The other day, I came across part of an old sermon that John Piper preached in 1983 (before I was even born…. Whoa, how old is he? ) and he was talking about the meaning behind the word “Hosanna.” He shared that in the Psalms, “Hosanna” is used as a cry for help, like if someone pushes you into a pool and you can’t swim so you yell, “Help, save me!” yet in those verses, it is still immediately followed by “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” pointing to the One who brings salvation (Psalm 118:25-26). Over the years the meaning of the word changed from a cry for help, to a declaration of the help that has come. Rather than yelling “Help, Save me!” after being pushed into a pool, we see the lifeguard coming and yell, “Hosanna- my Salvation has come!”

This week I’ve been dwelling on what that means… like what it really means for me personally, and I’ve been overwhelmed by that. My cry for help has been replaced by the declaration that my salvation has come. I’m so thankful that I worship the God who doesn’t leave His people to rescue themselves but has made a way for each of us to be with Him.

Sometimes the most profound things are best put in simple terms, so in the words of my favorite children's book, The Jesus Storybook Bible….

God loved his children too much to let the story end there. Even though he knew he would suffer, God had a plan- a magnificent dream. One day, he would get his children back. And one day, he would wipe away every tear from their eyes.

You see, no matter what, in spite of everything, God would love his children- with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love. And though they would forget him, and run from him, deep in their hearts, God’s children would miss him always, and long for him- lost children yearning for their home.

Before they left the garden, God whispered a promise to Adam and Eve: “It will not always be so! I will come to rescue you! And when I do, I’m going to do battle against the snake. I’ll get rid of the sin and the dark and the sadness you let in here. I’m coming back for you!

Praise the Lord He chose to save us in spite of who we are! Hosanna- Salvation has come!

On another note... this is my most recent favorite song. Check it out- Sooo good!

My Girls :-)

The new school year has begun and I think I’m busier than I ever have been. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I have class at Northwestern followed by nannying for 2 of my favorite kiddos (and their new puppy “Ted”). And Tuesdays and Thursdays I’m doing pre-student teaching in a first grade classroom all day. My evenings are spent back in Plymouth at AFLBS where I’m on dorm staff again this year. These past couple weeks have been extremely insane with so many things going on but it’s good to be back in somewhat of a routine.

I’m so excited about everything that God has in store for the girls here at Bible School. The girls on my wing are awesome and I just know it’s going to be a great year. Please be praying for the 13 beautiful girls that the Lord has entrusted to me this year as they study God’s Word and are a target for attacks from the enemy. And please pray for me that I would be obedient to the Spirit as I minister to them.





Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

Today I can’t stop thinking about a sweet little face that has been engraved in my mind from my time in Johannesburg. While visiting one of the orphanages, I spent most of my time with a precious little boy that I will never forget. I’ll never forget his big smile as he repeated after me, “Jesus… loves… me…. Jesus loves me!” I keep thinking about him… about his future… where he’ll end up someday… if he’ll ever be able to fully trust that Someone loves him more than he knows. I don’t know his story of how he ended up there but God knows. God knows his past, He knows what that sweet boy is doing right now, He knows where he’ll be ten years from now. If I could’ve taken him back with me, I would’ve done it in a heartbeat. For now I want to be a prayer warrior for that little one that instantly captured my heart and that God would be working in the hearts of whoever will choose to be his forever family. God has a plan for that boy that he created to be His child. God places the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6) and I know that he is preparing something for that sweet little boy. I can take comfort in knowing that our God’s heart is to show his precious children love and I’m confident that He already has a perfect plan.