always a song to sing

(Just to preface my first blog post... I am by no means a great writer or even a good writer, but I hope by some of the craziness of my rambling, you can see how the Lord is working this summer)...

Ah I am so excited for this summer!!! I leave for orientation tomorrow in Alabama and then fly to Malaysia next Tuesday for the summer. As I think about what's to come, the unexpected trials, and the awesome experiences that the Lord has already planned, I cannot help but be overjoyed yet overwhelmed and know that only by His grace can I take on a challenge such as this. The Lord is good. My prayer since I first learned of the opportunity, and especially this week, is that this summer would NOT be about me. I am not going overseas because I am some wise missionary or someone who has a lot to offer to anyone- because I am neither. I am simply a college student who struggles with the same things as others. I don't know about you, but you know when you have this feeling inside of you that just longs to see something new, to feel something different- well that is where I am. The Lord has taught me so much this past year and I am ready to be challenged in ways I have never been, to be in uncomfortable situations- so that I must lean on Him to carry me through, to be broken for the lost, and to learn that regardless of where the Lord has placed you this summer- HE WANTS TO USE YOU.

I was recently reading about when Paul and Silas were in prison in Acts 16 for sharing the Gospel. I have heard this story since I was a child of how as they were singing, their chains fell and they were free, but I came away from the story with a new lesson- one I plan to take with me this summer. Regardless of what is going on around us or what situation the Lord has placed us in, WE ALWAYS HAVE A SONG TO SING. So many times we get caught up in our situations- good or bad- that we fail to see what the Lord is doing around us or how we can show His love to those around us. So this summer, regardless of if I am worn and weary, or energetic and ready to face the day- I pray that I will always remember that I always have a song to sing- a song of praises to the one who is worthy of all praise. I pray for you this summer- that you will also know that you always have a song to sing, wherever you are.

    "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners     were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose." Acts 16:25-26

   "I will sing a new song to you, O God; on a ten-stringed lyre, I will make music to you." Psalm 144:9

Thank you for all of your prayer and support for this summer. Know that wherever you are, the Lord is good and will satisfy all of your needs according to His perfect plan. He loves YOU.

Until the whole world hears,
Em