Friday's Word: Dreams

Dream 

1. A series of thoughts, images and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.
2. Experience dreams during sleep.
3. Contemplate the possibility of doing something.

This past week has been a week of spending time pressing into the Lord, seeking His heart and allowing Him to lead my thoughts and heart into new territory. It's fantastic to meet with a co-worker and pray and just start writing down the strategies, plans and dreams for this ministry that will be reaching out to exploited women. This week has been allot of  conversations with Jesus about how he wants us to run this ministry, treat our staff, partner with others, reach out into the streets, etc. I cannot wait till this fall when we start fundraising and looking for buildings. Dreaming with Jesus and allowing my desires to line up with His has been a refreshing, beautiful thing that has been morphing my mind. The lyrics to a song that a friend of a friend wrote once upon a time, keeps running through my mind. "All the distractions I see, can't get their hold on me. So I fix my gaze, on your face, I fix my gaze on you!" and I am SO thankful that when I fix myself on the Lord, distractions fade away, identity and purpose is spoken over my work and dreams start coming to life!

SO, yeah... I'm sorry this isn't like my usual bit and whatnot. But, there it is. A blurb about my week. Kind of, Yeah. You know. Good stuff. haha 

Go in peace, blessings and DREAM more!

-Jackie 

Belated post: Friday's Word: FAVOR

So, this post was supposed to be done on Friday. But I was home sick Thursday and over the weekend. So, here's my belated Friday's Word.

FAVOR
Fa-vor
1. An attitude of approval or liking.
2. An act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.


This week has been about favor. The Lord is releasing new things over this ministry I'm building foundations for. Every time I reach a new task, I approach it ready to work, fight and vie for it's accomplishment. Then, the Lord just lines everything up so that it works out perfectly. This really is a time the Lord has prepared for me. His favor is pouring into my life and my ministry. Everyday I step further into absolute AWE of what the Father is doing here in Las Vegas! He's been preparing the fields for me, He's been preparing hearts, setting up relationships and preparing a way... and now the harvest time is here! I am reaping the joy and hope and blessings and favor of all the preparation many who have been before me have fought for! Guys, I don't even know how to exactly explain it. But, it's happening. Big things are happening. A storm is brewing, the awesome kind.

May justice, mercy, hope and FAVOR be yours!
-Jackie 

Friday's Word: Foundation.

foun-da-tion 
noun
  1. the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level. 
  2. an underlying basis or principle for something.


     This week I've been learning allot about foundations. Being given the release to pursue a whole new ministry, under the umbrella of YWAM Las Vegas leaves allot of blank space to explore. Pioneering, at this stage, is difficult and it seems like not much is happening. I don't know allot about starting a ministry or how to execute a business plan to complete tasks like this. The one thing I DO know is that foundations, roots, are EVERYTHING. A firm, solid, trusted foundation is the basis for all building plans and roots are one of the most important parts of a tree. So, I'm determined to build a solid foundation. Perhaps I shall never see the fullness of this ministry I am beginning, perhaps I will never see it birthed into the world and grow. But I am pouring my blood, sweat and tears into building a foundation that will stand the test of time. I'm meeting with organizations, ministries and individuals to learn everything I possibly can about my field. Studying legislation, the details of the local law, studying the permit processes, learning victim care, community center management, etc. Sometimes, it's discouraging to be working so hard, for what seems like such a small outcome. As one of my co-workers said it, "It's a massive construction site with lots of cones and slow traffic. And from the outside, it seems like nothing is being accomplished, but everything is changing!" Luckily, I have partners, supporters, co-workers, friends and family who believe in me. Who listen to me cry about how God is good and point me in the right direction when I'm frustrated. I have a base director who's FANTASTIC at pioneering ministries and is teaching me along the way. My heart has hope.

     And when I give into the temptation of negativity, I  look up from my desk and this art is hung on the wall right out my window. It reminds me, the roots and foundation are the life-blood and strength of everything that lives, breathes and grows.

    It's worth it. These girls in this city are worth it. The spreading of the gospel is worth it. Every last moment of confusion or frustration or discouragement is worth it. The. End. 

Friday's Word : Adjustment

ad-just-ent 

noun

  - a small alteration or movement made to achieve a desired fit,

    appearance, or result. 

  - the process of adapting or becoming used to a new situation. 

     This has been a week-ish of many adjustments. Last week I moved to Las Vegas, road tripping across America with one of my best friends and now that she has returned to  In the meanwhile, I've moved in with some friends, here in Las Vegas, for the next few months. I started work this past Monday (June 1st)... Now here we are, it's Friday! I've been settling in and re-adjusting to life in Vegas, living in an apartment and now - actually having more capability and time to pour into the foundation of a new anti-trafficking ministry, through YWAM Las Vegas. As it is the time of year where our DTS' (Discipleship Training Schools) return from their international outreaches and debrief, I've dedicated a chunk of my time to helping prepare the base for their re-entry. It's a little weird being back in Vegas, working with YWAM. Almost like I'm starting over again. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. I get to take my time and build a really strong understanding and firm foundation for ministry to exploited women in Vegas. I'm not quite sure how to wrap this up, but I'm encouraged and ready for whatever comes my way. I feel much like a race horse at the starting gate, just waiting for the moment I get to run, even just one step, closer to the dreams and visions God has placed on my heart. 

May grace and justice burn in you, 

Jackie