Tuesday, September 30, 2008

T'was the night before leaving..

I think I am all ready..finally! It's funny, just as you think you're all set, you find a handful of other things you can't believe you forgot about. Oh the inexperienced one I am! Through it all though, God is teaching me so much. He is showing me that though I may not be prepared, He is, and it is He who is leading and providing for this whole trip. There are so many things that needed to be done for this that I had no idea about, but God knew, and through my lacking thereof, God was faithfully standing full in glory and wisdom. He knows the plans He has for me, and it just goes to prove that it's not up to me and my experience; it's not up to me and how mature I am or how much knowledge I have; it's up to Christ, His work, and the obedience of those He has called. I am walking blind towards the call of my Saviors voice, trusting in His unfailing word to keep my foot from slipping. He has remained faithful and it is my deepest prayer that I, too, may remain faithful.

There are a few other requests that I would greatly appreciate prayer in:
*That I would not be ashamed of the gospel. Romans 1:16 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile."
*That Christ would be honored in my body. Ephesians 4:1 "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
*That I would be fruitful. John 15:2 "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
*That my faith would continually deepen. Mark 10:52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
*That I would stand firm in the Spirit. Matthew 24:13 "..but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
*That I would be willing to suffer for the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:8-12 "8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."
*That I would not be anxious for anything. Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
*That pride would be removed and humility planted. Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
*That I would overflow with the love of GOD. 1 John 4:7-8 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Thank you for your prayers! I look forward to keeping y'all up to date on all that God is and will continue to do. Please keep me informed, also, on any and all things I may be keeping any of y'all in prayer for.

Until next time(which will be in AFRICA!!..crazy!), I leave you with this:
Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Amen.

10 comments:

AleBee said...

This thing ate my lunch last night, so I'm gonna see if this works this morning. First off, I am so glad you are reading this, which means you are somewhere friendly and loving. Hope your flight was great, although I'm sure you're glad to be on the ground. I also hope your flights to Victors aren't too stressful. We love you very much and of course we miss you already. (I'm gonna post this now to see if it actually works). Luv ya Baby!!!!

Unknown said...

your words always encourage me, ashlie rice. i still have no idea what you are doing in Africa, but i know that He will use you fully to bring glory and honor to HIS name. and i know He will do this through you because i know that you truly strive to be perfect in His sight. i love you, and i'm rooting for you! :)

momma said...

hey ashlie look whos blogging ! I think ! ? haha who would have guessed me being technicalized ! did i spell it correctly ? i will be praying for your travels tomorrow and look forward to relaxing a little once you are with Christina and Victor, ok i mean once i know you are taking your maleria medicine ! you are right ?! ove you always forever

momma said...

ove is my new word for the year ! its meaning is love of a very special kind ! ove you always forever !

Edewaards said...

We are praying for you and eagerly look forward to hearing about how God is using you. Heed the words of your loving mom; get plenty of rest and don't forget to take your Malaria meds so that you stay healthy to do whatever God has for you :D Love in Him, The Edewaards

Beverly Ritz said...

May He lead you through safe travels and guide you on a journey you will never forget. I am still listening to your songs your Dad sent me. They are very moving.

AleBee said...

I am so happy you and momma got to talk last night; I tried a little while ago, but guess the phone wasn't with you. I am so happy you're finally at your destination. We will definately stay in touch either by this blog or your email. Plz take pics, you know me. I Love you so much!!! I look forward to your next post!! Luv ya Baby and tell Victor and Christina I said "Howdy".

The Rice Family said...

Hey Ashley!! So glad that you made it all the way to Africa safely!! What a PRAISE to GOD!!! Know that we
are telling everyone that we can about your story and asking for them to also pray for you, but also that we are also praying for you everyday. Praying that God will use you in a mighty, mighty way! We love you!
Please stay safe and we pray Gods strong and mighty hedge of protection around you.

Sent with hugs & kisses!
Aunt Kathy, Uncle Chuck & Girls
XXXXXXXXXXX OOOOOOOOOO

Frances said...

I have never posted to a blog. I hope my prayers and wishes make it to you, Ashlee, and to all who post as well.

Love (and Cheyenne is off with her loving, caring husband for a honeymoon is Spain, so prayers to them, too)

Aunt Francie

Cameron said...

Ashlie, all your senses and your heart will be filled to overflowing during your African adventure. Store up the memories and rehearse God's grace each time you recollect how He met you in every situation. You are uniquely gifted and skilled to show forth Christ's love there among the orphans and their care givers in Mozambique. We will always ask our Father to shine in and through you. Enjoy and delight, cutie.