Oceans Calling

Amazing news! I was granted my visa to go back to Australia!! I am so in awe of how quickly everything went through. Sometimes these things take months and my visa was processed and granted in a week! God is amazing. I want to thank those who have been praying. May this encourage you that our prayers make a huge difference. Now for another prayer request from me, Finances and Wisdom. I knew that in choosing to say yes to the worship school in February that I was saying yes to trusting God in a new way. I have trusted Him for finances before, especially when I have lead teams overseas. However this is a new chapter and a new need, but the same good God! So please fight with me in prayer. I want to raise enough money for my first 6 months before I leave in 5 weeks. I also need plane tickets and a few other essentials for the move. I am strangely at peace about leaving again, but in order for me to actually leave something has to happen So please pray for God to move on the r

As I shared last week my Mission Vision for 2015, I am faced with an insane amount of both excitement and insanity. Yes, I know this is what I am supposed to do, but how in the world am I going to get there?? I think many people who have vision bigger then their physical situation understand what I am saying. But from the last few years God has proven to me that what I see and know are not what determines my life. Live by faith, not by sight. So I am launching a GoFundMe Campaign to raise  a good chunk of my needed funds for this next year on the mission field. This is an easy way to give a one time donation and to help me get to where God is calling me! I want to raise $7,000 by February 1, 2015. Click on the link bellow, and thank you for your support and prayers! Lindsey's Mission Vision 2015 Also, If you would like email updates or more information on how to give or partner with me, email me at lindseyburton.missions@gmail.com Thanks!!

A warm hello from me to all who view my blog or have been a part of my story.  2015 is fast approaching and as a young missionary from Michigan, also know as the michiganary, I have been seeking The Lord for what next year could look like for me. I have been involved with YWAM Brisbane in Australia for a few years and after finishing a commitment there, I felt God was going to call me to something new. I am so excited to share with you now what that could look like!! So here is my vision for 2015!!! Heidi Baker, a beautiful woman of God and missionary, shares a message of "Stop for the One". She is referring to the lost, the dying, and the broken. I have felt God place this on my heart but also to look at my life and to ask myself if I stop for "The One", meaning Him. As I look back I see times where I have stopped and pursued Him with all my heart before anything else, and I remember well times I ran ahead and tried to make my own way. Because of His gra

Something God is teaching me about right now is Grief. My first response to the word Grief had been "No thanks", however I have now been facing the question "Can grief be a good thing?". Why am I exploring grief? because I am in the middle of the grieving process. After living in Australia for 2 years, committed full on to a ministry, building relationships with those who have seen me at my best and. . . . not best :). Even though I faced many challenges, I loved what I was apart of. I was reminded often of my purpose, identity, and what God was doing. And then I left. Now don't misunderstand me,  I knew it was time to leave, God showed me that. Also, seeing friends, family and my home church was such a wonderful thing. But to say my transition has been an emotional breeze would be a complete lie. I am Grieving. It is as if I had a friend, so close to me who died and then I moved to a new place. I have memories with them, amazing and challenging, but now

Here is a sweet as 15 song playlist for some Saturday afternoon Jams! yummmm. . . . Oh how I need you - All Sons & Daughters Old Pine - Ben Howard Laura Palmer - Bastille team - Lorde Geronimo - Sheppard Sweet Disposition - the temper trap young and Beautiful - Lana Del Rey Best Day of My Life - American Authors Flaws - Bastille Love lost - the temper trap Michigan - the milk carton kids Rude - MAGIC! 1234 - Feist Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson the Cave - Mumford & Sons

I find this to be a common request I ask of Jesus, Give me grace and grow my small faith. I know I am young, but I believe I have had the privilege to experience a lot with God. I have learned so much and be exposed to a lot of different cultures and environments of worship.  I don't say this to say I am somehow a better person or to be prideful, but really to say that I need Jesus more then ever. I need His grace more and more each day. I need His spirit to grow the small faith I have, because even though I have seen amazing things and God's faithfulness, I struggle.  I have struggled with believing the truth at times and so I have doubted God's character. I have struggled to choose faith over anxiety and apathy. I have struggled with comparing my walk with God with others. My calling with others.  I have feared peoples opinions and expectations. I need Jesus. However I don't want more of Jesus just so I can be a better person. I know now that that isn't

There is something about coffee shops. There is something about warm light, good Coffee, jazz music under the murmer of busy people talking about their busy lives. There is something about a journal that has seen better days, a new page waiting to be filled, and a God who has risked it all in order to maybe have a relationship with me. I say yes to all of the above. I love going to coffee shops and writing for hours. What do I write?  I write down my conversations with Jesus. We talk for hours, I drink Coffee. He helps me find new perspective and listens to all my dreams and fears. He gives me the truth. As people come in and out, more orders are called. "Vanilla Latte for . . . . ". Some people are writing papers for school, some are catching up with a friend or just feeding their caffeine addiction. While all this is happening I am falling in love at a coffee shop. Giving God the time to speak. I encorage you to think about the things you love to do and invite God to

I love the song of this band and the more I listen, the more captivated I become! I have been listening to their song "East" and the lyrics make me think. "Now I bear little resemblance to the king I once was. I bear little resemblance to the king I could become. Maybe paper is paper, maybe kids will be kids- Lord, I want to remember how to feel like I did." East - Sleeping At Last

 John 15:1-13 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3  Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10  If

I have Joy in my heart. My fruit for today has been Joy. I have had so many beautiful things happen today and I have definitely had the joy of the Lord. Seeing God move in the people around me, being encouraged, encouraging others, new beginnings! I have found in much of my time in missions and being in some crazy situations, joy is something we need to choose. It can not be determined by situation, by how good things are. Also, there is a difference between just being happy and joy. I can be struggling with many things but still have a joy that says "my struggle is big, my God is bigger!". Don't let the enemy steal your joy using lies, confusion, discouragement, fear, or loneliness. Ask God for Joy!! Who can you encourage today? Who can you have a good laugh with? Has God ever made you laugh?? hmmmm :) Joy.

My Church has been looking into the fruit of the Spirit talked about in Galatians 5. As a response, the youth group girls in my small group wanted to challenge themselves by focusing on a different fruit every day. Because we have the Holy Spirit, these things can genuinely flow from our lives!! So here they are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. So today, Love!! 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7  " Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.   It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.   Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.   It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (NIV) Because God IS Love, I love reading this a second time replacing "Love" with God.  God is Patient, God is kind. . . . . . . He is so good!!  Challenge yourself to think about w

 

I have found in situation after situation that giving thanks to God is more then a nice thing or something I have to do. It renews your mind, gives you new perspective and is a perfect soil for God to work with. Countless times I have been in situations where I don't feel hopeful or joyful. We don't always have to have a smile on our faces of course, that is not what God is asking for. However, dwelling in hopelessness is not ok either. So in times where I feel discouraged I try to proclaim who God is, and be thankful. Actually speaking out the truth and reminding myself what God has done and is doing. Also, proclaiming His promises. What He wants to do. What is heaven saying!! Who does God say you are? We can determine reality. We can change things. God has more for you.  I remember coming home from Peru when I was in Australia the first time, I was discouraged. I had an amazing experience as a whole, but current hardships were blinding me from hope. I was culture shocked,

US thrift shop, dress under $10 From an Opp Shop in Japan Opp Shopping, thrift stores, second hand, rummage sale, call it what you will. this week I went opp shopping and after experiencing the second hand shops around the world, I must say the US shops met my expectations.  I don' know if it is our current culture, my lack of finances, or my realizing that i don't mind where my clothes come from that drove me to begin loving the second hand. I know you cannot always find what you are looking for, but if you are like me and are happy to spend the time to look, you can find some legit options!! Skirt from Australian Opp Shop  So  find the shops around you, rummage sales, or friends with clothes they are no longer wanting! I miss living with heaps of other girls and their clothes!! So I guess the opp shop will have to be the answer to my winter coming and sweaters needed situation. Also, it is a great place to look for books, dishes, purses, and heaps of othe

Another Beautiful song that inspires me forward!! I love what God is doing in Bethel. So amazing! listen to Steady Heart!! Steffany Frizzell-Gretzinger and Amanda Cook I can't see What's in front of me Still I will trust You Still I will trust You Steady heart that keeps on going Steady love that keeps on holding Lead me on Steady grace that keeps forgiving Steady faith that keeps believing Lead me on Though the sky is dark And the wind is wild You'll never leave me You'll never leave me Though the night is long There is a coming dawn The light is breaking The light is breaking Steady heart that keeps on going Steady love that keeps on holding Lead me on Steady grace that keeps forgiving Steady faith that keeps believing Lead me on And as the dawn breaks And the clouds clear In an open space Together we will run

 It is amazing how sometimes you just have to stop trying so hard and then God shows you He understands and that there is hope!! I woke up the other day feeling like I just need a break from feeling like I have to figure it out and then this Owl City song, tidal wave, started playing. Some of the lyrics felt like my heart wrote them. I forget the last time I felt brave, I just recall insecurity Cause it came down like a tidal wave, and sorrow swept over me Then I was given grace and love, I was blind but now I can see Cause I found a new hope from above, and courage swept over me It hurts just to wake up, whenever you're wearing thin Alone on the outside, so tired of looking in The end is uncertain and I've never been so afraid But I don't need a telescope to see that there's hope And that makes me feel brave God has a plan and He sees my heart. I am thankful He doesn't stop there though! He say I see where you are and I meet you there, but I see

So this morning I was thinking more about where I am in my life journey right now and I found myself needing to revisit James 1 in the bible. God showed me this passage when I first came here 3 weeks ago. this season is challenging for me, and I need wisdom from God. Something I love from this passage is how God invites us asking for help and is so happy to meet us there. Have you ever not asked for help because you felt insecure? I know I can go to God and He doesn't look at me differently or like I am unintelligent. He isn't annoyed. So the best thing is to be honest with Him.  Also, So much goodness will come out of this time of testing. I have hope!! He is with me and I can trust that this is where I am meant to be even when some days I definitely don't feel like that.   The Message James 1: 2-8  Faith Under Pressure 2-4  Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life

After coming home from Australia and finding I had a lot more time on my hands, I knew it was a chance to do some reading for fun. When I was younger my family would listen to the Chronicles of Narnia on tape when we went driving. Now that I am older and realize how profound C.S. Lewis actually is, I chose to start with the Magician's Nephew. I finished it this week and at reading Chapter 15's title I can see God encouraging me again. I just finished my Story in Brisbane and now it is the beginning of all the others. So In my season here in Michigan, i am not sure what it will look like, or where to next. But God's timing is perfect. So one day at a time and each one holds promises of getting to know Him more. Oh, I enjoyed the book and it reminds me of the wonder and awe of God. Also, how sometimes He asks us to do things and it doesn't make sense. However, our obedience and faithfulness allows Him to open new doors. He sees what we cannot and is so full of Grace fo

Hey People! My Blog is getting a make over. I have been using my blog Lindsey Burton - YWAM Brisbane to update the world on my adventures as a missionary in Australia. Now I am back in the states as you may know, and praying into the next step. In seeking God I feel He is telling me to not let the last few years fade out as I go forwards, but to go deep and really remember the stories of fun, risk, challenge, faithfulness, and every other adjective there is. So I re-named my blog to "Oceans Calling". God gave me the idea when processing how I not only love the sea, but how my relationship with God looks a lot like the ocean. He brought me out of shallow living into a place of depth with Him. I want to share more personally as well as share what God is doing in my life now. Also, I want to enjoy sharing with you more of the things I love and have some fun. I am not sure if I will become the die-hard blogger of today, but lets see what happens. Lindsey

Hello Everyone!! Here is an update that covers the end of our overseas outreach and what is happening now! Our last location in England was the City of Exeter. We worked with a church there who had an incredible heart for reaching their city with the love of God. Every day we would meet together with the church pastor and pray before going out and evangelizing in the different areas of the city. We would do what is called a treasure hunt, where we ask God for clues that we can look for while we go. Sometimes we would get pictures, locations, names, colours, or other clues. Than we would share with each other and then go out in teams. It was amazing to see God’s faithfulness in our time there. I had heard so many testimonies of God healing and giving words of knowledge for people, and this was a time where those testimonies became our team’s reality. Sometimes we would get a word and step out and it wouldn’t be accurate, but other times we were spot on with what God was saying. W

Hello Beautiful People! We are going into week 7 of our 8 week Outreach for the Discipleship Training School. I have been updating Facebook, so some of this you may already know. However, for the rest of you, I want to give a run down on what our team has been up to over the last 6 weeks! We are a team of four, Nick is my Australian Co-leader, Rodney is our Australian Student. Then we have Lindsey from New Hampshire, and me. Having 2 Lindseys makes introductions hilarious for us because people can't figure out if we are crazy, or if they are. So week one was very challenging at first because of our finances. We had wanted to leave for the UK early in the week, but we couldn't. Our team decided to stay in Brisbane and help there with our local outreach team and for Global Outreach Day (G.O.D). So during the week we did G.O.D. prep, school lunch programs, sports with the community, kids ministry, yard work around our neighborhood, and saw God provide $10,000 in about 5 days.