Photographs

I have decided to post some pictures from N.Ireland. If you are anything like me, visuals are always great.  Anyway, I have come across these two photos more than once this week so I decided to share them. One of these photos is simply of trees over the road. But the way the trees intertwined was absolutely indescribable and a picture will just not do it justice. The other photo is of graffiti under a bridge done by the youth of N.Ireland and it reads, "No Fun, No Freedom, No Future." I remember seeing this and just weeping harder than ever as my heart just aches for the kids/youth there. Completely moving. I cannot wait to be back. May can't seem to be here soon enough. xx

Just a thought

Yesterday the devo was 1 Samuel 17, which is about David and Goliath. We've all heard the story but it has a much deeper meaning. As I read I really began to think and process. I wrote a little something in my journal and felt like sharing from my perspective. I hope it challenges you as it does me as well.

David stood up to Goliath to protect God's honor.We as believers should be doing this everyday. A lot of times when people put down and defy God we don't stand firm or stand up for what is right. Why is this? Why do we not stand up for the living God who gave us life? True life. It is not acceptable that we just sit back. Those "Goliath's" in our lives can be easily defeated if we stand firm in line with God. It seems so simple, but yet for some reason it is so difficult. Why? David was a courageous man. He was righteously angry that Goliath was defying God and his people. David faced his enemy and through the strength of God, he defeated Goliath. No "Goliath" should be holding you back. Come face to face with it. Whether it be addiction, anger, stress, worry, insecurities, lust, or relationships with people. These things are from the enemy, they are "Goliath's". Through the sovereign God stand firm. Your "Goliath can be defeated too.



A side note, today is day 13 of Awakening. It is amazing to just sit in the presence of God. Also, I'm getting baptized for the second time(for real this time) on Wednesday. I'm pumped.

Sometimes I wish I could just show my heart to people. I know it is difficult for people to sometimes see me because I tend to come off a bit socially awkward or tend to say things in the wrong moment. But seriously, I feel it would make things much more simple if I could just literally say "see." I guess in a since, that what blogging is for in my case, since I have always been better at writing out how I feel verses telling it out loud. As you know by now, in May, God willing, I will be moving to N.Ireland for 3 months. I just know in this season of my life God is calling me there. I also feel this season of my life is moving faster than I can keep up with. I am okay with it because I see God moving more than I ever have. Not just in me, but in those around me also. It has been surreal and a beautiful thing. It is just so amazing how for one minute even you begin to question and God will just set you right back on track in your place. Confirming you are on the right path. As I am in this moment right now, I am also in a moment of refinement. Which is okay too. Because I know without refinement from the God of the universe I cannot be 100% ready and the person Jesus Christ has called me to be in him and for others around me. Without refinement and tests I cannot and will not be the person God has called me to be in N.Ireland and I would be of no help. So I am absolutely thankful, even though sometimes it hurts.

Get Brittany to N.Ireland

Alright, here I go again. Just to recap, if you missed my blog about how my trip to N.Ireland went, here it is:

You know, I started this in my journal on the way home but just couldn’t find myself able to finish it, and still can’t, so here is part of my journal entry and some food for thought to finish it up:

“Sitting on the plane, We have about a 4 hour flight left headed to New York, then a flight to Atlanta, and back to Jacksonville. So, I had this thought; First off, can I just say, this has probably been one of the most emotional weeks of my entire life. I met so many beautiful people this week that have so much love, fire for God, and potential. It was extremely refreshing seeing as how sometimes we find ourselves so caught up in life that we forget what (or WHO) we are actually living for. I like to think a lot of that comes out of being confident in who we are in Jesus Christ. We have to KNOW who we are in God to be able to grasp any concept of our purpose and why we are here. With that also comes LOVE. In a huge way I would say love was just about the theme of our mission trip in N.Ireland. If God is not first, and if you don’t love yourself, then you cannot love others. If you are so busy judging or comparing and trying to be better than one another, then you are leaving absolutely no room to love each other….”

Truth is, I don’t know why I can’t seem to finish that journal entry. I suppose God wanted this to go in another direction and for me to ramble about other topics. The point is, there just are not words to describe how wonderful our trip was and how much God moved. I suppose in a way that is just how it is though, isn’t it? We will never understand God and his capabilities. We aren’t meant to, but that is the beauty in him and his miracles. Honestly, I just met some of the most genuine people I have ever met. Their love, compassion, and excitement for newness and change was rejuvenating and inspirational. The country was so beautiful, beyond words, and no picture will do it justice. It broke my heart to hear that they consider themselves, ‘The Failed City’. In my eyes, it is nowhere near to a failed city, by a long shot. We stopped by an area where under a bridge was written “No fun. No freedom. No Future.” I was told that the youth that walk that path to school everyday wrote it and they truly feel this way. My heart shattered. To know that the youth feel there is no hope was just unbearable for me. I immediately broke down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably because I just felt so helpless. I could feel the pain of the environment and people in the air almost. I wanted to do something right then. It was also a confirmation for me, as I knew this was just one more reason God was calling a broken girl like me to move to N.Ireland, so that I could use my story to help those that are broken and hurting. But God has amazing things planned for the country of Northern Ireland. I feel it in my bones. And it is going to start with the amazing team members that I had the privilege of meeting. You guys are the end to the generational curse! This new era starts with you guys! I cannot wait to see how God uses you all. My life is forever changed and I am so humbled to be a part of what is happening.
Here’s to N.Ireland! xx

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Now, after I got back I really began to process. I couldn’t ignore the blatantly obvious call to N. Ireland God had placed on my heart. I was so in love with the environment and it’s people. I couldn’t shake it. I felt at home for once in a long time, longer than I can remember to be honest. I just knew I belonged there. There are needs there that I just know God is calling me to help build. God showed me things and placed things on my heart that I didn’t even know I had in me and He really stretched me. Since I have been home I have been in this period of refining and stretching. God has revealed things to me and I just know those things are meant to be taken over there to help build the people, give them hope, and help them to realize that they are the change. Through them there is a chance for revival! The entire country could be changed and on fire for Jesus Christ if someone would just step out. I see it there. So among all the things that go on in N.Ireland, I am diving in. I am following the call and I refuse to back down. In May, through Celebration Church, I will be moving to Northern Ireland for three months (until August) to help  Celebration Church Northern Ireland. I am there to serve and love.
So, here is where you come in! I am in need of roughly $3,700. If you feel led please consider donating, and if you can’t provide help through funds, please pray for me. As I know God’s call and I know He is going to provide the finances needed. So whether it’s helping with donation or by helping with prayer, please join me. I do have a paypal and home address you can send donations to, the paypal button is at the end of this post and the mailing address is:
10943 Raley Creek Drive S
Jacksonville, FL
32225

Thank you so much! xo Brittany


Isaiah 6:8 
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
   And I said, “Here I am. Send me!”

Incase you want more of an insight...

[THIS WAS WRITTEN BEFORE MY MISSION TRIP THIS PAST NOVEMBER. IF YOU FEEL LED, PLEASE DONATE TO MY MISSION OF 3 MONTHS STARTING IN MAY.]



I have a hard time opening up to swallow my pride and ask others for help when I need it. So, here goes my story, as I am going to try my best to pour my heart out to this computer screen through my fingers as they hit the keys on the keyboard.

I have been attending Celebration Church(midtown campus) for almost two years now, and a member for some time as well. I am involved in Celebration’s At Risk Youth(children’s outreaches), Celebration Kids, Guest Services for Sub30(college&young adults service), 2:52(internship program), and I even have had the privilege of going downtown and serving the homeless. This is not for me to brag about everything I am involved in at all. I am absolutely 100% blessed to have the opportunity to serve and be involved with such an amazing church. All the glory goes to God for how wonderful He has been to me. I am just stating things that all lead up to show you the path God has been taking me on. So here it goes!

About 6 months or so ago God was constantly opening doors for me in more ways than one. Not going to lie, at first, I didn’t realize they were doors to a bigger picture and I was also a bit skeptical. I simply wasn’t seeing the huge picture that God was painting RIGHT in front of me for His calling on my life. Almost 2 months ago my eyes finally opened as I listened to God speak to me during a devo one morning. I had been hearing about how they had opened up a Celebration Campus in Northern Ireland,UK and felt a tug at my heart as I thought to myself, “neat!” but I didn’t give it much attention after that. Not long after that, about 40 odd days ago two people I happen to love very much, Pastor Big John and Rachel Scott, got called to become the pastors of the church over there. Well little did I know that it would become such a HUGE part of my life as well. When God spoke to me that one beautiful morning He was without a doubt calling me to the mission field, and in none other than, Northern Ireland. In the midst of Him opening doors for me I have had the opportunity to meet some of the Ireland girls and guys and hangout. I also have been able to attend a few Ireland meetings, some involving kids and outreach. Which by the way, is totally where I belong. Anyone that knows me knows my love for children and reaching out to them.

With all that being said, I immediately began to pray and seek God. I began to question Him. I knew He was doing something huge, but for some reason I was fighting it. I was constantly asking Him what His will for my life was, what He wanted me to do with my life, etc. ALL I wanted was to live a life to glorify Him and reach others. I wanted others to know who He is just like I do. I was frustrated that I didn’t seem to be getting answers. Not long after, I was removed from where I was living and I have been basically living out of my car. Sad? No way! God has moved and spoken to me more than I feel He ever has before. A month ago as I sat out on the porch of a friend’s apartment one afternoon He spoke. He told me, “If you believe that I have called you to Ireland, then why are you still questioning me about my will for you and your life? Stop questioning it, and just trust me.” WHOA!

After constant prayer, fasting, long talks with trusted loved ones, and diving in the Word of God, I have been given the chance to finally jump in to my walk towards God’s calling. A new chapter. In November I will be off to Northern Ireland with the Celebration Kids Team! Both areas of my life I am being called to all wrapped up in one?! BAM! So awesome. We will be leaving November 9, 2011 and be back November 15, 2011. We will be over there helping to build up the church as well as the children’s ministry. It is going to be so amazing and I just KNOW God is going to move. For the mission trip I am going to need to raise $2, 300. I ask you to pray and consider partnering with me with a donation. I will also be posting blogs periodically during my trip, so please check back frequently for updates on what God is doing!

I am seriously so very excited for this trip and for how God plans to move. To raise money our team will also be doing a lot of FUNdraisers, so if you feel led to help in that way please check our facebook for the dates things will be happening and come out to support. I am just one step closer to His calling and cannot wait for this trip, or to be living over there. God is so good. If you have any questions feel free to text or call me at 9048873216. Thank you so much for your time and donations! With all my love, Brittany Robertson

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

EPHESIANS 4:1-2


NOTE:

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE PLEASE SEND MONEY TO:

10943 Raley Creek Drive S
Jacksonville, FL
32225

OR

Thank you so much! xo Brittany