Preparing Our Hearts

I want this experience to make a BIG impact in Mackenzie’s spiritual growth.  It’s always been my heart to intentionally raise my children.  My vision for them is that they have a heart that knows and loves the Lord.  I want them to have a personal relationship with God and keep God the center of all that they do.  I want them to have a strong desire to love and serve others. 

Yet, I feel inadequate to equip my children properly.  Life is too crazy; especially now as a single parent with an absolutely crazy career.  So, part of my spiritual journey is to remember I can’t but God can.  I need to remember to pray and ask God to help me prioritize my time.  God can help give me the tools and resources to accomplish what He has planned. 

To start, I know I must prepare myself.  Just like I work out to build my physical strength, I need to “work out” to be stronger spiritually.  I must be a good example for Mackenzie.  She needs to see me prepare; we will prepare together.   I’ve searched on line and have found some journals that I will purchase for us.  I’ve also found videos to help us learn more about Belize and how to prepare our hearts for serving.  If anyone has any ideas that will help us, please send them to me.  We’re grateful for family and friends that want to participate in this journey with us. 

Dear God, Help me to walk FEARLESSLY into this journey. Please prepare my heart and mind for what you’ve laid before me.  Help me to lead and inspire Mackenzie to do the same. Amen!

What This Trip Means To Me

I want to have an awesome experience.  I hope to make a difference in other people's lives by loving them and opening their hearts to God.  I hope to grow and change with God by having a chance to go on this trip and seeing how other people live.  I want to teach them about God.   -- Mackenzie

This Trip Is Divine Intervention

Many of you know that I am walking through the valley right now as Tom and I end our 19-year marriage.  This has been the hardest thing to do because I believe in the sanctity of marriage and prayed for so many agonizing years' that God would restore our relationship into all that He intends Godly marriages to represent.  

Our family is leaning on God for healing and hope for the future.  For me, the hardest part of the divorce is the pain and long term effect this can have on our children.  I read that one effect of children in Mackenzie’s age range is that they can easily turn away from God because they are confused and angry about the divorce.

So, I know it is God’s will for us to take this trip to Belize.  The timing and opportunity was perfect.  It’s the first time our church has organized a family mission trip for children so young.  It was offered the same month we told our children about the divorce. And, the mission trip’s timing so perfectly fits into my crazy career schedule.  Coincidence?  I don’t think so!

I’m so excited to see God work in our lives as we prepare our hearts and minds for this service project.  I have always had the gift of strong faith - a faith that all things work together for good...in the future.  Yet, my weakness comes in trusting God in the "here and now"; especially with financial matters.  I know I will be challenged and will grow even closer to God on this journey. 

I’m even more excited to watch Mackenzie grow in spiritual maturity. She’s already touched my heart.  I told her that God’s going to really teach us how to trust Him as we prepare for this trip.  Her immediate response was, “But I already trust Him, that’s why I’m going on this trip!”  I love her faith and conviction and pray that part of her innocence isn’t taken away by our family tribulation. I pray that God will use this trip to make an lasting imprint in her life that He is amazing and worthy of living a life that is dedicated to serving Him and others!

-- Mommy