I am the daughter of a King

I work at Dress Barn while I am preparing to go to Africa. Yes, Dress BARN ( That's for you Julie, Lavonn, Becky) inside joke=0)
Yesterday I worked with this one lady for like 2 hrs. So funny, cause as I was ringing her up at the registar, I realized my Dad knew her husband pretty well. I told this customer this and she asked, "So who's your dad?" I proudly told her. Surprised we had a connection, she responded, " Now I have just got to look at you." So funny- she leaned a little closer over the counter to look at my face as if verifying that I really was Arvin Busenitz daughter. I had to laugh later on thinking of this interesting encounter. When she found out who my father was- she wanted to see the resemblance. I couldn't help but think, when people find out that I am a daughter of the King of Kings, I think they look to see a resemblance. Not if I have His eyes, nose, or complexion, but His Heart, His smile, His love.

John 1:12 "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become the sons ( and daughters) of God, even to them that believe on His name."

I will Lift my eyes to the Maker of the mountains I can't climb...

Bebo Norman wrote a great song- with these words for the chorus, " I will lift my eyes to the Maker of the mountains I can't climb..." Ever since I said yes to God's call to go to Nigeria I have seen support raising as a huge mountain to climb. How impossible in my eyes to raise 2 years worth of income in less than a year. But God loves to teach His children what stepping out in faith is all about- one lesson at a time. I want to just give a loud PRAISE THE LORD! for his great provisions so far. I have received 66% of my support and just have to pray for monthly supporters to give the remaining $800 a month. I had a little fun with math and figured that this amount isn't so big if God leads 16.12 people to give $50 monthly. I told a friend about this figure and she gladly volunteered to be the .12 =0) God is so good and has also raised up a great prayer support team for me. Wow if I would have all the money and no prayer- I wouldn't dare go into missions. Missions is all about seeking God's heart for His plans, His wisdom, and His protection. I am nothing on my own. So I also want to shout out a big THANK YOU to all who have blessed me with their giving in various ways,loving on me- encouraging me- praying with me- and cheerfully given of their money to God for His work in Nigeria. I thank God I don't walk this road alone. He's with me each step of the way, and He's given you as a great blessing as I take one step at a time. SO for His Glory and in His timing~~~ I continue to lift my eyes to Him!

The Road Ahead

Tonight I was working on some thank yous and the realization of actually going set in a bit. And with it came a little fear. I feel like what I have been looking forward to for a long time is really going to happen- and I think I got the butterflies. It's kinda exciting thinking about all the "new beginnings" this year holds. =0)

Well I was reading this little devotional by Solly Ozrovech right before going to bed- and it seemed to speak so clearly to me. I want to share it with you- so I will put off going to bed for just a bit longer and write it out for you.

"The Road Ahead"

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you
wherever you go.

Many people try to discover the secrets of what the future holds, but nobody really knows what's in store for us. Instead of fretting about the unknown, prepare yourself for any eventuality that God may bring in your path. To be able to enter the unknown future in hope and trust, a positive and living faith in God is imperative.
When Christ lives in your heart and in your thoughts, you will be able to face the future without fear. You will have the quiet assurance that you will not be confronted by any situation that you and the living God will not be able to overcome together.
Lord, I rejoice in the knowledge that You hold my life in Your hands.
I trust you with my entire life. Amen

We can trust our God with everything. One more song chorus and I'm off to bed

I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
Please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you.

Here I am - Lord Send Me!

Wow what a ride it has been since God led me to first start the application process with SIM Last February. Since then God has taught me a lot and continues to teach me about what real faith in Him is all about. I praise the Lord in all the Highs and lows of this ride that I can rest in His hands- which are holding me. He's by my side when I fall, He listens when I call- and asks that I continue to give Him control of my life.

The last few years that God has placed missions so strong on my heart- I've been praying Here I am - Lord send me.

This year the song I am claiming as my theme song is Here I am- by Down Here. I love the words- they seem to come straight from my heart. So Here's the lyrics. Sing along if you want.

Sometimes your calling, comes in dream
Sometimes in comes in the Spirit's breeze,
You reach for the deepest hope in me,
And call out for the things of eternity.

But I'm a man, of dust and stains,
You move in me, so I can say,

CHORUS:
Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am

This part of the song describes where I am at tonight-

When setbacks and failures, and upset plans,
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands,
Are you not the closest when it's hardest to stand?
I know that you will finish what you began.

These broken parts you redeem,
Become the song, that I can sing

Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness,
And the fear that I'll fail you in the end,
In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces,
I can't put this together but you can.

Here I am, Lord send me,
I wanna live my life as an offering
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am

I am still day by day- praying for God to prepare me as He only knows how- for what's ahead.
He is so worthy of our Praise- I praise Him for choosing to use me- to send me =0)

a taste of Africa

This next 2 weeks i am in North Carolina at SIM's home office here in Charlotte for Missions candidate orientation. This afternoon we were invited to go to an african service at a church in town. What a blessing! How fun it was to sing praises African style! I loved the beautiful dresses, beautiful voices, and beautiful faces of all the African at the church. I am still developing my spiritual gift of rythm. Wow for some reason when they dance it's beautiful- but when I try- not so much.

Out of the mouths of children

Just this last week I have been encouraged by the solid, unwavering faith of children. Last Sunday I was talking to a little girl at my church. She was dancing and shakin her newly made tambourine (paper plate and bells- something she had just made in Sunday school). I told her she should bring in to church the next sunday for the worship service. =0) When i asked her what she learned in Sunday school she replied sweetly- " About a lady who was sick" I asked her what happened to this lady- and she promptly in her sweet tone told me Jesus healed her. Then this girl went back to dancing and playing her tambourine- out conversation was over. But her joy in Jesus - and her unshaken faith in Jesus- impacted me. At her age she didn't need someone to prove to her that Jesus was real, that the Bible was true, - she believed in with all her heart.

Another sweet blessing came that night- when a group of kids were at our house. The topic of JEsus coming back arose in the conversation- and one little boy said- I sure hope the rapture is soon. This response shocked me- because i didn't know little boys realy thought about the rapture. So I asked him why he was excited- with a smile on his face he sweetly responded- " Cause i can't wait to go to heaven." His joy for heaven and seeing Jesus lit up my heart.
Kids don't have to know all the details- they just know who is trustworthy. No wonder JEsus said to come to him with child-like faith.

Eyes fixed on Jesus!

God is so Good! I have been reminded this week to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-3. He has done so much for me!!!! At the foot of the cross- I can lay all my burdens down! I am in NE for the weekend sharing about God's call on my life to go to Africa- and driving tonight I heard this beautiful song,

At The Foot Of The Cross lyrics

Artist - Don Moen

Album - Thank You Lord

Lyrics - At The Foot Of The Cross

Verse 1:
At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

Chorus:
Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

Verse 2:
At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life
Through the death you bore for me
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

(Repeat Chorus twice, then instrumental)

Bridge:
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

(Repeat twice Chorus)

I lay every burden down
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross
At the foot of the cross
At the foot of the cross

Whatever might be weighing you down, know Jesus invites you to lay your burdens at the foot of His cross.