My Eyes are Fixed

It's 5 to midnight and I'm still awake....The students have been talking all week about how excited they are for our intercity missions  trip starting tomorrow, but I think I had so many other things going on, I didn't have time to really think beyond check-lists to parents and paperwork...etc. Now, as I sit here, duffel bag packed, ipod and  camera charging, husband sleeping...I am deep in thought about this trip for the first time.

I feel the way I felt years ago before going on an outing with my youth group in 7th grade. The night before we were to leave, my mom came into my room and asked if I'd been praying about the trip. I told her I really hadn't given it much thought. Other than spending time with friends and traveling, I wasn't sure what else to expect. She reminded me that God could have an amazing agenda for this week and that I needed to open my heart so that I could hear what he was trying to say to me. So, I prayed, then went to bed.

Tonight I realize that again, I have the opportunity, to not only lead these students on a trip, but come along side of them as God works in their hearts. I'm not content with the disinterested, non- committal attitudes I've seen  in some this year. I want to see God do something mighty in the lives of these teens and I disparately desire for those that do not know the Lord as Savior and King to come to a deep and real understanding of what that means, the way I did that week when I was in 7th grade. Thank the Lord the pressure is not on me, but that I have the privilege of walking along side these teens as the Lord makes himself known to them this week.

I also realized tonight that the Lord has something genuine planned for me through this week. I can't put my finger on what that is, but I know that there is a reason I am still up contemplating what we are about to embark upon. As I align my will with that of Christ, by spending time pouring over his word, I am so reminded and comforted by the refuge and strength that he provides for the weary and the weak. My perspective is renewed and my heart is at peace.

Will you as our prayer partners please join us in praying for the 15 students, the four adult leaders, and the many we will come into contact with on this trip?

Thankful for you and praising God for partners in the gospel,

Auti Anderson

"But my eyes are fixed on you O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge..." Psalm 141:8a

When I Am Weak Then I Am Strong

This past Sunday my husband had the opportunity to preach here at KAC. It was a crazy week and he was commited to many things that weekend let alone being the sole pastor at church while General Counsel  was being held in Kansas City. By the time Saturday night rolled around, I looked at him sympathetically and asked how he was doing. He smiled that strong smile that always makes me feel like he has a secret and said, "I am held by God. He is good to me." I just thought to myself, "I hate that I get more nervous for him during crazy times than he actually gets!" 

But I realized, my husband is living like he believes  everything God says is true.  He says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5)." He says, "Look, for I am about to do something new. See I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create streams in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)." He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 2:9b)."

As I sat and listened to my husband preach on Sunday morning not knowing anything ahead of time but his topic, I was in awe of God's power as he spoke through my husband who I knew was only an empty vessel wanting desperately  to be used by our mighty King. That said, I want to share with you how God spoke to me through my husband. Glory to God.

http://www.kielcma.com/site/audiodownloads.asp?sec_id=180003572