Wedding Tips from Mrs. Riley

Marrying Jonah is the best thing that's ever happened to me, 

and our wedding day was perfection! 

So thankful to Pamella Vann Photography for 

capturing every moment beautifully! 

Here's a few tips for you future brides from Mrs. Riley:

1. Get a great photographer to capture the day!

I can't stop looking at our photos, 

and I am so glad we will have them to share 

with our children and grandchildren in the years to come!

2. I know the trend right now is to do "first looks" (which are super cute by the way), but if you want to not see each other until the ceremony, I recommend something like this. We had people direct us to this column where we could talk, pray, and exchange gifts. We were both nervous and being able to do this calmed us down and meant so much. Jonah prayed for our nerves and for our marriage. This moment I will never forget! 

3. We chose to kneel and take communion together during the ceremony. This is a way to share some of the gospel with friends and family who may not have heard without having a full blown sermon. We had the preacher briefly explain about the bread and the wine (juice) and why we wanted to do this on our Wedding Day. We also got a little private time while the song was finishing up. We prayed together and then just talked and laughed. Our feet got a break, and we got to hide from all the people for a few minutes. Definitely a highlight for me, and a way to make the ceremony more intimate for Jonah and I.  

4. Dance like no-one's watching. 

5. We all know what honeymoons are for, so I'll skip that part. You're welcome. 

My honeymoon tip is, go somewhere new and adventurous! There's no better way to bond with you new husband than experiencing new things! We went to Cancun and took a day to explore God's creation together! Caves, beautiful creatures, and "Snuba-ing" (snorkle/scuba). Amazing experience!

6. When you get home, don't let the adventures stop. 

Dress up like ninjas for a birthday party.

Celebrate month-aversaries again because why not?

Learn to cook together ... unless you are already good at it... lucky dogs. 

Serve Christ together.

Be strong in the trials (had a car wreck but we're ok!) and use them to get closer not push you apart. 

Happiness is bliss. So be happy in your marriage! Keep the little things little, and don't sweat it. Work together like the team you now are and just do life together! We're loving it. 

Airport Thoughts

Sitting here at 5:30 in the morning isn't ideal. But, knowing what this week holds for Jonah and I makes it all worth it! When you're in a airport with no one to talk to, there's a lot of time to think, and my mind keeps going to one thing. "Wow. I'm so glad I followed God where he asked me to go." How different would my life be? These last months of engagement and ministry have been accompanied by blessing after blessing. From Jonah's new job, to a new church family, funding for school tuitions and our ministry, souls being saved, let's just say God hasn't let us down. It is hard and busy and a lot to handle at times. If I didn't have the Lord guiding me every step of the way I would be an absolute mess. He gives me such peace in everything I do. There's nothing like it and I can't imagine living life any other way. I say all this to say- ask God what steps he wants you to take next. Then do it. Don't shut him out of your life because you like where you are. I liked where I was too, and where I thought I was going and I guarantee you this life is a million times better. Yes, I'm happy, but I get to serve my Lord daily! It brings me so much joy! I want this for you all too. It hurts to see you hurting and struggling to make it day by day. Don't get me wrong there are bad days, but knowing I have a Savior to call on lets me know I can do it, whatever "it" may be that day. 

Things you can pray for: new students, our new student leaders, funding for school tuitions, mine and Jonah's wedding and marriage, Jonah's job, health and safety for our families in Mexico, and always that we seek the Lord's will in everything we do! 

Some pictures from the last month! 

Gossip.

I often write down blogging ideas and always forget to do something about it. This time, I followed through! Here's a little break from wedding, and missions blogging and something God put on my heart to share this morning. 

Gossip. 

Why do we do it? When I say we I mean Christians. Why do Christians Gossip? The Bible clearly states:

1.  "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mat. 22:39)
2. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
3.  "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Mat. 5:44) 
4. "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends." (Prov. 16:28)

We are given Love as a command A LOT

of times in the Bible (310 KJV), and then told clearly what will happen when we gossip:

• spread strife (synonym: conflict, antonym: peace) 
• separate close friends. 

Who wants conflict over peace? Who wants to separate close friends? None of us. So why do we do it? Entertainment? To make us feel better? How many of you say "I avoid conflict at all cost." but you also gossip? (me too) Well guess what, We aren't only not avoiding it, we're creating it, and spreading it, and breaking up close friends in the process! And here's the kicker: we're tainting our ministry and the spreading of the gospel. We're tainting our testimony, making it harder for others to see Christ in us. We're breaking our Father's heart. Whoa. 

Story time. 

So what stemmed all this? A male friend of mine was talking to a group of us after church the other day and started gossiping about a girl and her impurity, etc. We're all friends and Christians so it's ok to discuss these things, because well, um.... (WRONG) Just because it may never get back to that person, doesn't make it ok. Let's just say I kind of freaked out on him, I overreacted because what he was saying about her hit a little too close to home for me. I went through a lot in high school because of gossip and rumors spread about me, true and untrue, and I was angry he was doing this to that poor girl. Who knows what she was actually going through? Who knows if the rumors are true? Even if they are, why should she be torn down for it? She needs to be prayed for and lifted up and know she is loved by our Father in heaven. She should definitely not be bad-mouthed by a group of Christians who are commanded to LOVE! Needless to say, I was very upset. Fast forward a few days later and guess who was doing the trash talk? Me. What? I'm a missionary, I'm a teacher, I'm nice, I love others. Well I also am super flawed and sinful just like everyone else. Thank God for His unfailing love and grace and mercy. We don't deserve it. 

I tell this story to say, guys, I'm not perfect. We aren't perfect. We're going to mess up, but the tearing down of others has to stop. Love them, pray for them. They are hurting. How many of you judged someone and later heard their story? You felt awful didn't you? I have a secret for you: Everyone has a story.

Challenges for us this week:

1. Catch yourself in the gossip and apologize to the person you were beginning to gossip with. 
2. Have the courage to speak up when others start to gossip. Do it with love not judgement. 
3. Share these two challenges with others, explaining why Biblically.
4. Pray for God to be with us every second reminding us love our neighbors, enemies, and pray for them always. 

Some pictures I found on pinterest.com for wallpapers or social media:

Wallpaper.

Wallpaper.

Wallpaper.

Insta

Insta (instasize)

Insta.

Insta.

Insta.

Through the Eyes of First-Timers

A few updates before I begin: Jonah and I are doing well and getting ready for our wedding in just two short months!

• I started back with the Girls' school this semester,: still three days a week: 12 voice students, English, choir, music theory, and a one on one literature/English class! I am currently raising funds for my salary to continue teaching and also ministry in Reynosa, Mexico!
• Jonah is still going to school once a week, but he started a full time job two weeks ago with Rainbow International. It is such a blessing for us to have some steady income. Jonah loves his new job and hopes to be able to work his way up in the company. God truly provides all of our needs!
• How you can pray for us: That we continue to seek God in every aspect of our ministry in these last two months of being an engaged couple, that we communicate well, and go to God as we prepare to begin our marriage. Also pray for more support so that I can continue teaching at the girls' school. I feel that God wants me to stay, and I know the funds will come. 

My first trip to Mexico was Summer of 2010. To some, this would seem like second, but for me it seems like a lifetime. While I remember it having a huge impact on my life, feeling many emotions, it's hard to remember the exact thoughts I had experiencing Mexico for the first time. This week I met a group from Illinois called the Carpenter's Crew (who was here on a building trip with Bruce and Paula Hepburn) and got to see Mexico through their eyes, and the eyes of the first-timers. Their testimonies brought back a flood of emotions: How they felt overwhelmed seeing extreme poverty for the first time, how they yearned for joy like the people of our colonia have, so much so that a woman from the group became our new sister in Christ! Many of them said similar things that I remembered thinking on my first trip like, "I came here to bless and left having been blessed!" It's so true. We always have the intention of helping them, and leave feeling like they helped us. That's the beauty of doing the Lord's work and something everyone should experience! He will bless you immensely for being obedient and working to spread the gospel.

This group also got to visit the girls school, some for the first time, and we performed for them and prayed for them individually. I was so proud of my girls for touching their hearts. Again, the group came to provide lunch and help them, but they left feeling like they had been blessed by the girls!

Because of the girls' impact, and the Lord's Will, the group was able to bring together $3000 for our Reynosa girls' sponsorships! Now we have $8,000/$12,500, only lacking $4,500 for the year! Click here to see how you can help complete the goal. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed with joy!
Below are a few pictures from my day with The Carpenter's Crew at the house dedication.

As always, thank you for reading and for your support! 

Do you find yourself wanting to DO something, but don't know how?

I've heard so many people say recently: 

"I'd really love to help, but I don't know how..."

"I've felt called lately to DO something but I don't know what to do..."

Paola, Tali, Alma, Yaeli, and Cinthia.

These five young women wish to join our three "Reynosa Girls" we have now in Texas at the Regional Bible Institute, an exemplary boarding school for Mexican girls. 

Here, they can receive a Christian education learning how to grow as women of Christ. 

There are rules, schedules, discipline, but most importantly family, love, and support. 

The girls have met with current students and with myself (who teaches there three days a week) and are fully aware of the commitment and hard work it will take to pursue this. They are ready!

We will also meet with them all again once the paperwork process starts. 

This is a HUGE opportunity for them to learn, grow, have a degree from a good school, and most importantly to have a bright future living their lives for the Lord. 

Most of the girls have big dreams! They want to be able to work and give back to Mexico, some want to get a good job to help get their families out of poverty, one girl wants to learn as many languages as possible and travel the world as a missionary, one of our very own wants to be a veterinarian, all want to be amazing wives and mothers to their future husbands and children. 

The school gives the girls a chance whereas 

they may not have one in their current situation. 

Now there are many ways we can do this, but it will get done. 

We want to get started ASAP with paperwork for the 2015-2016 school year!

These girls have a dream and the only thing standing in their way is funding. 

So the elephant in the room, what does it cost? 

For all of them: $12,500

Each: $2500

Contact me for more info: emilymichele2819@gmail.com

A few options for you or your church/family/friends.
Each sponsor or group of sponsors will be able to:
write letters, pray for her, receive updates and pictures as requested. 
I am there every week! 

1. Individual Sponsors!

Have a one on one pen pal relationship!

$2500 a year which includes:

$700 for paperwork (passport/visa/travel to consulate)

$150 a month (tuition, personal needs, school supplies, etc.)

2. Co-Sponsors (2 people): 

share a girl with a friend or family member!

$1250 each:

$350 each for paperwork

$75 a month

3. Groups 

Sunday School, Workplace, Youth Group, Church, Sororities, Clubs, any organization!

I'll even do the math for you, you're welcome!

25 people:

$100 total

$28 upfront

$6 a month

50 people:

$50 total

$14 upfront

$3 a month

75 people:

$35 total

$10 upfront

$2 a month

100 people: 

$25 total 

$7 upfront

$1.50 a month

"22But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

James 1:22-25

We already have a commitment for one of the girls above: Tali. 

So now, four more to go! Please don't ignore these girls and their futures! 

I don't have the $10,000 it will take, 

and neither does our team, but God does, and TOGETHER we can be DOERS and DO this!