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megan & the middle east.

7 Feb

I’d love to take a few minutes of your time and tell you about a dear friend of mine, Megan Coleman. She is living and working abroad, doing some Amazing work for the Kingdom of God in Amman, Jordan. She is one of the few that I know, who has taken a childhood dream hidden on the inside, and did all that she could, to make that dream become a living and breathing reality on the outside. I’ve known Megan coming up on 9 years now, and I’ve always known her huge heart for the Middle East and the Muslim people. Moving to the Middle East seemed like a huge mountaintop far beyond her reach… but after much patience and perseverance, God began to open doors, and Megan obediently responded by walking through every single one.

She is stationed in Amman with a team of individuals that’s aim is to be a visible expression of Jesus in the lives of people who have yet to meet Him.
When I asked Megan to write in a bit of detail their strategy and heart for the Jordanian people, she said; “We desire to see people have an encounter with God, and from that encounter, help them foster and reproduce communities of believers within their Muslim cultures. We are there to invite Jesus into their culture, not to impose our culture on them. There are about 2 billion Muslim’s in the world. Most of who believe that their good works will save them. We are there as a reminder of the good news of Jesus Christ – that eternal life are found in Him and what He did and not in good works”.

Individually, she is in language school learning Arabic, in hopes of being able to more easily and effectively share her life and story with others. Ultimately Megan’s true desire is to build relationships/community, share life, and the love of Jesus with all of those around her.

I would love if you would write down Megan’s name right now, and remember her. Keep her in your prayers and thoughts. Pray that God would give her courage and boldness to be a faithful witness of the Truth of His word and of the kindness in His heart.
She is currently in the states proposing meetings galore, raising support, and raising awareness about what she’s doing in the Middle East.
She is campaigning a 25 for 25, right now. Essentially, she is wanting 25 supporters to support $25 a month for the next year. (I know how quickly I can spend $25 in at a restaurant buying dinner… How much of a greater impact could you have with that $25, by sowing it into Megan and ultimately the spreading of the Gospel and the love of Jesus in the Middle East?!!)

Please pray about being one of those 25, I promise your seed would be sown into wonderful soil.

::WAYS TO CONNECT::

  • If you would like to become a supporter, you can do so online HERE at Modern Day
  • If you would like to keep up with all that Megan is doing, please subscribe to her blog HERE.
  • Follow her on Twitter @Megbc
  • Follow her on Instagram by searching megbc

*Friends, do me a huge favor and help Retweet this on Twitter and Re-Post the link to this blog on your Facebook and lets help spread the word about what Megan is doing. Also, by the request of Megan, IF you do post this on your Facebook, please DO NOT tag Megan in it for safety purposes. Thanks so much!*
(top photo by Meshali Mitchell Photo)

a heart to give, always receives.

19 Jan

“A heart to give, always receives”

Aside from being amazing, there is nothing I would say describes my parents more, than the word “givers.”
Coming from a larger family (5 kids) – stinginess wasn’t tolerated in my house. Particularly when 4 little girls were sharing the same small bedroom. Maybe you’re thinking, “well, kids will be kids, right?” well… my parents didn’t really buy into that concept. Trust me, we weren’t all perfect little robots, but our aim was always clearly set before us and regardless of our many attempts and failures – we had a clear understanding that stinginess/selfishness was not, and is still not acceptable behavior. I didn’t fully understand this then, but im growing to learn “why”, a little more everyday.

 “we’re not stingy, we’re givers!”

I remember that phrase so clearly spoken time and time again by my mom. In the midst of frustration as me and my sisters would be playing an unintentional game tug-a-war with a favorite shirt or toy, “NO, this is mine! MOM, tell her this is mine!”
I think after a while that phrase started sinking in, and little by little it’s settling somewhere gladly in our hearts…. “we’re givers”

Don’t get me wrong, sharing toys and clothes weren’t necessarily my favorite thing growing up, but I believe those seeds planted when I was young, to be a giver and to live openhandedly – were seeds sown from daily choices my parents made to instill in us very REAL and ever-PRESENT biblical truths… even at a young age.
I’m grateful they knew these truths of giving with a glad heart and living with an open hand would still be just as vital and just as valuable today, as they were 20yrs ago when all I had to worry about was someone playing with that new toy I just got for Christmas.

As I grew older I learned that money wasn’t mine and I didn’t have a right to claim and hoard it as my own, but it was a gift.
I would have my heart set on buying something of excess and a financial need would come up with someone… I’d take a second thought about giving.

“It’s just money. It’s not yours anyway, Sarah.”

A truthful reminder would be spoken by one of my parents and I would realize again, the vital importance of living with an open hand.
Of course, it was my responsibility to pay my bills, repay my debts, and give my tithe to God. But all that was left over was to be used however He saw fit. Whenever the door of someone’s need flung wide open.

I still don’t have it down right and never will. I fall extremely short of living a selfless life a million times a day. But my aim is to always remember those principles that I learned when I was a kid.

Be a giver. Live with an open hand.
Freely give as you have freely been given to.

That very well may be the key to unlocking a heart longing to give and pour out. To truly believe that all I’ve been given in this life is a gift. The lungs i have to breathe in and out the air i need, the tips of my fingers i use to type this, and even the money in my bank account. It’s all a gift. A gift to be funneled through willingly open hands and a humbled heart that expects nothing in return. 
I’m learning that this kind of lifestyle requires trust, that – im all in – all or nothing – flat on my face or running free – sink or swim kind of trust. A trust that must be confidently placed in a good shepherd, that leads our hearts and lives so carefully.
i shall not want.

a heart to give, always receives.

Proverbs 11
24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. 25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.

a sincere question.

13 Jan

“How can I pray for you?”

ive been asked this question plenty of times.
sometimes i was annoyed by it and felt as if it was someones duty at church to ask me this - as if it were just a protocol question, but i wouldn’t feel a genuine care from them…
and other times i was dying for someone to ask me that question. just waiting with anticipation – who will care about me, who will fight with me and help shoulder this weight that’s wearing me down?!

i have a feeling, there’s gotta be more people out there like me.
maybe you’re waiting for someone to ask you this question, wanting so badly to lean into someone else’s prayers for once.
your need for prayer could come from deep tragedy that’s left you living without hope, or maybe you’re having a crappy day at work and your kids are driving you bonkers, or maybe your dad was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and you feel like all breath and faith was just knocked out of you.
no matter the degree of trial or level of circumstances, there is always a part of you, that needs another. that needs someone to come into the trenches, grab a shovel, and help you shoulder a weight too heavy for one.

and here is the reason for the long paragraphs above.
i want you to know that there is someone who loves and cares about your needs, your struggles, and your pain.
i want to know how i can pray for you.
how i can agree with God about whats going on in your life or what you’re believing Him for, today.
i want that to become a new common trend with you, my friends, family, and others. i want it to be a usual thing, a normal thing, to send a text or email or phone call and say “hey, pray for me today!” why be alone, when you can find more strength and grace  for the journey with others alongside of you.

i believe that lifting up another and coming into agreement with God over someone else’s life, can be one of the most beneficial thing for your heart and theirs. it takes your eyes off yourself, your problems, and your tiny scope on life, and it sets your heart and mind on how you can love others well. how you can bear another’s burden, how you can help carry and shoulder another’s weight - whether it be in the natural or in prayer. (Gal 6:2)

with such genuine care i ask a question that i have at times been so eager and desperate for someone to ask me… how can i pray for you (whether the need is big or small, it matters not)?!  
please feel free to post your request in the comment section, or if you feel more comfortable Email Me, or call (if you have my number:)
i wanna pray with you and for you, so please, let me know how i can. or please let someone else you know how they could.

refuse: a new year’s resolution

9 Jan

refuse to live at a distance.

It’s my new year’s resolve. And what’s written on a post-it-note on my desk as a daily reminder. Don’t get me wrong – eating healthy, working out, reading more, writing more, practicing more… they’re all on my list.

But this is what i want most: refusing to live at a distance

I want to be active and present, in just about every area of my life.
I want that with my family, the people who mean the most and hold such a high worth and value in my heart.
I want that with my friendships, making the time to dig deeper, and together, grow stronger.
Mainly, I want it to be a thriving core-value in my heart, the well-spring of life. That all else would flow from that place.

Because distance is all too easy to be comfortable with. But intimate friendship, is an active pursuit of the heart.

My Resolve:
To Refuse to let the stresses of life, the daily routine, and the convenience of entertainment become the wedge that distances my heart and affections from what matter most.

the greatest mystery: a christmas reality

21 Dec

“The fact that the Son of God was found lying in a manger tells you volumes about the divine love that is your only hope of rescue.”
-Paul Tripp

What ridiculous depths he will descend in his wild quest of man… one of those ridiculous depths is upon us.
it’s actually something I can only think of as the greatest mystery the world will ever see.

“the word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1)

Maybe you’ve never taken the time to ponder this mystery, this ridiculous depth taken by the man Jesus. Here we are in the thick of the “holiday season” and do we find ourselves in awe of this great mystery that took place on the earth thousands of years ago? I’m not talking about how Santa’s Sled gets airborne or how he delivers all those presents in one night… im talking about the mystery of how God the Father sent His dearly beloved son to the earth, for you and me. That Jesus, one who is one with God, didn’t think so much of himself that He willingly set aside the privileges of deity and desired to become a slave, a man, and a servant to the world.
A human being he became, FOREVER. He took on flesh and bone, with crimson blood coursing through His veins-pumping the very heart that longed for our devotion, affection, and deepest love in return. He did not consider equality with God, but He humbled himself and carried out His obedience to the extreme of Death on a cross. He became a man so that he could become the great mediator that would bring God and man together. He is the only hope of our rescue, and is truly, the only reason for this joyful season.

such humility
such kindness
such devotion
such selflessness
such great love

It can only be a mystery, that someone would give of themselves so freely. 

Don’t let the busyness steal your “awe” this holiday season, but let the joy of His humble birth fill you, today.
That every crack, every corner, and every inch of space in our heart would be filled and consumed with the wonder of Christ.

Merry Christmas to you all!
-S

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 3 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, to being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
-Philippians 2:6-11

he always cares: a birthday message to my dad

9 Nov

today is a very special day.
we have the privilege of celebrating the birthday of one of the best people on the planet, my dad.

maybe you don’t know him, so you can’t bear the same gratitude, but i ensure you – if you did, you’d be thankful for this day too.

last night we had a family birthday dinner, and in typical Baker fashion we went around the table and all said the high and low of our day and one thing we love about my dad.
its kind of hard to just pick one. i felt like we all could have gone on for hours at the table. we could have gone on and on and on about how he has been the rock of our family, a steady and confident leader, and an ALWAYS approachable and tender man ready to talk and ready to love at any given second in the day.

that’s my dad. he’s selfless and he’s funny. he’s the hardest worker and most dependable person i know.

Dad,
first of all, im glad you were born because i obviously wouldn’t be here… but mostly, im glad you were born because we need you. the people in your life, need you. we need your example, your wisdom, and friendship. we need your humor, your steady attitude, and willingly helpful hands.
i appreciate every selfless moment. cleaning up throw up, coming to change flat tires at any hour of the night – no matter how far the distance, every talk over coffee, every cake you decorated for our birthdays, every time you start my car before i leave work because its cold and you want to warm it up for me. every sporting event and practice, every time you come to hear me sing, and every sacrifice you make to ensure your family is happy and that God is present and center in our lives..

i obviously could go on and on and on..

but most of all, im grateful to have a dad that cares. every second of everyday you not only care about us, but you care about the little moments and the small victories in our lives – ready at a moments notice to give us your time and affection no matter what you’re in the middle of. you always care and i believe that rare quality, is truly whats helped shape and mold us into the people we are today.

i love you so much and am so grateful to have an amazing dad like you. hope you have a great birthday!

-S

here’s some lovely throwback pictures of me and my dad.

the vote.

21 Sep

About 12 years ago, today, a vote was taken in our house.
It wasn’t your average poll of “what do we want for dinner tonight”, it was much more serious than that.

The question at the time was too loaded for me when my parents uttered the words…
“who wants another brother or sister?”

Somehow I was the only one who voted “no” when I quickly realized as a 13yr old what it would take to make this happen…. I was OBVIOUSLY not wanting that.!

 Sounds silly to some, when you realize the gap between the oldest and the youngest in my family is a solid 15yrs. A lot of people hear that we have 4 girls in our family and then the youngest is a boy.. and an 11 year old boy at that… I hear statements like “either that was an accident or man… you’re parents must have REALLY wanted a boy, huh?”
And as soon as I hear that, i wanna sock whoever says that in the face. Then I have to remember that one would assume such a thing looking from the outside in.

However, Grant was no accident and no last attempt for someone to carry on the Baker name. He was planned, and he was even planned before the foundations of the earth by a very real God that knew the Baker family couldn’t live without a brother!
And I promise you, as soon as you meet Mr. Grant Daniel Baker you will quickly realize what an incredible plan that was… and then you’ll realize how much life would absolutely suck without him!

 (I promise im not biased by my next paragraph, when you meet him you will agree whole-heartedly)

 My bubba happens to be one of the most enjoyable people to be around. He may be 11, but he will tell you EVERY single stat and fact about ANY NFL, MLB, and NCAA Football team. He is a BRAIN, not just in sports, but at school. He’s grades ahead and is basically a genius!! Sadly that gene skipped me…

He has my humor, so obviously he is dry and full of wit… yet sometimes he has glimmers of my dads corny jokes. Hopefully that will wear off. (kidding pops)
He also has my good looks, as people say we are practically twins.
He is a gentleman and one of the sweetest and most tender-hearted boys you will EVER meet. I can promise you that! He is so sensitive to the Lord already and so conscious of loving others well.
I think your average 11 year old boy would run as soon as you told him you wanted a hug and kiss, but not my brother. He is a lover to the max and will love on you even in front of his nerdy pimple faced friends.
Did I mention the kid talks ALL the time?! Now he didn’t exactly get that from me… im guessing our dad has something to do with that. But I love it.. (for the most part)

 Nevertheless, today is his 11th birthday and I would hate if there was a single person that didn’t know the deep love I have for my brother. Maybe there are 13 yrs separating us, but this kid is without a doubt one of the most special people to me!

 
Grant,
I love you so much and even though I may have voted against you when I was 13, I trust when you turn 13 you’ll totally understand where I was coming from. I hope you have an amazing day where you feel as special as you truly are to all of us! I pray that you continue to grown up as a godly gentleman and become an amazing man like our dad that we all look up to!
You’re so valuable and important in my life! Love you so much!

 Happy 11th Birthday Bubba!!

-s

(he’s also REALLY cool and wears fedora’s)

the great mediator. (a birthday message)

15 Aug

When referring to the great mediator I’m not exactly talking about the Lord, but more about my little sister Olivia. She’s been deemed the mediator in our family, because she’s the best friend to all of us.
Yesterday was her birthday, and I didn’t get a chance to write something about her cause I was on the road driving most of the day.
But I’d never want to pass up the chance to honor and celebrate someone I love so much!

If any of you know Olivia, you know that she is one of the most “happy-go-lucky” people you’ll ever meet. It’s truly rare that you’d ever see her on a bad day. She’s always the first one to laugh at your jokes, but mostly the first one to laugh at her own.
She’s been a rock at different times for everyone in my family and has this great ability to be exactly what you need when you need it.

Liv is full of life and is someone who is always excited about whats ahead and cant wait to be surprised by what God has around every corner.
I’m proud and amazed by the amazing woman of God she’s become. Always wanting to push harder and dive deeper in learning the heart of God and applying his principles to her life. She’s an example to my entire household. And MANNNNN can this girl clean;)

Liv,
Thank you for always loving me through tough times and being a rock of support when I needed it most. You love others so well and so selflessly. I only hope someone could say the same about me someday.
I’m proud and grateful that I get to do life with you, that the Lord would be so kind to set me in a family with someone like you. You’re special and valuable and carry great weight in my life and others. Your family and friends are truly grateful to have you in our everyday lives.

I hope you had a great birthday yesterday, and I truly believe that this next year will have something amazing up its sleeve.

Love you SO much Billy and HBD!!!

 -S

the 15th.

6 Jul

birthday present hints.

subtle, right?!

-S.

(this is for my fam ok, people. dont judge.)

nanners.

31 May

Yesterday was a special day.

It was my sister Nanners BIRTHDAY!! She is finally 20 and I never thought she’d escape the teen years, but it’s finally happened.

I love that even though she’s married and obviously doesn’t live at my parent’s house anymore, she still comes over from time to time to borrow clothes, and do her hair and makeup, and of course eat ;)

It’s as if she never left.

Hannah is such a gift to the Baker family. I couldn’t imagine not having her humor and kindness fill our house when she’s there.

I know yesterday was her bday, and I’m a little late with this blog… but I always want to make a habit of honoring and celebrating the people I love on their birthday.

So Hannah, I hope you had a special and fun day yesterday! I can’t wait to see all that God has for you and Austin this year. I sense lots of little tweaks that are going to make some big and significant peaks in your lives. I pray that this year you would accomplish all that the Lord has placed in you heart and that your purpose and identity in Him would continue to unfold with each day. You have so much to offer and give to others. You are an extremely valuable asset to any team, job, or ministry.

Love you so much, Nanner! Couldn’t imagine my life without you in it!

Happy (Belated) Birthday!!

-S

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