"We place too much emphasis on ability when God looks for our availability to be used by Him now, with whatever we have." -Sheila Walsh

I just spent the week teaching little children in kindergarten and first grade missions lessons at our church VBS. Our theme was Saddle Ridge Ranch. It was a blast! Check out my new "look!" Hahaha...I totally made the belt buckle myself out of cardstock. Oh, and please excuse the flip flops...Too bad I don't own any cowgirl boots yet!

My room was "Firefly Cavern," and we had fun gathering around the campfire every day with the "fireflies" above us, learning about missionaries all around the world and the United States. 

I guess the coolest part for me was that two of the stories during the week were about places I had been, and I really got to share my passion for missions with the kids through pictures, stories, and instruments I had brought back from Africa and Brazil. My prayer all week was that they would see how they could be missionaries right where they are now. 

One day we talked about two Journey Girls in Mali, West Africa who do Bible storying with the people in a village there. I couldn't help but wonder if when I finish my Journeyman application (sometime this week!), I might have a story like theirs. 

Every day had a question with a Bible verse to answer it. I'm a "grown-up," and I even have these questions. My heart was fed along with the kids' hearts this week. 

Most days I don't feel qualified to go. My heart longs to be overseas teaching, serving, and loving people where ever God sends me. It's kind of crazy, but when I look at pictures and read stories about missionaries in hard places...I want to be there. I know it is going to be tough, and I will long for home while I am there, but my heart gets really excited about the thought of going somewhere and serving people who are hurting, or in poverty. It's hard to explain, but I just long to be a part of what I see.

But sometimes I feel like I don't know enough about the Bible, or about other cultures and religions, or how to disciple others. Then God gently reminds my heart like He did this week - the willingness to go is what He is looking for. The availability and the heart that is listening intently for His call. And just as I shared with the kids this week...God can call and use anyone. And He wants to use us every day, no matter where we are. Maybe He is calling them to invite some friends over to swim and have ice cream (they really liked that story!) while they tell them about Jesus. Or maybe He is calling a preacher to start a cowboy and cowgirl church so that people feel comfortable where they are worshiping. No matter what it is, He has a plan for each of us. And that plan is for us to be more like Him in all that we do every day, sharing His love and truth with those who don't know Jesus. 

All we have to do is ask for His wisdom...and He provides. 

"Now if any one of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

 -James 1:5