Embracing Accusation

A few months ago, moving overseas didn't seem like a big deal aside from the simple fact that anything God calls us to is a big deal. It was sort of mind-boggling to me when people would look at me strange, freak out, or view me as some sort of hero when I told them that I had committed to serve Jesus overseas. I myself was super excited and just so thankful for the Father's clear guidance and the peace I felt after following HIS lead. It felt good to be able to rest in HIM, knowing that HE'd lead and sustain me. I no longer had to offer any excuses or put obedience on hold. I no longer had to wonder where I'd be next year. HE had faithfully opened all the doors and lined things up.
However, since my initial excitement (And, yes, I'm still excited.) Satan has really tried to attack me. I have failed over the past weeks and months and have let fear and lack of confidence come in and consume me at times. With God's help, I know that I can withstand those attacks and find victory. But sometimes I lose sight of the fact that "it's [God's] identity, not [mine], that will make the difference." (Avery Willis in On Mission with God) Praise the Lord that HIS strength is made perfect in my weakness! Isn't it funny how God can take something that Satan meant for our bad and make it good for HIS glory? Satan's attacks have been sort of a good thing. They've allowed me to see JESUS for who HE really is and what HE's capable of doing in a life that's surrendered to HIM. I was so encouraged by Shane Barnard at a Shane&Shane concert a few weeks ago as he explained how the song "Embracing Accusation" was born. He reminded me that Satan does preach God's word to us, yet he conveniently leaves out the whole truth. When we take time to consider what it is Satan is trying to discourage us with and hold it against the Truth of God's word, often times our situation or emotions can take a 180 degree turn for the better. It is in those times of the Truth being revealed to us that we can find refreshment, encouragement, and purpose in the promises of GOD and move forward allowing HIS power and glory to be reflected in our lives---even in difficult times.
Let me just say that this decision to go overseas has not been a walk in the park. It's crazy when people say things like, "Audie, you're so calm or you're so brave or you're .... for moving to Korea." I want to laugh and confess all of the worries, faithlessness, and doubts that have come and gone since this process began and some that are still lurking in the back of my mind. Let me just say that any sanity or positive/admirable thing that is seen in me is JESUS. Let me also say that I need your prayers as I step out on this next adventure. And for those of you who are now thinking, "Oh no, Audie is terrified. She is doubting her decision to go to Korea. She's miserable." Please know that I am at peace. I am excited. I am anticipating the LORD to do and teach me great things in the next weeks and months. I am confident that God has placed this desire and calling on my life and know that HE'll be faithful to carry me.
I guess my challenge to you is to embrace Satan's accusation. HE's right when he says that we can't do this or that. He's right when he says that we're sinners, that we've made mistakes, that we've let God down. However, let us not forget the whole truth in embracing those accusations. Let us not forget the redeeming remedy that God provided in the form of HIS only begotten Son JESUS. Jesus is singing a whole other song!!! HE spilled HIS precious blood to save us from our hopeless state. Through Jesus, we can have life eternal and abundant life at present. Because of HIM, we can become the righteousness of God. With HIM, all things are possible. HE'll never give us anything more than we can handle. In times of temptation, HE always provides a way of escape. HIS blood has washed away our sins. Our sin debt has been paid. HIS strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. HIS grace is sufficient. HE never leaves us. HE always provides. HE IS ALL WE NEED!
I pray that you are encouraged by the TRUTH, too. Thanks for reading. Have an awesome day!

Trip to Michigan

The cousins minus Steve (Scott, Katie Jo, Brian, Heather, and Me)

Most of my mom's side of the family---minus a few

Dad with his old swim buddies

This past week my family went to Michigan for a mini family reunion with my mom's side of the family. It was one long road trip with Mom, Dad, and Grandma Jessie---18 hours there and 18 hours back! I think I prefer flying. Anyway, it was a great time shared with family, and I was able to say goodbye to my Yankee relatives. =) It was kind of strange saying goodbye for the next 2 years to cousins that I haven't seen in like 4 years. It's crazy how busy our lives are and how quickly time flies. I think that we should make slowing down and spending quality time with those we love a priority. I was glad to be able to hang out with my Grandma Ruth and be her roommate, too. She did well for the most part and even got out in the yard with her cane to play Botchy Ball (I so butchered the spelling of that). I was so thrilled to finally be able to see my cousin Scott's twins. They are so precious and absolutely lovable. That was a huge blessing to spend some time with them before heading overseas. It was good to see A. Sandi, U. Ed, and A. Sally, too!!

It was also good to be able to visit my parents' old stomping grounds at Oakland University and to hear stories of their college days and to finally see the bridge and lake where my my mom chased my dad down when he tried to avoid crossing paths with her in a day when he was shy around and intimidated by attractive young women. The story is quite humorous and even funnier when you are able to visually see the place where the whole thing went down.
We three sisters were able to walk through the university's athletic hall of fame with Dad and see pictures of some of the men that he swam with on the swim team. We also got to walk through the hallways that lead to the new pool and lockerrooms. They are covered with huge pictures of athletes who've participated on Oakland's swim and dive teams over the years. And who do you think made the wall???---None other than our dear ole dad! The funny thing is is that when we got down to all of the murals Dad was nowhere to be found until we turned a corner and he said, "Let's see who can find Dad the fastest!" At this point Katie Jo is laughing and squealing, "OH MY GOSH---IT'S AUDIE! Dad, you look just like Audie." I do admit it was hilarious---kind of freaky, too. Can you pick me, I mean him, out in the picture above?
Needless to say, the trip was fun. If I can survive in a car for 18 hours, then I can surely survive the flight from Houston to Tokyo. We can start praying for the legs and diabetes now. We can also start praying for the person who has to sit next to me (especially on the flight from Pensacola to Houston)---I'm sure I'll be emotional to say the least! Well, hopefully I'll get into this blogging thing. So far, I haven't been too efficient! More to come later!

Showers and Surprises

Kimberly's lingerie shower
Kimberly about to spew a mouthful of marshmallows!
Family and old Columbus crew
Longview Heights and work crew

The days and weeks have been flying by! Last week at this time I was stressed into a frenzy due to procrastination just like I predicted I would be. My family came in town---Katie Jo surprised me. I wasn't completely packed like I was supposed to be. Luckily, Kimberly came and packed my living room up right before my parents arrived on Friday evening. Thanks, Kimbo! I was supposed to have all of the stuff together for Kimberly's lingerie shower but was lacking a little in that area, too. Praise God for another wonderful friend, Leigha, who forced me into Sam's after work on Friday and helped me get all the food for that.

Anyway, I was having trouble getting organized and trusting Jesus with everything to say the least. In the midst of all of that, HE allowed me to enjoy the shower on Saturday and then to be surprised by friends and family who were gathered for a going away party. I was so overwhelmed by all that was done for me. I received one of the best gifts I have ever been given---a beautiful scrapbook filled with pictures and letters of encouragement from dear friends and family as I set out on my new journey to South Korea. At the time, I was too tired and stressed to really give a proper thank you and convey just how much that gift meant to me even before reading the letters. I also didn't want to open the flood gates of all of the emotions I had been suppressing. Since then, the flood gates have been unleashed a time or two, and I've been truly overwhelmed by the goodness God has bestowed upon me through precious family members and friends! Thanks to all of you who contributed to that book, helped me pack, got things together for the party, gave financially, and came to support me on that evening!!

A special shout out to Scott and Holly Lanker who graciously traveled 12 hours to make it to my going away get-together! That meant the world to me---I'm quite sure you 2 will never know just how much. It was great to finally meet you, Holly! What a trooper to travel so long and in your last month of pregnancy!! THANK YOU!