Emmanuel--God with Us!

I think about what it must be like: Everywhere you go, everyone you see, everything you touch is new. You're walking where you've never walked before and spreading the Word in places and to people you don't know, and who don't know you. It must be thrilling ... and terrifying.

After I'd left my hometown for college, I realized what a sheltered life I had led. It seems so silly now, but I was afraid of black people. I guess, presented the opportunity to fear them, I would have felt the same about Asian, Indian, Cambodian, Mongolian ... any ethnic group I'd never before encountered. I didn't know they were ordinary people, just like me.

Since then, we've been blessed to travel the globe and get to know people of all races, religions, heritages and cultures. They've enriched my life beyond measure--as I know they will yours.

Knowing you, I doubt you fear like I once did. But this entire rambling reminds me how God is with us all the time, wherever we go. When we rely on Him, He takes away the fear. He gives us the perfect words. He USES us in ways we could never imagine possible. Emmanuel--God with us.

Kelsey, you are an amazing person doing an amazing thing (the first of many, no doubt). Know that we think about you, pray for you, and trust God to be with you every second of every day.

Go get 'em! God's there to help!

--BJ Towe

Superbowl Commercials

So we know you missed a monumental day for all Americans. Here's what you missed:

Doritos Dog

Doritos House Rules

Casual Friday

Brett Favre

Snickers

Denny's Chickens

Motorola Megan Fox

KGB Commercial

E Trade

Hey Kels,

I love you, I'm thinking about you and praying for you. Loved reading your last email; you write like you talk. We also got your postcard today- you are so funny.

Do you remember the talk we had in the kitchen... the one about the birds and the bees?

I know I told you, but I was so blessed by reading 2 Chronicles 20:12b on your profile. So timely. I have thought a lot about in Matthew where Jesus is praying in the garden of Gethsemane and he asks the disciples to go with him. It was always strange to me that he asked them to go... what could they do? They had nothing to really offer him- they didn't know how he felt, what was about to happen... and they couldn't fix anything... but he needed people to be around.. to have warm bodies there with him- their presence was comfort enough. I've thought a lot about that lately.

I'm sorry again for missing your call, I really wish I would have picked up. Love you a lot.

Leigha

In Response To Your Latest Update:

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. . . . There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors." CS Lewis Weight of Glory

“The glory of God, and, as our only means to glorifying Him, the salvation of human souls, is the real business of life.” CS Lewis God in the Dock

America's Best

If only N'Sync had known to use jump ropes! JC, you're just a little late.

KK! I didn't realize you were such a devout Elen fan! haha! Ok, so I was pullin up this blog in class and this girl I sat by was like, "OH My WORD! Do you have a friend living in Prauge?" And I was like, "HECK YES! Only the coolest person ever! She's sharin Jesus with that whole place and her basketball team!" And then she was like, "I used to live in that area and I want to talk to her! Can I have her email?" It was so neat! ....So you might be getting an email from someone you don't know...but we had a whole Jesus convo about you and how lost that area is and I think she might be a believer too...not sure...but she seemed to see the depravity of the place without Christ.

Also, I just wanted to fill you in that the superbowl is this weekend...not sure if you're a fan, but it's pretty big here in this country. I don't know if you've watched the Jesus videos, but if you have you'll laugh at this quote..."but it's the SUPERBOWL Jesus!" hahaa!

One more thing, these verses have been on my heart to share with you and pray over you this week - Isaiah 61:1-4:

"The Spirit of the SOverign Lord is upon me, because He has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengence of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. The will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."

UHH! So good! He has annointed you sister, with His Spirit - what power is in you do reveal such an amazing God to the dark and broken hearts. May He plant in them salvation and may His Splendor pour out! And generations will be changed!

Anna W

Randomness

Hey KK!

I was just reading through some of the blogs on here, and when I saw yesterday's post, I thought I'd add to the Ellen list. Now, not many things are better than Shawn Johnson - I realize this. But I saw this on youtube and just had to add it on here. You'll thank me later.

Ellen Clip

On a side note, I found out that today is "Working Naked Day" according to one web site. I wouldn't recommend that, though. I don't know what kind of work you really do over there, but I'm guessing it would cause too many people to stumble. According to that same web site, it's also "Hula in the Coola Day," and while I don't really know what that means, I'm guessing it's safer than going to work naked.

Anyway, I hope things are going well for you! I'm sure you're busy being the basketball stud you always are! Enjoy every minute, and God bless!

Anna

Ephesians 3:16-21