Hey y'all,

My name is Maggie Espindola. I'm an adopted Texan with roots in the Midwest and a few other places (Geography has a testimony- am I right lol). I'm married to my best friend, Johnny, of thirteen years this year, and we have a beautiful daughter named Sophie.

When I'm not praying with people, I have the privilege of homeschooling Sophie at the moment, helping my husband run his trucking business, and taking care of my mom at the moment who is walking a journey of dementia.

In my free time, I enjoy a good bike ride through the trails and hiking new places. Getting out in nature is a way for me to connect with God, just as he often went away by himself to pray (Luke 5:16).

I can certainly say everyday is different. Just like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. But I wouldn't trade it for the world! I couldn't necessarily say that a couple years ago. But God...He's really shown me in this season that true identity and worth is in Him. And while not all moments have been pretty, Jesus has been with me the entire way.

Even years ago when I was hurt by religion and decided to step away from the church, Jesus still pursued me. I had to get to the end of myself to see that Jesus was not the religion that had wounded me. He wasn't in the lies that I believed as I was raised in a single parent home seeking approval from others through works. No, Jesus was the peace and the grace I sought for many years. It wasn't until one late night that I was done running. I pulled over on the side of the road and cried out to him saying I needed him. Asking for his forgiveness, I could see him for the first time ever. And in the moment I felt a peace unlike any other. That was it for me. I was all in then, and even more in love with my God now. He saved me from myself. His goodness didn't stop there, he calls me daughter too! If there's anything to take away from my story is that Jesus sees you, he is patient with you, he waits for you, and walks with you. He shows you who He is, and what his desires are for you.

Through my faith journey, I've had the chance to volunteer in youth groups, go on a few missions trips to Honduras, and even have the opportunity to train and equip others on how to share the gospel here in the United States. It was such a sweet time telling others of Jesus, and running with brothers and sisters in Christ passionate for God. It has become a lifestyle in my life to share God's goodness whether at a grocery store or in a prayer session. On this exciting journey I've learned that God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. I believe that my call (aside from being God's daughter) is to assist the ones who have accepted the call from Him. It has been prophesied over me that I will have the back of the front lines. What that means to me is to sit with the ones at the front lines advancing the Gospel and help them see Jesus and rest in Jesus.

My time here with Streams of Arabah, I know that I've been asked to set a table. This table I see as one where people gather from all four corners of the earth and meet and eat together. Sharing in both the good and the not so good. One where we break bread and drink wine partaking in the meal that Jesus has prepared for us.

Seated at the table with fellow brothers and sisters I have a passion to see others walking their calling fully and helping them walk in their full identity and sons and daughters of the most high King!

I didn't have much of a table growing up. And now with a family of my own, the table is a hub where we meet and share what's happening in our lives. Together we come vulnerable and open with a reminder that the Lord truly does set a table for us and in Christ we can fully receive all that he has for us because he is good.

So if you're reading this and wondering, who am I or what should I do Lord? Be encouraged, you're not alone. These are common questions and with the help of Jesus he will reveal that in time. Salvation in Christ is so much more than punching a ticket to heaven. It's about a journey, and that journey begins the moment you invite Jesus in. If you need help with that I'd love to chat and pray about what the Lord would like to speak to you about.

You have a place in his story. He made you with a purpose.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

Maggie Espindola