"In my city, that's where God belongs!"

For the past few months I have chased options that would end me up serving in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. But one by one they fell. I was really getting discouraged. What is going on, I thought this is where God wanted me?! On Sunday the associate pastor at my church, Brandon, preached. There was a lot of talk of local missions and I felt something on my heart. That night I was driving through downtown Columbia City, the windows down, and "In my City" by Andy Mineo on repeat. It was in that moment that the message got through. I felt like God was revealing to me where my mission is...in my city! I don't know what that means exactly but I'm confident he wants me here, for now at least. :)

Here's the song, it's my new favorite song. I can't stop listening to it.

Nothing can separate.

Lately I have been struggling between what my weak, selfish, sinful, human body wants and what God wants. I have felt guilt in the moments when I just don't seem to measure up. It's hard not to wonder, "Does God still love me?"

Today, I reread a verse I learned this summer and it really spoke to me. It's Romans 8:38-39 and it says; "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

So to revisit that question I tend to ask myself, "Does God still love me?" According to that verse, YES! Isn't that wonderful?! My fingers can't adequately express my happiness that nothing...NOTHING can separate me from the love of God!

With love,
Emily :)

YWAM Pittsburgh.

It's been awhile since I've done this. I have been home from Germany for almost 2 weeks. (I'll blog about that later.)

A few days ago I sent in the first part of my application to YWAM Pittsburgh's Disciple Training School. I've passed out almost all of the reference forms and all that's left is a long list of questions and a visit to the doctor's office. I am hoping they accept me. I've been to Pittsburgh twice on mission trips and last time I was there (last summer) I absolutely fell in love with the city and the people. My heart breaks for them....I desperately want to go back.

A week ago I looked into a job at the homeless shelter we volunteered at while we were there last summer. It just wasn't the time for that but I do hope to get a job there after I finish this opportunity...Lord willing. :)

Love,
Emily :)

The mission starts here.

When I signed up to go to Germany this summer, I had this assumption that my life would be the same until I boarded the plane. I had this idea that that was when my mission started. I was so wrong. God has been working in me to prepare me for Germany. I am so excited about this summer, but I have also realized that I need to keep my eyes open to what God wants for me BEFORE I leave. :)

Update; I have received all the funds needed for my trip. Now all I need is extra funds for things I need while I'm there and the supplies I need to take with me. Please pray for me as I continue to trust God to provide and as I actually go on the trip.

With love,
Emily

To Write Love On Her Arms

When hope is gone the devil likes to say that no one else cares, no one understands, and no one loves you. I've experienced this many times and sometimes just knowing someone understands what you are going through makes all the difference. The TWLOHA street team provides a way for me to stop focusing on myself and focusing on others. I can't be depressed when I'm focused on helping others. :)

The To Write Love On Her Arms website;
http://www.twloha.com/

The To Write Love On Her Arms street team website;
http://towriteloveonherarms.fancorps.com/signup/ref/EmyGraceDancee


Check them out! 


With love,
Emily :)

Artist Spotlight; The Letter Black

Genre; Hard Rock
Members;
Sarah Anthony - Vocals
Mark Anthony - Vocals and Guitar
Matt Beal - Bass
Taylor Carroll - Drums
Record Label; Tooth and Nail Records
Website; http://theletterblack.com




Now for my opinion, The Letter Black is definitely worth your time. Lead singer, Sarah Anthony, is one of my favorites. Honestly, the music itself isn't anything that any other great rock band has. The Letter Black has something better that sets them apart in my mind and that is their vocals. I highly recommend checking them out, I don't think you will be disappointed. :)


This is my favorite video, the song is "Fire with Fire"

And this is my favorite song, "Believe"

I hope you enjoyed them!

With love,
Emily :)

God has better plans! :)

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania :)

 Last summer I had the opportunity to go to Mexica on a mission trip. I was really excited. I got my passport and was ready to start raising support but then I got news that the trip was cancelled. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I wanted so badly to go on a mission trip so I searched everywhere to find a trip but nothing worked out. "God, what are you doing?!" I remember screaming on many frustrated occasions. Then one day I was complaining to my friend Anna about how frustrated I was and she suggested going with her church, so I did. We went to Pittsburgh and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I thought this was a one time thing, what I didn't know was God had a bigger picture in mind when he rearranged my summer.

Confirmation :)

Anna's dad is the pastor of her church and I had heard him preach a few times before I went to Pittsburgh. I loved hearing him preach but never really considered switching churches until I went to Pittsburgh. When I got back I felt like I needed to do more so I began praying about switching churches. I felt like God kept saying "Yes, Emily you need to do this. I have big plans for you there." I recently went through Confirmation Class and became a member. I know I am exactly where God wants me and I am excited about what he wants to do through me. I am so thankful that his plan is so much bigger than mine. I am so thankful for the relationships he has placed in my life because I went to Pittsburgh last summer.

I want to encourage you. When you feel God keep shutting doors, it's because he's opening BETTER ones! :)

If you have prayer requests, post them in a comment below and I will pray for you.

With love,
Emily :)


"Our thankfulness doesn't depend on our circumstances, our thankfulness depends on how GREAT our God is!" -Pastor Ross