National Poetry Day 2015: Light

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

He’s Hope in darkness,

Unveiling the unknown. only,

in Light, my path’s Shown.

-SH

I made it!

The view from our roof, you can see the ocean in the background. 

I am so excited to report that this is my first post in the Dominican Republic!!!

It has been a long time coming and these past few days have been a crazy cyclone of emotions and activities. Between getting a call that someone wanted to finish my support and touching down in Santo Domingo my heart has been filled. Filled with the sorrow of leaving my loved ones and the joy of finally reaching the place it has been called to for this season of life.

My first view of the Island! 

Due to the craziness of life these past days, It didn't really sink in until I was on the flights over here. My heart was overwhelmed by the efforts of the many who helped me this summer and these past months. When I peered out the window and saw the island that I would call home this year I could not help but shed tears of joy and relief. In this moment I was at peace. 

It amazes me so that in the matters of a few hours or even a day you can be in a new country, or on the other side of the world. It makes me think about Jesus, Barnabas, Paul and the other Apostles. They traveled for days by feet, boat, and harsher conditions for the sake of the Good News. I can only assume that if they had the luxury of hopping on a plane, as we do, they would constantly fly all over the world for the Gospel! 

So this year I will look to Jesus and these men as my examples of the urgency of God's word and plan. Pray for me as I work with the Dominicans here. That I will love them with the heart of the Lord and that all of our hearts would carry the words of the Lord forever! 

I want to say thank you again to all who have helped get me here. I really could not be here without you and I will continue to trust that God will work in your lives this year also!

So here I am, 91 degree weather and all, so happy to have begun my journey! 

For His Glory 

Shanee Howard 

Also song of the moment, can you tell I am motivated: "Tell the World" - Lacrae

You have Beautiful Feet too!!!

This past month has literally been up in the air; concerning when final goodbyes are made, when I should begin packing, as well as when I will finally be in the Dominican Republic. It has been challenging physically, mentally, and spiritually, but my God already had a plan in place.

Though some days I drove the struggle bus, God has placed a community of believers and encouragers around me. So first, if you have encouraged me in some way these past months, THANK YOU! Sometimes it felt as if I was in the mist of a battle and your words and actions were life giving. So as my 4 year old nephew would say, "Thank you, for hours!" :) 

I have never been more attuned to God's plan for community among believers, it is not only a good thing, it is imperative. The word says in Hebrews 10:24-25

"24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Based on the words in this scripture, community strays away from just being fellowship and hanging out but is transformed into so much more. Community is an active exchange that helps the Lord's body to be His hands and feet, a thing that makes us look more like Him.

Community is speaking life and the truth of the word over your brothers and sister. Community is reminding them of the things God has called them to do. Community is making an effort to spend time with one another, not just for recreation, but to be intentional about the things of God. Community is being aware that as Christians today we are called to a greater mission, to reach the world before the return of Christ, and in this awareness acting to help one other follow the path God has for them closely. 

In these past months, all of those who have encouraged me somehow, prayed for me, or even gave me a hug I am so thankful and blessed by this. In your kind words and actions you have helped me take steps closer to serving the Lord this next year in the DR. You have shown me Community on a scale that ranges from close family members to strangers that I have never met acting on God's behalf. Thank you for believing in my calling. 

The word says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who share the good news." We have pretty feet y'all!! I am not going to the Dominican Republic by myself, I have a team of people who are partnering with me financially and prayerfully, without you all I would not be able to go. By you sending me to the DR you are also partaking in helping reach the World with the gospel. So take a good look, you have beautiful feet too! 

My actual feet >.<  (Spring Break 2015, PCB)

So as this year continues I hope that you are able to share with those around you what God is doing in the DR, also I hope that He will give you opportunities to be lights in your mission fields here, at home. I am praying for all of you! 

Just to give you an update on support, I am now a little over $4,000 from being fully funded. Praise God, that I am almost to 100%!!!!! I should be leaving before this weekend is up! 

So again a BIG THANK YOU!

For His Glory,

Shanee Howard

Also my song for the moment: "No Longer Slaves"- Bethel

If it could go wrong, it did.........

It would be nice to live in a world where everything goes perfectly and according to plan? Yes it sure would be, but unfortunately we live in a broken world. A world with a real enemy, who wants to steal our joy and deter us from our Father's work. (1 John 5:19) 

Early this month, my team left for the Dominican Republic while I stayed back in Kentucky. I had a bit of support to finish before I could join them. I didn't think it would be as hard as it was to watch them begin our STINT year while I was here, but it was. After all I am supposed to be one of those smiling faces in their pictures.

While my team left I also fell so ill that it was hard for me to even leave my house for 3 days, my Aunt entered the hospital, and an extended family member passed away suddenly.

All of these events brought their fair share of anxiety, tears, and frustration.

During the time I needed to work my hardest to finish support, I either had no energy or was moving from event to event with hardly enough time I thought I needed to devote to it.

I felt completely out of control and I did not like this.

The enemy was in full attack mode, but Praise the Lord that He has provided me a team of prayer warriors who are lifting me in prayer always. People all of the world who I know personally and those I have never met who are on this journey with me.

Some days the only thing I could do was pray to the Father and trust that he will get me through this rough patch. With many speaking truth over me and reminding me that He is working all things together for my GOOD!

Today I can tell you that I have been in contact with my team and have shared with them, my Aunt is out of the hospital, I am feeling 100% better, and I am now 14% away from being fully funded!

God is continuing to provide a way, even through these tough times. I will continue to cling to the cross and His truth! "The LORD is my strength and my sheild; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." Psalm 28:7

For His Glory
Shanee :)

Also the song of the moment is "Great is thy Faithfulness"- Jimmy  Needham

Callings and All that Jazz

Over the last couple of weeks there has been a world wind of things come up in my life. All I know is that my Father is good and I am so blessed by His presence. The way he has surrounded me with encouragement from different communities of believers has been amazing. 

The enemy is real and spiritual warfare is a real thing. Praise the Lord that he has a plan to help keep us on the path of righteousness. In the mist of all these occurrences I did find myself contemplating choices I have made to end up where I am today, which for me can be a very bad action.

Sometimes when we (ME!!!!) question our calling and purpose we forget that it is not tasks that we are called to but a Savior. Speaking from experience, we can get so caught up in our future plans and goals that we forget about what the Lord might be calling you to do right now. 

Having goals is important, but we have a "right now" God. His message is urgent. In Mathew 24:14 the word of God says, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." Looking ahead to the future and the Glory of God that is to come can be encouraging, but he has called us to a great task now, to reach the Nations with the Gospel. 

 

When contemplating this call, my first thought was "No way Lord, not me, I am not good enough." Struggling with my adequacy to reach people while I am a daily rider of the struggle bus was my reality. How can I help others when I am failing on a daily basis to help myself? 

This question can be combated with one simple truth: Our adequacy does not come from ourselves but God. (2 Corinthians 3:5) 

These doubts are lies from the enemy. He is only here to deter you from your calling and God's plan for your life. 

The Holy Spirit is at work in you and in Him you find your strength and boldness to step into your calling. So be encouraged and know that God is laying a path before you and in stepping out in Faith you will be cared for. 

A faith step can be anything from trusting that God will provide another believer in one of your classes or huge like God providing an opportunity for you to share the Gospel with your professor and classmates. Just keep your heart and eyes open, trust that God will provide. After all His word says, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--" John 1:12, and the Father takes care of his children. 

Be encouraged. 

Shanee 

Also the song of the moment is "Good Good Father"- Housefires 

So1o 2015:Latin American and Caribbean Conference

Que Wow! This past week was an amazing experience and overall blessing.

As a part of my Stint in the Dominican Republic this Fall I participated in this missions conference in Panama City, Panama called "Solo Uno: One God, One Community, One Mission."

It was a unique and once in a lifetime opportunity for students from 34 different Latin American and Caribbean countries. They spent a whole week listening to the voice of God through worship, speakers, breakout sessions, and Global missions opportunities.

Spending this week with the Dominicans allowed us precious time to reconnect and share life with one another. This was one of the most important things to me. We spent the week laughing, dancing (a lot of this) and creating memories we will surely cherish as the year continues.

The Dominican students sure brought a lot of energy and fun with them. They brought instruments from home and provided music and dancing for all of the students at the conference. It was amazing to see that just with a couple of percussion instruments, a giant dance party could break out and continue on for a while.

Experiencing the different cultures was also a beautiful part of the conference. Not just that they were foreign and new but that in their differences all still brought so much Glory and Praise to the Lord. I felt as if I received a little taste of heaven, a Revelation 7:9  type of experience. So many people who physically looked different, spoke over 3 different languages, with different life experiences and stories, ALL under one roof praising the Lord. Que WOW! 

We did not spend our time solely in the hotel and conference center but we took all of the words and encouragement we had received and hit the streets of Panama. How Blessed was I by the urgency the students shared in their hearts as we went out to share the Gospel. My group actually went to a local mall and we arrived 30ish minutes before it opened. This did not deter the Dominicans.Without being told they broke into groups and began sharing with people standing outside waiting for the mall to open. It was so beautiful, people right there were giving their lives to the Lord. Not knowing that before they even began their day of shopping or work they were going to be able to be satisfied and saved by God working through students. This is what living life for Christ is all about; helping the world reach the source by being an ambassador for His purpose.

In fact there was a young girl who saw our group praying in the subway. She wanted to receive prayer from us but decided not to approach our group. She was at a place in life where she was not believing that God heard here or loved her. As a teen she has been the sole provider for her family, a family that is plagued by drugs and poverty. She was carrying this weight on her shoulder and felt alone and forgotten. Though we had strayed far from our group, we do believe that this was a divine appointment. That God brought us directly to her, We prayed with her, encouraged her, and allowed her the opportunity to know the truth of our Great God. She was able to experience his love through us and as we cried together she took a step of faith back to the arms of our Lord!

There are so many other great things I could share about this week but just know that is truly was a Blessing. I cannot wait to be back in the Dominican Republic where I can share life with these amazing students and go out and share hope to the DR.  I ask for prayers as I continue raising support and prepare to transition from life here to life in the abroad.


For His Glory

Shanee Howard

Enjoy this video that I put together of the time! 

Music is A Powerful Tool: One Thing

Hola Amigos! smile emoticon Here I am again! I just wanted to speak a little truth to you all and share a bit. As I have been raising support for my Stint to the Dominican Republic, it has definitely been a roller coaster. Some days I am super encouraged by someone blessing me, whether a gift or in prayer, and other times I find myself devastated because someone questioned my desires and calling or says "No". Oh it is so hard to hear that. I am far from being a girl who gets everything society tells me I deserve, especially without hard work, but "No" is still a hard pill to swallow. God has been working in me and tearing back these layers. Growing up with my background I have learned to put up barriers for protection, ones that hide my hurt, anxiousness, worry, and weakness. This summer, and really this past year, though a slow process God has been pulling these layers back and allowing his Love to pour in. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." This summer has been a very humbling experience, but God is continuing to cover me in His love and he is the "one thing that I need". I am able to stand strong and hold on to the fact that he is Sovereign, he will reveal His plan to me in time. My part is prayer, reading His word, and listening to His voice. So as I (we) push through to that next level that God has for us, I will cast my burdens on Him because in Him will I truly find rest. 

I hope you can find encouragement in this post to keep your eyes on God and find delight in Him always!  

-SH
smile emotic

Music Is A Powerful Tool: Death Has Lost Its Sting

As I have been seeking to encourage my fellow band mates in Driven Praise, God has continued to bring songs to mind and little truths to share! 

Death Has Lost Its Sting- Sojourn Records 

smile emoticonThis song has been quite comforting to me as I am continuously reminded of the worlds brokenness. News sources never shy away from all of the destruction, death, and injustices happening across the world an our country. As I have been reflecting on this it as been overwhelming that so much evil is in the world. It seems that most are in search of there own happiness and justice in regards to the safety and well being of others. Our sins of selfishness reveal the fault of hope and goodness in the human condition. here is hope in one only, Jesus Christ, and through Him we can have peace that as this world passes on we will live in eternal Glory with God. 1 John 2:15-17 reminds us that the only thing in the world is desires of the flesh, but in Christ we can rise above this and abide with Him forever. Oh what a Glorious day that will be! So pray for the lost, that they will know God and experience true hope, love, and freedom! Love you all and I hope you enjoy it! 

Anger Eruption in 3..2...1...

Anger, can it be a good thing or is it completely bad? 

Recently I was asked this in a bible study and it got me thinking about my actions while angry and if I could say that they are good. Did I truly have a right to be angry in that moment, or was I just being a hot head. 

There are plenty of things that provokes an angry response from me lately, like stubbing my toe or spilling my food. But most recently something that has risen a lot of anger in me are the Hate Crime that claimed the life of Nine African American Believers in Charleston, SC. I was completely disgusted at the fact that someone took the lives of others just because of skin color.

Though this horrible event took place it is the response of some individuals that really raised up alarm and anger within me. 

So with all of this anger qhat will I do: write a long facebook post, retweet something, choose to repress it....? There a multitude of options...but are any of them right. Do I have the right to this anger. 

My answer is: Yes! We are a reflection of our creator, He is a Righteous God, both loving and wrathful. Romans 1: 18 says, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."  

This selfish act of man that was committed out of hate, it was in deed unrighteous. 

He has put our emotions with in us to bring Him Glory and satisfaction.  So we are rightfully angry to see things that do not bring Glory and diminish his name. In fact I know of one Man in the Bible who turned some tables when he saw Gods place of worship being desecrated, one Jesus Christ. 

So I am angry, now what.....my action is to First Pray. I pray for he families of those lost and my nation that is grieving. i also lift up the man who did these horrid acts because I know that he is in need of the truth of the Gospel. Then I pray for those who will live in fear because of this incident. Lastly i will take action in helping others heal from this, pointing them to the cross and revealing clarity on this! 

The world is a dark desolate place, but there is Hope in our Father! 

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17

-S.H 

One Step At A Time

You know the feeling after you have reached 1/3rd of the way through your run. Your at the point where you have just started to make it past the "Running isn't so bad, I could do this in my sleep,"  part and have moved into actual effort on your part to continue.

As you are trying to breathe steadily you think, "The end seems so far away, feels like I will never reach it." Overall feeling like you should just throw in the towel.....(I could be completely alone here HaHa) 

Though this is the reality of how one (cough cough ME) might feel while facing a challenge this is not a positive mind set to have. Though the finish line might be distant, it is important to remember there always is one. God is sovereign and he has the ultimate plan. 

Sure he may not put you were you want to be, in your bed or on your couch marathoning Netflix (Lets be real, cause that's what we want!) He will lead you to finish where you need to be. Which makes the work and effort all the more better!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." 

These words have been so imperative to me as I have started my Support Journey! Just over the past few weeks there has been time of doubt, frustration and dismay with myself as I have been seeking out the Ministry Partners the lord has for me. But scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 16:9, Romans 8:28, and Proverbs 3:5-6 that have been encouraging me through it. 

It is important that we cast our eyes up to the hill and pull our hope from the Lord. Acknowledging areas and words of discouragement  in our lives and lifting them up in prayer to our Lord.Only in Him and the community of believers he as given us will we find the encouragement to push forward. 

In reality with God in the forefront, though those first few minutes of a run may be tough, the finish line is closer than it was a moment before! 

Graduation, Now What......Gulp!

Graduation is a few days around the corner. After May 10th my life as an offical adult will be full speed ahead. Gulp....

Many people have already or will soon ask "So you majored in English, what are you going to do with that?" To that I say, Double Gulp...... 

The weight of this question is frighting, how could I possibly know what I want to do with my life, it is hard enough figuring out what I want to eat on a day to day basis. Haha

I have managed to come to a decision though...I am going to try my best to live one year/commitment  at a time. It is just to much to handle when I expand past this. Which leads me to my plans......

As a Spring Graduate of 2015 from the University of Louisville , I will be taking my English Degree and become an International intern with Cru. That's right! I, Shanee Howard, am a commissioned missionary, and I could not be happier! 

Two summers ago I went on my first Mission trip to Lebanon and have felt this calling on my life confirmed since then. The Lord has blessed me in opening my eyes to the need in the World, less than 2% of Christians GO to the mission field. That is a scary statistic in knowing of all of the unreached people in the world. My heart grew heavy knowing this! 

Though I am only one women, God has used me in mighty ways through my Springbreak trips, Summer Missions, and Relationships with others. Living my life on mission, it just Clicks! This is why I must go! 

2015-2016 I will be spending my year serving with Cru in the Dominican Republic! A place and a people my heart is overjoyed to know personally and serve! 

So thus begins my journey.......but first comes Support Raising....TRIPLE  GULP!!!