Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. (Acts 10:4)

As I read this I picture heaven and God sitting on a throne. Around him are multitudes of angels – some bowing, some singing, some raising their hands and others reaching towards him. Light shines from the throne so bright that everything around it is white.

Before the throne a beautiful memorial offering sits that is carved and sculpted from the prayers and gifts of one man, Cornelius.

God may my life come up to you like a memorial here and in Nicaragua.

Job 11
Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “Are all these words to go unanswered? Is this talker to be vindicated?
Will your idle talk reduce men to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock?

You say to God, ‘My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight.’ Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.

Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

If he comes along and confines you in prison and convenes a court, who can oppose him? Surely he recognizes deceitful men; and when he sees evil, does he not take note? But a witless man can no more become wise than a wild donkey’s colt can be born a man.

Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.

You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.

But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; their hope will become a dying gasp.

Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.

This, above all, is how I want to be remembered. That I sought the welfare of my people, and I spoke peace. Starting with my family, moving to my neighborhood, then my city, then my nation, then my world. Speaking peace. Isn’t that a beautiful thing?

Oh who am I that Your merciful eyes should fall on me
A sinner a fool, who doesn’t deserve You
And what am I that you’d offer Your life and die for me
What can I do, I’m nothing without You, I’m nothing without You
I’m nothing without You my love, my saving love

So I fall into You, I’m desperate and weak
Crying out from my heart, take all of me

How can it be that the heart of my God would long for me
For all that You do, Jesus I love You, I’ll Always Love You
Jesus I love You with all of my heart

Maker of sun and moon and stars

[Phil Wickham - Fall Into You lyrics]

As we round the mid-way part of our fundraising process (59% supported!) we are continually amazed at how God is not only providing for us financially but is still using us. I guess I kinda felt that God would quit using us until we landed in Nicaragua.

I have been doing some work for a client that is trading store credit with us for my services. This has been great because this client just happens to be the best little coffee shop in Birmingham! Today Bekah was on her way to meet me at my office and a guy asked her for some money. We make it a practice not to just hand out money (nor do we ever actually HAVE money) so she refused. Half-way up the next block God would not let her just walk away. She walked back down and offered him lunch with us (surprisingly not the first time she has shown up with someone and said ‘I have someone that needs some food’).

What ensued was one of the best conversations I have had. We talked about our pasts, our beliefs and our dreams – all over some tea and paninis.

I may not have any silver or gold, but I do have credit at Lucy’s Coffee and Tea!

Who said budgets aren’t fun? I happen to love them, especially when I’m budgeting for a move to Nicaragua. The past few days of work have been mentally draining, as I am training not one but two replacements. My last day at work is July 2nd, and for fun, I redid our budget. Yes, this is fun to me.

We currently have 59% of our monthly salary raised, as well as all of our moving costs. The math is slightly fuzzy because we don’t know the total amount we will be able to contribute. It all depends on how many people hire Frank to do websites before we leave. Hint hint! Thankfully, he’s signing contracts on two websites this week, and there is a third website that has about a 60% chance of signing in the next three weeks.

When we went over the budget today, Frank and I couldn’t stop laughing. In that “I can’t believe this is really happening” giddy way. I know that people aren’t giving for recognition, but I am specifically amazed at the generosity found in our small groups and through both sets of parents. Without their contributions, we wouldn’t be able to get to Nicaragua as soon. It is especially hard for our parents, as they know that their contributions get us closer to leaving.