For context: I’ve been walking through what feels like the LORD is “hiding” me. Like He was keeping me from stepping forward. I’d be lying if I said I was “okay” with not being able to transition into a season that I truly feel like I am ready for, or even that I feel He’s been preparing me so long for.
I know these truths of His faithfulness in my head and my heart. Yet, Jesus had to walk me by the hand through actions in real time, in what sometimes feels like fire, to be purified (for my own good). I follow His lead, admittedly with eyes closed and a bit of complaining at times. He steadies me in the quietness of our intimate relationship (what a sweet and loving act on His behalf) to remind me that we’re building together….well, the LORD is ultimately forming me and I get to be a part of it- a vessel. AND, how kind to be refined in the safety and security of our hidden place, rather than grow through failure on display.
He wanted me to gift Him my attention on my own accord- not focusing on the gift or object of my desire but the Provider and source of it- so that I could watch him break yet another chain and impress me with His limitless creativity and desire to work all things together for my good. Thus, so masterfully taking pieces that don’t seem to make much sense on their own, intertwining His will to be realized as equally desires of my own.
“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” -Esther 4:14
And that’s the part where the Holy Spirit led me to realize:
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I think I’m supposed to go on multiple missions trips this year, starting with a rather recent developing one to South Africa with Braveheart Ministries in July of this year.
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I think I’m supposed to fundraise through selling cookies.
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I think I’m supposed to help support and pay for others to have the same opportunities as well.
… I wasn’t able to sleep all night, because this vision didn’t require sleep to metastasize. He built a scaffold from all that He had been building in me and leading me through in my life via passions, experiences and skills. I don’t have to worry or know how to make it successful by worldly terms. It just requires that I’m obedient and willing to open the ceiling of what He can do in and through me- simultaneously recognizing that it’s not even “my effort” or strength at all.
ENTER: KINGDOM COOKIES AND “DOUGH 4 ALL NATIONS” PROJECT
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” -Matthew 28:19
KINGDOM COOKIES- because the ultimate purpose and pursuit for us as Christ followers is share the message of the true Gospel, of Christ’s pursuit of us and desire to be in intimate relationship with us, with everyone we possibly can. We are pursuing and actively seeking the Kingdom (Highly recommend this sermon from Michael Todd @ Transformation Church on “seeking the Kingdom”…it shook me).
“DOUGH 4 ALL NATIONS” Project- a grassroots and intentional fundraising (money- “dough”) effort, selling baked goodies (cookie- “dough”) to support missions. The purchase of each sweet treat initiates a chain reaction; an opportunity for the message of The Gospel to spread even further into the Nations and throughout the world.
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Fresh baked daily with quality ingredients and individually wrapped.
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There will be several classic “staple” flavor offerings (Chocolate Chip, M&M, Frosted Sugar Cookie), as well as a *unique* flavor revealed every other week.
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Offered in Single ($3), 4 Cookie Bundle ($10), 6 Cookie Bundle ($15), and 12 Cookie Bundle ($30).
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Delivery and Nationwide shipping will be available for orders with a minimum of $15.
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Payments/Donations will be processed through Shopify.
Get started by placing your order: KINGDOM COOKIES
Sure, there are plenty of good, fresh baked cookie options out there, but do any of them have such a mission and pursuit? It’s NOT about the mission trip specifically, reaching a specific fundraising goal, or even selling a single cookie (everything earned will be going back into and/or being payed forward). But really, being obedient to share the love of Jesus, following His lead, to whomever and wherever that means. Through the heart of the efforts themselves and the effects of them as well.
All along, He has been showing me a picture of the entire bountiful, blooming and luscious garden- yet He has just handed me the seeds. The LORD will be with me every single day in the garden and even help it to grow bigger and better beyond that original vision. But God who is oh so patient will wait for my willingness to tend to the soil; even enduring all of the conditions that will come with it.
His perfect plan, will and timing to use little old me to make Heaven even more crowded. Even when I don’t think I’m making an impact because, from where I’m sitting, I’m “hidden” away- that’s when I realize that anything different wouldn’t ultimately be as lovely, fulfilling, complete or impactful. My vision and creativity is limited compared to the one who formed all things.
I rest my hope in Him and His incredible creativity. The same creative God who placed the stars, created me, my life and the entire effect of it.
”Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing.” -Isaiah 40:26
Even when you think you’ve reached the capacity of your understanding and relationship with God, there’s always more.
Thank you. Truly and deeply, thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings, consider supporting this endeavor and the LORD’s truth at the heart of it all. Whether this is the first time you’ve heard these things, or the millionth, I pray you are able to gain a new viewpoint and experience revelation yourself. Open your mind to the possibilities that are available when you get outside your comfort zone and explore. Know that the Jesus died for your sins and because of that, when you believe in Him, you get to live eternal life in freedom- starting from the moment you accept.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” -John 3:16-18
With love + blessings,
Brittany