Monday, December 21, 2009

Return from Thailand.




Thank the Lord! He has shown me the miracle of his mercy in a city under attack.
Psalm 31:21

Staying at the House of Grace is more amazing than I ever could have imagined. If there is one thing I can say about the trip, It's that Gods love radiates through each of the girls there. As soon as you walk in they run to you and begin to hug you. They don't know anything about you, what youve done in the past, how you feel, anything. They just simply love you.

These girls have come out of situations that no one deserves to live through. Parents addicted to opium, dying from Aids, ten people living in a one room house, living in a chicken coop, its just heartbreaking. But God has shown his mercy on Thailand and has provided these girls with a place they can go and be loved and provided for. Thailand has a rising trend in child trafficing and prostitution. These girls had their futures stamped on their lives, but God saved them. We went to downtown Bangkok and saw the brothels so we could see what House of Grace was saving the girls from. Wow. I am so grateful for everything I have. My heart still breaks for all the girls who are already caught up in that lifestyle and don't have a way out. I could talk forever about all the cool things we got to do, and all the amazing food we ate, but thats not what the trip was about.

In Hebrews 13, it starts by saying that we are to continue to love one another and show hospitatlity to believers because we never know when we are interacting with angels.These girls showed me love like Ive never experienced before. Ive heard all my life that we are suppose to love one another, but never have I seen it acted out in such a manner. The whole trip I just felt loved, wanted, cared for. Ive never experienced God's love like this. ive grown up in church my whole life and have been blessed, but there is no way I share God's love like they do. Its like God was like, "let me show you how its suppose to be done." And shown through these little girls who grew up with such broken lives. They dont care about anything but us, loving us, playing with us, just being with us. Nothing else matters. Hebrews 1 also says to remember those in prison as if we are in prison and those who are mistreated and if we are mistreated. We were there for the Christmas celebration, so its one of two times a year the families visit the girls.

There were girls who would take their dinners to their little brothers and sisters instead of them eating. And most of the girls send money back home once they finish school and start working. After everything they have been through, they still love and care for their families back home. Most of the time, the girls end up in these situations because their families just cant afford to take care of them anymore. But these girls are ok, because they know the love of God, and they share it with others.
It was so hard to leave the House of Grace. The girls were crying, we were crying, it was just an emotional rollercoaster. I bonded with some of the girls more than others and to see them look up and me and say "I love you please dont forget me." Oh my stars, the tears just started pouring. I only spend a week with these girls but it felt like they had loved me my whole life.

Thats the amazing thing about God's love. He has loved us our entire lives, and he can show it through anybody. He doesn't care about the mistakes we've made or anything, all he wants to do is love us. These girls treated us like family. Not only do they treat us like that, but they show a love for one another like a family. They are all sisters. Sisters of Christ. And to hear them sing worship, its just unbelieveable. The love that they showed us is nothing compared to the love they show God. All the Christmas cards they made us say "God loves you, I love you." Thats such a bold statement, even though I dont know you, God loves you and I do too. I mean coming home is such a hard adjustment because everyday I was there I was loved, there was no rejection of any kind. But here, we dont love like that. At least I know I havent, but that doesnt mean Im not going to try to now. I feel like these girls showed me how God wants me to love others.

Love each other with a warm love that comes from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22


I honestly dont think I can find the words to truly capture my experience in Thailand. I feel like when I left, I left a piece of my heart there. Those girls impacted me more than I could have ever imagined. There is no way possible that I could ever forget them. I feel like I have been challenged to show others the love that they showed me. I want people to look at me and experience God's love like I did through them. So if Ive done any wrong against you in the past, or been hateful to you, or anything else, I am sorry, and know that I am going to truly love like God loves no matter what has happened in the past, whatever wrong was committed doesnt matter. Nothing matters except sharing Gods grace and love.


As the Beatles once said, "All you need is love."

Monday, November 2, 2009

Thailand.

Dear Family and Friends,
I’ve never written a letter like this before, but I’m about to do a lot of things I’ve never done before. Since I was in eighth grade, I have wanted to go to Thailand. A group of members from our church went and I remember that I couldn’t wait to be old enough to go. Another group went to Thailand when I was in high school, but I still was not able to go. You remember when you were a kid and you wanted to ride a rollercoaster but you had to wait until you were tall enough? Every year you knew that you had grown, so you couldn’t wait to see if you were finally tall enough to ride. Over the last years, you had seen everybody else ride, and you just couldn’t wait to ride it yourself. Well, finally you walk up, and this is the year, you finally get to ride. This is my year—I’m going to Thailand!
I’m now in my junior year of college, and I have been offered the opportunity to go to Thailand on a mission trip. I have not only grown old enough to go on the trip, but I have also grown in my faith. I have discovered a lot about myself and my walk with God, and one of the main things I have learned is that I have a heart to serve. In Proverbs, when Solomon is describing the qualities to look for in finding the perfect wife, he says “She opens her hands to the oppressed people and stretches them out to the needy people.” (Proverbs 31:20) Although I am definitely not thinking about marriage, I do want to do everything I can to become the woman of God that He created me to be. One of the things I’m most passionate about in life is volunteering. It says throughout the Bible that we, as Christians, have the responsibility of taking care of the elders, widows, poor, oppressed, and the needy. This trip to Thailand is more than just an opportunity for me to visit another country; it is a chance to fulfill the words of Christ and His calling in my life.
Over 800,000 children are bought and sold in the child prostitution trade in Thailand each year. Most of these are girls between the ages of 8 and 14, not unlike some of your own daughters and nieces. When these girls should be playing with Barbies and dolls, they are instead being sold by their parents and their bodies being sold for money. My heart breaks for these little girls—God’s heart breaks for these girls. I could not imagine the experiences that these children have to endure, and I want to do everything I can to help ensure that as many children are protected from child prostitution and trafficking as possible. Global Servants established the House of Grace as a refuge for girls in Thailand who are being sold into prostitution. The opportunity for me to travel and work with these people who have dedicated so much time to saving these girls is more than I could have ever asked for.
I honestly believe that these girls might have a bigger impact on me that I do on them. I tell you all this because deciding to go to Thailand is the easy part. It’s what comes after that decision that is the challenge. I have already arranged with all my professors to take my finals early. Our flight for Thailand leaves December 7th, which is the week we normally have finals. After a somewhat painful visit to the doctor, I now have all my immunizations for the trip. The only two things I have left are what I need your help for. The trip lasts twelve days, so I am going to incur many expenses on this opportunity to be the hands and feet of God. The cost of the trip is just under $2,500. If there is any way you could support me financially for this trip, I appreciate anything you are willing to give. Believe me, any amount helps. If you are unable to contribute financially, please keep me and the rest of the team in your prayers. Most importantly, pray for the girls who are the purpose of this mission. Thank you so much, and I pray that God blesses you and your family.
In Christ’s love,

Hillary Daniel

If you want to help support me financially or send words of encouragement, my address is:

473 Island Shoals Road
Covington, Ga 30016

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Hero.

Its easy to get down when something bad happens, whether its a fight with a friend, a bad test grade, or even if you're just fed up with something in your life or having a really bad day. In 1 Peter 5:7, it says "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." We shouldnt let the little things in life get to us, because God can handle anything we have going on in our lives. It so easy to let the smallest things affect our whole life, when realistically we fail to realize all the blessings we already have, which is where the whole hero inspiration comes from. Eleanor Roosevelt said

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'You must do the thing you think you cannot do"

I honestly have not had to come face to face with fear. Not to say sometimes I dont get stressed out, or have bad things happen, but even on my worst day, I am still lucky. After this weekend, I realized how strong people really are to be able to endure situations that I have never encountered. A car wreck, for example, is a good way to show just how fragile life can be. In the blink of an eye, a simple drive can be a life threatening situation. This weekend I met someone who not only is battling cancer, but also miracously survived a car wreck. It would be easy to be down and depressed, but no, she is positive. Its almost as if she rises above whatever life throws at her and simply looks at it as just another obstacle in life. Its truly an inspiration to see someone who has been though so much, not simply give up, but continue to live her life and be positive. I guess I just want people, and me especially, to realized how blessed we truly are, and to appreciate the life we have been given. Even on our worst day we could imagine, we are still fortunate enough to have a family, a home, so much. I mean right now there are starving children in Africa, but we were chosen to live a life here, in America, not facing the daily struggles of survival. Not having to endure chemo every week to fight off the cancer. Not overseas fighting in a war that many people seem to forget about. I just admire these people so much, to endure all these situations and still have faith.

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

I think its important to reflect on how serious a problem actually is before you choose to dwell on it. I mean, yeah its ok to be upset by a bad test grade( i use test grades as an example because my test seem to be gettig harder and harder), but I mean at least you have the opportunity to receive that education. You might get into a fight with your parents, but at least they care enough to want to love you and protect you. Think about all the babies that are aborted that never get a chance at life, or to have a curfew, or to go to college. Just always be thankful for the life you are given. If something has you down, just ask yourself, Is this something that is going to matter a few months from now? a year from now? Chances are, it wont. I am so humbled that God has been bringing people into my life that I am learning from without them even realizing it. I mean, even just seeing a friend be able to smile and carry on with life when so much is going on, is truly inspiring for me. When I see people who are going through so much and can smile and laugh and just be happy even with everything going on around them, it reminds me of what all I have. These people are heroes. Being a hero is about strength. Strength to keep pushing forward. Strength to never give up.

"It's whats in a person's heart and character that makes them a hero."

Thursday, August 27, 2009

You've got a gift.

"We accept human testimony. God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony that he has given about his son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them." - 1 John 5:9-10

I absolutely love going to Christian conferences, worships services, any event where the passion for God radiates through the crowd of people who love God just as much as I do. These events can often be the such uplifting experiences, filling me with the Spirit. Its so easy to lose yourself in worship that the cares of the world do not even matter anymore. You can forget every problem you had up to this point because none of it matters. All that matters is you and God. Once the event is over, you go home and its back to the ordinary life. No famous speakers, no amazing worship bands, just work, school, the boring stuff. Its so easy to be filled with the spirit at these events, and feel empty once you go home. However, the fullness should not stop once you leave, you should carry it on and help fill others. There are those who are chosen to be leaders. The shepherds of their flocks, not serving out of greed; but instead because they have the desire to. (1 Peter 5)Although not everyone is called to be leaders, every Christian has the opportunity to be the hands,the feet, the body of Christ who spreads the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul tells us about the different spiritual gifts. Many people feel as if they dont have a gift, and its easy to see someone else's gift, but sometimes its hard to just trust God and let him show you your spiritual gift. Because you are a believer, because you know Christ is the son of God, he died for you, and has forgiven you of your sin, you have his testimony. You have everything you need to spread the word of God and attract more people to him. Its easy to think that someone else is more spiritual, or better at prayer,that you cant pray good enough, or your cant sing praise as good, or this or that. The truth is, it doesn't matter about anyone else. You have the capability to speak and to pray for others. Whether you realize it or not, God can use you, even in a situation you could never imagine. A simple phone call to tell someone that God loves them could be the difference between a life of happiness or a life of depression. We should always be willing to be used by God. After all we are the body. So, if you do go to a conference and hear an amazing speaker or listen to a band sing of praises, just remember that God can use you just like he used those people. You would be surprised in the different ways God could use you to bless someone else.
"We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we know the real God. We are in the one who is real, his Son Jesus Christ. This Jesus Christ is the real God, and eternal life." - 1 John 5:20

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

A Good One

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in the rain."

I found a bumper sticker on Facebook that said this. It really made me start thinking. It is so easy to "be a christian" when everything is going good, but the moment life gets hard or something goes wrong, we panic. Faith isn't about trusting in God when everything is going good, its about trusting in God all the time, even when bad things happen. Its easy to talk about how blessed you are when life seems perfect, but the moment things go wrong we automatically think we are being punished. Trials in life aren't punishments, they are simply tests of faith. These tests can take you down to your lowest point, but as long as you keep your faith in God, he will bless you. We need to embrace every 'storm' that we encounter because each one holds something that we can learn or grow from. I was stressed out looking for an apartment just last weekend, and now I have the most amazing roommate in an apartment I was never expecting. Once I decided to let God take control of the situation, the opportunity found me. I love having different trials and tests because the worse the situation seems, the more I realize that I cant handle things on my own and have to depend on God.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. -James 1:2-4
I found this scripture just flipping through my mom's notes in her Bible last weekend, and its kinda stuck with me all week. Endurance is the ability to withstand hardship. So with each challenging situation we face, we become better equipped at handling obstacles we encounter. So think of each one as another step of growing in your walk with God. The worse the situation, the better the opportunity for you to grow and develop the endurance to face anything else you encounter. And although whatever you're going through might suck now, once it is over, it will be a chance for ministry. When someone else goes through a similar situation, you will now be able to help guide and support them. Dont be afraid to ask God to help you through a situation.
Dance. <3

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Do Not Pass Judgement

I feel like Christians are the most judgmental people. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't quick to judge. I think that the stronger you grow in your faith, the easier it becomes to be judgmental. It says repeatedly in the Bible not to judge others; Matthew 7, Romans 2, Luke 6. Its easy for someone to say they dont judge, but it is rarely true. If some guy approaches you asking for change, you are quick to judge and say he is just using the money to buy alcohol, which he might be but we dont know that for sure. In high school its easy to judge people on things like what they wear,who they date, and what they say, but once you get older those things start to matter less, however that doesnt mean that people quit judging. A majority of the time, a lot of Christians develop this mindset that they are better than non Christians or even better than other Christians that are not as strong in their faith. But the truth is that only God can judge us. That statement is used so much, but I think people rarely take into consideration what it actually means. It is impossible for us to know every situation that other people are in, so it can not be fair to judge on basis of what we perceive. God know everything about each one of us, after all he is our creator. If we think about him being our creator; he is the potter I am the clay, we are each a masterpiece. Created in a specific way for a different purpose. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye" (Matt 7:3) We are not perfect, so we have no right to judge others. if we see someone slipping in their faith, we should not be quick to judge, we should help them or at the very least pray for them. Its easy to be quick to judge someone else, and miss the faults in ourselves. Stacie Orrico has a song called "instead" and it really helps me remember to put myself in someone else's place before I judge them. Im a work in progress. :)

Stacie Orrico "Instead"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlhC6M9EM0E

Friday, July 10, 2009

Oh Summer.

Im following in Corey's footsteps and am getting one of these things to use as a tool of ministry. I think it is very important to talk about things you learn, but with school and a million other things going on, its hard to find that time. Well last night kind of inspired me to create my blog. You see, sometimes God uses the most unexpected people in your life. More than anything else, I absolutely love when I reconcile with someone that I have had drama with in the past. It's such a blessing to me when I can forget things that happened in the past, and help someone with the trials and tribulations they are going through. Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to deal with. I was reading through some quotes and one of them said "most people come to forgive, but not to be forgiven." This really caught my attention because most of the time we don't consider that we need forgiveness. However, chances are, that when someone hurts you....you say bad things about what they did, and how you dont like them, so on and so on. But that in itself is not only hurting them, its also hurting you. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37 (NIV). It is so easy to concentrate on other people, and not on ourselves. Forgiveness takes courage. Most of the time, we let anger instead of love control our emotions. If someone hurts us, why not tell them? Maybe in some way, you have hurt them also? We are very prideful people and we do not like to admit we are wrong. Forgiveness isnt a one way thing. Forgive and YOU will be forgiven. If God is willing to forgive us of our sins, what gives us the right to hold someone else's sins against them? I think the strongest person is the one who can forgive the person who has hurt them the most. If I had a challenge for everyone, I would challenge them to start praying for the people who they dont like, or the ones that have hurt them. I honestly believe that this is one of the biggest tests of faith, but also one of the most rewarding.
Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29