Protecting this Little Girls Heart

I look at my little girl cousins (JoAnna and Meagan) and think, "Oh what I would give to have their sweet and innocent minds." The way they play fascinates me and I find myself just watching them, trying to learn from them.

The thought of them growing up, going to highschool, having their first boyfriend, receiving their first kiss, in a way makes me sad. Growing up is a wonderful thing and I have no doubt that they are going to be wonderful young women but I want them to remain child-like. And maybe because for the moments I am with them - I too am child-like.

I wonder, at what point in my life did I "grow up"? I can't put a precise moment on when I grew up but I can sure say I'm not a kid anymore but in so many ways I wish I still were. I think of a child's heart. It most cases, they are still innocent. It most cases they are still protected. Their heart's have not been exposed to the hurt and pain the things of this world can bring. Oh, what life would be like if our hearts have not been broken.. what life would be like if we all still possessed the mind of a child.

Let's get back to that point. Jesus promises we can get back to that point.

"Therefor we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes on not what can be seen but what is unseen. For what is seen in temporary, but for what is unseen is eternal."

2 Corinthians 16-18

Our hearts should be guarded and given to our savior for safe keeping. This past month has been one of the roughest for me and it's mainly because I let someone else hold my heart. A human and not a Savior. God tells us - Our flesh will forever fail but through him we will survive.

I've learned the Savior of the Universe holds my heart. HE is keeping it safe. HE is making it innocent. HE is making me Child-like (again). I've learned that He will forever be the absolute love of my life. I've learned He will never let me down because He is holding me up.

And since my sweet Jesus keeps my heart and knows it the best, He will lead me to very place I should be going in life.

(Meagan Hope and JoAnna Sage)

In Christ,

Emily Jane

Some may call me a world traveler...

My whole house is silent as I sit here typing away, which is odd considering I live with "The" Elizabeth Elkins, epic comedian, whom at all times must be making someone laugh. Yet, she is asleep and I am alone with my thoughts and dreams. What is it I think about?

Mexico of course! You see, this past March I packed my bags and crossed the border! Well... not exactly.. more like bought a plane ticket and flew directly to central Mexico - destination - Leon, Mexico. I arrived with a team of about 30. We were fresh and ready to go knocking on the doors of the natives there and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Now to get into my mind a little better... See I came into this mission trip expecting to have a great time with friends, experience a different culture, and hey! Maybe bring a few people to Jesus while doing so! Oh oh oh.. but did the Lord have something completely different in store for me. While in Mexico, the Lord "gave me his heart" and I fell completely in love with the people. They live everyday without barely anything to get by, but yet when a stranger from America knocks on their door, they welcome us in with open arms and kisses, giving whatever food and hospitality they can bring. I learned what it meant to have a true servants heart that week.

I was moved with compassion as I felt the oppressiveness of the people around me. They walk without hope, not knowing if they are good enough for our Lord every single day. That was what our team from Tulsa intended to bring to Mexico.. hope. We explained to a countless number of people that we do not have to work for our faith but it is a gift given from our God. The people were astounding when hearing this. Replies like "Really?" "I don't have to work?" "A true gift?" filled the air just as the holy spirit filled the presence. 55 people came to know the Lord. That deserves a Hallelujah!

Sitting on the steps of the cathedral this woman and her family attends everyday, she cries out asking for the Lord to come into her life and have a personal relationship with him.

(Her son Juan Pablo took my spanish bible and kept asking "What does this say?!" He was so eager to know! We gave him the bible and he was overjoyed.

When i was in seventh grade, I committed my life to missions. I asked the Lord to send me.

I truly believe he is sending me and I couldn't be more excited.

My heart is racing while I write this... ah I'm so in love!

In Christ,

Emily Jane

Let it snow...

As the snow comes down, I am reminded of our God's creativity. Not just the greatness of the winter wonderland, but of the invidual snowflakes. I can't grasp the mind of our God that thinks it's fun to create a specific design for each snowflake. What a job!



With Joy,

Emily