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!”