"missionary"

The word "missionary" just has so many connotations in the church -- so I'm really resisting calling myself one. While, technically, it's true, I'm feel that it's just 'Lisa Koster acting out of who she is' rather than doing something outrageously great. Really, we are called to be like Christ wherever we go. So whether that makes us all missionaries or all just disciples, the distinction doesn't really matter. Still, I'm not sure why it bothers me... maybe I should let what is just be.

Speaking yesterday went so well. I got up early, travelled almost straight south to Baxter Springs, Kansas, and spoke at the Nazarene church there. As soon as I stepped into the building I felt comfortable and so welcomed. This tiny church has as many kids as adults (amazing!) and I was able to tell the kids about Haiti and then share in the service my story and what God has been doing in my life over the last few months.

Amazing thing #1: I had no anxiety.

Praise Jesus... the stress and anxiety has been high the last month and to feel comfortable was really foreign. I was actually afraid of feeling TOO confident ... but the night before I listened to one of my favorite Shaun Groves songs ("Jesus") and was really challenged to look at each one of these as Jesus. Speaking to Jesus isn't like speaking to a stranger... and these people weren't strangers. I loved every minute of it!

Amazing thing#2: I got to bless their kids.

Henri Nouwen talks about blessing people and I've never been given that chance before. But blessing their children before our Father fit so well with what I talked about -- God's place and plan for each of His children's lives and creating us all differently to fill places in the Kingdom. SO cool to pray for them specifically.

Amazing thing #3: I have a friend who picks locks.

Yeah, this is totally random (but those of you who know me aren't surprised...) but in the last 4 days I've locked my keys in the car TWICE. I don't have a spare, I don't have a Slim Jim, and I don't have $50 extra dollars to pay some kid to come out and unlock it in 2 seconds.

The first day, triple A helped. Today, I was stuck. So, I just got frustrated at myself. Where is my brain?! However, my dear friend got a hanger and tried to unlock my side door: no success. Then she tried the trunk and... POP! We were in!

Her words: "At least living on the streets does something for ya!" (ah haha!)

Thanks, God, for your funny blessings.