Note of Encouragement

This was written by one of my friend's mentors recently and describes with eloquence what I have been feeling throughout the recent changes in my life this past week. Just thought I would share!

In the times when He is leading in the most tender, profound way, when my soul is locked on His and my spirit within me is drunk on His vision, when I all but see His hand holding pen to page on the History Books of Heaven just awaiting my obedience…it’s in those moments that the nay-sayers and well-meaning friends come ‘round to talk "sense" into me and to tear down my faith with their carefully chosen words and reasonable arguments. Many times I’ve felt like a fool, like who-do-I-think-I-am-anyway, that God would want to send me to do a great work? I’ve wiped many tears with trembling hands because I am weaker and smaller than even they know, and everything they’re saying is actually what I’ve said to myself a thousand times. Yet, as I sift through the doubts and fears, as I’m buried under their words and warnings, this one thing prevails—I am in the grip of Hope. His Hand and His calling hold me fast. I cannot escape…or maybe I can, but God help me never to step away from the flooded Jordan just because I know I cannot cross it myself. God help me to never rely on who I am or what I have because my own abilities and provisions are laughable at best and a tragedy at worst. God help me to be like Isaiah, to be absolutely "undone" but to raise my hand anyway and say, "Here I am. Send me." I don’t know for sure, but I think quite possibly his hands were shaking too.

My eyes have seen the Lord part great waters over the past few weeks. We have seen His wonders and we are not satisfied—no—we crave Him all the more. As I went to pray just now I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone out there today is being circled round-about by scoffers and nay-sayers too. Maybe you need to be reminded, as we have been recently, that no great thing that the Lord Jesus calls you to will ever go unchallenged by the adversary of your soul. So cry if you need to cry because you have a human heart that is somehow still fragile and tender (thank God), then wipe your eyes and blow your nose and get on with what you’re meant to do…because there’s no better place to be than helpless in His grip.

The Update

As some of you may already know, and for some this may be your first time hearing, I have withdrawn from PLU this past week. For those wondering why you may not have heard anything about it before hand it is because this was a very sudden decision.
Allow me to explain,

Being at PLU is where I am supposed to be and being here for school the past 2 ½ years has been amazing. There were definitely times where I would be overly stressed and want to quit, but I was determined to get through it as I knew there was a plan for me at PLU and I was going to get my education degree and become a teacher and go into a life of ministry from there. Additionally, I have been secure financially at PLU- with loans, financial aid, and scholarships- and everything was put together in a nice little package (I even imagine it being wrapped with a bow!). However, three weeks into this semester I felt the Lord call me to step back from school at PLU. I had felt this way from the beginning of February, and I kept brushing the idea away as I thought “No! This is God’s plan for me- go to PLU, get my degree, and become a teacher” and told myself that such thinking was ridiculous. I told Morgan at this point that I was feeling disconnect in my heart as I sat in my classes and went to practicum, but again just let it be and continued with life. As the weeks went on, my life continued to be filled with work, homework, practicum (teaching/ observing in the elementary schools), classes, and ministry responsibilities; yet, everything was getting done as I continued to go through the motions. Well, then came Tuesday, February 21^st. As I went to Ignite (the campus ministry group I am a leader of on campus) that night I felt so much joy yet on the brink of tears as I was so stressed. Worship was awesome and the Lord drew me away with him and I felt him lifting the tension and stress as I just sat in his presence and let him wash over my heart. Then we had a guest speaker come and speak from City Central Church in Tacoma and then Pastor Dan (our Ignite pastor) closed the message. As we were praying I was asking the Lord “what is it you want me to do?” and the same thought that had come up a few weeks earlier about leaving school emerged again. This time I knew I needed prayer about it and couldn’t keep it to myself. So I prayed with a friend for clarity- which the Lord blessed me with almost immediately through granting me a strong sense of peace and joy with the idea. This scared me as I never would have considered giving up school (especially at such an odd point in the semester) so I asked others for prayer “for guidance, wisdom, confirmation, my parents hearts, etc” and went home that night praying the same. Well, Wednesday morning came and everything from the night before was still on my heart. So after work that morning I called my dad and talked with him. I was surprised as I did not know how to bring it up, but finally after I just said it he gave me his blessing as long as I would be sure to weigh the pros and cons and truly consider the impact of the decision I was about to make. Next, I went to Tower Chapel and spent time in the Bible, worshipping, and praying where the Lord continued to give me confirmation and clarity. Next, I ended up calling my mom- yet, at this point I still did not necessarily have a plan- and I really scared here. Which, what mother- or family member/ friend- wouldn’t be surprised?! This is a major life change and it impacts finances, my degree (which some may say is my future), and a bunch of other little connections that are difficult to see at face value. Anyways, that was my last step for Wednesday as I then went to class and spent the rest of my afternoon praying and doing homework before Bible Study. The next morning I went to my classes and as I sat there with Judy in literacy methods and then Steve in math methods I was just wondering what they would say when I brought up the possibility of leaving with them. Luckily, my nerves were eased as I ran into Lenny- my Technology Methods professor from last semester- while on a bathroom break and shared with him what was going on. I was definitely caught off guard as he encouraged me in the decision and had no doubt that no matter where I ended up going or what I ended up doing that I would be successful. Well, then at 11:45 I went to the School of Education offices to talk to the other professors. First I sat down with Steve- the “dad” of the School of Ed; then Bree- my academic advisor; then Jan and Paula- two of the “moms”; and finally Judy- the “mom”. With each I shared what was going on and the call I was feeling on my heart to step out of school and go into ministry (though I still didn’t know what that would look like at the time). Every one of my professors were encouraging and Jan and Paula were great in asking the big questions and talking through things with me in addition to giving me perspective and understanding into my own mother’s reactions to the news. However, in the end all the professors had the same consensus of excitement and peace about the decision and shared their heart for me to remain connected and keep them updated as my life branches (like a tree! J) off onto another journey. After getting the go-ahead from my professors I went and talked with the student services ladies to find out about the paperwork to withdraw and what I needed to do in terms of finances. They gave me a withdrawal form to fill out and informed me that I would have my tuition refunded (minus 16% for the three weeks I attended classes) and that they would e-mail me information on the loans as the counselor was out of the office. So then it was done…ish. At this point I had been very poor at communicating with my family, my pastors, and even my friends and I sort of just went ahead as I continued to receive confirmation along each step. For this I apologize and ask forgiveness as I should have sought more counsel and not been afraid to be open as I walked through each step. Again, please forgive me.

Next thing I know it is Friday and I am working my last day at work- where I received even more encouragement/ confirmation through my boss and coworkers about my decision- and additionally the idea of going to an accredited university to receive a ministry degree was brought up (more on this below). I then went to the Catalyst Encounter Conference in Tacoma for Friday night and Saturday which was really good; however, I did not communicate with any of my family that weekend (again, I am sorry!) besides Morgan on Saturday morning and then I left my phone in a friend’s car and did not get it back until Sunday night. So, Sunday night, I met with Pastor Dan and Hillary Donohoue (amazing pastors and mentors in my life) to talk about the recent events. I was blessed by their concerns as well as questions and their openness to walk through this season with me through helping with financial planning, couponing, and the other practical’s of life; in addition to seeking out and praying over opportunities with me for the coming year.

Next thing I know, it is Monday morning I finally called to talk with my family- Uncle Jeff, mom, and dad- and hear their wisdom, concerns, and advice. I have to admit that this was really hard, but such a blessing as their concern and hard questions really forced me to think about what I have committed to and it also really showed me how much they love and care for me! (It was a very tearful morning, but much needed and SO GOOD!)

Now it is Monday evening and I am writing and thinking of plans for the coming year. I am committed to staying true to the call on my heart not to be in school right now. I realize this may be hard for a lot of you to grasp, but this is something the Lord has asked me to do and I am committed to stand firm and obey. As for the immediate future, I leave for Haiti on March 23^rd and until that time I am being called to tie up loose ends and make a directed plan for my life. Additionally, I need to take this time to “go back to the basics” of who I am, as well as asking “who is God?”, “what is grace?”, and “what does it mean to live as a follower of Christ in today’s world?”. I have become so accustomed to going through the motions and I have become burnt out so these next three weeks will be weeks of centering and focus in preparation for Haiti and the rest of what spring has in store.

Though I do not have complete clarity on where my path is going here are some things that are coming in the near future:

- Haiti (March 23^rd- April 1^st) mission trip where we will be putting on a Vacation Bible School and serving the Haiti Foursquare Church in whatever ways we can.

- Note: Once returning from Haiti I will hopefully begin work at a nearby coffee shop which more details on that are pending…

- Note (x2): I will still be living at the ministry house where I have lived all year until the end of May and continue serving in Ignite as a leader and mentor.

- Youth Mission International (YMI) internship in Tacoma, WA learning the ins and outs of ministry and mission work.

-Note: during this time I will be living with my aunt’s dear co-worker and friend in North Tacoma which has been planned for a few months already.

- As for the fall, I will be continuing a leadership role in Ignite; however, we do not know what this will look like as there is a very strong possibility that I may begin a Bible College or accredited program where I can earn a degree in ministry- more specifically children’s ministry.

-Note: I have a huge heart for children’s ministry and leading children’s programs throughout the world raising kids in the knowledge of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

-Note (x2): I also have a huge heart to return to Cordova, AK one day and build a coffee shop where the youth are provided with a place to display their talents through painting, photography, writing, music, dance, etc.

-Note (x3): I actually have a lot of things on my heart and I could keep going and going… but I will let you take the time to personally ask me if you have any further questions about either of the dreams mentioned or if you are curious about others! Praise to the Lord that He is in control! J

“’For I have plans to prosper you and not to harm you’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to give you a hope and a future.’”

Jeremiah 29:11

To stay connected:
○ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emilybranch ○ Twitter: @embranch27 ○ Blogger: http://branch4love.blogspot.com/

A story of trust!

For we can trust that God will provide through the big and little promises of life! He shows himself faithful day in and day out! Let us not lose sight of how much he enjoys to provide!

A story from my sister (who is AWESOME and BEAUTIFUL and FULL of GRACE!!!)

"So I want to share a testimony of God's love and always-being-with-us-ness!

Monday morning was the start of second semester, and I got to school, picked up my schedule, and then went to Mrs. MacPhee's class (she's great!) and sat down and people were talking and it was a normal, casual start of class and MacPhee was walking around talking attendance and someone came in and gave her an envelope and she passed it to me and it had my name and my classroom written on it by someone in the office. I didn't really have any idea what it would be besides a book-fine warning or something, so I started opening it and there was money inside and a little note written with super beautiful cursive that said "Thanks for all you do! Don't look too hard into who gave you this!!". There was $100 dollars inside, which fully paid for the rest of the deposit that was due on the 28th (I still owed $70)! WOAH. When God says He will provide, things happen!

Pure and holy God... no one could ever love us like He does!!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!"