Worship

I was sitting on my couch at about 12:30 a.m. (late for me) and I was about to get up and go to bed when all the sudden a desire to worship just hit me.

I wanted to pass it off as random urge and go to bed, but I couldn't shake the feeling as I got up to walk to my room.

I came back into my living room and put on worship music. I laid face down and just worshiped. When I finally arose it was past 1:30 a.m. and here I am now, and I can't help but write.

The song I last played was "I'm coming back to the heart of worship, where it's all about You, it's all about You Jesus"

Perhaps in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I didn't realize how bad I needed to say those words, I needed to come to that place, that place of worship. We serve a God who deserves our worship, He desires a heart that will WORSHIP in Spirit and in truth. Not only is worship at church, but a lifestyle, a continuous offering to our Father.

Tonight God wanted my worship, He wanted me to take time to set aside sleep, agenda, Christmas presents, and just say God it's all about You. Father it's all for You, You're what I want, You're the Almighty God, You are the one who was and is and is to come. Jesus it's about You. My King, My Love, My desire, My Savior, Redeemer, Friend, my Everything. Jesus it's ALL about You. The heart of worship is simply that it's about You.

As we wrap up this Christmas season, don't just remember the reason for the season, worship the reason for the season.

Jesus it's all about you.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

A God who wants me

Wow it's almost been a whole month since I've written, perhaps you can tell when I'm truly busy when I don't even have time to write.
This past month has been one that has stretched me in so many ways, it's been a walk through fire, fire that has refined my faith.

In the past month I've experienced being personally attacked, failing miserably a few times at standing in faith, heartache from losing something dear to me, awesome encouragment, success, confusion, blind obedience, etc. I lived life this past month. Who of you reading hasn't had these same feelings and experiences in life.

I love that through highs lows, trials, tests, successes, failures, the Word is always true. Jesus said in John 16:33 that in this world we'll have trials and tribulations, but take heart He has overcome the world. My faith increased this past month as life unfolded and through it all He saw me through, He forgave me, He was there for me, He loved me, He still did work through me and in me. He is faithful to His word.

I can't help but remember that Christ is simple. He came, He died, He resurrected, He's coming again. He loves me. Real love, unconditional, never ending, faithful. He just wants me. He wants all of me no matter what comes in life.

He says
Love me, love me with your whole heart
serve me, serve me with your life now
bow down, let go of your idols
He wants it all today.

These are lyrics from a song that one of my friend's and his beautiful fiance' sang at our church last night. As they sang, tears welled up in my eyes, as I remember, Jesus is simple. There are complex deep things in the Word, deep theological truths, wisdom beyond my understanding, a God who is deep and years and years of fellowship and study and I will still not completely know Him, but the truth of Jesus, it really is simple. What He wants from us, it is simple. He just wants us.

I serve a God that wants me. I've failed, miserably failed, I've succeeded, greatly succeeded, I've been cold, I've been hot, I've been luke warm, I've doubted, I've believed, I've loved, I've lost, I've found, I've wandered, I've had peace, confusion, joy, sadness, mourning, i've danced, I've bowed down, I've slipped, I've ran away and I've run to. I think of the Psalmist "I was young and now I am old, but I've never seen the righteous forsaken".

The truth is He wants us. He walks through life with us the highs and the lows never leaving or forsaking because He wants us. The song goes on to say

There is a voice that cries out in the silence
searching for a heart that will love Him
longing for a child that will give Him their all
There is a God who walks over the earth
seraching for a heart that is desperate
longing for a child that will give Him their all
Give Him their all, He wants it all

Our whole lives we search for someone who accepts us, wants us.
Women and men searching for that unconditional love. Someone who loves them in spite of who they really are. Someone who will love us even when we mess up, someone who WANTS to spend the rest of their life with us.

I'm a 23 year old young woman who just like any other single woman my age often wonders when will I find the man who will love me, want me, forever? Then I hear this song and I remember, I was made for a God who loves me, who wants me, and He wants it all. He wants a heart that is desperate for Him.

The comfort of those around me who love me, their touch, their encouragement, their concern, their simple love, it means the world to me, but when I think about HIS love. His love that knows me, better than anyone, His love never wavering and He still wants me. That is what melts my heart. That is what makes me desperate for Him, the peace that flows from His touch, His love. One day there will be the love of a man who loves me the way Christ loves His bride, and I'll know that love, because I'm already loved in that way. I'm already cared for beyond my greatest imagination, I've already loved unconditionally, I already know real love.

There's a God who wants me, He loves me, and He wants all of me.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Song Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47elk3n3_3s

A return

This past weekend some things just worked out where I was able to make a return to my alma mater Texas Tech!

I was excited to see people that I haven't seen in almost a year and to simply be back in Lubbock, a place I called home for 3 1/2 years.

I'm not sure what I expected from the weekend, but I left with such a thankfulness, such a peace, such a surety that I am exactly where God has called me to be in my life.

As much fun as seeing old friends was, eating in old places, coffee in my favorite coffee shop, etc. As Sunday came and time to be back in Houston approached, I was ready to be... HOME.

When I left lubbock after I graduated I felt like I was leaving my life. My friends, my job, my school, my places of comfort etc. I took a leap of faith and did as God led me going overseas for 3 months. I wasn't sure what my life was going to look like when I returned, I wasn't sure what I was going to do, and not knowing made leaving Lubbock so hard.

I realize now that this past year has been the best year of my life. I've been overseas twice, I've preached in churches, schools, youth groups, in streets, more times than I can count. I've made new friends, new contacts, and I'm blessed beyond my wildest imagination. I've grown in my relationship with the Lord in ways I never knew possible and seen God move in power in my life, others lives, in America and abroad.

This past year has been a joy ride. A time with so much life, so much experience, so much learning and teaching, being mentored by the most amazing woman of God and mentoring others, finding who I am and who I want to be, everyday includes ministry, but also being ministered to! I've done more in the past year than I expected to be able to do in a life time. I've seen God do more than I could have imagined!!!

I went to Lubbock and I guess I expected to somehow find some regret, to maybe just not want to leave, or at least realize that I've missed it badly. I didn't feel any of that. I love my friends there, I'm so thankful and blessed for the friends, teachers, professors, pastors, and families that invested their lives into me while there because they helped me to be who I am now; Content, in God's will, on the right path, loving life, growing, etc. I left and I was thankful to be home, to the place where I belong.

I had a great time hanging with friends, giving a lecture to a class, drinking coffee, talking about the Lord, discussion with my professor, staying up way too late, and just enjoying a weekend in a place that has sooo helped form me. I'm thankful for this weekend, but more than anything I'm thankful for the confirmation it brought to me.

I'm not a college student, I'm a young adult, with a big kid job, a daughter of the most High King, and He directed my steps just the way He wanted them even when I wasn't sure where He was taking me. He's loved me, taught me, molded me, grown me, allowed me to be a vessel, and His ways are so far beyond my ways.

I'd love to say that at the end of this processing and realizing how awesome God is that Lord I'll never doubt you ever again, but I think I'll try to be realistic of who I am and just say God even when I don't know, even when I don't understand, I'll follow where you lead and throughout the rest of my lives I'll have many more similar stories.

I followed God not knowing where I was going (much like Abraham Hebrews 11:8) and then I realized just how faithful He is, I realized how the place He wants to take us is better than we can imagine, I know that He has plans to prosper and not harm me, I am blessed, content, joyful, ecstatic, and love the life that God has prepared for me.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

In Spite of Me DAY 19 of 40

The goodness and mercy of God is overwhelming at times especially when we realize how faithful and how true He really is.

Want some life changing revelation? God is who He says He is.

Go ahead think on that for a few minutes, because I'll be honest many who say they believe it, don't. This simple truth has been blowing my mind lately.

The truth is that God's character is constant and unchanging, simply put, why fix what ain't broke? If God is perfect then why would His character change? We're in need of change because we are imperfect, flawed, in need of sanctification.

Here is what I have found remarkable, God said that through us lives would be changed, miracles would happen, demons would be casted out, prayers would be answered, and the remarkable part... it happens.

This amazes me not because God is doing what He said He'd do, but because God still does what He said He'd do in spite of my flaws, in spite of my insecurities, in spite of who we are. God is true to His word, He uses His body to be the hands and feet of Jesus. He allows us to be apart of His miracles (He does them not us), He gave us authority to cast out demons and they aren't afraid of us, but they tremble at Jesus inside of us.

I'm in awe of the fact of how God continues to move and use me, us, Christians, people. In spite of me He works through me. In spite of you He works through you.

We serve a faithful God,
Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Prophesy and Obedience DAY 18 OF 40

In my reading time the past two days I was reading through 1 Kings and yesterday in 1 Kings something specifically caught my eye in 1 Kings 13 (take the time to go check it out).

We'll get back to that in one second though. I am a believer in prophesy. I believe that God gives people words to speak to the church, to individuals, etc. I've been in churches where no one knew me at all and the pastor comes to me and gives me a word that calls out directly something that God was already speaking to me about. I've had people come and give me encouragement for a specific situation I was going through that they knew nothing about. Also, simiarly I've had God tell me to go speak to a person that I've never met about something that I had no clue about only to find that the person was walking through that exact situation.

On the opposite side I've had people come give me a "word" that made no sense, meant nothing to me, and didn't have anything to do with anything I knew about. So when I say that I believe in prophesy I must add that I also believe people miss it, I think they make mistakes just as anyone else while using their gifts, I think some people think they hear something from the Lord and in reality it was just themselves feeling something, but I am definitely not on the side who throws out the whole load simply because there is a few bad sticks. We've all missed it, we've all messed up, and we all still need Jesus as much as we did the day of our Salvation. So.. onto scripture.

Let me go ahead and set the stage for you (in case you're not going to go read it lol). Solomon has just died, Rehoboam became king and then just as swiftly screwed it up, now Jeroboam is king of Israel and is also making a mess of things, so God sends a man of God, a prophet. As the prophet goes to give the Word of the Lord, God had given him very simple, but direct rules.

"Do not eat bread nor drink water while there, nor return by going the way you came" (v9)

I'm just going to stick to using the scripture that is necessary for what I want to talk about, but I encourage you to read the whole passage. After the prophet has done what He was sent to do and given the word to Jeroboam he begins to leave in a different direction (being a obedient to what God had said) and on the way another man meets him and asks him to come back to his house for some bread (v15) the prophet responds appropriately saying "I can't return or go in with you, I can't eat bread or drink water, for I was told by the Lord... (you know what he was told)" (v16)

THEN THE SHOCKING HAPPENS... The man responds...
"He said to him, "I too am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, 'Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water'. He was lying to him. (v18)So he went back with him, and ate bread in his house and drank water." (v19)

This man came presenting something that seemed pleasant, he lied, the prophet knew what God had told him, but rather than sticking firm to the word from the Lord that he was given, he was tempted by a more pleasant option.

Matthew 7:15
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

The prophet died. I write this blog because I believe that many are deceived by false prophets who offer a more pleasant solution than the truth of God's Word and because I believe the scripture when it says God desires obedience over sacrifice. He is a God who delights in obedience and lack of obedience can often be fatal (yes even today).

The enemy has lied to the children of God making them believe that they do not personally hear the voice of God.
John 10:27
My sheep know my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

I do believe in prophesy and I do believe it is a great gift that God has given us, but I also believe that if we listen God will speak to each of us individually. I believe we hear His voice, the veil was torn and we have direct access to see God for ourselves.

I want to see people who are confident that they hear the voice of God and are obedient to see it through, people who won't give up on the things that God has given them, who don't look for short cuts, but rather pursue holiness, righteousness, and obedience. Imagine that powerful church and bride of Jesus.

Just some thoughts,
Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Taken by surprise DAY 17 OF 40

I'm on day 5 of no tv, no movies, no secular music and i've almost completed my 2nd week of studying through the Word what it means to seek God diligently.

So of course it's now time for confession lol. This is what I has been revealed about myself, something I perhaps have long known, but only recently really taken seriously. I often find myself in a place where I am more passionate about doing "ministry" than I am about loving God.

I enjoy the ministry that God has allowed me to do, starting all the way back in highschool... with starting a club, leader in youth group, on in to college doing Wesley, Encounter God, leadership teams, camp counselor, ministry teams, trailer park ministry, starting 24/7 prayer, being on staff at LIHOP, being a youth minister, young life, mission work,teaching the Word, etc . . . as many of you reading this could also make a resume' out of just simply ministry. I love it.

Perhaps I love it to the point that I would be willing to do it even if God didn't show up.

Ouch.

As I've spent these last two weeks waking up at 4:30a.m. to meet w/ God, to seek Him, to find Him, I've found out more and more each day, that... I love Him.

My every day should be about Him and my love for Him, He is the REWARD... It's not what He'll do for me, or in this case what He'll do through me, it's all about Him. Because of who God is the ministry will follow, but at no point should I be pursuing ministry and loving ministry more than I'm loving God.

If I'm never able to touch another life, if I'm never able to prepare another sermon, if I never lay hands on another and see them healed, if my forever was just me and God, I would be satisfied.

Praise God that I have the rest of this life spending time w/ Him and doing those things, but I still want to so diligently seek God that I get to know as much about who He is as I possibly can while in this lifetime. Thank God He's allowed me to find things that I love to do and He allows me to be apart... and may it never be me doing what I love and allowing Him to be apart.

He is it. He is the sole purpose, my reason, my reward, my Daddy God, nothing and no one shall take His place. He is the one true God who commands to be first place in my life and that nothing shall take precedence over Him.

I pray that love sheds abroad in our hearts and abounds strongly, that God will have His rightful place as Lord of our lives.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Will you be challenged? DAY 16 OF 40

It has now been almost 2 weeks since I decided to cut facebook out of my life as a desire to more diligently seek the Lord. I have logged on two times since that decision and I must admit, I don't miss it at all.

I have turned that "facebook" time into seeking time and the Lord is faithful, when you seek, you find. I've found Him MORE! Praise God!!!

I now have a new burden, a new challenge, and I want to share it with you, my friends.

I will be giving up all forms of tv, movies, secular music, and entertainment for the next 2 wks.

A friend of mine that I have known for years is now in her older twenties and more on fire for God than I have ever seen her. As she spoke to our youth she talked about how she had done a 1 year entertainment fast. She gave up tv, movies, secular music, all of it for an entire year.
When the year ended and she plugged the tv back in she said she was sickened by the things she used to watch. The drunkeness, adultery, fornication, cursing, at one point all of that was just normal, but here after a year of diligently seeking the Lord, fasting, sacrificing, obeying, the things that used to be "normal" were now what they had always been... sin.

She made a comment that hit me in the gut and has challenged me to the core, she said the enemy has so desesitised us to sin that we find it as entertainment.
We laugh at the lewd jokes, the promiscuity, the cursing and we even set a standard that has become lower than calling sin what it is.

Let me give an example: A friend of mine called me the other day and said hey there's this movie out let's go see it, and she said okay I already checked the pluggedin (plugged in online is a great tool it's james dobson based movie reviews letting you know exactly what you're going to go see and if it is appropriate) and she said well it's got some of this that's nto good, and some of this, but overall it seems like it's okay. I responded with great let's go see it!

As my friend spoke this conversation came to mind and I realized how desensitized I have become. I was willing to watch some sin, because at least it wasn't as bad as it could be.

GOD HATES SIN.

I want to know God more. I've been asking for almost 2 wks for God to show me ways that I can more diligently seek Him, asking Him to show me how to find Him and fellowship, to know Him as much as possible and then this message came forth.

She never asked us to do an entertainment fast, to be honest her message wasn't even on it, but the Holy Spirit spoke so loudly to me as I became broken of how I have enjoyed being entertained my sin.

We watch these things so desensitized that we don't even ask ourselves would the Holy Spirit watch this! We don't even ask until someone is completely nude, or the 5th F word, or maybe if they slip a GD in there we may cringe, but Lord knows we don't turn it off or walk out of the theatre.

We've become okay with watching sin as long as we don't act it out, but I ask if God hates sin, do we honestly think He can stand His bride being entertained by it?

I'm convicted to my core, I'm broken hearted, I have wept in repentance and change is taking place.

I refuse to find sin entertainment when I know very well that if any of the people I cared about acted the way the characters do in some of the things I watch, I'd weep for them. I'd minister to them, I'd confront their sin, I'd be praying for them, but yet I've come and I've watched it as entertainment not once thinking about what I was doing to Daddy God.

Ask yourself if there needs to be change, we need to call the devil what He is a liar who has sneakily convinced us that watching sin is appropriate and allowed.

Will someone else stand up with me? If we truly want to be engulfed in the presence of God we must seek to be like Him, HATING SIN and loving righteousness.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate
PS: I encourage you to really test what you watch and what "entertains" you, check it with scripture as I have been doing so it has really opened up my eyes. Thank God for His forgiveness and mercy!


"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." (James 4:4)
"the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so." (Romans 8:7)
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isa. 5:20)
"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isa. 59:2)
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27)

Thankful DAY 15 of 40

OCTOBER 8TH, 1987 I was born, this day 23 years ago.

From the very beginning the enemy tried to steal and kill as he battled to take my life with sudden infant death syndrome. During that time 80% of infant deaths were caused by SIDS, 75% of infants that had SIDS were MALE, and over 95% of babies that were diagnosed with SIDS died. Most often it was found out they had SIDS after death.

This has been a shocking statistic from me since the time my mom began to tell me about my survival when I was in the 7th grade. As my relationship with the Lord has grown all this has done was cause my faith to rise, my boldness to increase, my determination to soar, as I realize that the Word of God is true, the devil is out to steal, kill, and destroy, but my God is greater and He has plans and purposes for my life.

All this to be said on my birthday there is only one earnest and honest reaction I can have, thankfulness and gratefulness.

I'm thankful because I have life, at 23 years old I breathe on my own, I have 2 legs, 2 arms, and I'm healthy. I have both parents, loving family, friends, mentors. I'm not in lack, I have a job, a car, bills that I can pay, you could even say I have some excess, with a tv, leather furniture, a bed, air conditoning, running water, food in my refrigerator, and homes to go to if I ever have need of any of these essentials.

The truth is if the enemy had it his way, I'd be dead, as the first attempt on my life wasn't the last and many other attempts to steal, destroy, take faith, take love, take what God has for us but I do have THE God. THE God who came to earth, stood under temptation, trial, and testing, he gave His life away (it wasn't taken), and He rose. Oh He rose, and He lives, He makes intercession for me before the Father (Hebrews 7), He's Savior, Best Friend, Redeemer, Caretaker, Lover, my example, grace, love, mercy, forgiveness, and the words could go on forever, and though I've known it for years, I'm still grateful. The story of the cross and its powerful resurrection never stops being awe stirring, it never stops being the very thing I need everyday, it never stops being what saved me and continues to save me and sanctify me, and I can't stop being thankful.

Through many ministries, travels, missions, discovery channel, etc. I've seen enough to know that I'm beyond blessed, if God never gave me another thing, He's given more than I deserved, more than enough, more than I could ever repay. In 23 years I can stand with the Psalmist and say "I was young and I'm still young (he says old), but I've never seen the righteous forsaken".

I celebrate today not necessarily my life, but the giver of life. I didn't earn this, I did nothing to give myself breath today, to cause myself to walk, to talk, to type, I was given this freely, how could I go this whole day boasting in the day of my birth when I know very well who paid for it, and who gave it to me. Through the ups and downs, the hard the easy, the miraculous and the natural, I know who I serve and I know He is a good God who loves me. I pray for more years of living life to the full, to the max, impacting others, and never forgetting why I'm here and who I serve. It's not about me, It's all about Him.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

BIRTHDAY TIME DAY 14 OF 40

It is that time of year that always causes me to reflect on life, friends, family, etc.
Perhaps thanks to a few key friends in my life a lot of things cause me to reflect these days! lol.

This week has not been bad, but it has been rough between sending students to the office, waking up with crazy weird eye infection, etc. I'll be honest I'm more than ready to invite the weekend in.

23 years old is the first birthday that has felt... almost.... old. Yes yes i know that 23 is by no means old when I fully expect to live at least another 80 years, but it feels different.

I'm not a student for the first time in my life instead I'm the teacher. I'm learning new roles, rules, and responsibilities as a 23 year old. I'm learning God's desires and plans for me were different than mine and more than that He is determined that I follow them! who woulda known?

Perhaps I'm not where I thought I'd be, but I'm definitely where I should be. I've learned things in these past 2 months that shook and rocked my foundations of who I am, things about God, but more so things about me, things I didn't know were inside. Yes that's right some flesh, some sin, some wrong motives, thoughts, some misconceptions aobut who I really am, but I've also found some good, some positives, some things to lean on.

I look forward to my future at the ripe age of 23 I am more than thankful, grateful, and pleased with the places God has taken me. The things He's allowed me to do. At 16 years old I wrote down a list of things I thought God was laying on my heart to do (what I thought was in my life time) and all of those things, but one I've already done or seen God do through me.

We serve a faithful God with plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans with a hope and future, and each year as I grow older as I see more of who God is, as more of His will is accomplished in me, as I grow, as I stumble, as He lifts me up, as He pulls me through fire, I know more and more that my God is faithful, loving, and just. There's no reason not to be excited about my future as long as He is there.

To another year of faithfulness, blessing, prayers answered beyond my wildest imagination, more ministry, more souls won for Christ, more missions overseas taking the gospel to the lost, more loving on children and adults alike, to being apart of this awesome Kingdom of believers, it's all worth it.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

True Love DAY 13 OF 40

I think it's a well known fact that kids can be well, let's say less than perfect sometimes.

I had my fair share of dealings with kids who were less than perfect this week and one certain child in particular.

As I was having a rather irritating conference with this child I just got so frustrated and bothered. As I walked out of my office when it was over I was mad and just would have loved to never see the child again, and that of course is when the Holy Spirit spoke.

"I love her"

Three simple words and tears filled my eyes. I'd love to give you the glorious Jessika story where I immediately changed my negative emotions, but that's not what happened.

Instead I asked "God I don't understand how you can love her, I don't get it, why, how, how do you love her!"

Once again the reply of the Holy Spirit

"I love her the same way I loved you as I sent my Son to do die while you were yet a sinner"

Romans 5:8 how could I be so ignorant, faithless, un compassionate, heartless? Jesus Christ died for me, for who I am, not just the me inside the church, but the dirty me in the midst of my sin and ugliness. He died for me. That is God's love.

He loves those young ladies I work with everyday, He loves them unconditionally no matter their sin, He loves.

If I am to imitate Christ, I must learn to love as He loves. If I want to be true to the two greatest commandments according to Jesus I must love God, but also love my neighbor as myself.

How much do I truly love myself? Do I really love all those around me as I love myself. To I care for them, show them mercy and grace, as I show those things or want those things for myself?

Oh God forgive me, and open my eyes.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Get my blogs emailed to you!

I have found a tool for those of you who are my regular blog readers, but often come check my blog and realize you are 3 or 4 behind (several people have told me this has happened to them before).

There is a way where I can add your email to a list and my blog will email to you instead of you having to come and check my blog on the website.

If you'd like to be added to that list you can leave a comment (I've enabled it where you can leave comments even if you don't have a google account) or you can shoot me an email (jessatate@gmail.com)

I have been honored by the amount of people who have told me they read my blog and that it has touched their lives in some way.I know that many of you aren't really avid internet people and want to make it as convenient as possible for you to continue to read my blog whether I am in the US or out doing missions again.

Thanks so much and Be Blessed,
J. Tate

PS: for those of you who are mostly only readers on facebook the blogs should continue to import to facebook, however i've had several people tell me that they are not doing so, at some point I'll log on and see why they are no longer doing so!

All Sufficient DAY 12 of 40

Everyone is looking for something.

Being content is a place that many in our society have never been.
The reason is because our contentess seems to be completely conditional.
I'm content if...

fill in the blank with whatever seems to make you happy for that particular moment in time. I'd be content if I just had a job, a boyfriend, were married, my family cared about me, my dad hadn't left, my kids would serve God, my friends spent more time w/ me, I wasn't loaded down w/ homework, whenever i have a good salary, if i were respected more, whenever i graduate...
Everything seems to be conditional on this next "place" we need to get to.

Don't worry I'm preaching to myself too. It's been an extremely effective tool of the enemy to divert our attention from the present and have us hooked so far in the future that we are seemingly ineffective in the now.

We love to quote Philippians 4:13, but have you taken the time to look at the verses prior to it? Philippians 4:10-13
“For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

He knows that He can do anything through Christ BECAUSE He has learned to be content in every situation.

I'll be honest I'd say at the very heart and root of our contentness problem is once again a lack of faith. We forget who the God we serve is and we forget to run into His arms and receive all we need.

Why do you need a boyfriend? are you lonely? Why do you need a better salary are you in lack or greedy? Why do we need that next "place" what is it that God is not able to provide for you RIGHT NOW?

We serve a God who is ALL SUFFICIENT, in everything He is able to provide if we would go to Him and receive.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. (Psalms 34:10) This is just one of countless verses that display that FACT that God provides over and over again, He meets all your needs (Philippians 4:19). It doesn't matter what the need is emotional, physical, supernatural, He shall supply all your needs.

Perhaps we are discontent because we have forgotten to run to the source of all needs. I encourage you to look up scripture on God's provision. You'll leave refreshed, encouraged, and diligently seeking after the heart of God for your needs.

He is all sufficient.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Bye Bye Facebook DAY 11 of 40

Yes I finally took the plunge to release myself from the world of the social networking wonder, facebook.

It was indeed a hard decision, but a needed one. Well, for those of you who are my friends on facebook you know that I do indeed love posting my status updates, new links I find, inspiring quotes, and all the mobile uploads that I can manage.

The issue at hand is not one at the fault of facebook and honestly not at the fault of myself. It was simply a decision.

I'm in a new era an my life (duh I write about it all the time) and therefore have to make more of an effort to pursue my walk with Christ. I had to question myself last night by asking "Am I diligently seeking after God?" The Bible says that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, so what the heck does that mean?

Do I diligently seek Him because when i wake up I read my bible and spend time in prayer, is it diligently seeking simply because I go to church 3x a week, how about speaking in my youth group, doing missions in africa? Which of these qualify for me to be able to say I am diligently seeking you Lord.

When I asked myself the question I already knew the answer, God I'm not diligently seeking, and therefore need to make changes to my lifestyle.

Diligently seeking doesn't have tasks list, you can't check off your works, go to enough church services, etc. to qualify, diligently seeking is a question of the heart. Do you want God? Do you crave Him? Do you desire Him? Does your lifestyle show a consistent pattern of seeking after Him?

Perhaps you could look at my life and have thought that I diligently sought after God and yes of course I have before, I go through times when I do, but I can honestly say that for the past month I have not diligently sought Him. I've done research for messages I was going to preach, I've read my Bible consistenly, I've prayed everyday, but I haven't hungered and diligetnly sought the heart of God.

Yet, I've still wanted His blessing, His protection, His intimacy, His rewards, His promises, without having to put effort or make sacrifice to see Him, the exceedingly great reward in the first place!!

Whew the lazy, sinful, unfaithful, person that I am, but thank God from whom there is great forgiveness, mercy, justice, love, and my sins are cast as far as the East is to the West and when we realize our sin we must do a 180 degree turn and flee from it.

That is the decision that I made. That it was time to diligently seek my creator, therefore I did delete my facebook and make several other needed changes in my life so that I may give space, room, and time to diligently seek my Creator. To be with Him, to prize Him, to make Him my main priority, not just "being a Christian" not just going to church, not just mission work, not just doing Godly things, but legitimate time spent in being still and knowing He is God, legitimate time spent in diving into His word and seeking His will, dwelling in His presence and receiving peace, love, grace, direction, correction, etc. and time just to enjoy my Daddy God.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Encounters DAY 10 of 40

I would say that a supernatural encounter is anytime the supernatural overlaps in with the natural. The type I'll talk about is simply God encountering us.

To list a few that I've seen in my life... instant healing (swollen knees returning to size, an arm growing back, deaf ears hearing, cancer disappearing, and more), demons casted out, angel sightings, etc.

I'm sure that when you first read that paragraph there are many reactions going on
1) I'm a liar
2) i'm about to go on a charismatic tangent
3) maybe you're saying praise God

Though I've seen many of what we call the "big" miracles, I want to talk about something different. We too often overlook the miracles that occur around us everyday. Every person reading this has had a miracle today... you breathe, you woke up. The truth is you don't even rise from your sleep unless the Lord allows you too, so congratulations today the Lord wanted you alive and awake! LOL.

How about something as simple as peace from God. When there is chaos and hopelessness around you and all you have is peace. God gave you that peace, He came in an supernaturally encountered your world.

Of course the field of answered prayers is a whole other arena when God comes in and supernaturally or even sometimes naturally by using natural things, changes a situation or person.

I could really talk about this forever, but we need to remember that our God is a God of encounter. He created you for relationship with Him, so it would be foolish to think that He'd never want to touch your life, that He'd never want to intervene, or communicate with you.

I think we get too caught up in our day to day life and we lose the fascination of the Creator of the universe being available to you. Available to communicate with, available to cry with, available to make requests to, available to lean on, available to give you that miracle you need, available to love you and give you the strength and peace you need.

We serve a God who desires to encounter us are you listening, are you watching, do you even want it?
Be blessed,
J. Tate

THE TRUTH DAY 9 of 40

Meeting Jesus Christ and acknowledging Him as Savior, making Him Lord, doesn't just mean you're "saved" from hell, it means your life just got flipped upside down.

I hate to think that we've allowed people to believe you can be a Christian without knowing Christ.
I hate to think we've allowed them to believe they are "saved" without any change.
I hate to think that we have a whole group of people that believe Jesus is okay with sin in our lives.
I regret to inform you that many people believe God's grace will just cover up habitual sinning.

There is a reason that the Bible says that the road and gate to life are narrow. There is lack of truth, hypocrisy, anti-christs, an enemy, sin, and many more factors that have people deceived.

The bible says that no one will get to the Father except through Jesus Christ and no one has given the reigns to their life over to Jesus without a change in actions, thoughts, decisions, etc. When Jesus enters into your life and you receive the Holy Spirit you will begin the process of sanctification that will cause you to become more like Jesus. Without this, you're not a Christian.

We have to stand firm on the truth of the Word of God and stop watering down the gospel. People need the real truth, not the half truth that will get them to church, but never to heaven.

Be blessed,
J. Tate

I missed it DAY 8 of 40

How many times do we "miss it"?

We're an imprefect people who serve a perfect God whose desire for us is to share in His holiness (hebrews 12).
We see the perfect example of how we should live that out from the apostle Paul as he exclaims in Philippians 3:

12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

We're not perfect, we won't be perfect anytime soon, but we should be pressing towards Holiness, towards godliness.

See there is a mountain that gets in the way of this sanctification process, that mountain is called pride. We are people group of Americans who have been taught that everything is about being right, being perfect, getting our way etc. ideals and beliefs that are in direct opposition to the Word of God.

This past week the Lord spoke to me, the Holy Spirit instructed me, and I ignored Him. Yes I ignored Him.
I didn't find this situation to be one of great importance, I wasn't really sure if it was the Lord tugging me or not, so instead of addressing it and praying about it, I ignored it.

It took 2 days for me to realize what had REALLY happened and on top of already ignoring the Holy Spirit, do you know what my first reaction was? To come up with an excuse and a denial of my faults in the situation.

Perhaps while reading this you may be wondering why in the heck i'd admit all of this on a public blog, well there's a simple answer for that in the Word:
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

This isn't my first rodeo with missing the mark, it's not my first time to have pride and find excuses, it's not my first time to not do something the Lord has told me, and ya know, honestly it won't be the last, but I've learned something.

When you mess up, fess up. Repent... ask for forgiveness from the Lord (and He is faithful and just to forgive 1 John 1:9) ask for forgiveness from those who your sin impacted, and then live in forgiveness. Live into the freedom that repentance, forgiveness, and redemption brings.

Forgiveness is a glorious blessing that is readily available to us for every sin, every mistake, but are we willing to lay down our pride, humble ourselves, before God and man to admit we messed up?

Be quick to repent,
Be blessed,
J. Tate

I trust you DAY 7 of 40

I am so thankful that God continues to be faithful even when I am faithless. (2 Tim 2:13)

I consider my trust worthiness. Am I woman of God who carries myself with integrity, morals, truth, love, respect, etc. When I tell someone I'll do something do I do it? When I'm asked to pray for someone do I follow through or lie and say I'll pray without ever giving it a second thought? Do the people who matter the most in my life know it? Am I the same person in my home that I am at my church, am I the same person in front of my friends as I am in front of my pastors? Am I the same person at work that I am on the mission field?

I want to be faithful. I want to be trust worthy. I want to have integrity and earn respect. I want to be an example of love.

I want to be real.

Many times I've failed, I've fallen, I've not met the standard, many times I come up short. I am not always the person I want to be, could be, or should be.

Maybe that's why I'm so thankful for God's character of faithfulness. He's never failed, fallen, or come up short. He's never broken my trust, disappointed me or let me down. His love and faithfulness to His word are not conditional. He's the same God in my closet as He is in corporate worship. He speaks to me the same amount on the job as He does in a church service. He protects and provides as much in my day to day as He does when I'm in Africa. He's the same God, unchanging, consistently perfect since before the beginning of time and for all eternity.

So, when I say God I trust you, I pray my actions follow the words. I know that you are trust worthy, I know who You are, I know that You have proven yourself time and again and will continue to even through my doubts, but I pray that my words will lead to actions.
I pray that where you lead I follow, I pray that when things feel rough I'll know who stands by my side, I pray that when the future seems unclear and hazy I remember who orders my steps and has plans to prosper me and not harm me, I pray that when I begin to sink I remember how you lifted peter out of the water, when I'm persecuted I remember how you rescued Paul, when I'm confused I remember who knows everything, God I pray I simply remember that I trust You and through it all teach me to be like You.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

We have been set free! DAY 6 OF 40

We have been set free
We are no longer Your enemies
saved by your wrath by the death of your Son
Sin's power has been broken

In Psalms 51 David cries out for God to restore him to the joy of salvation.

Are we thankful for the power of the blood? Do we consistently remember the cross?

The most powerful place we can go as a Christian is to go to the joy of our salvation. A place of complete thankfulness for God sending Jesus Christ, who endured unspeakable pain, so that we may live and not just live as in not die, but live without guilt, shame or bondage, live on this earth in communion with our Father. That's true freedom. And then even more once this life is over we flow right into eternal bliss.

There is a reason we're instructed not to fret or not to worry. Jesus dealt with everything we could possibly worry about on the cross. He conquered it, He beat it, so even if we fail or should I say when we fail, I can still laugh, I can still point to the cross and say "Devil you still don't win" my life isn't dependent on me, it was already paid for!

I don't make light of sin or our failures, because I firmly believe in sanctification, Holiness, obedience, but instead I boast so greatly in the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. I boast in the victory of my Savior which means victory for me!

No matter the trials, tribulation, failure, successes, blessings of this life, I boast that I have a mediator named Jesus who paid my debt. No worry can I possibly have when I know the outcome. The outcome of Jesus and I forever together.

Be blessed,
J. Tate

College Football DAY 5 of 40

It is Saturday morning. This is college football.
I walked out to my car this morning with a light cool breeze rustling my hair and took a deep breath in to smell... college football.

I drove up to college station last night to spend the 3 day weekend relaxing with my best friend, doing laundry, shopping, studying, watching movies, going out to eat, and of course watching college football.

I'm not the typical girl that doesn't understand what's going on or the one that doen't care what team wins, i jump into the game cheering and hollering and loving every minute of it.

Don't worry this whole blog won't be about college football. :)

Yesterday on my drive up here I called one of my favorite people in the entire world, my friend kayce. Kayce throughout many times in my life speaks words of truth that open my eyes to things I've never noticed or thought about.

We started talking about my new job and all that I have struggled with and all the things God is teaching me through this new stage of my life. After a few minutes of talking she just starts laughing and says... "ya know most people in life say something to the effect of God send me anywhere just never send me to the depths of Africa among poverty and disease. Then there is you who says, God send me anywhere in the world, to africa, to where things are bad and the risk is high, but please don't send me to a little rural town in the public school system"

I of course had to laugh as well and later as I was reflecting, I was convicted. Kayce was right. I'll go to the jungles, to the bush, i'll sleep on the ground, I'll hug babies with aids, I'll minister to murderers of thousands, cast out demons out of tormented people, but Lord please not Liberty, Tx in the public school system.
I need to note here that I do thoroughly enjoy my job, I am more than thankful for it, and my goodness I couldn't be more happy w/ having all of the spiritual mentors, frieds, and family I'm surrounded by in Liberty.

I've told God I'll go anywhere, but then when anywhere didn't mean (my version of) "full time ministry"; I lost my total surrender, I lost my complete willingness.

I've had to reconstruct what "full time ministry" really is. I've had to really search my heart and say "will I really go ANYWHERE". I've had to repent.

In a public school in Liberty, TX God is really opening my eyes to what He really wants from me, to what really matters to Him, to what absolute surrender actually is, and the truth that being in "full time ministry" isn't wht job you have, but rather how you live your life. A full time minister is a missionary, a pastor, a school teacher, a doctor, an accountant. Anyone who will fully surrender their life to minister Jesus Christ.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

I give myself away DAY 4 of 40

I give myself away so You can use me.

We have been singing a song the past couple of weeks in church (lyrics at the bottom) and it has really been working on my heart.

I think I've believed I had given myself away because of different things I have done that I considered sacrifices (Africa, trailer park ministry, youth minister, teacher).

These were big leaps of faith that yes, I was faithful to trust God and do even though I didn't feel prepared, equipped, or even a desire to do them at first. Each of those decisions dramatically changed my life course, but perhaps by giving myself away in these things I'd consider "big", I'd lost focus of the details.

As we've sung this song over the past few weeks the Holy Spirit opened my eyes and convicted me of how I've kept parts of myself from the Lord. The daily parts. The small parts.

Every moment of everyday needs to be put in the Lord's hands so that we are one with Him and His desire and will for our day. You never know what person needs the light that is inside of you. The people we pass on the street, the students in my classroom, the teachers in the lounge, the people at the grocery store. If all of me was given away, how many more opportunities would I have to minister to those around me?

I have to humbly admit to you that my life has not been completely crucified with Christ. Jessika's flesh has come and made itself present in the daily routine of life and in that opportunities to be an impact have been missed. I praise God that He is a redeemer and forgiver.

When we tell God that we are all His we should expect to be out of our comfort zone, to be inconvenienced, and of course to see God move. When I die and Christ lives through me lives should be changed, miracles should take place, the presence of God should go with me wherever I go.

What happens? routine, life, society, socialization. We get into a routine of life and find what makes us comfortable to do what we think will make us happy. I challenge you to give yourself away. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you areas that you have continued to grasp and not freely hand over to the Lord to use as He pleases. Allow yourself to be clay in the Potter's hands. Then watch as God uses you to advance His kingdom by changing lives.

"Lord I'm longing to see, Your desire revealed in me"

We need to get to the place where we say "God not my desire, not what I want for my life, but simply what You desire for me and from me"

Be Blessed,
J.Tate



Chorus:
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me

Verse 1:
Here I am
Here I stand
Lord, my life is in your hands
Lord, I’m longing to see
Your desires revealed in me
I give myself away

Verse 2:
Take my heart
Take my life
As a living sacrifice
All my dreams all my plans
Lord I place them in your hands

Bridge:
My life is not my own
To you I belong
I give myself, I give myself to you

Choose Joy DAY 3

"Choose Joy" is a slogan my church has had for years. I can honestly say that my pastors "choose joy".

I thought that I chose joy everyday until I was faced with real challenge! For some reason Rwanda, Botswana, missions, being a youth minister, college, outreaches, etc. choosing joy in these settings was never difficult for me. I am a relatively laid back happy person, most things roll off my shoulders and I stay fairly calm; so i thought.

As I've become a teacher and coach everyday there is something that has caused me to be frustrated or irritated.

Today I sent my first student to the office and while she was doing what it took for me to send her to the office I heard the Holy Spirit whisper "choose joy".

I'm glad I took the Holy Spirit's advice, because one thing after another the enemy attacked to try and get me upset, frustrated, or discouraged and I kept saying to myself "im choosing joy, I'm choosing joy".

8th grade volleyball practice rolled around I was just being my normal self and an athlete said "Coach Tate are you going to be this happy all year long?" I replied, "well yes of course I am, I'm just a joyful person"... The athlete replied good, because you always make my day better!

The Holy Spirit knows what each person needs... not only do I need joy, but there are tons of children who need to see the joy that I have.

Choose Joy and be blessed,
J. Tate

A simple reminder DAY 2 of 40

I was given a simple reminder today and I just want to share it with you.

I am a school teacher now and I found out the first week of school that there can be just 1 or 2 students that are able to literally ruin your whole attitude about a particular class or even the whole day.

Last week I battled this problem. I decided I wasn't going to let this week be the same way.

My mentor and old hs coach told me last week the best way to help my students is to pray for them by name. I shared the name of one particular student with a few of my prayer partners and asked them to join me in praying for her specifically.

My mentor and pastor's wife had given me the piece of advice to ask the Lord and find a scripture in the Word that is a verse that can be a rock for me. A solid ground to stand on that I can quote and refer back to. So as soon as I got to the school this morning I asked the Holy Spirit to give me a few verses that I needed to stand on to help me while at school.

I typed up 8 verses and posted them on my wall right next to my desk. I prayed for that student at the beginning of the day and before her class.

Today was the best day i've had as a teacher/coach. Throughout the day I was reminded that this is my mission field and I prayed for students, I quoted bible verses to myself, and I was able to stand in joy all day. The particular student that has given me problems was great today and caused me no problems.

The simple reminder is this... Never underestimate the power of prayer and of the Word of God. Surround yourself with the Word, quote the Word, speak the Word, think the Word, become so familiar with the Word that you are constantly being reminded of the Word. Finally prayer is powerful. Be in prayer continually, in fact pray the Word, nothing is off limits, ask for what you have need of. God hears.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

You're beautiful DAY 1 of 40

Humans are set up in a way where we desire affirmation and acceptance.

Boy, girl, man, woman... we desire to hear how we are wanted, needed, beautiful, handsome, loved.

Women seem to try to find ways to fish for compliments, men (while usually denying the fact they need them) will try to find ways to earn them.

Everyone is looking for those words... i like you, i love you, i want you...

I've been told these things a few times as most of us ladies have. Baby I love you, you're beautiful, etc. and of course these are the words that cause our heart to flutter, those butterflies we get in our stomach, and those emotions we desire so much.

I know at this point you probably think this whole blog is me writing about relationships, but it's not.
I was in the shower tonight praying (as I usually do in the shower) and I heard these words...

"You're beautiful"

To be honest I first thought they were verbal... I thought perhaps my brother's girlfriend was over or Paul was talking loudly to his wife next door!!! lol... or perhaps i'd lost my mind.

I stopped praying, I got quiet, and I sat down on the seat in my shower (I love that i have a seat in my shower!) and I listened again to see what it was. Then I felt that familiar tug in my Spirit and I knew that the Lord was speaking to me and He spoke again.

"Daughter you're beautiful. I love you. I enjoy you. I want all of you."

I began to cry. This moment reminded me of something that we all need to remember. If at any point in life you're craving affirmation or acceptance there is always one sure place you can go; directly to the Father. He is ready and waiting to tell you how much you're loved, how you were bought with the precious blood of Jesus, how you are wanted.

Like most women I look forward to the day of being married and having one man that I want to spend the rest of my life, one man that I desire love and acceptance from, but I hope I never forget who is always waiting for me to listen just so He can tell me He loves me. The God who formed me, bought me, loved me before the foundation of the earth. The God that no matter how many times He tells me He loves me it always brings me to tears.

All I need is you Lord. I love you too.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Sweet Redemption

As I've started my new job there have been so many mixed emotions from being in all too familiar places. I can't really seem to walk down the halls of my old h.s, coach volleyball in my old gym, see faces everyday of people i was close with in high school, without reflection and memories.

I never thought I'd be back in Liberty, Tx and I'll admit it wasn't my "choice" place to move to!! But, over these past few weeks I see how God is using these familiarities to heal me in areas I didn't know needed healing.

College was a tremendous blessing to me because I was able to leave an area in my life behind where mistakes had been made, regrets that i had, and move on to be more of the person God had always planned for me to be, closer to the person that I wanted to be.

Coming back to Liberty... everyday i'm reminded not just of who i wish i would of been, but who i wasn't. Philippians 3 makes that thought process hard to live w/ "forgetting what is behind and pressing on..." Check out these lyrics to a song we sang in church the other night.

I'm not going back
I'm moving ahead
I'm here to declare to You
my past is over
In You old things are made new
Surrendered my life to Christ and
I'm moving moving forward

What a moment
You have brought me to
Such a freedom
I have found in You
What a Healer

You make all things new
Yeah Yeah Yeah

You have risen
With all power in Your Hands
You have given me
A second Chance
Hallelujah Hallelujah

Could it not be more on task with what I was feeling? At 15 years old I decided to change, i surrendered my life to Christ and became a new creation, but even after this decision I wasn't the witness I should have been or wanted to be.

This job has been a second chance. Being back in Liberty I'm seeing God redeem areas of my life I hadn't let go of regret in. He is redeeming the hallways of my school, redeeming the gym that I played sports in, redeeming the athletic program, giving me a second chance to be a witness to old friends, This is redemption. I'm living in sweet redemption.

Just in the past few wks, I've been able to pray with several of my volleyball players, meet with several missionaries to explore options for taking youth on a mission trip, make contacts for personal mission trips, teach in youth group, discuss life and hug crying youth, and love coaching volleyball and inspiring students. This is sweet redemption. This is the God I serve.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Ruined

This morning I was doing my normal routine and as I began to tell God how good He is and how much I NEED HIM. I remembered moments in my life that ruined me (in a good way). These moments were those moments where God so radically showed up, touched me, changed me, molded me. Those moments ruined me for any counterfeits.

As a Christian you've had an encounter with the living God. I'm sure if you took a minute you could name off a few defining moments when you ENCOUNTERED God. Those moments will change the whole course of your life. To ramble a few off the top of my head...
1) 15 years old in my bedroom and I heard God speak to me, so loud to me that I set up looking for who was speaking to me... I've never been the same.
2) 16 years old sitting on the alter at North Main baptist church alone in the sanctuary and God told me I would preach... I've never been the same
3) 18 years old in my dorm room when God told me that I would go to Africa... I've never been the same.

These are just 3 huge callings that I heard from God, this doesn't include the countless times when He's talked to me about my life, my future, His love for me, when I've seen God heal someone supernaturally, or demons casted out. All of these encounters were REAL encounters and they've ruined me for any counterfeit god that the world tries to create.

Now pay attention to this next part, because this is what the Lord showed me this morning.
These encounters they put people in what I would call a spiritual high. It takes you up to the mountain in other words. More passionate, more excited, radical.

I asked God how come we see so many Christians who have had these encounters and they're slipping away? I think God wanted me to ask Him the question because the Holy Spirit began to speak immediately.

The problem is that sometimes we get confused. You can have these encounters and then you begin to seek the next encounter. The next big whoa moment instead of seeking God. My pastor once said that an encounter can change you, but it's the Word that will maintain you.

If you've ever been on a mission trip perhaps you've been here before. You go overseas and God just seemed to constantly be tangible and doing amazing things. When you come home, normal life seems mundane and not exciting. You can't lead a "normal" life anymore. You've been ruined for counterfeits.

See the challenge is to be ruined for the counterfeits and realize that you don't have to have a counterfeit no matter where you are. A life of pursuing God is never boring, mundane, or not exciting because the same God who was on your mission trip is in your living room, bedroom, your work place.

Sometimes His magnificent grace comes and He encounters us unexpectedly, but the majority of the time, it will be us, reaching out seeking Him for that encounter during our every day lives.

We can be ruined for what the world has to offer and never have to leave the real thing. The world will offer so many counterfeits for true and perfect love, for peace, for joy, for success... but the truth is there is no counterfeit for a life in a relationship with the Living God.

I pray that we would all be ruined for the counterfeits and pursue the real God like never for. Allow Him to come and impact you and have an encounter with you everyday. Everywhere we go is the mission field, everywhere we go God goes with us, acknowledge His presence.

Be Blessed
J. Tate

The details

Hey Friends and Family,
Yesterday I realized that in December it will be year since I graduated, in other words I graduated 8 months ago and other than mission trip updates I haven't really talked about what is going on in my life at all.

I'm sure most of you know by now that I have accepted a job teaching/coaching at Liberty Middle School. When I first heard about the job option I pretty much just dismissed it for several reasons that I "thought" were justified. However the Lord did not seem to justify them as much as I did and I truly believe that this is the path that God has led me on for at least this next year.

There are so many things I could say about this new mission field that I'm entering, but i'll keep it short and simple. I've already realized this will probably be the hardest thing I've ever done. Harder than college, harder than missions, just harder, but what I see through the roadblocks, what i see over the mountain, it's worth the hard. If there is one thing I've learned in life it's that I don't need to be afraid of hard, because on the other side of hard is always something great.

I'm back in Liberty Tx. After 4 years of Liberty merely being a vacation place, it's now home again and in thought after being places like Johannesburg South Africa, Amsterdam, Rwanda... etc. You'd think Liberty would be boring and outdated, but there is simply no better place to be than in the center of God's will. I'm surrounded by mentors who love me, teach me, and trust me to do ministry. I'm happier than I've ever been, I'm more hungry for the things of God than ever, and I'm more passionate than ever. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and the more you get to know Jesus, the more His joy and passion and zeal will over take you.

I think I've realized that nothing is impossible at all. There are no limits when it comes to the Kingdom of God. Dream big, extend vision, and trust that God's vision for our life will never be matched, so DREAM HIGHER, VISION DEEPER, and just go. I spent the last year doing what I want to do with the rest of my life. Go overseas, come back, go overseas, come back, go overseas... and I believe I'll get to spend the rest of my life doing this because at the young age of 22 I have found where my passion lies.
I love spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I believe the Lord will give me a husband with the same heart to minister to those in America without ever forgetting the big world out there that still needs the gospel.

So I am excited about life, I'm excited about the future, and I'm just so blessed and so thankful for where I am. Everyday is truly a mission field and when it gets hard I"m surrounded by people who pick me up.

For those that I have lost contact with, gosh I'm sorry. Most of you know how much I need to work on my contact skills. I try to make those few phone calls a week and sometimes it doesn't happen, but I am definitely trying to redefine that as a priority in my life, so that as I move into the future I don't forget those who have helped me to get here.

I love you all!!
Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Taking every thought captive

This morning I had what felt like a block in my prayer time and it got to a point where I was getting frustrated. Finally, I gave in and I just asked God what is this feeling, what is this frustration, what is this WALL!

After a few minutes of practicing the discipline of listening for the voice of the Lord, I was given the answer.

First I was given the scripture 2 Cor. 10:7 then I was given a few thoughts of my own.
2 Cor. 10:7 "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ"

It's a verse I preached on often in Rwanda and one that I pray over myself fairly often. I believe in being an active participant in the battle of my mind. There are so many scriptures that speak on our mind and our thoughts. I know in my own mind there is a battle for who the thoughts will glorify. Will my thoughts glorify God or the enemy. Will I think things that line up with "knowledge of God" or knowledge of me, life, society, etc.

I want to be able to say (Philippians 4:8) I think on things noble, pure, things right, honorable, lovely, etc.

This is what I find happens. The enemy speaks a lie into your thoughts and we have the responsibility to "take that thought captive and put it into obedience with Jesus Christ". This is actually exactly what Jesus did when He was tempted. The enemy spoke a lie and Jesus casted that lie down with the Truth of the Word of God.

Thoughts that do not line up with the Word will come, but we must put them into obedience of the Word of God.

The Lord revealed a thought that I had been believing for over a week and I had to take that thought captive and put it into obedience.

Who rules your thought life? The enemy or the Word of God. We have the responsibility to monitor our thoughts and line them up with truth. Believing lies of the enemy will always have negative impact on our walk with God. Sometimes it seems small, but many times these lies will snow ball and cause a lot more strife than we bargained for.

I guess I think of it like I think of a cold. Someone can catch a cold (relatively small and harmless), but if not taken care of it can turn into bronchitis (more pain than the cold, but also treatable). If the bronchitis is not taken care of it can turn into pneumonia (much more painful, but still treatable with a little more effort). Pneumonia can eventually lead to death if not taken care of.

It is the same thing with our thought life. A lie (seems somewhat harmless) if not put into obedience with Christ will breed more lies and as you believe more lies our thoughts will become farther and farther from truth, which may result in our actions straying farther and farther away from truth, which may result in one great heap of backsliding down fall.

Let's take up the battle of our mind and take every thought captive that doesn't line up to the knowledge of God and put it into obedience of Christ.
Don't let the enemy rule your mind.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Speak Lord

Get in the habit of saying, "Speak Lord", and life will become a romance. Every time circumstances press in on you, say, "Speak Lord", and make time to listen. -Oswald Chambers

Yesterday I was at lunch with a couple of people from church and our Pastors Mike and Laurie. I don't really remember what brought it on, but Pastor said something to the effect of... if only Adam and Eve would have talked to God. As soon as the serpent came and began to lie Eve should have said "Adam, we need to talk to God". He mentioned Saul and how under ever temptation Saul never spoke to God.

Imagine if Adam and Eve would have taken the time to speak to their Father. Everyday they spent time with God and one day something CRAZY happens. A serpent comes in saying things they'd never heard before, saying things contrary to what God had spoken to them. They should have stopped and said "Hey God, we need to talk about this".

This morning I was spending some time with the Lord and I thought about the Oswald Chambers quote and what Pastor had said.

How many of us give in to temptation, make a bad decision, go through unnecessary strife, simply because we won't call out to the Lord. Ask Him, He speaks.

If you're anyone who has been close to me for the past 3 years you know that I absolutely LOVE John 10:27 that says that we will hear God's voice. It doesn't say we might hear it, there is a chance maybe one day, it says we KNOW His voice.

When strife comes, when temptation comes, when trial comes, when the mountain is in the way. SPEAK and listen.

God wants His people to rely on Him, to cry out to Him, to ask His opinion, to hear His voice and follow His direction. Never neglect to cry out to God.

Perhaps Adam and Eve had a thought. We'll listen to the serpent now and when the coolness of day comes (when the Bible says God met with them) then we'll discuss this with God. Perhaps people have this same idea. I'll live my life throughout the day and tomorrow morning when i have my quiet time I can discuss this with God. I dare to say you're too late.

Jesus paid for 24/7 available access to the throne room of Father God. Jesus deserves what He paid for. He paid for that access so that no matter where you are, no matter what circumstances you are under, you can cry out to Daddy God and have DIRECT ACCESS TO HIM.

1 Thess 5:17 pray without ceasing.

Don't neglect to ask God to speak. Use this access. Call out to Him, rely on Him. Listen to Him.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

The Knowledge

I once had someone close to me say something to the effect of "You've just become obsessed with this God stuff". Taking them somewhat off guard I just replied "Thank You".

I think those of you that actually take the time to read my ramblings probably agree with me that being obsessed with God is a goal, it's a desire of my heart, to a Christian it's in no way a cut down or offense. I want to be so consumed with Him that He's what I think of when I first wake up and when I lay down to sleep and thousands of times throughout the day. I want Him to be who I live for.

The Bible says to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. In other words love God with every portion of yourself, natural, physical, spiritual, be completely consumed with Him.

Most of you probably already know my testimony. I was selfish, I lived my life for me, and one night laying in my bed drunk the Lord spoke to me. When God speaks in the way He spoke to me that night there is no doubt who is speaking to you. He spoke with such authority, power, understanding, and truth that nothing of this earth could have forged that voice, that moment. It was God. He spoke directly to me and He spoke scripture, He recited Deut. 30:19 where He urges His people to choose life. He says "I lay before you life and death".

That night I had an encounter with the living God and after that encounter I had a better understanding of who God was. Everyday that I spend time with the Lord I learn more about who He is. Every time He speaks to me I get to know Him better. Whenever I open up the word and I read Truth, I learn more about who He is. When you spend time with God you gain knowledge of who God is.

Previous to the night that God supernaturally intervened in my life I thought I knew who God was. I had met with Him before. I had prayed, I had read the Word, I had worshiped, but I allowed the world to snatch the truth from me, just like in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:18-23). I once had been zealous for God, but it faded. Check this scripture out:

Romans 10:2,3
For I bear them witness they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. v3 For not knowing about God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to righteousness of God.

It's possible to have a zeal for God without a knowledge of God. This type of zeal will eventually fade.

We need to be consistently and constantly filled and growing in knowledge of who God is. Daily time spent with Him is vital and imperative to the growth of a Christian.
There is always more to learn about who God is, He is so infinitely vast that everyday for the rest of eternity we can continue to grow in knowledge of Him and His character.

I am broken for those who are zealous, but lack in knowledge of God. Jesus said many will come to me and say Lord Lord, and I will say depart from me I never knew you (Matthew 7:23)

These people thought they had a relationship with God, they thought they had made it, but in reality they were far from the heart of our Lord. They hadn't really grown in knowledge of who He is, they didn't really have a relationship with Him, and He obviously had no relationship with them.

I can say that I know who (picking a random celebrity here) Tyler Perry is (I love his movies!). I can read a bio on him, do some research, maybe even write him a letter, but do I really know him? and more importantly does he know me?

In order to really know someone, you must be in relationship with them. You must spend time with them. Knowing God is important. Searching Him, speaking to Him, asking Him questions, being in a relationship with Him. Search out His heart, find out who He is, and let Him inside of you too. Pour out your heart, speak to Him, your hurts, desires, joys, cares, concerns. Be in relationship with Him.

I daily grow in love for God. The more I learn of Him, the more I love Him. I have yet to find a characteristic of God that doesn't just capture my heart more. I've yet to find something that will cause me to complain about God. He is true, real, just, loving, merciful, forgiving, understanding, a disciplinarian, a God who cares for His children. He is the one true God.

My prayer is that the body of Christ will become zealous to know God.

In Psalms 27:4 David cries out "One thing that I desire to dwell in the courts of the Lord forever more". David was in relationship with God and He never wanted to leave His presence. Our God is an appealing God, He is desirable.

I pray that you will love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. I pray that you would be obsessed with Him and that He would reveal more of Himself to you. Be determined to know your Father. Search for Him, seek Him out, ASK HIM QUESTIONS ABOUT WHO HE IS (He answers).

Don't come to the end of your life to realize I had a zeal for a God I never knew. Don't be one of those that Jesus looks at and says "I never knew you". Don't be a lukewarm Christian that once had an experience with the living God, but then settled into the comfortable without ever giving Him everything you have.

I pray my life will be spent searching out who He is. I want to know Him intimately and deeply.

Be Blessed my friends,
J. Tate

*One question for those who wonder like me! Check out Mark 14:51-52! Who do you think this guy is?

Fearless

This is a message that has been growing in my heart and I was so blessed to be able to preach it in Rwanda and then again at Cornerstone youth last Sunday night.

I've noticed that fear has become an "issue" in the body of Christ and there really is absolutely no excuse for it. Today I'm just going to walk you through the notes of my message and my recent passion to see Christians, fearless. I'm going to do my best to give you the "readers digest" version and make this just a short read, so obviously I'm going to have to condense the message and just give you the big points.

First and foremost an often quoted verse "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7)
If God has not given us a spirit of fear then we must conclude that ALL fear (not including fear of God, which I"ll get to later) must not be from God, but rather from the enemy. I know that I have no desire to have any spirit surrounding me that is not the Spirit of God. So that verse is very straight forward a spirit of fear is not from God and so we should not be living in fear. If you'd like another reference for that point then go check out Romans 8:14-15.

I believe that we have began to make light of fear. Often times fear is something we joke about, we tease about, or we just don't really see the enemy's role in fear. More often than not we just see it as something natural that we have to deal with. Everyone fears. That is a direct lie from the enemy because if you are a child of God you have been set free from fear. I'll go ahead and tell on myself because I'm definitely not above this struggle. I like to tease Maegan because Maegan USED TO (praise God) fear lizards. It was always a joke to me, i laughed and made fun of her and never saw the harm in it, until one day God gave me the revelation that He hasn't given us a spirit of fear! So, I laugh about Maegan having a spirit of fear from the enemy? Not so funny anymore.

Please go read Mark 4:37-41.
This is the well known story of the disciples in the boat and Jesus calming the storm. There are 2 major points to be made out of this passage, but I won't go into my usual detail and instead just go straight to the points.

First in verse 40. Jesus asks "why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith".
The very first point is that fear is in direct correlation with faith. Fear is simply put a lack of faith. When you fear you're showing you lack of faith that God is who He says He is, He's done what He says He's done, and you can do what HE says you can do. There are tons of examples I can give for this, but like I've said I want to keep it as short as possible so if you'd like to ask some questions on this point I'd love to talk about it with you.

Second in verse 41. "and they became very much afraid". Ok notice in verse 40 they were already afraid of the storm. Jesus calmed the storm and then it says "they became very much afraid". Explain to me how after the situation they were afraid of was resolved they then became very much afraid.
The answer is they went from a fear of a circumstance into fear of God. Notice their comment in vs. 41 "Who then is this that even the wind and sea obey Him?" They were no longer afraid of the circumstances, but of the Creator.
Another reference for this is in Isaiah 8:12,13

This is an important correlation to make. Fear is lack of faith in God, but it is possible to take fear of anything else and turn it into fear of God.
I think it is really important to state what fear of God is, so study that learn it and realize it. Moses tells us in Exodus 20:20 that fear of God will cause us to not sin and Romans 14:23 tells us that anything not done in faith is sin. So there is a great correlation between faith and fear of God and fear of other things. So take some personal time to study that.

I'll wrap this last part up quickly.
Before the day of Pentecost Jesus was always known as the only begotten son, after the day of Pentecost He is never called that again, but rather the firstborn son.
Why?
When you were sealed with the Holy Spirit you were adopted into the Kingdom of God. Jesus says in John 17:23 that with the same love that God loved Jesus, He loves believers.

So we can take comfort that we have a Daddy God that loves us, provides for us, and protects us just like He did Jesus.
Notice Jesus never feared. He knew who His Father was.
In life or in death He fulfilled the will of His father. Jesus said no one took His life from Him, He gave it up willingly. So Jesus had victory in life and in death.

I want to end with Romans 8:31
What can we say then? If God is for us than who can be against us?

God hasn't given us a spirit of fear and we are adopted as sons and daughters into His kingdom, therefore there is nothing we can fear. No circumstance, animal, person, nothing shall we fear.

As Psalms 23:4 says "I fear NO eveil; thou art with me".

For some more reiteration of how we should not be living in fear read Psalms 91.

I wish I could take everything I have to say on fear and it only take about 5 minutes to read, but unfortunately it's just not how it is. This is probably already longer than most people will read so, for those of you who made it all the way to the bottom, I hope this has blessed you just as this message has me. I hope you will put it into practice and stand firm. If you want to know more that i have to say on the subject, shoot me and email or text.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

Time

Well it has been a while since I've been able to write consistently in my own blog.

After graduating I moved back to Liberty and spent one month at home. Then I spent three months in Botswana. One month back home led to one month in Rwanda.

Now I'm home. I have a pile of things in my closet that I have yet to unpack from my move from Lubbock, I have a few things still in a bag from Botswana, and found a bag yesterday that I still hadn't unpacked from Rwanda. Needless to say I'm still in transition.

I am taking a job as a coach with the school district I grew up in and have been very busy with camps, workouts, and trying to get things situated for this upcoming school year.

I'll be moving out of my parents house sometime in the next few months and moving to another place along with my brother.

I am shocked at the way my life has turned out. Honestly if you would have talked to me a year ago (maybe even less)I would have never guessed that I would be where I am now.

I never would have thought that I would go to Africa 3x in a year. I never thought I would graduate college in 3 1/2 years. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to minister to a crowd of over 700 people in a foreign country. I NEVER thought I'd move back to Liberty or take a job as a coach.

See Africa was all God, I never desired to travel. Preaching was all God, because I never thought I'd have the courage to stand in front of large crowds much less with a translator in another country. Coming home was all God because I never wanted to come back. Taking a job was all God because I wanted to go to seminary.

You know here is a shocker. When you offer God your life, He takes your life. I told God I was all His, so He took full advantage of it :) I've never made a better decision.

Though right now I'm in a place I never thought I'd be in, I have never been happier, I've never been more passionate, and honestly I couldn't imagine my life any better.

When I think about the things God has trusted me with, the places He's taken me, the things He's done through me or in front of me, the relationships I've been blessed with, the favor and incredible blessing I've seen in my life.... I could go on... but when I think on these things, it brings me to a place of humbleness and tears.

My God is so good. Apart from anything He's ever done for me, my God is powerful and worthy. If no one will praise Him the rocks will cry out, because the God I serve is worthy of praise and it's not about what He does for me, it's about who He is. Gosh isn't htat awesome to be in relationship with the ONE TRUE GOD.

I'm excited to begin writing again, I have definitely missed it. Tonight was just a ramble to get back into it, but I'll soon begin to once again write about the things God teaches me and shows me in life and in His word.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate

A few things i've learned

I was invited by Women Against Rape (also known as WAR) to come to a meeting a few days ago at their center. The meeting was all about alcohol addiction and Maun. At the meeting were several representatives from other organizations in the community. WAR is putting on a seminar in February to teach people about addiction, how to counsel addiction, where to get help, etc. I’ve been asked to participate and to hold a few lectures during the seminar. We’ll see if it fits with this busy schedule!
Leading the meeting was a specialist from the states who is not a believer. A member of the police force asked her who exactly are you trying to target and impact. Just Maun? The woman stood up straight and boldly responded to him. She said “well, sir I want to start here. I want to drop a pebble on top of Maun in the pond of Botswana and watch the ripple of impact cover this entire country. So, my hope is that we’ll start here with this seminar and eventually see change take over this nation.”

Her words impacted me. What a big vision. What great confidence. Imagine if we as a body of believers would have such vision. Imagine if we would start in one place and have the faith to believe it would touch a whole nation? She understood that she had to find a starting point, do the best job possible, and then have expectation for impact. This woman is determined and I believe it will be accomplished.
I love addictions counseling, so sitting through this day of meetings was a joy for me. I learned more about the culture in Botswana, I spoke with leaders from many organizations, and was able to share my opinions and thoughts as well. However, addictions also drives me insane from a Christian stand point. Let me explain. Most addictions professionals will tell you there is no cure for addictions, even alcoholics anonymous believes that once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. I however know the cure for an addiction. He’s the same cure for perversion, adultery, sickness, lying, depression, etc. His name is Jesus and I’m a liar if I were to say His blood wasn’t strong enough to end addiction. So I’ve set through classes, read through books, sat through meetings, been in long conversations, all about the never ending disease of addiction. We also discuss how addiction is many times a coping mechanism for worse problems. And in America you want me to sit down with a client who has an addiction because they suffer from depression and depend on a substance to cure their misery, and you want me to tell them what they need is to stop using and abusing so they can get back to their miserable life? NO! What I will tell them is I know a God who can turn your depression into joy, and when you taste HIS joy, you’ll never need that substance again. I rant about this because it leads into a story I want to tell!
I worked with a program the other day called reach4Life. I was able to go into a school and talk about making a difference to high schoolers, I talked about Jesus, and that He is what they need. While talking with the woman who helps run the program she told me a story. A man (a non-believer) was passing out condoms at a school and a teacher came up to talk to him. She said to him why are you passing out condoms, I’m a Christian and you should be teaching these kids abstinence, not giving them condoms. The man replied “As long as the church stays silent, the world will come up with their own answer”. What wisdom from a man who wasn’t even a church goer, not even a believer, yet he understood. With addictions, with STD’s, with gang violence, etc all these major problems that our nation, my nation, America, is having as long as the church remains silent the world will continue to make its own band aids. Oh America. We were once founded on Christian principles.

Don’t get me wrong, PEOPLE ARE DOING GREAT THINGS. They are helping people, but none of those fix the root of the problem. A band aid offers protection, it makes it feel a little better, but a band aid does not heal the cut. And so goes with these organizations and programs. They will help, but they do not fix the root problem and that’s they need Jesus. Most people will write me off saying I’m over spiritualizing it, but when you begin to look at people the way I do, there is no other answer. See I look at people and no matter the condition of their body I have to ask, how is their soul? Where will they be when they die. Because you can be rich and go to hell, healthy and go to hell, or you can be poor and go to heaven, have AIDS and go to heaven. Jesus cures addiction and gives joy that replaces the desire for alcohol, Jesus conquered loneliness and helplessness and provides confidence to girls who feel they need to have sex with a guy to feel loved, Jesus causes change that brings about love, kindness, giving, compassion. But most importantly He washes away our sins and makes us right with God.

That is why I am who I am and I do what I do. Because Jesus changes things. He saves eternities, He changes lives, He heals bodies, He gives authority, He supplies our needs, He has conquered this world. I love John 16:33 that says we’ll have tribulation in this world, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. In America, Africa, or any corner of the world the answer for the lives of the broken, hurting, starving, sick, disappointed, rejected, and lost is Jesus. So I’m thinking big. I’m getting vision. A vision that is world wide. To make the name of Jesus Christ known and see as He impacts and changes lives. Will you join in?

I’ve learned what it means to truly depend on God. I never thought that would be a lesson I would learn here, because in reality things aren’t bad here for a foreign country. We have occasional water and internet, great electricity, and good facilities. But in this past week, I’ve been sick, tired, weak, and no time to rest. I’m learning to pray because everything depends on it. I’m learning to lean on God in a new way.

Thanks for the prayers. Be Blessed,
J.Tate

A parting word

Well friends, as you know I am leaving next week to go to Botswana Africa for four months. I've had many ask the question in the last week "are you ready?", "are you excited", etc. I become at a loss for words in that moment (hard to believe i know). I've been asking of myself (practicing self analyzing thanks kayce) what exactly do I feel.

I fell in love with Africa my freshmen year of college, before I'd ever seen an African sky or stepped on African soil.

I was in a dorm room in Chitwood on the campus of Texas Tech. My friend Randi was excitedly telling me her plans to go to Kenya for 3 months that upcoming summer. As I sat on her bed I blurted out "I'm so glad God has not called me to do stuff like that, I have no desire to go overseas". I don't remember how the rest of the conversation went, but I'm sure I arrogantly talked about my love for America and Texas! Around 3 a.m. that night I woke up with a simple but stern sentence from the Lord. "You will go to Africa".

From that moment on I was sold. I began to be burdened for Africa, I yearned for it, I prayed for it, I cried over it, I was constantly trying to find ways to go. I finally went last may to Rwanda. I had previously believed I'd be one trip and done, but while I was in Rwanda I knew that I would go back. I've since learned we are all called to a lifetime of missions, it's simply found in the great commission. Missions consists of your day to day life, short term trips, long term trips, financially supporting trips, interceding for the nations... everyday we should be involved in missions. I will go as often as the Lord opens a door for me to go.

Even though I was all set and ready to start my masters there was a little discontentment with my decision. Within 48 hours of deciding I wanted to go to Africa I had the finances for 3 months from an amazing donor and the place I was going.

So here I am one week until I fly out leaving America for 4 months. I have complete confidence that I am doing the will of God for my life.

As I read more about the internship from past interns I am a little nervous because I know that I will be pushed to my limits physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. At the same time this makes me extremely excited because I know in my weakness He will be made strong. In reality I find peace in that no matter what my emotions are going into anything I do, if God says to do it, I'm going to do it. I have struggled a little in the past few weeks with the things I will be missing while I am gone: weddings, birthdays, possibly graduations. I realize these events are small compared to the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So here I am 7 days away. I ask that you all continue to pray for me as I prepare this week and the 4 months that I will be in Botswana.

I will be privileged of having internet while in Bots and I will do my best to keep in touch with friends and family back in the states. Here are the many ways to keep in contact with me:

Skype: j-tate
Blog: jessinbotswana.blogspot.com
Email: jessinbotswana@hotmail.com
and of course facebook.

This will be my last blog on this account until I return from Bots!

Be Blessed,
J. Tate