Eyes locked on Jesus....

" Jesus said come. And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted Lord, save me!." Matthew 14: 29-30

God has been speaking to me about this story. How Pete took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink, and fear rushed into his heart like a flood. But when his eyes were on him Fear, couldn't come in. I believe that focus of where we have our eyes and heart play a key role, in living a life submitted to God. Though the wind and waves may be increasing around us, if we simply come to Jesus and put our eyes on him, the intensity that we thought was there, seems to simmer.

At least I have found this to be true in my life. That when the waves of this world seem to be swallowing me up and the storm is increasing, when I come to Jesus things calm down. It doesn't dismiss the trial and things that are actually happening, it just causes me to re-direct my focus : Jesus.

I have been trying this out this past week, that when things are shaking and rough all around me, to look at Jesus. Whether it is in his word, sitting with him, worshiping or talking to him, he centers me. When my eyes are locked on him, it seems that anything is possible.

Well friends, to cut the suspense!

****I AM GOING TO KONA TO STAFF A DTS WITH FIRE AND FRAGRANCE****

{ the school starts in April}

Ever since last December my heart has been burning with the question there has to be more! I had no idea what the more was / is for my life at the moment. There is always more of God to be had. What I was feeling, is that God has some other place for me to BE.

I've been home since last December, then was back in Kona for a training seminar, then attended my brother's wedding and finally home @ the end of September! My face was set on seeking God's plans for my life and coming time of being at home. Most of you know, I was feeling called to staff and felt God wanted me in Harrisburg PA, but he re-directed me steps. I was then burdened with the father's heart for being home ( Hartville Ohio) and NO idea what to do next. I plugged into my church, but didn't have full peace about getting a full time job or jumping on the train here with full time ministry...yet. hah

One Friday evening, I took a trip north to hear a speaker - Bob Jones. Afterword, some friends of mine stopped off for some food, you gotta re-fuel after being in the glory.....

I received some words about me working with YWAM in a STAFF position....hmm....this hit the mark for my heat pretty deeply, but was this just my heart or God's crafty working...? So to my knees I went. And the eating stopped for a lil while, hah. And I still didn't have clarity, so I decided to take a few days to NOT think or pray about staffing. Those few days, God showered my heart with peace, to rest in him and follow my dreams. He reminded me that my heart is set purely on him and that sometimes he puts desires on our hearts that are his plans.

I made contact with the base, and things have been falling into place since then!

I am filled with loads of PEACE and excitement! But very humbled and in awe of God. Coming from a time of doubting him being near, he came and showed me how to dream with him again and to trust!

So right now, I am in the works of getting my plane ticket so I can join them out there.

There will be more updates, as things progress, so please keep your eyes open on here :) Thank you for walking with me and being a part of my journey with God! Blessings and favor of God upon you!

~Lauren

When the new year approaches, often times we think of the things we accomplished in the year past, and look ahead to new goals. Some opportunities that I got t be a part of last year, were key markers and road signs, in a sense pointing me to what God as next for my life. I had the privilege to check out the house of prayer in Canton Ohio, and to even sing on some of the prayer sets for a few months. It was an amazing time for me to step out of my normal Jesus bubble and let him lead. I also, had a job at Chipotle Mexican Grill in North Canton Ohio, which was a blessing! Then, the past summer, God led me back to Kona to attend a 5 week training seminar. Out there, our weeks were jammed packed with outreaches, lectures, preaching opportunities, small group bible study times and leadership building teachings. My mind felt like a balloon, and as the weeks went on so my ability to learn increased! I got to run under some amazing men and women of God who have worked with YWAM, and some who haven’t worked in YWAM before. I then was led to California, for a 2 week outreach, to pour out some of the skills I learned. We were in Orange county, sleeping on the floors of 4 local churches and were walking Hunting beach during the day praying for people, sharing the gospel. What at an amazing place it is there, and how the Lord loves those people! I am in awe and humbled greatly that I got to be a part of what God is doing out there! I saw, people get healed and, experience the deep love f God! The scripture comes to mind, “You are the light of the world,. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” I believe that God originally created California for his glory! What an opportunity to pray for people and the state, and declare God’s word in that land!

As I journeyed home, I didn’t have too much vision for what had for me here. I began to have a heart to sow into my friendships and see what God has been doing in people’s hearts. That, begun my time of spending with my family and friends. It has been a challenging, yet restful time. It has been so good for my heart to be at home and see God working in my family’s lives! My oldest brother, has started his walk with God, and it has been so fun to watch him discover the goodness and truth of God! I have learned that God is faithful and always listens to our prayers and desires.