Simply Trusting

Six months ago, I thought that I had this school year (and the following ones) figured out. However, our best laid plans are not always identical to the plans that God has for us. I am thankful for everything that the last year has held, and I am thankful to be where I am. In just under two months, God has brought in 50% of my support, which is amazing!! This is a huge hurdle to be past, and I know that now that I'm past the halfway point, excitement continues to build. There is still a huge need to be met and I am still praying for 14-15 people to commit to $100 per month. If you would like to partner with me and help to meet this need, click here:  Click here to help support Lauren I've referred to Psalm 138:8a before, but this verse has been on my heart often lately and I wanted to mention it once more. "The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever." The word "fulfill" can also be translated "complete"...

There's great power in memory, no? Through memory, we re-live, reminisce, keep alive, learn, grow, change. Some of us live in fear of forgetting, because we fear if we forget, we run the risk of leaving behind part of who we are. Memory motivates us to action. Like many people, I enjoy a good ramble down memory lane, and I try to retrace those steps regularly. I've been doing a lot of remembering lately, and reading through blogs and journal entries from before I went to Germany the first time, in the fall of 2010. As I write today, I find myself in a similar situation to when I first began to write about "Simply Trusting." Today, as then, I have a great financial need to be met before I am able to depart for Germany. Today, as then, I have seen God meet a large part of that need through His people. Today, as then, I am hopeful and confident that He will complete the work that He started, not only financially, but in my life longterm. Today, I have the richness of fr...

Over the last few weeks I have received much encouragement, from both sides of the ocean. Many friends have joined my team of ministry partners, and I can't thank you enough!! I wanted to share a couple of thoughts with you today. First from my time in the Word just this morning, in Psalm 81:10, "I am the Lord your God, Who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." This verse follows a retelling of the deliverance of Israel from captivity. God has been faithful to them and He reminds them here that He is faithful, and that He is who He says He is. How can you hesitate to trust a God like that? So often I am guilty of a Pinterest-like Christianity. I hear something that resonates with me about Who God is or what He asks of me at church or Bible study, and with the best of intentions, I file it away for later. I continue living a walk that does not put that belief into practice. This weekend I have been under intense conviction over...

I have been trying all week to write, but the words have not come easily. However as I grieve with my country today, the words are finally flowing. This will not be a support update post. Look for that in a day or two. For now, remember with me. As I sit at home in New Jersey just hours away from the site of each attack, I am listening to the names of all those who perished on that awful day, September 11, 2001. Individuals who are in some way connected to the fallen are reading the names of their own loved ones and those beloved by so many others. Most heart-rending to me are the ones reading in memory of their parents, siblings and spouses. I know where I was that day, what I thought, and the way it has changed the way that I live. But that is not important in this moment. In the face of very real grief, the qualities of those who have passed are being remembered. I can't help but wonder, if my name was on that list, what would be said of me? What words would immortalize my mem...

"No, you keep it. So you'll have it when you get back." - Tyler  These words held confidence that made my heart sing. He was putting music back in my hands that I had held all summer; music for his senior recital. Tyler is cellist, and a senior at Black Forest Academy. By God's grace he believes that I will be back to accompany him. When I first embarked on this journey into missions, I had a REALLY hard time asking people for money. Why should people give money so I could go to Europe? Through communicating with supporters as well as my organization TeachBeyond, God has changed my perspective. Please hear me when I make the following: Giving to missions is not a one-way street. Did you get that? If not, read it again. Please. In certain parts of the United States, we have attendants that pump gas into our cars for us. No matter how you may feel about that, it enables our vehicles to run. He puts the gas into the vehicle, we give him money, and then we drive aw...

Over the summer, I have been asked numerous questions that I wanted to take some time to answer. This is in no way a frustrated post, but simply a means to articulately and adequately answer the questions which so many have kindly thought to ask. Thanks for wondering and being interested! 1. When is Carolyn getting married? Answer: She did yesterday!!! We are SO excited to announce that my dear sister Carolyn has now taken the last name of Dignan ! She and Jimmy were married this past weekend, and the wedding was gorgeous! I maybe a wee bit biased, but I've never seen a more beautiful bride or a more smitten groom. Enjoy the photo of them below! (Photo creeds to Robby Berkstresser) More photos will follow when they become available! The happy couple - Jimmy and Carolyn!  2. Are you still planning to go back to Germany? When do you leave and what will you be doing until then? Answers: YES! At this moment, I do not have a departure date and until I reach commitments of 90% ...

I've been wanting to post for a while, but we are in our fourth and final week at the Csehy Summer School of Music and life has been hectic. Also, if you haven't heard, my sister Carolyn is getting married in a little over three weeks, so our family is abuzz with wedding planning. Needless to say, excitement is everywhere!! Because of the busyness of life, I have not had time to contact and follow up with potential supporters, but I intend to start doing more of that next week. Since time has been an issue, it does not appear that I will meet my goal of returning to Germany by the end of August. I do plan, however, to continue plans to return to Germany, and the Black Forest Academy, as soon as possible. God's timing is perfect, and I trust Him fully to bring my support in. I am praying for monthly supporters who will partner with me for at least $10 per month. I am still currently just above 10%, and in order to return I need to be at 90%. Every partner makes a differenc...