For the Least of These

2 weeks!!!

2012-01-30T18:18:00.000-08:00

AAAAHHHH!!!! 2 weeks??? Really??? Where did the time go? It was just a short time ago that I was saying 3 months! But here we go... 2 week countdown. I can't believe it.

For the most part I'm all ready to go. My room is filled with piles to take and piles to leave home. My suitcase is half full and soon, oh so soon! I will be flying away to Bolivia. To precious smiling faces, learning new names and hearing a foreign language 24/7.

This week I've learned and relearned...
*God is faithful and I really DON'T need to worry about anything.
*I have some AMAZING friends.
*I absolutely love laughing with my sisters in the car.
*That there might be dog meat in Bolivia!? :(
*I really don't need that many clothes for 3 months.
*I'm going to miss eating chocolate chip cookies.

*To only eat peeled fruit when I'm there.
*How hard it's going to be to say goodbye to my kids at the YMCA.
*I am so blessed by my church family.
*I have super supportive parents.
*That two weeks fly by.

Get ready for some crazy adventures!
Excited to see God glorified in this trip and to see His goodness shown through the stories I hope to tell here. Intense is probably a good word.

~Lily

3 deadly words

2012-01-23T17:26:00.000-08:00

So heavy but it is happening.

Please pray...

for the unborn girls who don't get a chance at life

for the baby girls who's life is taken so quickly

for the little girls who are neglected and abandoned

for the girls who are abused and not valued

for the girls who are commodities

for the young women used as slaves

for the young women raising their own children

for the women who are killing their baby girls

It is hard to hear about this. Someday there will be

no more heartache and pain. No more injustice and

death. But until that time we live in a fallen world.

Jesus loves these babies. He loves these girls. He

loves what He created. Jesus HATES sin. And Jesus

loved this world so much that He died for His creation.

He died for the babies.

He died for the girls.

He died for the boys.

He died for the mothers.

He died for the fathers.

He died for the abusers.

He died for the abused.

Jesus died to bring us to Himself.

Praise God for His love for us.

We cannot see the full picture of His love for us.

But praise God that He sent His son into the world.

~Lily

Up in the air so blue

2012-01-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

I'm about to fly away with excitement! All I need are a few giant
balloons and I'll float float float high into the bluish sky. Less than
4 weeks! My heart is full of love for my home here and my adventures
in Bolivia and my home in Heaven. So incredibly blessed.

"O Father use my ransomed life in any way You choose.
And let my song forever be, my only boast is You"

What will make you fly?
~Lily

Your mountain is waiting

2012-01-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

“You're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So... get on your way!”

― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Almost 4 weeks until I am off to the

mountains of Bolivia. It's coming really

fast and I am so excited to go! The first

month there, I will be taking an intensive

Spanish course in the morning and then

helping out with the kids and getting to

know them in the afternoons.

Then after the course, a team of 16 from

my church will be coming for 2 weeks to

put on several roofs on the children's homes

and to love and serve the children and tias!

After they leave, I will have a month and

half left of being with the kids ALL day!

Hopefully I will be able to pick up on Spanish

(the course should help) and really be able

to get to know the kids and Tias.

God is so good and gracious in saving me

and drawing me to Himself. I want to

display his glorious love to these kids.

May God be glorified and honored!

~Lily

87

2012-01-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to meet these 87 precious children.
87 kids to love.
87 kids to hug.
87 kids to learn from.
87 kids to teach me.
87 kids to show me my need for my Savior.
87 kids to laugh with.
87 kids to exhaust me.
87 kids that will change me.
87 is a big number.
87 reasons to smile.
87 is my new favorite number.

5 weeks till I get to see my 87 new friends!
~Lily

Welcome to the suitcase!

2012-01-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

Almost 5 weeks until I go...

3 of my new favorite (or convenient)
things to bring!

Lucy Pants! Super comfy hiking
pants I cannot wait to wear!

Crocs... I never thought I would own
a pair but... they are easy to wash
and comfy so they join my wardrobe

Bandanas!!! Love love love these!

God bless!
~Lily

Fly

2012-01-01T16:08:00.001-08:00

This makes me want 2 things.
An elephant.
And to be able to fly.

Rise and offer yourself!

2012-01-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

"The Lord kept saying within me, 'Since none better qualified can be got, rise and offer yourself!' Almost overpowering was the impulse to answer aloud, 'Here am I, send me.' But I was dreadfully afraid of mistaking my here human emotions for the will of God. So I resolved to make it a subject of close deliberation and prayer for a few days longer, and to look at the proposal from every possible aspect. Besides, I was keenly solicitous about the effect upon the hundreds of young people and others, now attached to all my classes and meetings; and yet I felt a growing assurance that this was the call of God to His servant, and that He who was willing to employ me in the work abroad, was both able and willing to provide for the on-carrying of my work at home." ~John Paton

Happy new year! So excited to see what God does in this
coming year. So incredibly blessed. Such grace that God
continues to draw us deeper and deeper into His glories
every day.
~Lily

The Christmas Story

2011-12-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

Adorable. I love the beauty of hearing the Christmas message

from a child's mouth.

Merry Christmas!

~Lily

15 year dream

2011-12-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who's heart broke at the thought of orphans. At the thought of other children living alone. Unloved, scared, hungry, hurting. This little girl wanted 100 children. 100 children to protect and love and hold. As the little girl grew older, this burden continued to press on her heart. She prayed for wisdom and leading as she started to look for opportunities to personally love on those precious orphans she had been dreaming about. Doors were opened and closed and God gave grace and peace. And then, an opportunity came for the girl to go to Africa. A dream would be coming true. But God had a sovereign plan and the doors to Africa closed for now and the door to Bolivia opened up.

53 days! Can't wait!
Merry Christmas!
God bless!

~Lily

countdown

2011-12-20T19:06:00.000-08:00

8 weeks until I leave!
7 weeks left to worship at Sovereign Grace
6 people in my family who I will miss tremendously.
5 thousand reasons for my heart to sing!
4 sisters who will Skype me
3 months in a whole new world!
2 weeks with a wonderful team!
1 amazing Savior who has changed my life!

Bolivia!!!

2011-12-08T12:13:00.001-08:00

10 weeks! Wow! In 10 weeks, Lord willing, I will be flying thousands of miles out of the country I have lived in all my life and for 3 months live in a very different country. A different continent! I will spend these 3 months with over 87 children. I will learn to speak Spanish (hopefully), smile and learn new names, try new foods, conquer "Death Road", take cold showers, climb mountains, splash in mud puddles, hug children, grow closer to God, see His grace EVERY day I am gone, dream in Spanish :), laugh, cry, learn and love.

I will definitely post the long story of how God has lead me to Bolivia. It is cool to see His faithfulness and sovereign plan for me. I am excited to start this amazing adventure and so thankful for everyone who will be praying along the way. :) As I said, this blog could get a whole lot more exciting in the next few weeks and months!

~Lily

Joy on Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:03:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Add caption

I am so thankful to God for loving me when I don't deserve
it. I am so thankful for the cross and for grace in each day.
God has been so faithful in this past year and it is amazing
to see His nearness in the good and tough situations.

I am so thankful for my FAMILY!!! Laughing, talking, crying,
singing, making annoying noises, whispering at night, sharing
secrets and joys in life... I love you!

I am so thankful for my church! Every Sunday I get to see
Christ clearer through my brothers and sisters in Christ at
Sovereign Grace. It is so amazing to see Christ so at work
in a body.

I am so thankful for my friends! Love you all! You all
have been so wonderful in my life. Cannot wait to make
more memories with each of you.

I am so filled with joy and thankfulness and I am so
excited to see what God will continue to do.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Blessings on this day!
~Lily

A Grand Adventure

2011-11-21T12:37:00.001-08:00

"A grand adventure is about to begin." ~Winnie the Pooh

Super excited about what God is doing
in my life and teaching me right now.
Right now, it is so cool to give Him
everything and learn to wait and trust.
So blessed but excited for this
adventure!
~Lily

¿Dónde en el mundo?

2011-11-18T11:42:00.001-08:00

¿Hacia dónde voy?

I will have a big update coming
soon with exciting news!
Thanks for continuing to check
in! God is so good! Blessings!
~Lily

Dying to bear fruit

2011-11-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

Just listened to John Piper's biography on Adoniram Judson. I was so encouraged by it and blessed to see the sovereignty of God. Everything Adoniram went through was for God's glory and for Adoniram's good. Click here to listen to the sermon.

"The question, brothers, is not whether we will die, but whether we will die in a way that bears much fruit."
~John Piper

When we die to ourselves, we die for a greater good and a greater joy.
God bless!
~Lily

Defend, Maintain and Deliver

2011-11-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

“Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless; Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Deliver the weak and needy from the hand of the wicked.” Ps 82:3-4

Have a blessed week!

~Lily

In Charge

2011-10-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

I wrote this poem several years ago for a writing class and am sharing it again. I hope you enjoy.

In Charge Poem
Lily Fluharty 9
October 12, 2009

If I were in charge of the world,
There would be no more hunger or pain,
People wouldn’t use others for gain,
There would be no divorce or affairs,
The world would be filled with prayers,
If I were in charge of the world.

If I were in charge of the world,
Every child could learn,
Every father would earn,
Water will never be wasted,
Food will always be tasted,
If I were in charge of the world.

If I were in charge of the world,
The homeless would have a home,
The orphan would not be alone,
Brothels wouldn’t be here,
Every child held dear,
If I were in charge of the world.
If I were in charge of the world,
No babies would die to abortion,
Life would not be in distortion.
There would be no murderers or thieves,
And no one would ever grieve,
If I were in charge of the world.

If I were in charge of the world,
Life would be like an adventure,
Into the world everyone venture.
Love would reign over all,
All would heed the Lord’s call,
If I were in charge of the world.

If I were in charge of the world,
I would never be in charge,
For the future is unknown and large.
God ordained the world to be
It will be perfect in eternity.
God is in charge of the world.

Have a great week! Thanks to everyone
who views my blog! It's super encouraging
to see! :) God bless...
~Lily

Where in the world!?

2011-10-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

Continuing to trust God's goodness and leading in my life. It's awesome to have such an amazing Shepherd who directs our steps and our direction. So blessed.

This is pretty much amazing!

Where in the world is Lily going? :)

Have a blessed week!

~Lily

The Mountain

2011-10-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

How can this not leave you in awe? How great is our God!

~Lily

Abortion, Adoption, and Steve Jobs

2011-10-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Abortion, Adoption, and Steve Jobs

Thought this was a cool article. It's been a question

I've asked myself multiple times. How many children

have been aborted who would have later grown up

to change the world? Have a great weekend!

God bless!

~Lily

I wonder

2011-10-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

Another video but this one is AMAZING!

So encouraged by this song.

"And it feels like there's not enough

praise inside of me. With all these words,

all my heart can sing is holy.

You are holy.

Jesus Christ, you bled your love, laid down

your self and gave me life. In naked shame

you hung and you were lifted high. Here I

lay in awe and wonder. I am afraid, for no

one's ever sacrificed and loved me this way.

So on my face I fall under your heavy grace.

Here I lay in awe and wonder."

God's love for us is so amazing and it fills me

with awe. No one has loved me as much as my

Savior. And I think that can be easy to forget.

Dwell on Christ's love for you in this day. Don't

let your heart and mind be distracted from God's

goodness to you! You are loved and cared for!

Have a blessed week!

~Lily

Where in the world...???

2011-09-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

So blessed by God's faithfulness! Seeing His goodness in changing plans, in new and old. He gives and takes away but by His grace I will say, "blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Hope you are having a fabulous week! What is God doing in your life? And... these mountains will be part of my future soon Lord willing! :) Part of God changing direction in my life. Did I mention I am so blessed by God's faithfulness?
~Lily

Dream

2011-09-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Love this song! Inspires me to dream and reminds me of being a
little girl and imagining outside. What is your dream? And what
will you do to reach that dream?
~Lily

Take Me In

2011-09-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

So incredibly blessed by this song!

"By Your blood, I'm redeemed! By Your mercy I am free.

You've forgiven every sin. In Your love You take me in.

To Your heart, to Your throne, that I may know you and be

known. So I come in confidence. In Your love You take me in!"

May this be our prayer and our cry to Jesus!

God bless!

~Lily

Beauty instead of Ashes2011-09-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

  The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
~Isaiah 61:1-3



I feel like this verse speaks directly to those who are 
hurting or are angry at the hurt in the world. God will
is aware of the hurt and pain caused by sin. But He is
a just God. He will bind up the brokenhearted. He will
comfort those who mourn. He will renew them. 

I love that He will "give them a beautiful headdress
instead of ashes". He will make us new in Him! God 
loves us and we are made in His image! 

But God will also bring vengeance. And it will be just
vengeance. So trust in the Lord. He will renew you.
Trust in His faithfulness and love.
God bless!
~Lily

Never Forget

2011-09-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

Remember September 11. Remember the heroes. Remember those loved that are lost. Remember that we are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

God bless America!

Will you be their voice?

2011-09-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Is slavery still around today? This is a question that I never thought to ask. Slavery was abolished right? Who would take a human being in this day and age and make them a slave? But slavery is still present! And it's also right here in America.

Then there were 13 million slaves. Today, there are now 27 million people in slavery.

I found a lot of eye opening statistics and facts at Love146 where they are dedicated to abolishing sex trafficking where young children are sold into slavery for their bodies.

"Then, slaves were thought of as highly valuable means of production. The average slave sold for somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000 (in today's currency). Owners viewed slaves as considerable economic investments, worth the money because of the work they would perform and the income they would help produce; highly valuable, long-term investments.. Today, slaves are considered cheap and expendable. On average, a slave can be purchased for less than $200. When their usefulness is gone, they are either released or killed. Their vacant slot is simply replaced with another slave. They are viewed as disposable."

This breaks my heart. Young children sold into slavery and viewed as disposable!? They are children. Precious beautiful children! Children that God made in His image. But they are being treated as disposable items worth little.

"If it doesn't break your heart, it isn't love." -Jon Foreman

Hearing about sex trafficking and what happens to these kids breaks my heart! Right here in America, there are at least 300,000 children at risk for commercial sexual exploitation. Here, right at our home, in our neighborhoods, cities, there are children being taken advantage of and being used as commodities.

80% of people trafficked are female. 1/2 are minors. (US dep state)

1.2 million children are estimated to be trafficked around the world every year. (US dep state)

The average age of a U.S. trafficked child is 12-14 years old. (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)

These are real numbers. Real faces. Real people. And this is what really scares me.The internet has become the new marketplace for trafficking children.

AT any given time, 50,000 predators are prowling for children on the internet. (US Attorney General)

"The modern-day slave auction is electronic, wherein local pimps ca examine and purchase, via email, women and girls from wholesaler in other countries and where retail customers can order up the prostate of their choice." -Moises Naim

It is hard to look at these numbers and to see these statistics. It should horrify you and break your heart. But it should also fill you with love. I will not be silent. I will not hide the shame of these girls. I will be a voice for them. Will you? Go to Love146 to find more.

Don't be silent. Cry out for justice for these precious children. Be their voice.

"The vitality of thought is an adventure. Ideas won't keep. Something must be done about them. -Alfred North Whitehead

I pray that this would land hard on your hearts. I pray that you would do something for these girls. I hope you will be a voice for them!~Lily

100 days!!!

2011-09-07T19:37:00.001-07:00

100 days! I posted about Miss Elaini who wore one dress for 100 days for orphans! Her goal was to raise $50,000 for orphans in India and after 100 days she raised $30,000! What an amazing testimony of God's love! She is continuing to raise money for orphans and now has raised over $35,000 and is still reaching her goal! I have been so encouraged by her blogging and her love for the Least of These! Check out her blog and find out how you can help raise money for these precious children! They are indeed loved! God bless!~Lily

Crucified

2011-08-31T13:28:00.001-07:00

I have been crucified with Christ.
It is no longer I who live,
but Christ who lives in me.
~Galations 2:20

This verse fills my heart with joy!
I no longer have to live on my own.
I have Christ living In me! Not only
is He with me but He is living inside
of me! That fills me with great joy
and peace as well. It makes my soul
filled with a peace and a satisfaction
that whatever befalls, it is well with
my soul. I have been crucified with Him!
God bless!
~Lily

All is well

2011-08-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

All Must Be Well (acoustic) by Matthew Smith

This song is so encouraging to me. I reminds me of God's promise that He will never leave me or forsake me and that everything will work together for my good. So whatever trials I go through or darkness I suffer through, all must be well because I am safe in my Savior's arms. So encouraging! I hope you are encouraged as well! God bless and keep you!
~Lily

You are Holy!

2011-08-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

This is so amazing! Fills me with awe that such an amazing God created this amazing voice to bring glory to
His holy name! What a God we serve! God bless! Continue to glorify and Praise His name!
~Lily

What a friend we have

2011-08-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

Been learning a lot about finding Joy in Jesus!!! Seeing joy in good days and in rough days. In disappointment and when I'm rejoicing. In Jesus my joy is found. He is with me when I am filled with peace and rejoices with me over the good and the things He has blessed me with. But He never leaves me even in the rough days. Jesus is using all the trials for my good and He completely understands what I am going through when I am hurting or scared. I love that! I love that Jesus understands and rejoices or mourns with us but continually turns our focus back on Him and His love! This causes such great joy in my heart! What a friend we have in Jesus! God bless!
~Lily

Death Has Lost Its Sting

2011-08-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Such an awesome song! Been so encouraged by it. Death has lost it's sting by Sojourn.
To buy the album and find more about Sojourn click here
Have a wonderful week and marvel in God's goodness to you! God bless!
~Lily

What did you do at 11 years old?

2011-08-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

I got some of these sobering statistics from Love146. But these are not just numbers, these are children. Don't let your heart be numb with these numbers, join Love146 and help these children out of the pain they are in. What did you do at 11 years old?

The average age of entry for girls and boys ranges from 11-14
(Ernie Allen, President & CEO, NECMEC, July 21, 2009).

Astonishingly, with in the first 48 hours of being on the steet, 1 in 3 children are lured into prostitution.
(National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children/NISMART-2)

According to ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes), as many as 100,000 U.S. children are forcefully engaged in prostitution or pornography each year. Approximately 300,000 U.S. children
are at-risk.

Pray for these children. Pray that God would change their hearts. Pray for Love146. Pray as they rescue these children from this desperation.
~Lily

The call is simple

2011-07-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

Psalm 82:3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain
the rights of the poor and oppressed.

The call is simple. Defend the fatherless. But can we do it? Not alone.
But with Christ, we can do all things. I'm not saying it will be easy.
I can't imagine what the people of Love146 do,
going into brothels and rescuing girls. I can't imagine the anger, fear
and pain they see. But they are following God's call to defend these
girls who are being oppressed. And God is helping them and giving
them strength. And whatever God is calling you to do, be it in a
foreign country, or right at your home, God will not leave you alone. He
will give you strength.

God bless!
~Lily

Serey's story: Love 146

2011-07-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

Wow. This is an amazing story of hope and healing. Love 146 is doing an amazing job of rescuing and restoring these precious children and giving them life back. And this trafficking does not just happen over seas. It happens every day, every night right here in America. It happens to young young children living out on the streets. Children who are enslaved and who are terrified. Children filled with shame. Young girls who are lost and afraid. Children who are treated like garbage by pimps and people who use them like commodities. But there is hope for these girls. Love 146 is out rescuing children. There are also many other homes rescuing these children off the streets. And Jesus loves them. He is there for them. He is there to give them hope. Check out Love 146 and find out more about sex trafficking and what can be done. God bless!

A STORY IN AFTERCARE from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

Thank YOU!!!

2011-07-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ok... so I have been super encouraged and blessed by all of YOU my readers! I am encouraged to write more when I see all the people and states and countries who have followed or read my blog. I am excited to see God using this little blog to reach others and raise awareness about these orphaned and poor children who are too precious to be forgotten or ignored. It will be cool to see what happens with this blog as I get ready for Africa :) God bless and thank you thank you thank you!!! God bless!
~Lily

All things work together for good

2011-07-07T18:48:00.001-07:00

Here is a really impacting post from a friend of mine who is working with a Trauma team in Uganda right now. She is working at Watoto children's home and I am so encouraged so see how God is working in and through her. :) It is hard to read some of the things that go on in this world because of sin but I love to meditate on Romans 8:28. Have a blessed week! God bless!
~Lily

Dreaming. Wishing. Hoping.

2011-06-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

In 8 months, Lord willing I will be traveling thousands of miles across oceans. I will be sitting on a plane staring out at the big blue sky. Staring out at clouds far below me. Dreaming. Wishing. Hoping. In 8 months, I will be on my way to Nairobi Kenya. To spend time with some precious children. Children who I have dreamed of holding and playing with. Children who have nothing. No parents. No belongings. Some have little hope. Some have joy and others pain. I want to share with these children the greatest hope and the greatest joy. I want to share with these children the hope and joy found only in Jesus. I don't know what to expect when I get there. But I do know that Jesus is going to be right there beside me. Smiling down on the little ones He so dearly loves. Smiling down on me.

You don't have to travel thousands of miles. You don't have to hop continents. You don't even have to drive anywhere far. Can you reflect Jesus' love to a child. Can you show a child that you truly love them. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:4 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Have a wonderful weekend and a fun and safe 4th of July! God bless!
~Lily

1 year ago

2011-06-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

1 year ago today I was playing soccer in Ecuador with Kevin. Visiting your sponsored child is such a blessing and although it is expensive, the relationship that grows between you and your sponsored child is priceless. So thankful that God provided for me to go last June. I love you little buddy! To learn more about Compassion and sponsoring a child click here. God bless!
~Lily

1 dress. 100 days. for orphans.

2011-06-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

Meet "Miss Elaini". Her goal is to raise $50,000 for orphans in India. How? She is wearing a black dress for 100 days and accessorizing it in cute ways. She is partnering with Warm Blankets Orphan Care. Her story is really inspiring and it's cool to see her cute styles and dress ideas. But Elaini's heart for God is the most encouraging.
She is using the gifts God has given her to make a difference. Check out her page and look back at some of the dresses she's put together. Really fun idea! Hope you enjoy!
~Lily

Sexual Healing

2011-06-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

A great video with a great message... The world today see's this in a totally different view. I love the humility and grace the guy tells the story.

~Lily

Next11

2011-06-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from Next 2011!!! It was an amazing conference that really stretched me and made me think deeply about God and His glory... The sessions were amazing and some of the speakers included Jeff Purswell, Scott Oliphint, D.A. Carson, R.C. Sproul, Kevin DeYoung and Nathan Sasser to name a few... The worship was AMAZING and I loved seeing people's hearts before God. Here's some of the biggest thing I took away from the Conference...

*The created world, though affected by sin, is nevertheless God's creation and is therefore to be valued, appreciated and cared for.
*We, as Christians, should live a life glorifying to God and one that testifies and displays the evidence of His kingdom.
* We cannot take a piece out of the gospel for tolerance... we must insist on preaching the entire Gospel and proclaim the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
* A necessary being like God is essential or nothing else can be.
* Everyone realizes that something is wrong with themselves and they are not perfect; the solution to the problem is to give a solution of a Savior.
*We can remove words and labels but sin remains.
*What we make of our life now is essential for all of eternity.

I love feeling more grounded in my faith. I loved how these men used logic to show that the whole universe is created by God. You cannot get something out of nothing. You need a creator and God is that creator. So humbled and amazed at God's love and grace in my life...
Hope you have a great week and are encouraged by God's grace.
Thanks for all of you who have been viewing!
~Lily

DONE!!!

2011-05-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am officially graduated! Twelve plus years of school are gone and now I have this exciting new chapter of my life starting! God is so gracious to me! I have had a great education and I am excited to step into adulthood. Africa is on the horizon and Lord willing I will be heading there in February! All praise be to God! I will keep updating you all as I get more information about the trip! Thanks for all your support and reading this little blog! :) Much love!
~Lily

Justice and Progress

2011-05-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Justice and Progress in the Philippines | Love146.org

Click the link to see a quick post from Love146.
These few sentences are extremely powerful to me.
I love seeing the strength these girls have. I love
knowing the they are not alone. God is with them
in that courtroom. As they see their abusers, God
is standing right by them, giving them strength.
I will fear no evil, for my God is with me. If my God
is with me, who then shall I fear?

~Lily

Can you see me?

2011-05-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! A flash mob supporting Love 146... It's a cool video and who doesn't love flash mobs?
It's cool to see this many people in support of such an amazing cause. Love 146 rescues and restores children who have been victims of sex trafficking. Love protects, love defends, love restores. Check out Love 146 here

Enjoy and God bless!
~Lily

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Happy mothers day to all the mamas in the world. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful mother in my life. Mama, I love you and am so thankful for all you do for our family. God is so good in giving me my mom.

Mother's day also makes me think of the children who have lost their mothers. I pray these children will feel a sense of peace and love in this day as they remember their mothers. It also fills me with a heart to help and love these motherless children. No matter the evil in this world, each and every child is loved by Jesus and He knows and cares for all of them.

God is so amazing and I am so blessed!
~Lily

Do not worry but rest in Jesus' love

2011-04-26T08:19:00.001-07:00

Hope. I am so amazed at how Jesus fills me with hope. Whenever I am afraid, or confused or even filled with joy I know that my life is not my own. I do not have to live for myself. This world is not about me. This takes so much stress and weight off my shoulders. My only goal in life is to live for Jesus. So whatever He calls me to do whether it is working in Africa or working at home or being a stay-at-home mom, I know that is God's plan for my life. I also know that God will reveal His perfect will to me. So sometimes when I start worrying because time is ticking and I don't know all the details, I know that God is in control. I love this! I love that I don't have to worry about my life.
Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

We have hope that Jesus will lead us and guide us. So why worry? Jesus is walking with us and guiding us. He is always guarding us and will always protect us. So even if we don't have all the answers, we can be content knowing Jesus does. Isn't that amazing? That fills me with comfort. Jesus loves us and wants our best.
God bless!
~Lily

Children are Not for sale

2011-04-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

27 million people enslaved

2 children sold every minute

Over 100,000 U.S. children forcefully engaged
in prostitution or pornography each year

Menus are handed out at brothels

And we think slavery is finished

Slavery is very much present
Find out more at Love146
and see what they are doing to make a difference
in the lives of children all over the world.

Children are NOT for sale

~Lily

Girls girls girls

2011-04-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Quick post today :)
One of my favorite pics from one of the
schools I visited on my trip to Ecuador
last summer. These girls really blessed
me and I pray that they all have
sponsors. Have a great week! :)

~Lily

I found my life

2011-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing song by Sojourn. One of my favorite lines is...
"I found my life, I found my life in Him."
Everyone wants to be happy and have a
place in life. Only in Jesus can we find true
joy and true peace. I found my life in Jesus.
Be encouraged!
~Lily

Lillian Trasher

2011-04-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

One of my heroes is Lillian Trasher. Lillian was born in 1887 and as a young woman, worked at several orphanages and served God. In 1910, she felt God calling her to Africa and with only 100 dollars, she sailed to Egypt with her sister. Several months after arriving in Egypt, Lillian went to minister to a dying woman. This woman had a three month old baby girl who was malnourished and neglected. This was the first child that Lillian Trasher took in and it was the start of an amazing journey of faith and trust in God. Over the years, hundreds of children found their way into Lillian's home and heart and God miraculously provided and cared for them all. In 1961, at the time of her death, the Lillian Trasher Orphanage had 12,000 children living in it. Lillian Trasher followed God's call in her life even when it meant leaving everything she knew and loved. I am so inspired by Lillian's example to take up my cross and follow God. I want to live as she did. She trusted God with her life and with the lives of hundreds of children. Lillian knew that God would provide.

It reminds of Jim Elliot's quote...

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot

This world is not our home. We don't need to fear death, or poverty, or pain. We must live in God's love and recognize His faithfulness to us. He will never leave us or forsake us and we must follow Him whole-heartedly. I am excited to see where God will call me and I pray that by His grace I will be able to follow with joy and faith.
God bless!
~Lily Fluharty

Make the Difference

2011-03-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is probably the most amazing video I've seen in a while! Watch the whole way through! AMAZING! Inspires me to not let anything stop me and to dream dream dream... ENJOY! :)

God bless!
~Lily Fluharty

From pain to Compassion

2011-03-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

I posted this last year but I think this book has a powerful
message and I wanted to bring it back to the light!

Too Small to Ignore is a powerful book by Dr. Wess Stafford,
President and CEO of Compassion International. The book
tells about Dr. Staffords childhood in Africa as a young boy
in a missionary family. During his time overseas, Wess
was abused at a missionary school. He writes of his pain as
well as how Jesus filled Him with peace and forgiveness.
This little boy who was broken, beaten and abused went on
to found Compassion International and to provide hundreds
of kids with love and opportunities to know Jesus.
The big message of the book is why
the least of these matters most.

Jesus really loved children and He made a point in showing
this.

Matthew 18:5 says,
"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name
welcomes me."
Jesus repeatedly welcomed and blessed children.

However, children are not a priority in today's world.
Dr. Stafford writes,
"When hunger and famine strike a nation, adults become weak
and hungry,but it is the children who most often starve to
death. When disease arrives with all its fury, adults can become
very sick, but the first to die are usually children. When war
erupts over ethnicity or boundary lines in the dust, it is the
littlest victims who pay the most tragic price. Far more children
were injured or permanently maimed by our battles. The
tragedies go on for years after the last gunshot or grenade blast,
as land mines and booby-trapped toys keep wounding, terrorizing,
and killing our innocent ones. The ritual sacrifice of children has
been taboo for thousands of years. Yet tragically it is practiced
every day across our world. We sacrifice children on our altars of
our most destructive sins. when the sickness of pornography has
run to its most evil and destructive end, it takes the form of child
pornography. When prostitution reaches its sickest, most depraved
form, it becomes child prostitution."

Here are a few devestating statistics...

*55 percent of childrens deaths in the world is responsible from
malnutrition.

*The earth can produce enough food for every man, woman, and child
to have 2,720 calories per day-more than any of us need.

*On September 11, the same day the twin towers fell, thirty thousand
children under the age of five from hunger and AIDS.

*The World Health Organization reported taht 745,000 children died
in 2001 from the measles.

The total cost of vaccinating them would have been only $558,750. We
spend five times that much on chewing gum each and every year.

It's all a matter of priorities.
Speaking of priorities, isn't it interesting how a schoolteacher earns
between $25,000 and $30,000 a year while a professional baseball
pitcher earns that much for every out he throws?

So how can we help? It is not always possible to go and rescue fifty
children and take them into our homes, and clothe and feed them.
However, sponsoring a child can help one child at a time.
By telling them them that they are loved and cared about, by nurturing
their dreams and encouraging them to be the best they can be, we
can help children overcome poverty and discouragement.
Proverbs 31:8 says,
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of
all who are destitute."

Click here to go to Compassion and find out more about sponsoring
a child!
God bless you!
~Lily

When I grow up...

2011-03-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

It's really late and I can't sleep but I can still dream can't I?
One of my favorite things to ask kids is what they want
to be when they "grow up". I love the responses.
"I want to be a teacher... or a princess"
"A Fio-Fito"
"I wanna be a ballerina"
"Im gonna be an artist"

I love encouraging them and helping them dream. Why
shouldn't kids dream about their future careers and
why shouldn't we encourage them? I find it sad when
people tell their kids they can't be or do something. Let
them dream because eventually they will wake up and
realize they can't be a princess in real life but they can
achieve some of their other dreams.

It is such a blessing to see a smile on a little girl's face when
you tell her she would be a beautiful princess and that she
would make a great teacher. Try it... it is amazing.

So what are your dreams?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Me? Well, I want 100 children. :)

~Lily

2,500,000

2011-03-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

In Kenya, there are 2,500,000 orphaned children.

This just blows me away! 2,500,000 children with no parents.
Where are they living? Who is providing for them? Yet God
sees each of these precious children and He knows each by name.
Isn't that amazing? God loves each and every one of them. He
has a plan for them and their lives will ultimately bring Him glory.
God bless!
~Lily

Beautiful

2011-03-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

In 2008 I traveled to Jamaica to a Children's home called Robin's Nest.
I had an amazing time and the kids were awesome and a blast to be
around. While I was there, I met a 5 year old girl named Shantara.
Shantara had CP and couldn't talk or move her own body. The only
way she could communicate was through her eyes and she had
beautiful eyes. A couple months after I returned home I found out
that Shantara had passed away from complications from the flu. This
beautiful little girl is now running and playing and singing with Jesus.
One of my favorite memories is singing to Shantara about how we
are happy all the day because of Jesus. She started crying while me and
my mom loved on her and that moment is ingrained in my mind. That
a little girl would cry about being happy in Jesus just blew my mind.
Shantara is the most beautiful girl I have ever met, inside and out.
God bless!
~Lily

Age not a factor

2011-02-22T14:11:00.000-08:00

Maggie Doyne is in her early twenties yet she has over 35 children and is principle of a school of 230 students. Does this sound strange to you? Maggie took a gap year after her senior year and wound up in Nepal. There hundreds of orphaned children found their way into Maggie's heart. Maggie Doyne stared a children's home called Kopila Valley. In 2010, she opened the Kopila Valley school with $100,000 awarded from DoSomething. This young lady is truly making a difference in these kids lives. She does not let her age stop her but works for these children and loves them with all her heart! Pray that God would bless Maggie and her work. Pray that She would come to know Christ if she does not. Also pray for these kids that God would save them and make them into leaders as they grow. Maggie started Blinknow where she believes that in the blink of an eye, we can all make a difference.
Check out the links above to Maggie Doyne's blog and learn more!
Have a great week! God bless.
~Lily

He's always been faithful

2011-02-20T12:25:00.000-08:00

Fourteen years ago, Jesus saved me! I am so in awe of His love for me!
He has always been faithful to me!

This song is by Sara Groves... every time I hear it I am blessed and amazed
at God's love for me. Enjoy!

Have a great week! God bless!
~Lily

Greater Love

2011-02-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Isn't it crazy how much Jesus loves us? I mean, He died for us! There is no deeper love than this! And we, in turn, ought to lay down our lives in love for others. Life and death is at stake. We must love because we are loved. Hope you all had a wonderful valentine's day! And I'm leaving you with a quote from Winnie the Pooh... :)

Some people care too much, I think it's called love.
-- Winnie the Pooh

God bless!
~Lily

Her Eyes started their mission

2011-02-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is taken directly from Love146's website...
Once again, Love146 is an organization that is
saving children from sex trafficking and giving
them hope through Jesus. It is an amazing
organization and I hope you are encouraged
through this story! Here is how they got their
name.

In 2002, the co-founders of Love 146 travelled to South East Asia on an exploratory trip to determine how they could serve in the fight against child sex trafficking. In one experience, a couple of our co-founders were taken undercover with investigators to a brothel, where they witnessed children being sold for sex. This was their experience. This is the story that changed our lives. 

"We found ourselves standing shoulder to shoulder with predators in a small room, looking at little girls through a pane of glass. All of the girls wore red dresses with a number pinned to their dress for identification. They sat, blankly watching cartoons on TV. They were vacant, shells of what a child should be. There was no light in their eyes, no life left. Their light had been taken from them. These children...raped each night... seven, ten, fifteen times every night. They were so young. Thirteen, eleven… it was hard to tell. Sorrow covered their faces with nothingness. Except one girl. One girl who wouldn’t watch the cartoons. Her number was 146. She was looking beyond the glass. She was staring out at us, with a piercing gaze. There was still fight left in her eyes. There was still life left in this girl...

"...All of these emotions begin to wreck you. Break you. It is agony. It is aching. It is grief. It is sorrow. The reaction is intuitive, instinctive. It is visceral. It releases a wailing cry inside of you. It elicits gut-level indignation. It is unbearable. I remember wanting to break through the glass. To take her away from that place. To scoop up as many of them as I could into my arms. To take all of them away. I wanted to break through the glass to tell her to keep fighting. To not give up. To tell her that we were coming for her…"

“Because we went in as part of an ongoing, undercover investigation on this particular brothel, we were unable to immediately respond. Evidence had to be collected in order to bring about a raid, and eventually justice on those running the brothel. It is an immensely difficult problem when an immediate response cannot address an emergency. Some time later, there was a raid on this brothel and children were rescued. But the girl who wore #146 was no longer there. We do not know what happened to her, but we will never forget her. She changed the course of all of our lives." -Rob Morris, President and Co-founder

We have taken her number so that we remember why this all started. So that we must tell her story. It is a number that was pinned to one girl, but that represents the millions enslaved. We wear her number with honor, with sorrow, and with a growing hope. Her story can be a different one for so many more.

Love146 message may not be easy to hear.
It may seem an impossible task with 27
million people enslaved. 2 children are sold
every minute. Over 100,000 children are forced
into prostitution or pornography every year.
But as Love146 states, "Human beings are NOT
commodities. Children are Not for sale." Go
to Love 146 and read some of the amazing
stories of young children who have been
rescued and are now living in Hope!!!
God bless!
~Lily

Here am I

2011-02-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 6:8-9

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
He said, “Go and tell this people"

This is definitely my favorite Bible verse! Every
time I read it I feel convicted and encouraged
at the same time. I am convicted to share God's
word with my friends here at home. I see my
fear of man. I also see God's grace in my life
and I am encouraged when I remember that He
will never leave me or forsake me. I also am
encouraged because it makes me want to pursue
my dream of going to Africa to share this message
with "the Least of these". These precious children
who need the hope of Jesus! What is God calling
you to do? Where will you go for Him and who
will you tell?
God bless!
~Lily

100 children

2011-01-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

My thoughts tend to drift towards my passions :)
Who's don't? But this makes me really excited
about the next step in my life. Lord willing
I will be going to Africa late summer which
I am extremely excited about! When I was three,
I wanted to have 100 children and I proceeded
to make a list when I was five or six with the
numbers 1-100 and I started naming all 100
of my children. Here's an example...
1. Amy
2. Mary
3. Peter
4. John
5. Salomi...
You get the picture... And yes, I wanted a child
named Salomi but don't ask me why! :) Well
anyway... Over the years I continued to have
the desire to have 100 children and as I wanted
to help orphans. As a three year old, I didn't care
how those 100 children came, I just knew I
could love and care for them, Now that I'm a
little older... I know that I personally cannot
have 100 children physically :) ow! But I still
want to help 100 children! It's crazy how God
can use a simple desire and continue to shape
it. And now it's almost here... a couple months
and I will hopefully be helping those children.
Who know's where God will lead! :) I appreciate
prayers as I start this journey! This blog should
start to get a lot more exciting... jk. All glory
to God! He is so amazing!
~Lily

Hope

2011-01-23T14:21:00.000-08:00

So after my last post I think that hope is in order. Although there are millions of babies being aborted, there are also many who are being rescued through crisis pregnancy centers. Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center is an amazing organization that is helping mothers as well as preaching the gospel. Several of Amnion's leaders attend my church so it has been a blessing to hear their story several times. Definitely check out there website above! Pray that God will continue to use them in the lives of women and that many more babies will be given a chance at life! God bless! :)

Horror

2011-01-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

Today in the paper, there was a small column about a filthy abortion clinic in Philadelphia. At this abortion clinic, the doctor would perform abortions for immigrant and minority women. The horrible thing was that many times, the babies were born and then murdered. When I read this I was overcome with sorrow at the loss of these lives. But it reminded me of how many babies are aborted each day, each month, each year. And why is it that only when the baby is born alive is it considered murder? The thing that was the heaviest on my heart was that this was not on the front of the paper but merely a small section in the middle. And that American's will see this, as the paper called it... a "horror". In quotation marks. Not a HORROR, but merely an inconvenience to these babies who will never have a chance to live. Do we see abortion at any stage as murder or as murder only when they are alive? Which one affects us more deeply and why? Do we see abortion as the world does, as merely something that is a problem but impossible to stop? And finally, what can we do to stop it?

~Lily

Do something

2011-01-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

At the Passion 2011 conference, they had an opportunity for the students to do something in the world. They wanted to unite in order to "do good and make a massive difference in the lives of people around the globe in Jesus' name". Some of the causes included clean water, student loans, feeding the hungry, compassion child sponsorship, homes for the people in Haiti, Bibles to the unreached in Columbia, freedom for sex slaves, rescue operations to bring freedom to girls, life-saving surgeries for babies with hydrocephalus, and socks and towels for the homeless in Atlanta.

The goal was to raise $470,000 with the students attending Passion. However, God worked in these "poor" :) college students and the Total Given at Passion 2011 Atlanta: $1,167,249.24. 22,000 students raised over a million dollars in Jesus' name! That is amazing!!! :)
Here are some of the opportunities and the goals as well as how each goal was blown away. Enjoy!

Homeless=Towels and Socks for Atlanta area shelters. Given: 18,400 towels and 88,000 pairs of socks!

Clean water=$75,000 for 15 wells in villages in India. Given: 24 wells!

Micro-finance=200 small business loans for Afghan entrepreneurs totaling $40,000. Given: 387 loans!

Bibles=20,000 New Testaments to unreached in Colombia at $20,000. Given: 31,554 New Testaments!

Feeding Children=Feed 1,000 at risk children in South Africa for one year at $50,000. Given: Feeding 2,225 children!

Homes=Build 15 homes in Haiti at $54,000. Given: 39 homes!

Sponsor Children=Sponsor 150 children and provide family essentials at a cost of $100,00. Given: 442 children sponsored!

Human trafficking=Restoration and a future for 10 girls trapped in sex slavery in Bolivia at a cost of $36,000. Given: 22 girls rescued/restored!

Surgeries for Children=$50,000 to fund 50 Hydrocephalus surgeries in Uganda. Given: 141 surgeries!

Rescue women=$45,000 to fund 10 rescue operations to free sex slaves in the Philippines (each operation frees 15 women on average). Given: 29 rescue operations!

Plus, College fund for Haitian earthquake survivor, Therissa Leo. Given: $23,106!

Isn't that amazing! God can certainly use young people in order to bring glory to His name. The last one, a college fund for Therissa was funded by each student giving only $1. I was amazed at the power of one dollar! If we all worked together, imagine what we could accomplish in Jesus' name! :) He is truly amazing! I pray you would have an amazing week! God bless!
~Lily

Lie Passive in God's hands

2011-01-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

In my devotions, I read this in the Morning and Evening devotionals by Spurgeon. It reminds me of how amazing God is and how I will never fully grasp His love for me. Be encouraged!

Morning, January 6

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
"It is a happy way of soothing sorrow when we can feel—“HE careth for me.” Christian! do not dishonour religion by always wearing a brow of care; come, cast your burden upon your Lord. You are staggering beneath a weight which your Father would not feel. What seems to you a crushing burden, would be to him but as the small dust of the balance. Nothing is so sweet as
to “Lie passive in God’s hands, And know no will but his.”
O child of suffering, be thou patient; God has not passed thee over in his providence. He who is the feeder of sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Sit not down in despair; hope on, hope ever. Take up the arms of faith against a sea of trouble, and your opposition shall yet end your distresses. There is One who careth for you. His eye is fixed on you, his heart beats with pity for your woe, and his hand omnipotent shall yet bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning. He, if thou art one of his family, will bind up thy wounds, and heal thy broken heart. Doubt not his grace because of thy tribulation, but believe that he loveth thee as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness. What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence! With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. If God cares for you, why need you care too? Can you trust him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, he has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God".

God bless!
~Lily

Passion 2011

2011-01-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

This is just a brief overview of the Passion 2011
conference that I recently attended in Atlanta.
Passion 2011 is a conference for 17-25 year olds.
The main goal is to glorify God-uniting students
in worship and prayer for spiritual awakening in
this generation. It was truly amazing to hear Jesus'
name praised and to see 22,000 young adults
unite in His name. The speakers and worship
were all amazing.I was encouraged and felt that
Jesus drew near and spoke to me. The biggest
thing I took away was that Jesus wants to be my
everything. He wants to be at the center of
everything that I do.To Him be all the glory and
not to me. My happiness and desires should be
in Him and not in myself and in belongings. I
also enjoyed my family group which was 8 people
that I met and we grew together as we discussed
things that we heard and felt at the conference.
I was so encouraged throughout this whole
conference and want to live my life for God
alone. I will write later about some of the causes that
Passion was contributing to. God worked through
these young people in amazing ways.
Happy new year and God bless!
~Lily

More on Compassion

2010-12-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

So once again I am going to talk about... Compassion.
Seriously, it is an amazing organization. For only $38
a month, you can sponsor a child. The money will
enable the child to live a better life as well as have the
opportunity to learn about Jesus. I have been sponsoring
Kevin for several years and it has been such a rewarding
experience. But you may be saying, "I can't afford it!"
I was only thirteen when I started and had no income, but
God has provided. I have learned what I need with what
needs to be done. You are not just sending money to
a stranger, you are investing in a relationship with a child.
A child with a name. A child who will love you and will
love every single letter you send. Pray and spend time with
God asking what He wants you to do. If He wants you to
invest your time and resources into a child, He will enable
you to do so. Compassion International is not just a gift
for the child, it is a gift for the sponsor as well. Click here
to go to their website and learn more. God bless!
~Lily

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas is approaching, cookies are baked, snow is
falling and presents under the tree. I am reminded this
Christmas just how blessed I am. I have a wonderful
family, an amazing church I am blessed to be a part of,
great friends, a super job and I have a home, food,
clothes and everything else I tend to take for granted.
I also have been saved by grace. That completely amazes
me! God saved ME!!! And Christmas is where he came
down to earth! A great movie to watch is the Nativity Story.
It is truly amazing!!! :) I hope you all have an amazing
holiday!
God bless

~Lily

SNOW

2010-12-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

There is currently a blizzard where I live and it is amazingly beautiful.
It also makes me realize just how blessed I am to have a warm house
and that I don't have to be outside in the FREEZING cold! When I went
to Jamaica and Ecuador, the kids there had never seen snow and it was
really fun trying to explain it. Isn't God amazing!? :)
Hope you have a great day!
God bless!
~Lily

Operation Christmas Child

2010-12-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I volunteered at Operation Christmas Child which is an amazing organization that distributes Christmas presents in shoe boxes to children who are poor and in need. Their Mission: "To demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ." People all over America pack shoe boxes with gifts and then OCC sends them to children all over the world. Last year, 8 million children received a Christmas shoe box. Since 1993, 130 countries have received these shoe boxes! That is amazing!

You can learn more about OCC at their website which is here.

Have a great week!
God bless!
~Lily

Thankfulness :)

2010-11-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

Happy almost Thanksgiving!
I feel so incredibly blessed! I have an
amazing family, I go to an amazing
church where I can fellowship with
great friends and I also have the
opportunity to go to school and work.

In Ecuador, I really realized how blessed
I am and how easy it is to forget that!
There were kids who couldn't go to
school, kids who were fourteen and had
to work in order to help their families.
In Kevin's family, both of his older
siblings work.

At the CDC, there was a young woman
in a wheel chair. She had lost most of her
limbs yet her face was still filled with joy.
I want to live like her. Have nothing yet
still be thankful. I really saw there that
you don't have to have stuff to be happy.
You don't even have to have all of your
limbs. What you need is JESUS!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!
God bless!

~Lily

Open Hand Children's Home

2010-10-31T12:41:00.000-07:00

So once again I am here to tell you of a Children's Home that God
is using to rescue children from lives of poverty and hardships.
Located in Kenya, Africa, Open Hand has rescued 41 children and
loved them the way Jesus loves us. Check out their website to
learn more about the work they do! It is extremely encouraging
plus they have adorable pictures of some of the kids! :) God bless!

~Lily

What's next :)

2010-10-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hey! Sorry it's been a while since I last posted... I've been super busy!
I am graduating this year and so I have been praying about what come
next! I am hoping to go to an orphanage for several months and immerse
myself and learn all I can. So right now I am looking and praying about
where I should go. It's really exciting and a bit nerve-wracking but I am
excited to see where God leads. :)

Also, click this to go to Maggie Doyne's blog. She has a Children's Home
in Nepal and is doing AMAZING work there. This is an intense story about
some of the stuff she does. God is really using her in the lives of the people
living in Nepal.

Have a great week! :) Here are two pictures of two sweet girls I met while
in Ecuador. Karin was a little love bug who just crawled right into my lap.
The older girl (I never got her name) was thrilled when she found out we
both had braces and never left my side for the rest of the day. :)

God bless!
~Lily

Covenant Mercies

2010-08-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

Covenant Mercies is a ministry through the
SGF church helping orphans and those in
need in Uganda. Their website really explains
alot about what they do.

"Covenant Mercies’ vision for ministry to
orphans includes:

*Enabling extended families of orphans to
provide effective care through our Orphan
Sponsorship Program

*Building orphans’ homes in cooperation
with local churches in other nations

*Providing adoptive homes for orphaned children

*Providing Adoption Assistance grants for
qualified families through our Orphans Fund"

Covenant Mercies also allows the children to be
sponsored. For just $30 a month you can make
such a big difference in a child's life. Click here
to go to the sponsorship page.

God bless!
~Lily

Missing Ecuador and all the cuties!

2010-08-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

Final Ecuador post :)

2010-08-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well, today I'll try to wrap up this super long saga of my trip... ;)

I was blown away by how much I learned on this trip. I am so blessed
to be a sponsor and be able to sponsor Kevin. I actually just got two
letters from him where he told me how much fun he had. So cool to
hear! I am excited to correspond with Kevin now that we have so many
memories to share together! I feel like I receive more as a sponsor than
my sponsored child does. Being a sponsor is more than a monthly $ sign
but it is investing time and love into a little boy who lives across the
continent. I am so thankful for Compassion and their ministry.

Have a wonderful week!
God bless!

~Lily

Ecuador, Day 5

2010-07-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

Day 5 we spent at a child development center where mothers learn how to care for the young children. Most of this post will be pictures. The kids were adorable and I loved hearing them giggle as they held our hands and smiled their beautiful smiles. Children are definitely a blessing! Some of the mothers at the project did two Ecuadorian dances for us and then invited us onstage with them so I was able to dance with them which was a once in a lifetime experience! :)
I hope you enjoy these pictures!!!

Ecuador Day 4 part 2

2010-07-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

Day 4 part 2 :)

At the park there was a really really really freaky zipline that Kevin decided to try! Basically it was a swing that went down a zipline and was stopped by two tires=dangerously fun! After he tried it he pointed to me and with a bunch of screaming... I ended up going on the zipline and actually enjoying it! We took a few pictures at the playset and I showed Kevin how to use my camera.

My dad found some small coconuts on the ground and he and Kevin practiced throwing them at an empty waterbottle! So cute and Kevin loved it because he beat my dad and knocked down the bottle! :) We played a little more soccer and then the hardest part of the trip came... saying goodbye.

We started out with a GIANT group picture of all the sponsors and sponsored children, family members, tutors, translators and directors.
/Users/kristiafluharty/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2010/Roll 478/P1020643.JPG

Saying goodbye was so much harder than I thought it would be. I was trying really hard not to cry because I was so happy about the two wonderful days we had shared but it was really hard. Kevin ran and picked me a beautiful flower which was really special.

I didn't want to let Kevin go but I am so glad for the time I was able to spend with him!

I am so blessed to be a sponsor and be able to know Kevin. The two days I spent with him some of the best in my life and the memories we share are priceless! I just received a letter from him today and he was so grateful for the visit! I will post the final day soon!

God bless!
~Lily

Ecuador Day 4 Part 1

2010-07-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

Day 4 was one of the most amazing days of the trip. We got to spend a second day with Kevin. Our group of about 50 sponsors arrived at a park early in Sunday morning which happened to be Father's Day. When the kids arrived, Kevin was much more talkative and open. He gave me a wooden box that he made that said "With Much Love, Kevin"

We then had a short church service where one of the Compassion directors who works in Ecuador just thanked the sponsors and teachers and parents. We sang a few songs in English and then a few in Spanish which was fun. During lunch, Kevin was talking alot and smiling and he was really happy when my dad drew a picture of him.

After lunch, we had a few hours left with Kevin so we went to see a few sheep and goats at the park. On our way to see the animals, my dad picked up a few fallen oranges and showed Kevin how to juggle. After about four or five trys, Kevin could juggle three pretty well! He is a good student! :)

I then told Kevin I had some gifts for him but first he told me he had a surprise for me. He told me to close my eyes and then he placed something in my hands. I opened my eyes to see a beautiful little elephant statue. I was so surprised! I told Kevin it is my favorite animal and he grinned and told me "I know!"

I then handed him his backpack full of gifts I had brought with me. It was such a blessing to see him hold up each gift and smile. Even the little things like socks for his dad were delighted over.

I'll post part 2 later!

~Lily

Ecuador Day 3

2010-07-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 3 was the third day in Ecuador and the first day with Kevin, my sponsored child. We drove up up up into the mountains and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking! I mean green pastures and the mountains... wow! When we arrived at the park (which was a really nice park coverin over an acre) we were assigned to a color. I was blue and we were the last group to head into the soccerfield where our kids were waiting. I saw Kevin pretty quick but it took a while for him to finally see him. It was amazing to see him run towards me and be able to hug him for the first time after over 4 years of writing and praying over this little boy, to be able to hug him was one of the best and most rewarding moments of my life.I also got to meet his mom, Doris and his tutor. Kevin was a little shy when we first met so I handed him the soccer ball I had brought and he showed off some amazing skills. Kevin then handed me a beautiful scarf that he made for me on his fingers! The kid has got some amazing talent. He also handed me a small worn teddybear. He told me that it is his favorite toy and he wanted to give it to me because it was the best gift he could give. This completely floored me and I was so blessed and thankful to recieve that simple. We then went swimming in a HEATED pool and although Kevin was a little nervous in the water, he did show me some freaky backflips he chucked off the side of the pool. During lunch, we were able to talk and I was able to learn alot about his family and Kevin's interests and hobbies. When he grows up, he wants to be either a lawyer of a policeman so he can help and protect people. He loves animals and Kevin told me that he takes care of his neighbours dogs. It made me laugh when I found out he named one of the neighbour dogs after my dog who he asks about in every letter. After lunch we played soccer and let me tell you, that kid is amazing with the soccerball! He was dribbling and kicking right around me. We had a blast and were able to bond alot through the game. We also had the opportunity to go on paddle boats and walk around and explore the park. Earlier in the day, Kevin asked me what my favorite food is and my answer like most Americans was PIZZA! To my joy, I was able to buy Kevin his first ever piece of pizza and we split it. He loved it! :) The first day with Kevin was amazing! I learned so much about him and the second day which I'll post soon was even more amazing! I have some videos which I'll try to post too! God bless! ~Lily

Ecuador Day 2

2010-06-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Day 2

After waking up at about 9, me and my dad proceeded down to a fabulous buffet breakfast where there were about a million different kinds of juice including orange, strawberry, mango, pineapple and blackberry. We then headed out on the bus to a children's center where we got fed a wonderful meal of ecuadorian food including chicken, potatoes, corn and veggies. We then went on a home visit, we visited a mother and her two kids, Christian and Fanny. Sadly the father is no longer around which is the case in many families there. The house was only two rooms with cement floors and walls and a plastic ceiling to prevent leaks. It was very hard to see the family living in such poverty but it was a blessing to see Christian telling us how happy he was to have us in his home.

We then headed back to the project and spent time hanging out with the kids there which was sooooo much fun! We went to the church across the road and a little girl named Karin claimed my lap. Another little girl Jessica also grabbed my hand and followed me around for the rest of the time.

Me and Karin

Me and Jessica

The second day was really cool and it was fun to communicate with these kids despite the language barrier. (I speak absolutely no spanish) The funny thing is that since I took a year of french, I actually started counting in French and the little girls started laughing at me! Nothing like little kids to keep you humble! It was a blessing to represent these kids sponsors who couldn't be there and still receive so much love from them.

More of the trip to come!

~Lily

Ecuador Trip Day 1

2010-06-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! My trip to Ecuador was absolutely amazing! During the next few posts I'll share stories and pics from my trip and you'll get to see the wonderful country of Ecuador and some of the stuff I learned while I was there! Hope you enjoy and are blessed! This trip really filled me with a thankfulness and an awareness of what I have! It also showed me that stuff doesn't matter. So follow along as I take you an my adventure to Ecuador!!!

DAY 1

Day 1 was filled with sitting on airplanes and waiting at airports! We got to Miami at about 1 pm and then had a layover for about 6 hours. When we finally got on the plane for Ecuador we were delayed because of lightning so our arrival which should have been at about 10:30 pm ended up being at 12:30. I officially found out that airplane food is DISGUSTING and that I would rather be hungry than try to digest that again! We got into Ecuador and went through customs really late so by the time we got into our fabulous hotel it was 3:00 am! We were exhausted and our 6 hour sleep felt amazing!!!

~Lily

Compassion Trip

2010-06-11T09:42:00.001-07:00

I am taking a trip to Ecuador through Compassion to meet the little boy
I sponsor, Kevin!!!!!!! I have been sponsoring Kevin for a little over 4
years and he is now eleven years old.My dad and I are going with a group
to Ecuador for 6 days and we will have the opportunity to meet with our
sponsored children for two days as well as visit other projects and a
child survival program. Some of the things we will be doing include playing
and serving kids at different child centers, visiting a child's home and seeing
first-hand how these children live, meeting our sponsored children and a
family member and spending a day at the park with them, going to Kevin's
church and getting to worship alongside him, going to a movie theater with
our sponsored children, go to our sponsored child's project and meet the
staff and teachers, and going to a Child Survival Program where we will meet
mother's and their babies.

I pray that this trip would really be blessed and that Kevin and I would
grow in our friendship. I hope that this trip will be a blessing towards
Kevin and show how much I love and care for him. I am extremely excited
and will put up pictures and blog about the trip when I return home!
God bless and have a great week!

~Lily

An Amazing Story of Strength

2010-05-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

This video is from Love146 and is the amazing story
of one girl's strength and hope and love.

Diana's Love Story from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

~Lily

hhmmm...

2010-04-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

The definition of abortion is...

1. "The deliberate termination of a HUMAN pregnancy."

Alot of people call an unborn baby a fetus saying that
a fetus isn't alive. well... listen to the definition of fetus.

"Fetus- an unborn offspring of a mammal, in particular an unborn human baby of more than eight weeks after conception."

That sounds like a human being to me... both definitions
have the word human in them.

"Murder is the unlawful, pre-meditated killing of one human being by another."

Abortion is Murder plain and simple.
Continue to pray for all the babies who are not given a chance at life.
Pray that abortion will be stopped!
God bless!

~Lily

Your Hands

2010-04-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

When my world is shaking, Heaven stands.
When my heart is breaking, I never leave Your hands!

This is a beautiful song that is really speaking to me right now!
God is always there and is an ever present help in time of trouble!
We are in His hands and we never walk alone!
Hope you have a good week!
God bless

~Lily

I Count

2010-04-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here is an Essay I wrote for a contest called Being an American: I Count

I live in a culture where I'm judged by my appearance, what I wear and what I listen to. My generation is filled with superficial masks that people hide behind to be accepted. I want to show the next generation that it is not about what you look like but about who you really are, when no one is watching. I've been called old-fashioned. If standing up for what you believe in and not conforming to what everyone else is doing is considered old-fashioned, then I am guilty as charged.
With so many of today's headlines filled with violence, I want to tell people about the peace that fills my life in spite of the chaos around me. My peace comes from Jesus Christ. As a teen, I have a chance to make a difference and I have a voice that can address difficult issues. I cannot make America a better place on my own, but I know that I have something unique to offer. Me.

God bless!

~Lily

Amazing Grace

2010-02-26T13:53:00.001-08:00

Wow! Thirteen years ago, Jesus came into my heart!
I am so blessed to call him Father! God is so good to
love me, a sinner and to send his Son to die for me.
For him to save a three year old when she was learning
about Nicademus and when I heard how Jesus told him
he must be born again I broke down crying. I wanted
Jesus in my heart. Thanks you Jesus for saving me from
a life of darkness and misery! I am so thankful and blessed!
God bless!

~Lily

Kopila Valley Children's Home

2010-02-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

Kopila Valley Children's Home is a wonderful home in Nepal that
takes in children who need love and support. Maggie Doyne,
a young woman from NJ started the home after a back-packing
trip in Nepal where she saw all the children needing help. Through
Kopila Valley Children's Home, Maggie has taken in dozens of
children and helped enroll over eighty children into school. Maggie
is a wonderful example of giving yourself to help the least of these.
In her info, maggie says, "I truly believe that if every child in the
world is provided with their most basic needs and rigts- a safe
home, medical care, an educaton, and love, they will grow to be
leaders and end cycles of poverty and violence in our world."
Click the link to go to Kopila Valley Children's Home website and
learn more about Maggie and what she's doing to help the children
of Nepal.

God bless!

~Lily

Are you ready for death?

2010-02-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a poem I wrote...

Are You Ready for Death?

The question every man must face,
Is if he is prepared for death.
This haunting question strong and still,
Can make men quake and run for fear.

To some they try to forget and go
About their lives, no regret shows.
They waste their lives in foolish deeds,
And die alone, empty in pain.

To others they think when death comes,
Life will be no more, just darkness.
This life is brief, it’s just a breath.
And like a poof, gone forever.

To me however, I have peace.
For death is not the end of me.
And to Jesus I turn my face,
Death is the beginning of life.

God bless!
~Lily

*please do not use this poem without permission*

4,000 children murdered today

2010-02-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

Over 4,000 children were murdered today across America.
Abortion stops a beating heart.

50,000,00 babies are aborted each year.
In Washington, D.C. 265 babies were aborted for every 100 born.

Raise awareness now that every child deserves to be born!
God bless!

~Lily

Thank you for the trials!

2010-01-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

Be encouraged in that whatever trials you may be facing that you are not alone.
God is there and will always be with you and give you the strength to keep on!
Isaiah 40:31 says...

"but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

and Isaiah 41:10...

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

One of my favorite songs says...

"Thank you for the trials, for the fire, for the pain.
Thank you for the strenght, knowing you have
ordained every day."

You are not alone. God's power will be shone when
you are weak and He will bring about his good and
perfect will even though we may not know what it is.
God bless!

~Lily

Pray for Haiti!

2010-01-15T16:33:00.000-08:00

Please be praying for Haiti!
There was an enormous earthquake this week
and thousands have died! My heart is heavy
for these people! Pray that God will use this
to bring many to him! Be praying for all the
people who have lost loved ones! May God give
them peace and hope! God bless!

~Lily

Jesus Freaks

2010-01-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

If you have never read Jesus Freaks by dc Talk I eagerly suggest you do! It is an amazing book filled with true stories of Christians who were martyrs for their faith. The book is truly inspiring and encouraging to read.

Here are a few quotes from the book...

"If we do not radiate the light of Christ around us, the sense of the darkness that prevails in the world will increase."
Mother Theresa
Gave her Life to the poor in India
1910-1997

"Lord, I am your messenger. Throw me like a blazing torch into the night."
Mary Skobtosova
Died in a Nazi gas chamber
Many believe she died in the place of another woman picked to go to Ravensbruck Concentration Camp.
Germany, Easter Eve, 1945
The Camp was Liberated by the Red Cross the next day.

"God didn't call us to be successful, just faithful."
Mother Theresa

"It is not my ability, but my response to God's ability that counts."
Corrie Ten Boom
Hid Jews in her home to protect them from the Nazis during World War II
Holland
1892-1983

Hope these encourage you to continue to shine your light to the world!
God bless

~Lily

Love 146

2009-12-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

Love146 History from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

Love 146 is aiming to end
child sex slavery and exploitation.
There are over 27 million people
enslaved right now all over the world
even in the United States.
Two children are sold every minute.
Go to the website and learn more.
It is very moving and Love 146 is
doing a wonderful work saving these
children from a life of horrible pain
in these brothels. Pray that child
slavery will stop and that God will
bless these little children. God bless!

~Lily

Adopted into God's family

2009-12-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

Adoption is such a wonderful word. To adopt is to
take in or accept. Having an adopted sister has
been truly a blessing. I have seen how blessed I am
in having my wonderful family and how blessed I
am to be adopted into God's family.

Adoption is a gift that God has given us and we as
His children should minister and tell other's of the
wonderful family we are now in. Being adopted into
God's family, we now have a perfect, loving Father
who wants what is best for us and we know that
everything that happens to us, He isworking for our
good. Be encouraged to minister to those who are
not yet in this family and feel God's pleasure as you
go out andpreach to those who don't have God as
their father. God bless!

~Lily

In Charge Poem

2009-10-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a poem I had to write for a writing class...

In Charge Poem
Lily Fluharty 9
October 12, 2009

If I were in charge of the world,
There would be no more hunger or pain,
People wouldn’t use others for gain,
There would be no divorce or affairs,
The world would be filled with prayers,
If I were in charge of the world.

If I were in charge of the world,
Every child could learn,
Every father would earn,
Water will never be wasted,
Food will always be tasted,
If I were in charge of the world.

If I were in charge of the world,
The homeless would have a home,
The orphan would not be alone,
Brothels wouldn’t be here,
Every child held dear,
If I were in charge of the world.
If I were in charge of the world,
No babies would die to abortion,
Life would not be in distortion.
There would be no murderers or thieves,
And no one would ever grieve,
If I were in charge of the world.

If I were in charge of the world,
Life would be like an adventure,
Into the world everyone venture.
Love would reign over all,
All would heed the Lord’s call,
If I were in charge of the world.

If I were in charge of the world,
I would never be in charge,
For the future is unknown and large.
God ordained the world to be
It will be perfect in eternity.
God is in charge of the world.

God bless!
~Lily