Vigilance+Devotional+Rants+Updates

Keep your heart with all vigilance,

    for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

It is plan and simple, when we don't control our tongues, gossip flies out of our mouths and into the ears of anyone listening- and then, it is retold with added details or subtracted details, and in the end, if an end ever comes, all you are left with is brokenness. Broke relationships, broken trust, broken hearts and broken attitudes. We would all do well to remember that rumors are not needed, brokenness is not the calling we have on our lives. We are called though to be encouraging, uplifting, and not to let unwholesome talk come from our lips... and we all know that age old saying, that which is in our hearts comes out of our mouths. So examine your heart today- make sure you are right with God, and guard your heart, so that your mouth can be guarded too...


In other news: 

Last night I spoke at Concord Baptist Church. I was so worried about speaking there. I felt that by not being in Ukraine right now, that what I had to say somehow had no value anymore. That what I had been sharing with churches these past three months was somehow null and void because I don't feel like much of missionary these days... but of course, right before I was about to speak, God spoke to me... He reminded me that being a missionary is not a switch that you get to turn on or off. Being a missionary is not about where or when, but it is a matter of lifestyle and purposeful living. It is about being intent on sharing the gospel not only in word but in action, and it is not a missionary life that I am living, but I am living the life that God has purposed me for... interesting fact- even by not being on the foreign mission field right now, there is still a mission field here in the US. There is still an unawareness about the evil of human trafficking. There is a need for churches to be told that it is okay to talk about sex out loud. It is so important to tell parents about the importance of providing their children with a stable home, which has to include rules and consequences. Yes, I am not on the mission field right now- and I feel like I've lost my right arm, and suffer from feeling like I have no purpose- but the truth is, I believe God has me right where he wants me. And the message that I've been able to share with so many churches over these past few months, has brought many to tears, and changed some peoples lives for the better, but more importantly has called people out of a place of ignorance and into a place of compassionate prayer and concern for those who are being physically held in bondage. And it is a message that I do not think could ever grow old.


SO-- anyways, that is my transparent moment for the day- that I am still not sure what the future holds for me, or for the country of Ukraine- but God does, and we all have to believe that- that God knows exactly what he is doing in all of our lives, and we have to live our lives, reflecting that we serve the king of kings who has got the whole world in his hands!


My Dad:
My dad has ticket to leave Ukraine for March 26th. He can only fly into to DC, so I will be driving to get him and our dog, Carolina. Please pray for him as he finishes packing and as he travels! And also pray that a perfect job for him will present itself quickly and that he will adjust to American life easily.

Money:
If you feel like you need more information regarding our situation, feel free to email. But know,we most likely do not have any answers... God, lately, for us, has only been revealing enough for us to place one foot in front of the other, taking life, one moment at a time. We are still missionaries- until my dad is gainfully employed we still need your support financially and prayerfully. I know for some of you the moment we all decided to pull out of Ukraine, made you feel like your money was no longer purposeful, and you are entitled to that- so if you are reading this, and you are not a normal supporter of ours, and yet, you feel drawn to our current situation, it is easy to donate, and more information on how you can help is here.

Needs:
We still have a need for funds to buy a car, and a car:) It may seem silly to some, but I know many of you understand- that by only having one vehicle, it truly limits us in our ability to all have jobs, and to get around. So, if you have any leads, or if your church is interested in helping us be able to transition back, please let me know!

Evan:
He is successfully passing each exam at the Police Academy, and is spending this whole week at the gun range, passing each qualification there! I think by May we will all be calling him, Officer Ledford!


Thank you all for reading this blog! I will continue to post as updates happen... just know we are truly grateful for all you do, and covet your prayers because this is time that isn't easy for us, but it is 100% what God is asking from each member of my family at the moment!

Remember to also keep Ukraine in your prayers- we are still watching closely what Russia is planning and what Crimea is going to do.... pray for the leaders of Ukraine to be wise, and pray for the protection of Ukraine as whole.


Ok, that is the end... Again feel free to email, write, call, facebook me if you have any questions, or would like more information. I will do my best to respond quickly and honestly.