NLT)

I was so encouraged by this, as I have seen the ways that the Lord has been testing my character, and I believe is preparing me for the time of fulfillment of my dreams! His promises are continually on my mind, and I rejoice in the peace that He brings me. It has been confirmed time and again, that the last 5 months have been a season of refinement and preparation in my life, and I am beginning to see the end of the "battle" and beginning to walk into the glorious light of the "valley" that is awaiting me. On one occasion, I was encouraged to stay strong in this season of testing, and not rush ahead of where God has me, because He is right there with me, guiding me in every step. After I finished reading the Word yesterday, I went back through my journal from DTS, and was again reminded of this. One of our speakers had given this warning through the story of the life of Moses,

"Don't run ahead of God!
Don't try to make God's calling on your life
happen according to your timing and
way - you will end up in the desert!
When it's God's time He will speak to you!"

Oh, how blessed I am to have a Father who loves me unconditionally, and who's heart for me is the absolute very best!!! I am filled with JOY! My heart sings...

I hope you are encouraged to continue to hold on to the promises God has spoken to you, and trust Him even in the battlefields of life. Oh, the joy that comes when you trust Him, and pursue Him even in the "dry patches" of life.

Thank you, Jesus. You are so good.

more changes

You might be thinking "oh, here goes Lindsey, changing her mind and plans again...what's new?" But I'm not. I just wanted you to be aware of the changes that are taking place in my family. It's been a long journey, and it's kind of a long story, but you can read all the detail on my Mum's blog.

Our family is moving away from Lynden!!!

God has been leading my parents on a faith journey that is exciting, challenging, and so beautiful! I am very excited for where God is taking them, and what He has for them in this next season. It's a blessing to see them both sparked with joy by this renewed sense of hope and direction!

check out my mum's blog for more details. :)

promises

So, I wrote this poem back in October, and as I was looking back through my blog, I was so encouraged by the promises that were brought to me through these God-inspired words. I hope you, too, are encouraged and know that these promises are for you too! I'm holding on to His promises...

"Before"
a poem by Lindsey Diacogiannis
17, October 2008

Before there was time,
I had called you mine,
I had called you by name,
And I died to take your shame,

Before your parents knew of you,
I knew your eyes would be blue,
Your hair would be curly and dark,
Your beauty a sign of my mark,

Before the foundations of the earth,
I had already destined your worth,
I had planted my gifts within you,
Even before you were tissue,

Before you were inside your mother,
I already called you daughter,
Your future was in the making,
You were destined to do great things,

Before there was time,
You were mine.

Set Apart

I was so blessed this week to receive in the mail a very encouraging book, that my friend is letting me borrow (Thanks, Vicky!!). "Set Apart Femininity" (by Leslie Ludy) has been such an encouragement, and has struck a deeper urge to press on in this world of sin, temptation, and selfishness. Through reading what I have so far, and the work that God has been doing in my heart over the last couple weeks, I have a renewed hope and motivation that I am loved beyond what I deserve, and am created for a purpose beyond what I could grasp. Here are some of the things that really struck me, and I want to pass them along...

"..The Bible makes it very clear that we were born into sin, not beauty. Yes, we were created in the image of God. But sin has warped and twisted all the goodness and loveliness we were originally designed to possess. As a result of sin's defilement, we no longer carry an essence of beauty from the moment of our creation - we carry an essence of sina dn selfishness. Our womanly souls are no longer beautiful. They are revolting, ugly, and deformed. That's why we need to be completely and wholly redeemed and remade by the power of Christ' blood.
Our sinful, self-loving nature urges us to buy into the idea that in and of ourselves we are important, noticed, and captivating. Yet the truth of the Gospel is not based on our intrinsic loveliness, but the fact that Christ loved us even while we were yet sinners, naked and covered in our own blood and shame. (Ezekial 16:6)
In the heart of very young woman lies the intrinsic desire to be found beautiful. But when we come to Jesus, we exchange our desire to be notied and appreciated for the desire that He and He alone would shine gloriously through our beings. Maybe no one will ever notice us. But that makes no difference as long as they notice Him shining through us. We can waste precious time and energy searching for something of worth and value in our own souls. Or we can join the ranks of historical set-apart women and declare, "less of me and more of Him!" That is when our souls will sparkle with the spectacular beauty of Jesus Christ." [pp. 46,48]

This has been such an encouraging piece of truth for me to chew on! I realize that without Christ I am nothing - I am not beautiful, I have no worth, I am a filthy rag. But because of His love and mercy, He choses to see me as blameless, pure, and worthy. He defines the beauty I posses. It's only in Him that I can approach His throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). I can do nothing on my own, but must humbly submit myself to His will, and give Hime everything - my desires, my emotions, my plans, my faults, my family, my dreams, my wishes, everything! Oh how gracious He is with us too! It's so good... oh man. I hope you are encouraged by this as well. It's my prayer that we can grow together to be all that Christ has designed us to be, bringing Him glory in every aspect of our lives.

4th of July

Even though Mom and Dad were out of town, we had a great 4th of July!
We spent the day with Vicky (our dear friend from Puyallup) and the Grace's.

Sarah blowing bubbles!

And Rachel too!

So adorable! Yum! CapriSun!

Katherine likes to swim with her clothes on!

and so does Joshua!

Vicky, Josh, Ben, Hosanna, and Sarah G.

more summer fun with friends

My dear friends, Ken and Lauree, took me to see Nooksack Falls, Silver Lake, and Mt. Baker for the first time! After living in Whatcom County for ten years, I finally went!
And we had a great time - taking photos, laughing, and enjoying our fellowship!

Ken is a professional photographer and has won many awards over the years.
check out his art work: www.kenwebbgallery.com

encouragement

Today a slew of out-of-the-ordinary things happened right in a row, but I was left very encouraged. The thing that was most encouraging came out of Paul's letter to the Church in Ephesus; it is also my prayer today!

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."
(Eph. 3:16-19)

Furthermore, verse 20, was very applicable and encouraging to me at this time in my life! It says, "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." I am blessed to have a Father in Heaven that loves me so much, and I am thrilled that His power is at work within me, AND that He IS going to complete His good works in me, that are far beyond what I could ask or imagine! Oh good and awesome it is to serve and love the LORD! Glory!

another poem i wrote

One night as I lied in bed, my mind stirred within me. Thoughts of the present, the past, the future. Where am I going in life? What am I doing? Is it all meaningless and arbitrary? These are the words that flowed out of the late-night musing of my mind.

Changing
by Lindsey Diacogiannis
all rights reserved


changing
changing lanes
changing diapers
changing schools
changing

the seasons of life
that we inhabit
come and go
like a magic rabbit

changing names
changing clothes
changing cultures
changing

some people think we're crazy
the constant flow of motion
life can often look hazy
as if i were a wave in the ocean

changing plans
changing directions
changing habits
changing ideas
changing

Day trip to Seattle

On Tuesday night, my two dear friends - Leah (from BC Canada), and Libby (from Ferndale) and I drove down to Seattle/Mukilteo to visit two other friends from DTS - Brady and McKenna! We had so much fun together, catching up and just hanging out! Here are some photos of our time together!

Me and McKenna

Leah and Libby

me and random statue friend!

Mukilteo/Whidbey Island Beach

McKenna, Brady, Leah, and Libby on the beach

my favorite shot!!!!

Lovely Libby!

McKenna & Brady

reflections

Dreams...

Often when we are children we have crazy, wonderful dreams about what we want to be when we "grow up". Many little boys dream of growing up and being a firefighter or policeman or a ninja. And many little girls often dream of growing up and being a princess, until they reach the age that they realize they can't just grow into a princess, and they begin dreaming of being a nurse or a teacher or an actress or a singer. I remember dreaming of lots of different things. At one point I wanted to grow up and be a fighter pilot, and a few years later I wanted to be a singer or an actress. As I continued to age and mature, my dreams of being "grown up" shifted and changed, but deep within me there was a desire to be loved, to sing, and to somehow be a princess, captivating the heart of my prince.
Even at 20 years old, those dreams are still real within me, but I've found out who really loves me, I've found my place singing, and I know that I will forever be a princess to the King of Kings, my Jesus. It can be difficult to let go of dreams, or to see your dreams blow away in the wind. One thing that God has continued to show me and speak to me about, and that has been confirmed me through others several times in the last year, has been to hold on to my dream of music.
Last summer, I was at a youth service at another church, and was watching a young gal lead worship, I turned to the person next me and said, "that's going to be me someday. I'm going lead worship, and write my own songs too, just like her!" The other person looked at me, and politely said, "Good luck with that.", trying not to sound too condescending. I tried not to feel discouraged, and made a decision in my mind to hold on to that dream. Later that night, one of the youth leaders came to me with an encouraging word from God, saying that whatever dream it was that was being challenged in me, hold on to it. He said, "I don't know what it is that you need to hold onto, but don't let it go. Keep pursuing it, you know what it is." My hope was renewed, and my heart lifted. I'm still pursuing my dream of singing, and have been realizing that I'm created to worship, and the weapon in my hands that I give back to God is my voice. I will use it to fight for His glory, that all men may know of His marvelous love through my adoration and praise of Him.
I've come to learn (and appreciate) how much my parents and family love me. I know that even when I make poor decision, and don't always live as I should, they still love me, and will go to lengths to help me back on the right track. I know that when they talk to me about how I can do better, it's because they truly love me. I've also learned how the Lord loves me, and delights in who I am, me and my imperfections. He is in passionate pursuit of me, and He, too, goes to great lengths to show me how much He loves me, how much He desires intimacy with me, and how precious I am to Him.
I will always be a princess that captivates that the heart of the King of Kings, and one day I hope to blessed with my prince, who will also find delight in me, and I in him. But until that day, I know my identity, security, self-worth, future, and my dreams lie in the hands of the Almighty God, my lover, both now and forever.
Looking back on my childhood, and the dreams I had as a little girl, I see how God placed certain things inside of me that would carry into my future - like how I used to use a hair brush as a microphone and belt out songs in front of the mirror. I don't know if I'll ever be "grown up", but I think I will always dream. And I'm trusting God to guide me to the fulfillment of my dreams.

So, yesterday I randomly saw a friend of mine (well, actually my parents) and ended up talking to her for about 30 minutes! It was so great! After I told her where I had been and what my next plans are, we talked about how she and her husband have a vision to start a living community, and desire to live in community with other believers! She told me how she and her husband had gone to a conference in California, and heard Shane Claiborne speak, and met with him afterward. It was so encouraging talking to her, and sharing our similar visions/dreams/plans! At one point in the conversation, I told her that I was going to step out in my gift of prophecy, and say that I really believe that God is calling many people to live out what it says in the New Testament, and how living in community will be central to that. I felt strongly in that moment that I was supposed to openly take a leap of faith and prophecy, because I DO believe that  a day is coming when more and more followers of Jesus will actually live out what the Gospel is, and it will start with living in community!

This evening I went to my room to pray and seek God, and began by reading through a few scriptures. I started in Jeremiah, and then turned to Acts chapter 2. I had not intended to read the entire chapter, but after getting part way through, decided to read the whole chapter. In the last verses of this chapter, my prophecy was confirmed! 

"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."

Acts 2:42-47 NLT

I really believe that God is going to bring a time when more and more people will start living out the Gospel, and  start living in community as this passage describes!

"Beloved" by Tenth Avenue North

This song is so powerful. It really spoke to me about how much God loves us, and the things we do that push him away. His love captivates me, and moves me to want to love Him more. Sometimes I am drawn away and distracted by the things of this world, but I was thinking of it today, and realized how great His love is, and how it should cause a change in our actions. It should cause us to want to put on righteousness, purity, peace, truth, and all the fruit of the Spirit! Wow! God's love is so rich, and I will never be able to fully grasp how wide, how deep, and how long His love for me is. He is in ever pursuit of me, and I want to be the lover in Song of Solomon that waits for His call, that longs for His touch, that can't sleep because of the thirst for her Beloved! That is my desire - to be so captivated in the fullness of God's love that I am swept off my feet! Oh man... His love is SO good! 

Love of my life 
Look deep in my eyes 
There you will find what you need 
Give me your life 
Lust and the lies 
The past you're afraid I might see 
You've been running away from me 

You're my beloved 

Lover I'm yours 
Death shall not part us 
It's you I died for 
For better or worse 
Forever we'll be 
Our Love it unites us 
It binds you to me 
It's a mystery 

Love of my life 
Look deep in my eyes 
There you will find what you need 
I‘m the giver of life 
I'll clothe you in white 
My immaculate bride you will be 
Oh come running home to me 

You're my beloved 

Lover I'm yours 
Death shall not part us 
It's you I died for 
For better or worse 
Forever we'll be 
Our Love it unites us 
It binds you to me 

You've been a mistress, my wife 
Chasing lovers it won't satisfy 
Won't you let me make you my bride 
You will drink of my lips 
And you'll taste new life 

Cause you're my beloved 
Lover I'm yours 
Death shall not part us 
It's you I died for 
For better or worse 
Forever we'll be 

Our Love it unites us 
& it binds you to me 

You're my beloved 
Forever we'll be 
Our love it unites us 
And it binds you to me 
It's a mystery 
It's a mystery

He is my Rock, My Refuge

Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; 
       hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

 Let my teaching fall like rain 
       and my words descend like dew, 
       like showers on new grass, 
       like abundant rain on tender plants.

 I will proclaim the name of the LORD. 
       Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, 
       and all his ways are just. 
       A faithful God who does no wrong, 
       upright and just is he.

Deuteronomy 32:1-4

stories...

So, I realized that in the busyness of the last seven months, and the seemingly ever changing life I am currently living, I have not written some great stories of what God has done. I would like to rewind a bit, back to the end of October of last year... my journal entry for the 28th goes like this:

"I feel like I could jump out of my skin right now, I am so filled with joy and excitement! Yesterday, we heard where our main outreach locations are, and I know where I'm supposed to go! The story behind it is incredible too.

So, on Monday we found out our mini outreach teams (I'm going to Cheb), and on Monday night, Melody and I went to pray about mini outreach and also about where to go for main outreach. At one point I said, "God, I don't care where I go on outreach; I'll go anywhere! I just ask that you would speak to me tonight in my sleep, and tell me where you want me to go, because I really don't have any preferance, and I'll go wherever you want me to!" Later on, I asked Melody, "Wouldn't it be strange if  one of us felt led to go to some random country like...Bangladesh, and it wasn't on the list [they present to us tomorrow]?" I really didn't think too much of it because I wasn't even sure where Bangladesh was, and hadn't ever heard of an outreach team going there. 

So, as I was sleeping Monday night, I woke up four different times, each times hearing (audibly) "INDIA" so clearly. And two of the times I heard "Bangladesh" after "India".  I woke up Tuesday morning thinking how cool it was that I'd heard from God even before they [the DTS leaders] announced the locations, but I couldn't remember the 'B' country. I thought, "I guess I'll just put India as my choice if that an option, since I don't remember the other country." That morning at session we heard the outreach location: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, India, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Uganda. ...There will also be another team to India that won't be working with Pick A Pocket [as the Ethiopia and India hub teams will be]. After hearing that the main project would be creating a book for P.A.P. along with ministry, and that they wanted everyone's gifts too, even if it was not photography. ...Afterward I told Stephanie [my one-on-on, and the leader of the India hub team] that I really felt that was the team I should be apart of. She said, "That's cool, but just so you know this team will probably being splitting up and going outside of India, to Nepal and Bangladesh." I felt such a peace and confirmation, and explained to her what I believe God had spoken to me the night before! I am so excited to be apart of this team!..." 

As I look back on that day, it's such a blessing to know that I walked in obedience to God! I know I have been so blessed to have been apart of that outreach team, and my time in India and Bangladesh was definitely a blessing! I believe that the ramifications of God's voice to me that night are not fully complete, but it took the act of willingness to step into a team of photographers, give God what's in my hands, and expect Him to move! It is clear to me that He did on outreach, and I hope with the expectation of further fulfillment to return to India one day to continue the work of Christ! 

So, there is one story for now... I hope to continue sharing more details and specific stories from the last year, and my plans for what's next! 

Lindsey

LONDON

Buckingham Palace

Big Ben

Brighton, England

On my trip to England, we spent one afternoon in Brighton! 

The beach on the English Channel!

Ruth F. and I 

Home...

Well, on Tuesday night I surprised my family and returned home earlier than expected! They were expecting to have me home this Saturday, but to their shock I was home on Tuesday evening. 

It's been strange to be home. Life after DTS is something I still have to get used to. Thankfully I have a job that really suits my needs for assimilating back into American and home life. I am coaching middle school track and field, which is great because it is not too overwhelming, but it gives me enough stability so I don't loaf around too much. :) Plus, they have offered to pay me the full stipend for the season, even though I missed about a week. It's such a blessing! It also works out very nicely for the time period; the season ends the end of May, and I am planning (tentatively) to return to Germany in July. 

I don't have a whole lot of time right now, but hopefully I will be able to upload some photos soon from my trip to London, and the last weeks before I came home. 

Holding on to His promises, 

Lindsey 

Drawn From Water

One of the practical ways that Pick A Pocket is working to end extreme poverty, is by the orphanage that was started this year in Ethiopia. One of my leaders, Kristin, and many other students and leaders from my DTS, were so impacted my the situation in the Kara Tribe that they knew they had the responsibility to do something about it. Here is a video that was made about it by a man in California who heard about what we are doing, and also felt responsible. 

This is just one of the ways that we as a team are working to change the world, and the lives of those in great need. Hope you get a glimpse of what we are about... :) 

Blessings, 

Lindsey

mein Gott ist so gut (my God is so good)

Wow! The last week has been so incredible! God has really shown His hand of provision in my life! I went to London for the Pick A Pocket art retreat last Wednesday with 5 Euro in my wallet, believing that God would provide the money for me to stay and eat and travel in England. 

After we arrived in Stanstad, we had to take a bus to Gatwick where we were picked up by some of the YWAM staff that were taking back to Holmstead Manor (the YWAM base near Brighton, England). My dear friend, Melody, helped me pay for the bus ride and also the next for our ticket into London. Thank you, Jesus. Thanks Melody! I fasted several meals, not just to cut costs on food, but also out of a heart to hear from God about this ministry (Pick A Pocket), and whether or not He was calling me to join it. 

At the end of the week I was able to check my bank account and withdrawal 10 Pounds, but the cost for the week (for rent and food) was 48 Pounds, and I still needed money to get to the airport, and for the train ride back to Herrnhut. We gathered as a team (there were 36 of us, some joined P.A.P., some didn't) and prayed for release of the funds for me and the others who also didn't have the money (about 8 of us). By the end of the day all of our bills were paid! I don't know how it all came together (obviously God knows our needs!), but all of the money was paid for us to stay at Holmstead Manor. It was such a miracle. I even ended up with 10 extra Pounds! 

We ended up leaving in groups, and I came back with 4 others. Between the 5 of us we had about 45 Euro. We got to the airport and found out that the bus we needed to take to get to the train station didn't sell the ticket for 5 people, so we had to pay more, and buy individual tickets. When we arrived at the train station (Altenburg) we looked into buying the 5 person ticket, but the regional one that we wanted wasn't sold from the machine, and the only other ticket we could get was 137 Euro, which we didn't have. So, we got on the train and were planning on buying the right ticket on the train, but we really didn't have the money for the whole trip. And, we didn't find a machine on the train to buy a ticket from, so we prayed that either we would be able to buy one from the ticket collector, or we would be able to be "invisible" and not have to pay for that leg of the trip (about an hour and a half). It worked out. The ticket collector never came, and we were able to pay for a ticket at the next station for the next leg of the trip. Unfortunately, that ticket, though good for 5 people and only costed 28 Euro, expired at 3am, and we purchased it at 11pm. So, we got on the train in Leipzig, and made it all the way to Dresden (about 2 and half hours). We got to Dresden and had to wait from about 1:30am - 4am until we could catch the next train. By that time our ticket would expire. So, we sat in a circle and began praying again. Jardena (one of the girls with me) said she had some money in her bank account that was set aside for something else, but could be used instead for our next train ticket, so we prayed about that as well. 

After several minutes of prayer, we decided to share if we had any impressions. Taylor (the guy with us) said he had the picture of a trash can and a McDonalds cup with money in it... I felt like we would be blessed beyond what we would need, that we would not only have enough money for the train, but also for food. After hours of waiting around, looking thru trash bins, praying again, checking my bank account, etc.... we finally found a way to buy a cheap ticket, and Jardena withdrew some money to help cover the costs. 

We payed for a bus and the next train and another bus, and finally made it back to Herrnhut by 6:20am! What a day!!! 

And after a few hours of sleep, I checked my emails and my mom had emailed me telling me a check had come for me! She deposited $130 into my account! Wow! I am able to pay some bills here at the YWAM base, buy food for a few days, etc. God is SO SO SO faithful in providing in fantastic ways for our needs! If I ever doubted that He knows my needs, here is evidence that He surely does, and knows in which ways to provide for them too!!! 

Oh, how good and awesome our God really is! Glory! 

Hope you are experiencing Christ's incredible attributes too! 

Much love to all who read this, and I am looking forward to being in WA next week!!! 

Lindsey <><

p.s. sorry if this is written in a crazy way, i stopped and came back to it many times... hope it makes sense! :)

What's Ahead...

Here I am in cold, rainy Germany... preparing for the future, and what lie ahead! I graduate from DTS in two days! Wow, it's been an incredible journey! Praise the LORD! He has set me free from the bondage of sin and my past; has restored my child-like faith and joy; given me greater ability in my gifts of prophetic worship and intercession; and in the most physical way a spiritual being can, has shown me His incredible love and passionate pursuit of me! The challenges I have faced have been a blessing to me, and have pushed me to grow in so many ways. Through it all, one of the biggest things God has shown me His is never-changing, always intimate, faithfulness. Wow, He is so so so faithful, and never lets me down! How He is good!

In the last week since returning from outreach God has revealed so many things to me about the next steps He wants me to take! It's truly incredible, and I am so excited for what He has in store! The more immediate next step for me is to go to London next week for 5 days for a Pick A Pocket art retreat. I will be joining this ministry - whose goal is to eradicate extreme poverty using the arts. I am very excited to see how God uses my gift of music in this ministry.
Please pray that God will provide the finances for all of us to go (there are about 30 of us who are planning on going), and for my finances, as I will have additional costs after DTS ends (food, housing...)! I know God has me here at this time, and I believe He is leading me on this trip to London, so I pray in faith that He will provide, but sometimes He wants to use humility in asking others to join with me in prayer to bring about His purposes.

I look forward to sharing the other incredible things God has revealed to me! Thank you all for your support and love! I appreciate it, and am blessed to have you apart of this journey that God has me on! I am still coming home as planned, but God has put it on my heart to join this ministry at this time, and I am excited to be able to share how God will use me in this ministry in the future.

Looking forward to being home in WA in a few weeks!!!!
-Lindsey <><

more photos from India and Bangladesh

Finally photos from outreach

Chittagong, Bangladesh

low caste tribe leader - Lonavala, India

Mary, Prabha, Jerusha, and I - YWAM Lonavala

local outreach -Karnhe, India