Freedom Summit Conference

This last weekend I got to go to the Freedom-Summit Conference!!:) It was a super last minute thing but I'm so excited that I went! I tried to upload the video from youtube to give a better idea of what was talked about, but since I didn't understand how to do that please click on the post below to watch it! (let me know if you have any idea how to post the actual video and not just the link).

With quest speakers like Pastor Francis Chan, Bethany Hoang from IJM, David Batstone, Nathan George and Phil Wickham, I felt I left more awakened and aware of the slavery that is happening now around the world and even within California. My heart broke in hearing the song "Amazing Grace" and thinking of the kids forced into prostitution or labor that have not experienced such freedom and then being reminded of the freedom we receive in Christ! There was a girl Heatherlyn who came to open in worship with a few songs she wrote. After singing she said, "We don't only lift our voice to praise, but we lift them on behalf of others." Thinking of my freedoms I started to think how I could use them on behalf of others who don't have them. With all the blessings I receive I know in my heart that they aren't just to make me happy and content, but I desire to use them to bless others. Over and over during this conference I felt this overwhelming peace for the justice God desires for His children and His desire that ultimately they may come to know Him and His love for them!

"Absence of justice leads to people taking advantage" said David Batstone from the "Not for Sale" campaign. David spoke a lot on being who God created you to be, your personality and character and using the freedom you have received to free others! Through him, I heard of a safe house that there is in Lima, Peru!! :) whhaat. I have been to Lima, Peru 4 times and have never know that there was a safe house to host children that have been freed from slavery. "We are all called- it matters in what you are gifted in. It's not 'can I be used Lord?' but 'how can I be used?'"

There was so much more that we talked about at the conference and got the opportunity to learn about in the break-out sessions! Since this is getting long, I will save more for later!! I hope this encourages you to look into the way slavery exists today and how God could use you to bring justice!

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained form the world." James 1:27

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxpGswNJBVw

While I'm Waiting...

I have been reminded this week how much in our weakness we can find strength in the Lord. I am waiting on the Lord. And although I feel we are all waiting on the Lord for different areas in our lives, waiting may just be a time when we are growing the most as God is pruning, strengthening and preparing for what is yet to come.  Waiting is a choice, trust is a choice, to be obedient is a choice, to worship is a choice and patience is definitely a choice. While waiting and relying upon the Lord, this song has really reminded me to praise God even in the midst of those trials and to find my joy only in Him!

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' 

2 Corinthians 12:9a

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn64juN9kLM     (Check out the song on Youtube)

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord