…at Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Richardson, TX

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Translation: NLT

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Image courtesy of PINTEREST

trapped.

beaten.

starved.

sold.*

It’s estimated that 3 million of the 27 million enslaved are marketed for sex.**

Sex trafficking is a $30+ million dollar business.**

Sarah was one of many, one of the 27 million.

She was sold by her mother,

had her virginity stolen for $600,

and suffered unimaginable experiences.

Read her complete story here…

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…at Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Richardson, TX

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*The FBI : Human Trafficking

**Elephant Journal

Proverbs 3:5,6

The Word

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5,6

The Prayer

 Father, I’m always amazed that I will trust You with my eternity, but struggle, at times, trusting You with the day-to-day. The pursuit of control is still innate and when I stray away from the Spirit-controlled way of life, the need and desire for power and control oozes it way into my heart and mind. I’ve found leaning on myself only causes me to fall over. Leaning on what I feel, think or believe minus YOU is catastrophic and ridiculous. I long to acknowledge You ~ always! I want a trusting heart who leans on You ~ Your strength, way, knowledge, power. I long to acknowledge You as the beginning and the end, the omnipotent, omniscient One who created me and loves me with an everlasting love. Upon that condition, YOU will make my paths straight. You’ll lead me in and through life, directing me, pointing me to why I am here. Your love remains, but Your protection and guidance depend upon my trusting, leaning, and acknowledging. Straighten my path, Father! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Share

If you are joining us today & “Seeing & Praying”  THIS WORD, we’d love to encourage each other on the journey. Part of this experience is to share and see what the Lord reveals to each of us we come together in community to share the Holy Word. We encourage you to journal, create & pray through this verse and share that with our Wednesday with our community by commenting below. We hope that with all of us centering on one verse that the Lord will reveal much. 

word-filled wednesday prayers here…

…at Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Richardson, TX

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Translation: ESV

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*Image courtesy of PINTEREST

 Today’s God-Sized Dreams challenge is to choose and share about our favorite non-profit organization.  Immediately, after reading Holley’s appeal, a ticker-tape like list of “favorites” began scrolling through my mind.

Scroll…

Scroll…

Chose one?

I simply can’t!

So, with that said, I’ve chosen to share a few of my favorites {plural}.

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{1} Not For Sale

NOT FOR SALE FIGHTS MODERN-DAY SLAVERY AROUND THE WORLD

Using business creation, supply chain evaluation and aftercare aid around the globe. By creating enterprise for vulnerable communities, offering social services to survivors and those at-risk to human trafficking, and evaluating the use of forced labor in mainstream supply chains, Not For Sale works to make sure no one is for sale.*

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{2} LightForce International

LightForce International exists to fight against the enslavement and exploitation of men, women and children in the commercial sex industry.**

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{3} MANNA Worldwide

MANNA Worldwide is a Christian organization that focuses on caring for impoverished children around the world. We are strategically fighting the GLOBAL GIANTS of DISEASE, POVERTY, ILLITERACY, and SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS.***

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{4} FEBC

FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Company) is a global media network broadcasting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and cultivating relationships to reach people with the Good News.****

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{5} Restore One

Restore One is a ministry that seeks to open shelters that offer faith-based residential recovery programs, free of cost to American boys who are survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST).*****

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Each organization steps away from what’s comfortable and familiar for a greater cause.

Each organization embraces the words of Deuteronomy 31:6:

They’re strong and courageous.

They’re not intimidated, giving second thoughts to fears.

They KNOW God is with them, walking ahead of them, standing right beside them.

They believe GOD will not leave them ~ period!

…at Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Richardson, TX

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Translation: MSG

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*Information provided from respective web-sites.

Promises, promises.

We’ve all made them.

We’ve all broken them.

We’ve all been promised.

We’ve all experienced the disappointment of having one broken.

We’re imperfect people with good intentions.

We want to keep them.

We want them to be kept.

Sadly, we don’t always and they aren’t always.

Thankfully, forgiveness covers all broken promises and time helps heal them.

HE, however, keeps HIS promises.

He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart.  He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. ~ Isaiah 40:11

“I will never fail you.  I will never abandon you.” ~ Hebrews 13:5

“I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!” ~ Jeremiah 31:3 (MSG)

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. ~ Psalm 37:4

The Perfect One keeps HIS promises.

He’s faithful, trustworthy.

He will do what He says.

one thousand gifts {plus} continues…

{1516}  my sweet friend, Logan (@LifeforDessert), our fearless Allume leader…

{1517}  the Declare Community…

{1518}  a surprise Mother’s Day visit from my nephew from Kentucky…

{1519}  my new favorite | Listening to MP3 podcasts in the car!

{1520]  Christ came to die so to free us from the bondage of the fear of death. ~ @JohnPiper

{1521}  my Pastor (and husband) @hdanbrown was given the opportunity to lead 2 people to Christ last week, both of whom have been in our prayers for some time…

{1522}  a sweet, sweet poem written by my son, Alex, for Mother’s Day…

{1523}  my NEW favorite love, SkullSoap…

{1524}  our inaugural Mother’s Day Luncheon…

{1525}  kind friends who help with my mom (83, nursing home resident) when needed…

{1526}  school is nearing its end which means our little man will be home for the summer!

{1527}  our bathroom remodeling (due to unfortunate water leaks) is nearly complete…

{1528}  a good book…

{1529}  nice shopping day with my mom (loading her up with Mother’s Day gifts)…

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…at Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Richardson, TX

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Translation NLT, unless otherwise noted