A heart like His

This morning I spent a couple hours walking around campus, exploring and praying. Most of the students on campus right now are international students. These are the same students we are focusing on reaching and interacting with over the next year.

As I sat on a bench next to the living learning center, an area dedicated to helping international students succeed in their time at the University of Oregon. I prayed for them, dreamed of ways to interact with them. While sitting there I realized something about myself that I hope you will join me in praying for.

I need a heart for the international students on this campus. A heart that reflects God's heart for them. His unconditional, total and complete love. International students are not something I have been very involved in, but I know it is something God has planned for me.

I have know I have a heart for native Alaskans for a while now. That heart is something I truly believe God gave me, but I know to say that is the only people He can burden my heart for is limiting my God. Pray for me as I start this journey that every student, international or American I interact with I see through God's eyes.

A hidden future

It has been almost a week since I returned to Texas after my time in Alaska. I was there for Salmon Frenzy, a project I have been very involved in for the last two years. Over those two years much has changed about my life, where I am in Christ and what my future plans might be.

Three years ago I never imagined I would be leading a team of my family to Alaska to a place I love so dearly. I still cannot even begin to put into words all that this trip meant and how each day impacted me. But I will try. I am hoping to have several posts to give you a small picture of what it was like for me, today I am going to start with where my heart and mind are focused right now. The end of the trip and my time since I have been home.

After our week of serving at Salmon Frenzy, my family spent a few days in Palmer. While there we spent nearly all of our time with different friends. Some friends we have known as a family for ages, some of my friends that became my families friends during Salmon Frenzy and some just my friends who I wanted to meet my family. The last category is the one I am focused on right now. 

All of the times I have spent in Alaska God has blessed me with people who have become like family. I look to them for advice and encouragement, and they give me more blessings and love than I could ever imagine. 

Some of these people are the Whitson’s. Brian, Kristin and the kids have given me so much in the year I have known them. From a place to stay and a friendly face at the airport, to godly advice and words of wisdom. I have seen them pursue Christ and what he wants from them relentlessly. Even when those around them do not understand their decisions. 

Another one of these people is Aaron Brown. From our first come to Jesus meeting three summers ago to now you have been a steady friend. I know my first summer in Alaska was a trying time for you, I relayed on your leadership to get me through some of the tough spots. It wasn’t until you had to leave early that I realized exactly how much a part of my life you had become. Ever since I have know I could talk to you about whatever, whenever. Especially now when I get texts at midnight asking me if I’m still awake. 

Together the Whitson’s and Aaron make up  the founders of SMAK. An organization that seeks to share the love of Christ through meeting the needs of people all across Alaska through construction. I have been privileged to see first hand how God has directed your steps and led you to where you are. He is using and blessing this ministry and it is amazing to watch. 

As I prepared to leave Alaska Friday night, both of you told me you needed me in Alaska. That there was a spot for me whenever I could get there. This isn’t the first time you both have asked me why I am moving to Oregon, but it is the first time you have told me you are praying me to Alaska sooner rather than later. A fact that is scary considering the last time I was told that. It doesn’t help that they have put action to their words, even if it is just feelers for how things could change in their favor.  

I know I'm missing, Lord willing one day it will be the three of us,
praying for the next person to join our team. 

All of us know that I have committed to Oregon and that is where I will be until next June.  But we all, at least at some level, wish I was moving to Alaska instead. It is such a blessing to know that I am wanted, that someone recognizes the gifts and talents God has given me. To realize they think about me being on their team often. To know that none of us know what God has in store for me over the next year, but it will bring me new opportunities to grown in Him and learn things I need to know in order to serve better. 

I have no guarantees that come June I will head North. But I know I want that with all my heart, and that SMAK, Brian and Aaron want it as well. Keep the texts with my empty chair coming guys. Each one is an encouragement and reminder of where God could take me. Even if everyone of them makes me want to keep driving past Eugene and catch the ferry to Whittier. 

Those of you reading this, I hope it encourages you to do what you know Christ has led you to do. Even if it is hard or you wonder if you made the right decision. I look back at my time in the MSC and know I am where I am supposed to be. I also know my God is a big God and likes to show the world how He loves us. So I won’t stop hoping that maybe I will get to Alaska before June. But I will also pour everything I have into serving where He has placed me.

Pray for me. As the next few weeks come to a close and I move to a new life. Pray that I would see the opportunities Christ has given me for showing His love. That I would be content and wholly serving where I am. Not looking to the future. If you would like to be on the list I send specific prayer requests to, please email me at sarahsakadventure@gmail.com. I am so grateful for those of you who have, are and will be supporting me in this way.  

Thoughts

Recently while listening to a podcast of the large, on-campus, Bible study at Texas A&M University called Breakaway, I have been given many things to thing about. One of which is where my heart is. What in my life defines who I am.

One question Ben Stuart, the director of Breakaway asked, was does our lifestyle reflect what we love? Many of us as American college students say we are christians and believe in God. But when you start asking us how we spend our time, what we buy and where our money goes, it does not line up with what we say.

I was extremely convicted by this and so I started wondering, would my answer be any different than of those around me? Today, with extreme certainty looking back on the last few days I can say yes, my answer is different. In the last week, I have bought blankets, sheets, mattress toppers, Bibles, and coffee creamer.  All items to be given away in a little over a week when I am back in Alaska.

Outside of those items I have bought items to fulfill my basic needs. Food, shampoo, toothpaste, gas, things along those lines. All things necessary for my life, but very little outside of that. Yes I went out to eat, but every time it was to spend more quality time with friends, building relationships with those around me.

But any other day of the year would my answer still match what I say? I don't know. The last week of my life has been spent preparing for the time when I get back on the airplane to head North. I have talked with people I am beyond blessed to know to get their advice on how to effectively serve while I am in Alaska. I have spent money purchasing items to take with us to further the ministry we are working with.

Yesterday was a highlight for me. Spending time comparing prices, totaling weights and pursuing what is most needed in Nome. An entire afternoon with awesome friends finding exactly what we could take with us. It was a great day. A day where I knew that what I had done that day had a purpose. It would impact eternity.

Those are the days I live for. But when I am struggling with school, having trouble finding the motivation to keep going and do everything for the glory of God, those days are tough.

While right now I can confidently say I am living to serve God. But I can also confidently say that it is not the same answer every other day of the year. It is still a struggle to wake up and be fully committed to what God is doing every minute of every day. But it is a battle worth fighting. Because by doing so, not only am I guaranteed to win, I am guaranteed to help others along the way.

Captive Freedom

Two words that many would consider oxymoron's. But recently both these words have come to hold significant importance in my life. You see while many would see these words as seemingly polar opposites in every way. I see them as complementing each other, in a very strange way.

Captive: The dictionary definition of captive is somewhat depressing. But at the same time it means holding the attention of someone or something. Holding it, containing it in some way. 

Freedom: Being able to share your thoughts, desires, emotions without the threat of repercussions. Not being contained, able to move about, go where you desire. 

These two words are truly antonyms. But they belong together. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive to obey Christ. This is one of my daily struggles. It seems simple in theory, but in reality it's one of the toughest things I have ever attempted. Focusing on Christ is so important, yet terribly difficult. At times, even impossible. 

Galatians 5:1 tells us that in freedom Christ has set us free. No longer to be under a yoke of slavery. Christ gives us freedom. He allows me to go where I want to, be what I want to be. 

But how do I get that freedom in Christ? By being His. Surrendering my life to him. Being captive to Him. 

You see by having and being captive freedom I become all Christ wants me to be. I can reach the full potential He has laid out for me. Captive Freedom is restraining the bad and embracing the good. Through the combination I am much better off than simply restraining the bad or embracing the good. This combination is amazing and empowering. 

I have no idea if this even makes sense, but it is something I have felt compelled to share. I hope it makes you stop and think about where you might be and the potential to where you can go. 

Growing Up

Part 1:
This weekend was a new chapter for the Miller family. My older sister is now married. After months of planning, and over a year expecting it, the deed is done.

Months ago, this wedding loomed in front of me. Threatening the very foundation of my life. I have always hated change. It meant my security was gone. Everything that kept my world stable was rocked when change came to town.

This weeding was the biggest change to date. As long as we are all single, happy, independent, people leading our own lives, nothing would rock my foundation. But when I got the call a year and a half ago telling me my sister had a boyfriend, I wasn't really shocked. I was certain it would change my life forever.

Today I know my sister is married, I know that there is a man, now officially part of my family. A brother in law. I have a brother in law! Crazy.

I tried so hard to get used to our family changing. Desperate to be excited for this marriage. I am excited for my sister, but it is still weird. Give me a couple months and I will get used to this change. Just like I have every other one.

Part 2:
While I am adjusting to one change, I just well adjust to more than one. So to all the hot, kind, listening, wise, godly, spiritual males over the age of 27 applications are being accepted for dates with my older sister.

Warnings: Applying requires passing the sibling test. Which can be full of undisclosed questions, scenarios requiring quick thinking, and possibly road trips with potential in-laws. 

But upon passing these tests, you are permitted to continue pursuing an amazing woman of God. A woman who has spent years of her life sacrificing to share God's love with those around the world. Every step of her life has been spent pursuing how best she can serve those around her.

Yes, she is crazy, and frustrating at times. But she's my sister and I want to see her loved and cherished by someone. Preferably a good one.

Disclaimer: I figured I have already dealt with one just well deal with another asap. After all I have the dress, shoes, and sore calves. 

Blessed

Occasionally you wake up and just realize how amazingly blessed you are. The past week has been like that for me. Christ commands us to love everyone. At times it is difficult to love those around you. And other times it is extremely easy and blessed to have the community and fellowship of believers you love.

It started last weekend when a few of the people I have served with in Alaska all came to College Station. We went to the football game, it was fun to share our crazy Aggie traditions with those who don't know anything about being an Aggie.

After the game we all went back to the guys house and just chilled all afternoon and evening. It is not often that a group of college students will come together and be real with each other. We talked and laughed, told stories and caught up on life, watched movies and slept. I will always look back and know that weekend was an amazing gift. Some of these people I have worked next to for 100s of hours in a summer, others I barely know, but they are all a blessing in my life.

The amazing blessings in life continued this week. A great Bible study with a group of people who aren't scared to stay until midnight studying God's word. Not just one night, but nearly every week.

A short road trip and an amazing night of fellowship came Friday night. To be able to sit at dinner with a couple I know and love. To be able to talk with them about what we have been studying in Job, or where my life is going or could go. To be given so much encouragement and wisdom.  The whole night was full of laughter.

Having people around me that I can be real with and know genuinely care about me. Who can encourage and support me when I have no idea what to do in life.

People are a blessing, at times it is just difficult to be open and real with people. Living life in such a way that people know who I am. Who God has made me and how he is continuing to build and grow me into someone more like him.

Three Musketeers

Brian took this amazing picture. So I just wanted to share :)

This trip to Alaska was so different and exciting for many reason. The short notice, unsure feelings, and extreme unpreparedness, are all things I had never really experienced before. And they all contributed to an exciting trip.

Throughout all of this, once I made it to Alaska I was gifted with some amazing blessings. Two of the biggest, being whom I was able to work with. Brian Whitson and Daniel Wise.

I met Brian in March when I was serving in Nome for Iditarod. The first thing he told me was how much his kids loved the video of my roommates and I sliding down the stairs in our house. I quickly came to appreciate Brian for his unique sense of humor, wise words, calm spirit, and even his quirky match making attempts.

When he called me in late June to ask, or more accurately beg me to come help with Salmon Frenzy. I was floored. My plan since October was to go back to Nome over spring break, then wait and see when I would be able to go back, probably spring break of 2013. I was fully expecting to wait for over a year to return to the state I love so much. But with the help of an extraordinary God, I got to go back early. Twice actually.

Brian says he prayed me back to Alaska, and he pretty much did. When I got to Alaska I learned so much more about Brian. How he is married to one of the most amazing woman I have ever met. And how he and Kristin never planned to be together and have grown into an amazing couple serving Christ together with their children. How much he can teach, correct, and provoke improvement all by being himself.

This summer was the second time I worked alongside Daniel during Salmon Frenzy. Last summer was crazy for us. There were multiple times this summer we looked at each other and said, "wow, things are so much smoother than last year. We can actually sleep more than 4 hours a night!" Last summer marked the beginning of an amazing friendship. It was so comforting knowing there was finally someone at school that understands my love for Alaska. Daniel has a gift of being able to work with people no matter their age and persuade them to work hard. At times they don't even know how much he is getting them to do.

Daniel works hard, does not complain, and is willing to do whatever necessary to accomplish the days project. From playing with kids, loving on them, and listening to them. To fixing whatever is broken, building whatever needed, taking out the trash. Or giving up his love of fishing to spend every moment he stood in the river helping those around him catch salmon. And not stoping at helping them reel in fish, but process them as well. From gutting, filleting, and packaging. Many people went from having a fish on their line, to picking it up out of the freezer ready to cook.

It was crazy how as the days continued on, Brian, Daniel, and I would go do things together, just to work together. We became such good friends while in Kenai working together, something I never really expected, much less imagined.

I could not have picked two better people to serve alongside this summer. I absolutely loved everyday we got to spend together. The three of us became such amazing friends, that when it came time for me to leave we had one last hooray of taking me to the airport. Just the three of us. It was tough to say goodbye. But nice to know it would not be the last time I would see them both. Out of everyone I met and became close with, the two of them are the ones I would catch myself missing. A lot.

I was blessed beyond measure this summer. God did so much on the beaches of Kenai and I had the privilege of being a small part of it. And to be partners with two amazing men just made it that much better.

Brian, Daniel, and I. Best Friends!